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You might think everyone pays with a phone these days, but cash hasn’t disappeared — especially for market stalls, charity collections, school fetes, and small shops. A cash box is like a trusty pocketknife for money handling: simple, reliable, and handy when you need it most. Whether you sell coffee on the corner, run a pop-up shop, or manage a small office that handles petty cash, a good cash box brings order, security, and peace of mind.
Cash boxes are versatile. Think tills for events, float management for hospitality, petty cash storage in small offices, or secure day-to-day banking of coin and notes at local clubs. They’re light enough to carry to a stall and strong enough to keep cash from accidental prying. In short: they’re the everyday safes that make small money handling clean and efficient.
Small portable cash boxes are compact and light — often roughly 8 x 6 x 4 inches — and perfect for market sellers and charity collectors. They usually have a single lock and a removable coin tray. If you need mobility and quick access, these are the ones to pick.
These medium-sized boxes often measure around 12 x 9 x 5 inches and come with a multi-compartment tray for notes and coins. They sit comfortably on a counter and are ideal for cafés, barbers, and reception desks where staff need fast access to a till-style layout without installing a full register.
For higher-value contents or daily use in a fixed location, heavy-duty boxes and bolt-down models are the way to go. Expect tougher steel, thicker lids, and the option to anchor the box to a desk or floor. These models make it harder for someone to just walk off with your float.
If you’re running a permanent retail setup, cash drawers that connect to a point-of-sale system might be better. They’re larger, designed for high-frequency opening, and often include a till layout with note clips. They’re the bridge between a simple cash box and a full register.
There are three common lock types: keyed locks, combination dials, and electronic locks. Keyed locks are straightforward but you must manage keys. Combination locks remove the need for keys but need careful record-keeping of the code. Electronic locks add convenience but require battery checks. Choose the type that fits your daily routine.
Most cash boxes are made from steel — thin sheet steel for portable models and thicker gauge steel for heavy-duty boxes. Look at the weight and the thickness of the metal: a heavier unit typically offers better resistance to tampering. Powder-coated finishes resist scratches and rust, useful in busy, damp, or outdoor environments.
Think about what you will store: coins, notes, vouchers, or even a cheque book. Removable trays with coin compartments and clip-style note holders can make end-of-day counting faster. If you handle lots of coins, check the coin capacity in ounces or by the count of compartments — bigger trays mean fewer trips to the safe.
If you need to move the box daily, look for a firm, comfortable handle and a latch that locks securely while in transit. A portable box that weighs about 4–6 pounds empty is easy to carry, while larger heavy-duty boxes might weigh 10 pounds or more and are better left stationary.
In the UK there are several dependable places to shop for cash boxes. Each offers different benefits — from quick local pick-up to wide product ranges online. Here are stores worth checking out:
Ryman is a go-to for stationery and office essentials. They stock a selection of cash boxes suitable for shops and home offices — handy if you prefer seeing a unit in-store before buying. Their range includes compact coin boxes and larger tray-style models for countertop use.
Viking (Viking Direct) caters to businesses and often has a deep assortment of cash handling products. They provide product variations aimed at offices and retail environments, including multi-compartment trays and bolt-down options for extra security.
Argos is great for fast local availability, with popular models often in stock for same-day collection. They offer family-friendly options and affordable basic cash boxes suitable for casual sellers and small school events.
Stores like Screwfix and B&Q tend to stock sturdier lockboxes and bolt-down options that appeal to tradespeople and workshop owners. If you want a tougher unit that can be anchored to a workbench, these are good places to look.
If you need variety and quick delivery, Amazon UK and eBay have massive selections from entry-level to professional units. You’ll find specialist brands and user reviews that help you decide. Just double-check seller reputation and read recent reviews to avoid surprises.
Staples often offers business-focused models and bulk purchasing options, while WHSmith stocks smaller, consumer-style cash boxes suitable for home use or small charity stalls. Both are useful if you want a brand-name retailer you trust.
Size matters, and the right choice depends on how much cash you expect to handle. Visualise your typical day: how many notes, how much loose change? That’ll guide your decision.
Small boxes — around 8 x 6 x 4 inches — are ideal for floats and events. They usually hold enough change for a day: several stacks of coins and a few folded notes. If you’re a stallholder or volunteer running a one-day event, this size keeps things simple and portable.
Medium boxes, roughly 12 x 9 x 5 inches, suit cafes, pop-up shops, and salons. They fit on counters without dominating the space and include organised trays for quick access. If you handle a steady stream of sales all day, this size balances capacity and accessibility.
Large lockboxes and cash drawers hold more and are often heavier — sometimes 15 pounds or more when empty. Choose these if you have a fixed till or need to keep larger sums on-site before banking.
A cash box is only as secure as how you use it. Think of it like a lock on your front door — useful, but only if you lock it and don’t leave the key under the mat.
If your cash box stays in one place, bolt it down. A bolted box takes a thief longer to remove, turning an opportunistic grab into a risky operation. Bolt kits are inexpensive and simple to install on a sturdy desk or counter.
Limit who has access to keys or codes. If you hand keys out to multiple staff, track them. For combination locks, change codes periodically and after staff turnover. Treat codes like passwords: don’t write them on sticky notes stuck to the box.
Don’t leave large sums in a cash box overnight. If you can’t bank daily, consider using a safe or a secure drop box that meets your insurance requirements. Even heavy-duty boxes aren’t substitutes for a certified safe in terms of burglary or fire resistance.
Like any tool, a cash box needs a little care. A few minutes a month can prevent jams, rust, and sticky locks.
Dust and grit can jam lids and trays. Wipe the interior with a dry cloth occasionally and shake out any loose coins. Avoid water-based cleaners that might cause rust — a lightly damp cloth for stubborn grime followed by thorough drying is best.
Use a graphite-based lubricant for key and combination locks — it keeps the mechanism smooth without attracting dust the way oil can. A tiny puff every few months is usually enough to prevent sticky keys or stiff dials.
Handles wear out, latches loosen, and trays crack over time. Replace worn parts quickly to avoid accidental drops or loss of contents. Many retailers sell replacement trays or locks if the model is common.
Want to get a solid cash box without overspending? Timing and knowing where to look pay off.
Office stores and online retailers often discount cash boxes during back-to-school and post-holiday sales. Clearance sections in physical stores can hide surprisingly good brands at reduced prices. Keep an eye on weekly catalogues from Argos or Ryman.
Refurbished boxes or lightly used units on eBay can save you a bundle. Just check photos closely and ask about the lock condition and any dents. A well-maintained secondhand box can be as secure as a new one for fraction of the cost.
If you run multiple stalls or sites, buying several boxes at once from business suppliers like Viking or Staples can unlock bulk discounts. It’s the classic “buy more, save more” trick that small chains take advantage of.
Choosing a cash box is more than picking the cheapest metal box on the shelf. Think about size, lock type, build quality, and how you’ll use it day-to-day. Match the box to the job — portable for markets, tray-style for counters, bolt-down for permanence — and pair that with sensible security habits. With the right choice, your cash handling will feel organised, professional, and secure.
Before you commit, measure your counter space, think about how much cash you handle, and decide who will have access. Read user reviews from UK shoppers, and if possible, inspect a unit in-store to test weight and lock smoothness. These small steps stop buyer’s remorse and make the cash box a reliable part of your daily workflow.
Thanks for reading — now go choose a cash box that keeps your money safe and your mind at ease.
| Cash Boxes | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Box With Key - Metal | kr. 129,- | |
| Wedo Cash Box Size 4 - Hvid | kr. 234,- | |
| Coffers Basi Egk 150 Gray With Key - To Euro | kr. 619,- |
