Daily management
Keeping your till in order: the routine that avoids nasty surprises
· 6 min read
A well-run till means less stress at closing time and no awkward conversations with staff. The key is an identical routine every single day.
The float
Start every day with a fixed float (for example €150), always the same amount, in small notes and coins. Write it down, or enter it into the register at opening.
A constant float lets you work out the end-of-day discrepancy without thinking twice: theoretical takings + float = what should be in the drawer.
During service
Record every sale, even a coffee on the house or an item taken back: the till must reflect reality. Cash outgoings (buying bread, tipping a delivery driver) should also be entered, as a “cash-out”.
Avoid giving change “from memory”: always go through the payment screen, it calculates the change for you.
Closing up
At closing time, physically count the drawer. Compare it to the Z report. A discrepancy of a few cents is normal; a recurring discrepancy of several euros is worth looking into.
Take out the takings, leave the float for the next day, and note the discrepancy. Over a month, the trend in these discrepancies tells you a lot.
Bank deposits
Deposit regularly, on a fixed day if possible, and keep proof of the deposit. Less cash on the premises means less risk and a till that’s easier to control.
What a POS system changes
Float, guided counting, automatically calculated discrepancy, a history of cash-outs, and a clear Z report: the routine becomes a two-minute job, and it’s the same no matter which employee closes up.