HandyCafe Docs
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Getting Started: Cafe Owner

This guide walks you through setting up HandyCafe from scratch. By the end, you will have a working server, configured pricing, and your first completed session.

Time to complete: 5 minutes

Step 1: Install the Server

Download HandyCafe Server from the official website and run the installer on your management PC.

  1. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  2. Launch HandyCafe Server for the first time.
  3. The First Setup Wizard appears. Create your admin account by entering a username and password.
  4. Store your credentials in a safe place. You will need them to log in.

After setup, the HandyCafe dashboard loads. You are now logged in as the administrator.

Note: See Server Installation for detailed installation steps and System Requirements for hardware prerequisites.

Step 2: Set Your Currency and Hourly Rate

Navigate to Settings from the sidebar, then select the Pricing tab.

  1. Set your base currency (e.g., USD, EUR, TRY).
  2. Enter your hourly rate for PC sessions. This is the base price per hour.
  3. Optionally set a console hourly rate if you have gaming consoles.
  4. Configure VAT if applicable in your region (0-100%).
  5. Set the startup fee, which is a minimum charge applied to every session regardless of duration.
  6. Click Save.

Tip: You can also configure pricing presets. These are quick-select buttons for common durations like 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours that appear when starting a session.

See Pricing Settings for all pricing options.

Step 3: Configure Pricing Schedule (Optional)

If you want different prices at different times of day (e.g., higher rates during peak evening hours, lower rates in the morning), navigate to Settings > Pricing Schedule.

  1. Enable the pricing schedule toggle.
  2. The grid shows 7 days (columns) and 24 hours (rows).
  3. Select a color slot (e.g., blue for standard, red for peak) and assign a multiplier (e.g., 1.0 for standard, 1.5 for peak).
  4. Click on time blocks in the grid to paint them with the selected color.
  5. Click Save.

During a session, the system automatically applies the correct multiplier based on the current time.

See Pricing Schedule Settings for detailed configuration.

Step 4: Start Your First Session

You need at least one client PC connected. Install HandyCafe Client on a PC in your cafe (see Client Installation).

Once a client connects, it appears on the Admin Panel (the main dashboard):

  1. Find the client PC in the grid. It shows as Idle (cyan).
  2. Click the client card to reveal the action buttons, then click the Start (play) button.
  3. The login dialog appears:
    • Choose Postpaid (pay at the end) or Prepaid (pay upfront).
    • For prepaid, enter the duration or amount.
    • Optionally assign a member if one is registered.
    • Select a payment method.
  4. Click Confirm.

The client status changes to Online (green) and the session timer starts.

To end the session:

  1. Select the client card and click the Stop button.
  2. The payment dialog shows the session cost.
  3. Confirm payment to close the session.

See Sessions for the complete session lifecycle.

Step 5: Review the Cash Report

Navigate to Cash Report from the sidebar to see your revenue:

  • Summary cards show total transactions, revenue, and averages.
  • Transaction history lists every session and order with amounts.
  • Date filters let you view today, this week, or custom ranges.

See Cash Report for all reporting features.

What to Do Next