By: Brittany DeGroat, Star Micronics
Merchants have focused on adapting their IT environments to accommodate the growth of digital payments. However, in many enterprises, such as certain food services, big box and specialty retail, and cannabis, most transactions continue to involve cash. If your business falls into the high-cash category, it’s critical that you implement an effective cash management solution, including a cash drawer that meets your needs.
The Pros and Cons of Cash
Cash use can have an upside for both consumers and merchants. There aren’t any fees associated with using it. Consumers don’t build credit card debt or deal with fees for overdrawing an account, and merchants don’t pay processing fees. Additionally, merchants receive payment immediately — there’s no waiting for checks to clear for banks to move funds from payment card transactions. Also, merchants who accept cash only never spend time and effort on challenging credit card chargebacks.
On the other hand, as a high-cash business operator, you face challenges related to operational efficiency, cash control, and security. You must organize cash so managers can count and balance drawers quickly and accurately. Also, cash is a target for theft, both by actors from external and internal threats.
The Right Design Makes the Difference
Choosing a cash drawer for your cash management solution can help you give your customers and your business the benefits of cash transactions while minimizing the drawbacks. The key is to match the drawer’s features to your specific needs to create a comprehensive cash management system. Features to evaluate include:
1. Till Design
The till should have the right number of compartments for the bills and coins your business commonly receives. In the U.S., a four-bill, five-coin configuration is popular, while a three-bill and five-coin option may better suit Canadian companies. However, those aren’t your only options. Models are available that help businesses efficiently store up to five bills and eight coins.
Additionally, some models have ample space under the till for coin rolls, so cashiers can always make change without delay. Choosing the right drawer configuration for your business supports faster balancing and greater accuracy.
2. POS System and Printer Communication
The cash drawer should operate seamlessly with your point of sale (POS) system. When the sale is tallied, the drawer should open for the cash payment and to allow the cashier to make change. Communication with the POS system automates that process for speed and security. You can also choose a drawer that communicates with your printer to coordinate receipt printing.
3. Durable Construction
To optimize cash control, you need drawers for your cash management solution with heavy-duty construction. Durable steel is not only necessary to keep cash secure, but it also ensures that daily use won’t result in dents or wear that could impact the drawer’s functioning and minimize the life of your investment.
Reinforced slides and high-cycle components prevent jams and ensure smooth operation, even in high-traffic environments, maintaining the integrity of your cash drawer over time. Investing in a well-built cash drawer reduces maintenance costs and minimizes downtime, keeping your business running efficiently.
4. Locks and Lock Function
You will find models with different types of locking mechanisms, such as single key or separate manager and key lock design. Models can also give you different features that enhance cash control, such as automatic locking, manual open, and online open, which opens the drawer electronically.
For added security, heavy-duty cash drawers feature dual locks and reinforced latching mechanisms to prevent tampering. Some models also include under-till compartments for discreet cash storage, helping businesses manage high-cash transactions while keeping funds secure. Locking features allow you to create workflows that keep cash protected and minimize fraud schemes related to returns and voids.
Upgrade Your Cash Management with the Right Drawer
In a high-volume, cash-heavy business, every second counts. The right cash drawer isn’t just a box to hold money—it’s a tool that keeps transactions moving smoothly, safeguards your cash, and simplifies end-of-day balancing. A durable, high-security cash drawer designed for your needs can prevent operational headaches, reduce fraud risks, and streamline cash handling so your team can focus on customers, not cash counting. If your current setup isn’t pulling its weight, it may be time for an upgrade.
