Cash Boxes for Businesses: Choosing a Till Float

Whether you are running a market stall, a craft fair table or a pop-up shop, a good cash box is one of the cheapest and most useful bits of kit you can own.

It keeps your takings secure, your float organised and your day running smoothly.

A cash box is a small, lockable metal or plastic tin with a removable coin tray, used to hold your float and takings while you trade. For most stalls and fairs a sturdy A5 or A4 metal box with a coin tray and a key lock is all you need, ideally paired with a card reader so you never turn away a customer.

---

What Is a Cash Box and Why Do You Need One?

A cash box does three jobs: it stores your float, it keeps notes and coins sorted, and it deters casual theft with a lock. At a busy craft fair or market, fumbling for change in a pocket or bag looks unprofessional and slows you down. A proper box with a coin tray lets you give change quickly and keep an eye on your money.

The "float" is the small amount of cash you start the day with so you can give change before you have made any sales. A float of around £40 to £100 in mixed coins and small notes is sensible for most stalls, though you can scale it to your prices.

Choosing the Right Cash Box

Not all cash boxes are equal. Look at:

• Size – A5 boxes are light and portable; A4 boxes hold more and suit busier stalls.
• Material – powder-coated steel resists dents and is harder to force than plastic.
• Coin tray – a removable tray with separate compartments for each coin denomination saves huge amounts of time.
• Lock – a simple key lock is fine for a stall; combination locks avoid lost keys.
• Money clips – a lid with spring clips keeps notes flat and secure.

For higher-value trading, consider a box with a carry handle and a second internal compartment so your larger notes are not sitting in the open tray.

Managing Your Float and Takings

A little routine keeps your cash under control:

• Count and note your float before you start.
• Keep larger notes tucked under the tray or in a separate compartment, not on top.
• Do a rough count at quiet moments so you spot any mistakes early.
• Take excess cash off the stall and store it safely if you are trading all day.
• Reconcile your takings against sales at the end of the day.

Handling physical cash also means being alert to counterfeit notes, so check unfamiliar high-value notes carefully.

Cash Box or Card Reader? Why Most Traders Use Both

Cash is still popular at fairs and markets, but a growing number of customers carry little or none. Turning away a sale because you only take cash is money left on the table. Most successful stallholders now carry both a cash box and a small card reader.

If you are weighing up a reader, our guides are a good starting point:

• Card machines for craft fairs – the best portable options for event trading.
• Cashbox for a craft show – pairing cash handling with card payments at shows.
• Best card machines for small businesses – a wider comparison of readers and fees.

A mobile card reader is small enough to sit in the lid of your cash box, so the two work together rather than competing.

Cash Box Security at Events

Markets and fairs can be busy and chaotic, which is exactly when opportunist theft happens. A few sensible habits help:

• Never leave the box unattended or open on the table.
• Keep it closed and locked between transactions where practical.
• Bank or bag surplus cash regularly rather than letting it build up.
• Fix a chain or place the box out of easy reach at the back of the stall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much float should I start with?

Around £40 to £100 in mixed coins and small notes suits most stalls. If your items are priced in round pounds you will need fewer coins; if you use odd prices, carry more change.

Are metal or plastic cash boxes better?

Metal (powder-coated steel) is more durable and harder to force, so it is the better choice for regular trading. Plastic boxes are lighter and cheaper but offer less security.

Do I still need a cash box if I take card payments?

It is wise to have both. Some customers only carry cash, and card readers can occasionally fail if your signal drops, so a cash box is a reliable backup.

Where should I keep large notes during the day?

Under the coin tray or in a separate locked compartment, never loose on top. Remove surplus cash from the stall periodically and store it safely.

This article is general guidance for small businesses and market traders and is not financial advice. Always follow the terms of the event you are trading at and take sensible precautions with cash on site.