The Buy Queue is the primary workspace for managing customer flow. BuyerKiosk provides three different view modes so you can choose the layout that works best for your screen size, workflow, and personal preference. This guide explains each view and how to switch between them.
Switching Between Views
At the top of the Queue page, you will find three small toggle buttons in the page header, next to the MPC (Minutes Per Container) controls:
Button | Icon | View |
List | Vertical lines icon | Classic View |
Layers | Stacked layers icon | Enhanced (Tabbed) View |
Columns | Table columns icon | Kanban Board View |
Click any button to switch immediately. Your preference is saved automatically, so the next time you open the Queue you will see the same layout.
Classic View
Best for: Quick scanning of all queue categories at once on any screen size.
The Classic view is the default layout. It displays five collapsible lists stacked vertically, one for each queue stage:
Processing -- Buys currently being worked by a buyer
Sorted -- Items have been counted; ready for a buyer
Being Sorted -- A team member is actively sorting items
Queued -- Customers checked in and waiting
Remote -- Customers who checked in via mobile link (hidden when empty)
Each list can be collapsed or expanded by clicking its header. This makes it easy to focus on just the stage you care about while still having a complete view of the entire queue.
When to use Classic View
You want to see all stages at a glance without clicking tabs
You are working on a standard laptop or desktop screen
You are the only person managing the queue and need quick access to every stage
Enhanced (Tabbed) View
Best for: Touch/tablet interfaces and busy queues where you need search functionality.
The Enhanced view organizes the queue into five tabs, following the customer journey from left to right:
Tab | Icon | Description |
Remote | Mobile phone | Remote check-ins (hidden when empty) |
Queued | Clock | Customers waiting in the queue |
Being Sorted | Sort arrows | Items currently being sorted |
Sorted | Check circle | Sort complete, ready for buyer |
Processing | Gear | Buyer actively working the transaction |
Each tab displays a badge count showing how many items are in that stage (e.g., "Queued 5").
Search Functionality
Every tab includes a search box at the top. Type a customer name to filter the list within that tab. This is especially helpful when the queue is long and you need to find a specific customer quickly.
When to use Enhanced View
You are using a tablet or touch-screen device
Your queue regularly has more than 10 customers and you need search
You prefer to focus on one stage at a time without visual clutter
Kanban Board View
Best for: Large screens and monitoring overall workflow progression at a glance.
The Kanban view displays all queue stages as side-by-side columns, similar to a project management board. Each column represents a stage in the customer journey:
Column | Badge Color | Description |
Remote | Gray | Remote check-ins (column hidden when empty) |
Queued | Blue | Customers waiting |
Being Sorted | Yellow | Items being sorted |
Sorted | Light blue | Sort complete |
Processing | Green | Buyer working the transaction |
Each column header shows a colored badge with the count of items in that stage. Columns display empty-state messages when no items are present (e.g., "No customers in queue").
When to use Kanban View
You have a large monitor or wall-mounted display
You want to monitor the entire flow from check-in to completion
Multiple team members are watching the same screen and need a visual overview
Understanding Queue Items
Regardless of which view you choose, each queue entry (buy) shows the same information:
Element | What It Shows |
Customer Name | Click to view full customer details and history |
Timer | Time in current stage (wait time or processing time) |
Status Text | Current stage label (Queued, Being Sorted, Sorted, Processing) |
Container Count | How many bins/bags the customer brought |
Assigned Employee | Who is sorting or buying, shown as a badge |
Phone Icon | Green = can receive texts; Red = no texting |
In-Store Icon | Shopping cart icon if the customer is physically in-store |
Flag Icon | Pulsing red triangle for active alerts; orange triangle for cleared flags |
Return Time | If the customer said they are returning later, shows the return time |
Action Buttons
Each queue item has action buttons that change based on the current stage:
Queued: Sort (circular arrows) and Start Buy (up arrow)
Being Sorted: End Sort (checkmark)
Sorted: Start Buy (up arrow)
Processing: Complete Buy (checkmark)
Remote: Check In (external link icon)
Flagged: Clear Flags (pulsing red triangle) -- takes priority over other actions
Color-Based Wait Time Warnings
Queue items change color based on how long the customer has been waiting:
Normal (default) -- Within expected wait time
Yellow -- Customer has been waiting longer than expected (typically 30+ minutes)
Red -- Critical wait time requiring immediate attention (typically 60+ minutes)
Red items should be addressed as soon as possible to maintain customer satisfaction.
Related Articles
Adding a Buy to the Queue
Navigating the Admin Panel
Mastering the Queue: Your Complete Guide