Morning returns are part of the delivery
The crate that comes back tomorrow belongs to today's sale. Record empties (crates, glass) on every stop. A separate 'we'll count on Friday' habit is how dairies fund their customers' storage.
Standing orders do not excuse missing crates
The same house gets two litres most days. That predictability is why people skip the return field. Skip it for a month and you cannot say whether the shortage is theft, breakage, or a paused customer who kept the crate.
Bill milk monthly, chase crates weekly
Small daily amounts roll into a statement. Crate outstanding should not wait for that statement. A weekly top-holders list is the same discipline water plants use for 19L bottles.
Water and milk can share the round software
If you already run 19L water, crates are the same returnable engine. Zones, riders, pauses, and a customer balance do not need a second product.
FAQ
- Should crates have a deposit like water bottles?
- If replacement cost hurts, yes. Track the deposit against the customer alongside the crate count so refunds and losses are visible.
- Can Mashqi handle milk and water on one branch?
- Yes. Both are recurring deliveries with returnables and a ledger. Use different items and, if needed, different zones.