tip for handling cash

We get a few guests paying cash (they need a CC to reserve the room, so we have one) and sometimes we get a tip in cash. In the past we used to put off a trip to town for banking and it made it hard to keep the books and the checking account in sync. Now, most banks have a cell phone app that lets you deposit checks remotely (take a photo, deposit the funds). So, when we get a cash payment now, we write a personal check to the inn for the exact amount, deposit the check remotely and put the cash in our pocket. Saves a trip to ATM; keeps the books up to date.

Good idea!

Around here, a debit card transaction is 6c... so I use my debit card instead. Instantly the money is moved. And it's cheaper because they charge us to deposit anything not electronic. (There is a fee for bills and physical cheques).

That is a problem I would like to have.
This year to date we have not had anyone pay with cash, last year maybe one or two one nighters, the cash never goes to the bank. Interesting problem.

We mention on our website we offer a 3% discount for cash, and provide it when asked. It has doubled the number of guests who pay with cash, but they're still just about 4% of our total guests.

I now bank in town so it is not a problem. I have a few cash or check guests. It does not create a book work problem because all rooms go into the ledger I keep. I have a bank bag the cash goes into until I either deposit it or use it to pay the lawn guy/shovel guy.

gillumhouse said:

I now bank in town so it is not a problem. I have a few cash or check guests. It does not create a book work problem because all rooms go into the ledger I keep. I have a bank bag the cash goes into until I either deposit it or use it to pay the lawn guy/shovel guy..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

I now bank in town so it is not a problem. I have a few cash or check guests. It does not create a book work problem because all rooms go into the ledger I keep. I have a bank bag the cash goes into until I either deposit it or use it to pay the lawn guy/shovel guy.

Click to expand...

Same here. Also we get guests wanting to break a 50, 20, etc.

Luckily the bank is across the street. It is so much easier for me to walk over than to try to do anything that involves taking pictures and sending info online.

gillumhouse said:

I now bank in town so it is not a problem. I have a few cash or check guests. It does not create a book work problem because all rooms go into the ledger I keep. I have a bank bag the cash goes into until I either deposit it or use it to pay the lawn guy/shovel guy..

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

I now bank in town so it is not a problem. I have a few cash or check guests. It does not create a book work problem because all rooms go into the ledger I keep. I have a bank bag the cash goes into until I either deposit it or use it to pay the lawn guy/shovel guy.

Click to expand...

We have an actual cash box we use. There's generally not a lot in it, just enough to cover the strawberry lady, making change for cash guests, buying a sticker for the dump. We're lucky that we have guests who save up for their vacations using the 'envelope' method. They hand me the envelope when they arrive and all is good. % of guests is low but the number of days they stay ranges from 4-7, so a nice bit of change.