Give customers every way to pay. A cash drawer alongside your card readers and e-wallet keeps the line moving and makes sure you do not turn away buyers who prefer cash. With the right hardware and setup, cash payments are quick, secure, and easy to reconcile at close.

Many cafés run mostly on cards, yet cash still shows up during school lunch breaks, farmer’s market weekends, and tourist traffic. If you skip a drawer entirely, you risk lost sales and awkward handoffs. Keep the option open and let your guests choose what works.

Why Offer Cash and Cashless

Card, wallet, and cash each play a role. Your goal is speed and choice.

Card and mobile wallet handle most transactions in seconds
Cash covers customers without cards, dead phone batteries, or gift cash
Mixed tender options reduce walkaways when networks hiccup
Tips rise when guests can choose cash or on-screen prompts

What about the percentage who still pay cash
The exact share depends on your neighborhood and daypart. The simple rule is to measure it, then decide. If your reports show any steady volume of cash, even a small slice, removing it can cost repeat business. Track tender mix for two months and make the call with your numbers.

The Case for a Cash Drawer at Peak

Cash is fastest when the drawer is connected to the POS and positioned well. No hunting for change. No manual entries. The drawer pops, you make change, and the ticket closes.

Auto-open tied to cash tenders
Bills and coins sorted so change counts are instant
Cash receipts print on the same station that opens the drawer
End-of-day counts match on screen totals

Hardware We Use: Choice Series CD4

Built for busy counters, the Choice Series CD4 brings strength and smart details to everyday coffee service.

Rated for at least one million open and close cycles
Reinforced top that supports heavy terminals and monitors
Low-profile, foldable key design that reduces breakage
Multiple lock options to match your security policy
Add-ons like locking till covers and dual-drawer cables for advanced setups

Why it saves money
Durable drawers reduce downtime and replacement costs. Accessories lock tills between shifts and speed bank drops. A reinforced top lets you use one solid station instead of buying extra stands.

Layout Tips That Keep Lines Short

Where you place the drawer matters. Treat it like a part of your flow, not an afterthought.

Mount the drawer under the counter to free surface space
Keep the tap target and chip reader to the customer’s right, drawer to the staff’s left
Stage receipt printer above the drawer so the movement is one smooth arc
Stock change rolls before peak so you never hold up the line

Security and Closeout

Cash can be simple and safe when the steps are clear.

Set manager keys and separate barista keys
Change codes and keys when roles shift
Use locking till covers during shift swaps
Count with two people, log the total, and drop to the safe immediately

How to Decide If You Should Stay Cash Optional

Let your POS data guide you. Here is a quick worksheet you can run weekly.

Pull tender mix report by daypart
Note average cash transaction time vs card
Estimate lost orders during network issues if you were cashless
Compare bank and processor fees to see the true cost mix
If cash volume is steady or spikes on certain days, keep the drawer live for those windows

Marketing Angle You Can Use

Choice matters. Tell customers you accept cards, mobile wallets, and cash. It signals convenience and inclusivity, which builds goodwill and repeat visits.

Add We take cash, cards, and wallets on entrance signage
Train staff to offer tap first while keeping cash simple
Use the app to show accepted tenders so guests know before they arrive

Coffee Shop Cash Drawers: Fast Cash Handling When You Need It