Opening a store that handles cash? Or upgrading your current setup? Here's a complete list of what you need, what it costs, and what you can skip.
The Must-Haves
Every cash business needs these basics. You can start cheap and upgrade later, but don't skip any of them.
Essential Equipment
- Cash Register or POS System ($300-1,500) - Records sales and calculates change. Modern systems also track inventory.
- Cash Drawer ($50-200) - Keeps bills and coins organized. Get one per register plus a spare.
- Safe ($200-1,000) - Secures cash not in the register. Get one you can bolt to the floor.
- Cash Counting Machine ($150-800) - Counts bills fast and catches counterfeits. Saves 10-15 minutes per count.
Worth Getting If You Can
- Drop Safe ($300-600) - A slot safe where cashiers deposit excess bills. They can put money in but can't take it out.
- Counterfeit Detection Tools ($5-300) - Pens for quick checks, UV lights for security strips, or detector machines for high volume.
- Coin Counter ($200-500) - Worth it if you handle more than $50 in coins daily.
- Security Cameras ($200-1,000) - Point one at each register and one at the safe.
Counterfeit Detection Options
You have several choices depending on volume and budget: Detector pens ($5-15) are cheap and easy but not 100% reliable. UV lights ($15-50) catch bleached fakes by checking security strips. Detector machines ($100-300) automatically check UV, magnetic ink, and infrared features. Train staff to also look for watermarks and color-shifting ink by holding bills to the light.
What You Can Skip
- Smart safes ($3,000+) - Only worth it for very high-volume stores
- Currency recyclers - Built for large chains, overkill for most
- Thermal receipt printers - Your POS probably includes one
- Armored car service - Unless you're depositing $5,000+ daily
Sample Starter Budget
Basic POS + drawer ($400) + Small safe ($200) + Bill counter ($200) + Counterfeit pens ($15) = About $815 total
Sample Pro Budget
Good POS + 2 drawers ($1,000) + Fire-rated safe ($600) + Drop safe ($400) + Mixed bill counter ($800) + Security cameras ($500) = About $3,300 total
How CashCaptain Helps
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy new or used equipment?
POS systems and cash counters are fine used if they work. Safes should be new - you don't know if someone else has the combination or made a copy of the key.
What should I buy first?
POS system and cash drawer first (you need these to operate), then a safe, then a cash counter. Add the extras as your budget allows.
Is cheap equipment good enough?
For cash counters and drawers, yes - budget options work fine. For safes and POS systems, spend a bit more. You'll use them every day for years.