Special product codes in Sage 50 Accounts are a quick and convenient way to add items to invoices without first creating product records. They're ideal for one-off sales where you don't need to keep a stock history.

These special product codes include:

• M - Use this to enter a message line on your invoice, credit or order
• S1 - Use this to enter a one-off special product item where the Standard VAT rate applies, T1 by default
• S2 - Use this to enter a one-off special product item where VAT is Zero Rated, T0 by default
• S3 - Use this to enter a one-off service item where the Standard VAT rate applies, T1 by default - Sage 50 Accounts Professional only

TIP: To amend the default tax code for these items, click Settings, click Invoice & Order Defaults, click Options then amend the tax codes under Special Items.

Let's take a look.

Use a special code

1. Ensure the codes are enabled, click Settings, then click Invoice & Order Defaults. Select Show special product codes in Invoicing/SOP/POP.

2. In the invoice or order, in the Product Code drop-down click the required special code, M, SI, S2 or S3, then either double click it, or click the OK button.
3. The Edit Item Line window pops up - Complete it as required, then click OK.
4. If required, to add any further messages or one-off items, repeat steps 1 and 2.
5. Complete and save your invoice, credit or order as normal.
   
   

TIP: When you print your invoice or order, if it shows zeros against your message lines, you can edit your layout to hide these.

TIP: S1, S2, S3 and message lines do not appear on your printed layouts? Find out how to resolve this in this guide.

Hide special codes from the product drop-down

In Sage 50 Accounts Professional, if you don't need to use special codes you can hide them from the product list.

1. On the menu bar click Settings then click Invoice & Order Defaults.
2. Clear the Show special product codes in Invoicing check box then click OK.
   
   

TIP: This check box only controls the appearance of the special product codes on the Product Code drop-down list. You can still type M, S1, S2, or S3 into the Product Code box.