# Tech store step 1: branches and modules

> Add one business location per phone shop or repair lab, then switch on Repair, Product Library and the other modules a tech store needs.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/tech-store/step-1-locations-and-modules/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

Start your tech store with the two things every other screen depends on: a **business location for each shop or lab**, and the **modules** a phone and laptop business uses. This page is for the owner or an admin setting up the account for the first time.

## Before you start

- You are signed in as the owner or an admin with access to **Settings**.
- Your business name, currency and time zone are set in **Settings › Business Settings** (see [Business settings](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/business-settings/)).
- You know the address of each branch.

## Add one location per shop

1. Open **Settings › Business Locations**.
2. Click **Add**. Enter the shop name (for example "Hafeez Centre Lab" or "Mall Branch"), address, city and country.
3. Choose the **Invoice scheme** and the invoice layouts for POS and for sales. Keep **Default** if you have not designed receipts yet.
4. Optional: pick a **Default Selling Price Group** if this branch sells at its own prices.
5. Save. Repeat for every branch and for a warehouse if you keep stock there.

![Business Locations list with two stores, their location IDs, addresses, invoice scheme and layouts, and Edit, Settings and Deactivate buttons](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/locations-list.DFVUi0UF.png) (web app page: `/business-location`)
*Two phone shop branches. Each location has its own invoice scheme and receipt layouts.*

**Note:** 
Each location has its own stock, cash register and sales. Products can be sold in all or only some locations. Move stock between them with [stock transfers](https://docs.smartposhub.com/inventory/stock-transfers/).

## Switch on the modules a tech store uses

> **How to turn it on**
> 1. **Plan:** Repair module, Product Library and Order options must be in your plan (Settings › Package Subscription)
> 2. **Switch:** Settings › Business Settings › Modules
> 3. **Permission:** Settings access for the person switching; staff then need the module's permissions in User Management › Roles

1. Open **Settings › Business Settings** and choose the **Modules** tab.
2. Under **Sales & stock**, keep **Purchases**, **Add Sale**, **POS**, **Stock Transfers** and **Stock Adjustment** on.
3. Under **Industry modules**, switch on:
   - **Repair module**: job sheets, estimates, on-site visits, device models and repair reports.
   - **Product Library**: ready-made catalogs, including Electronics.
   - **Order options & personalisation**: if you want trade-in, device setup or warranty-claim forms on sale lines.
   - **Mobile app**: if staff will use the SmartPOS Business app.
   - **Website & online store** and **Shopper app & Scan & Go**: if you sell online.
4. Click **Update Settings** at the bottom of the page.

![Modules tab of Business Settings with switches for Purchases, Add Sale, POS, Stock Transfers, Stock Adjustment, Expenses and Account](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/settings-modules.hC87UOUF.png) (web app page: `/business/settings`)
*Settings › Business Settings › Modules. Cards greyed out with 'Not in your plan' need a plan upgrade.*

**Caution:** 
Leave restaurant switches (**Tables**, **Kitchen**, **Modifiers**) off. They add restaurant fields to the POS that a tech store does not need.

## Give staff the right permissions

Open **User Management › Roles** and edit each role:

| Role | Suggested repair permissions |
|---|---|
| Owner / manager | All, including **settings** and **reports** |
| Front desk | Create and edit job sheets, record deposit, mark delivered, convert to invoice |
| Technician | View own jobs, update status and comments, repair dashboard |
| Cashier | No repair permissions needed if they only sell |

Revealing device passwords and screen PINs is a separate permission, and every reveal is logged. Give it only to people who need it. See [Users and roles](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/users-and-roles/).

## What happens next

The **Repair** menu appears in the sidebar for users with permission, and **Products › Product Library** becomes available. Continue with [step 2: import phones and laptops](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/tech-store/step-2-import-phones-and-laptops/).

  - [Locations in detail](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/locations/)
  - [All modules and how to enable them](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Should my repair lab be a separate location?

Only if it keeps its own stock of parts or sells from its own counter. A repair counter inside the shop is part of that shop's location. Job sheets and repair reports can be filtered by location.

### Why can't I see the Repair menu?

Three things must be true. Your plan includes the Repair module, the Repair module switch is on in Settings › Business Settings › Modules, and your role has the Repair permissions. Business admins get all permissions automatically.

### Does switching a module off delete its data?

No. Turning a module off hides its menus and screens for everyone in the business. Your job sheets and settings are kept and come back when you switch it on again.

### Can each branch print its own address on receipts?

Yes. Each location has its own invoice scheme, receipt layout for POS and layout for sales, so every branch prints its own address and numbering.

### Can one branch sell at different prices?

Yes. Give that location a default selling price group. See the price group steps in the Electronics guide.