A sample $150 cafe float
This mix has many ones, fives and quarters for change on drinks under $10.
| Bills and coins | Coffee shop, $150 |
|---|---|
| $20 bills | 2 |
| $10 bills | 2 |
| $5 bills | 8 |
| $1 bills | 35 |
| Quarters | 40 |
| Dimes | 30 |
| Nickels | 20 |
| Pennies | 100 |
| Total | $150.00 |
Count these apart from the drawer
- The tip jar. Tips are not sales and not float.
- Gift card and mobile order slips.
- Petty cash for milk or supplies. Write each item on a paid-out slip.
- Any cash from catering or an event.
Closing a cafe drawer
- Print the end-of-shift report after the last sale.
- Take the tray out and count the cash once.
- Enter the cash sales from the report and any paid-outs. The calculator shows over or short.
- Leave the float in the drawer. Bag the deposit with the printed count.
- Sign the count. Have the manager sign it if your cafe requires.
Why cafes run low on small bills
Most drinks cost under $10, and many people pay with a $20 bill. Each one takes a $5 and several $1 bills from the drawer. By late morning the ones run low. If this happens often, raise the number of $1 bills in the float, or drop large bills to the safe more often.
A morning check
Count the drawer before the doors open. If your manager sets the float from the opening count, press "Use this count as my float". A short opening drawer is much easier to explain at 7 a.m. than at 3 p.m.
Common questions
How much should a coffee shop leave in the drawer?
Many cafes use $100 to $200. A $150 float with lots of $1 and $5 bills works for a small shop. Your owner sets the number.
Where do tips go?
Keep tips out of the drawer. Count them apart and share them by your shop rule.
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