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If your business handles cash, deposit bags are one of those small investments that pay off big time. They’re not glamorous, but they reduce risk, speed up reconciliations, and give staff clear procedures to follow. Think of them as seat belts for your cash flow — they don’t stop every accident, but they drastically reduce the damage when something goes wrong.
Not all deposit bags are made equal. You’ll find tamper-evident bags, reinforced poly bags, cloth money bags, and dye-stain bags that permanently mark contents if someone tries to force them open. Each type solves a particular problem: tamper-evident for visual security, dye-stain for theft deterrence, and heavy-duty poly when you need durability in rough handling.
Tamper-evident bags have seals that show any interference, often with numbered serials to track each bag. These work great if you need clear chain-of-custody proof. Sizes are usually described in inches — common seals fit bags about 9 inches by 12 inches to 12 inches by 15 inches.
These bags contain an internal packet that bursts if the bag is pierced or violently opened, leaving an indelible stain on the cash. They’re a strong psychological deterrent because stolen notes become worthless. They’re especially useful in overnight drop-offs and transit situations where cash could be at risk for a few hours to a day.
Cloth bags are traditional and still useful when you need a reusable option for regular till drops. They’re heavier and less tamper-evident than poly, but if paired with a secure lockbox and strict procedures they can be practical for back-office use.
When choosing deposit bags, focus on a few core features: tamper evidence, seal strength, bag thickness expressed in mils, serial numbering for tracking, and a clear writable panel for notes. For busy retail environments you’ll also want bags that stack well and come in rolls or boxes for easy access behind the till.
Thickness is often measured in mils (one mil equals one thousandth of an inch). A 2-mil bag is good for light use; 4-mil and up are better for heavy handling or transporting bundles of notes. Pick the thickness based on how many times a bag will change hands and whether it will be transported in a satchel or strongbox.
Look for glue-seal, tamper-evident tape, or zip-seal options with unique serial numbers. Serial numbers are excellent for audits — you can match bag numbers to deposit slips and quickly spot missing or duplicated entries.
There are two main routes to buy: mainstream retailers that stock a wide range of general supplies, and specialist security suppliers focused on cash handling. Both have pros and cons. Mainstream sellers are convenient and fast; specialists understand the finer points of bank-compatible bags and security standards.
Amazon.co.uk is a go-to for speed and selection. You’ll find everything from basic poly deposit bags to branded tamper-evident options and dye-stain models. Prime delivery can be handy for urgent replacements, and user reviews help you judge quality. Keep an eye on seller ratings, though — not every listing has the same standards.
eBay is a practical option when you want to shop around prices or source discontinued sizes. You can sometimes pick up bulk lots at a discount, but watch out for inconsistent descriptions. For businesses buying large volumes, confirm the item specifics with sellers before purchasing to avoid surprises in size or material.
Viking is a popular office supplies supplier in the UK that stocks tamper-evident and poly deposit bags. Their range is well-suited for small offices and retail counters, and they often sell in manageable pack sizes so you don’t end up with unused surplus. Viking is a strong mid-market option if you want reliable quality without overpaying for specialist features.
Ryman offers practical cash handling products for small businesses and independent retailers. They tend to focus on everyday use items that fit behind a till — think small tamper-evident bags and cloth drop bags. Ryman is good for local stores or pop-ups that need supplies quickly and prefer buying from a familiar high-street name.
Staples and other office suppliers can be a solid resource for deposit bags in standard sizes and multipacks. They are aimed at offices and will stock bags that work well for corporate reception desks, cafes, and small retail outlets. Office suppliers often bundle deposit bags with deposit slips and counting tools.
If you need higher-security options or bulk buying, look to specialist cash-handling suppliers that focus on tamper-evident and dye-stain technology. These suppliers can advise on bank-compliant specifications and offer bespoke solutions, such as sequential numbering tied to deposit logs. They’re ideal for hospitality chains, petrol stations, and any business with frequent cash transfers.
Your choice should reflect transaction volume, staff turnover, and how often cash leaves the premises. A corner shop or café that deposits cash daily will need a different setup from a charity that collects cash a few times a month.
For low-volume businesses, small tamper-evident poly bags that are around 9 inches by 12 inches work well. These are easy to store behind a till, cheap, and simple to seal. If cash is transported to a bank at the end of the day, pair the bag with a secure lockbox or overnight safe.
Mid-sized businesses should consider dye-stain options for added deterrence or thicker poly bags (around 4 mil) for durability. Also buy serial-numbered bags so that deposits can be reconciled quickly between branches or staff shifts.
High-volume businesses should work with specialist suppliers to implement standardised numbered bag systems and integration with their cash-management processes. Bulk orders lower per-bag cost, and suppliers can often provide customised printing for logos or instruction panels to make staff procedures uniform across locations.
Buying the right bag is only half the job. How you use them affects your security more than the brand name on the box. Develop simple, repeatable steps for staff: count on a supervised till, fill the bag in view of two people when possible, write deposit details on the bag’s panel, and log the bag number in your cash book.
Always write the deposit slip number, date, and the staff initials on the bag. Matching these notes to your till tapes makes it far easier to investigate discrepancies. Serial numbers and written notes create a paper trail that thieves and mistakes both hate.
Use secure lockboxes or satchels for transport, and avoid leaving sealed bags in vehicles overnight. If you use a courier or cash collection service, ensure they accept the type of tamper-evident seal you use; banks and couriers sometimes have strict requirements.
There’s a clear math to buying deposit bags: bulk purchases lower unit cost but tie up budget and storage space. If your daily turnover is predictable, buy in bulk and store bags in a dry place to prevent adhesion or degradation. If your needs fluctuate, smaller multipacks from high-street suppliers help avoid wasted inventory.
Expect to pay more per bag for tamper-evident numbering and dye-stain technology. For example, basic poly bags sold in rolls are the cheapest, while numbered, coated, and dye-stain bags carry a premium. Factor in the cost of seals and any registration or tracking software if you scale to many sites.
Most deposit bags are made of plastic and aren’t recyclable through household schemes. If sustainability matters for your business, look for reusable cloth options for internal till drops and segregate permanently used tamper-evident bags for appropriate disposal. Some specialist suppliers offer take-back or recycling programs for used security material — worth asking about when you buy in bulk.
Don’t assume all tamper-evident bags are the same — read specifications carefully. Avoid buying the cheapest option for high-risk situations, and don’t skip serial numbering if you need traceability. Finally, don’t rely solely on bags for security; combine them with staff training, strong procedures, and secure transport.
Before you click “buy,” use this quick checklist: choose the right size in inches, confirm the mil thickness, decide on tamper-evident or dye-stain based on risk, verify serial numbering, compare prices for bulk packs, and check the supplier’s reviews or trade credentials. If you’re purchasing for multiple sites, ask about custom printing or numbering to keep records consistent.
Money deposit bags are a small cost that can dramatically reduce loss, improve accountability, and make cash handling less stressful. Whether you buy from mainstream retailers like Amazon, eBay, Ryman, or a specialist cash-handling supplier, focus on the features that matter for your business: tamper evidence, serial numbering, bag thickness in mils, and the right size in inches. Combine the right bag with clear staff procedures and secure transport, and you’ll tighten your cash handling without breaking the bank.
