How to set up a proper till with the right mix of cash and change for smooth Jersey Mike's transactions

How should a proper till be prepared?

• A. At least $200 in large bills
• B. At least $100 in 5s and 1s, plus rolls for change
• C. Only large bills to minimize coin management
• D. A mix of paper and digital currency

Answer: (B)

Preparing a proper till involves establishing a cash register that can effectively handle customer transactions while ensuring that there is enough change available. The best practice is to have a sufficient amount of smaller denominations, which makes option two the most effective choice. Having at least $100 in fives and ones provides a solid base that allows for easy transactions with customers who may be paying in cash. It is essential to have these smaller bills readily available because they are commonly used for change when customers pay with larger denominations. Additionally, providing rolls for change means that there is a reliable supply of coins, ensuring that cash flow can be managed smoothly without running into situations where change cannot be given. The other options focus on different strategies that do not effectively address the core requirement of having accessible change. For instance, having only large bills could create challenges when customers pay with cash and need change, while relying exclusively on paper or digital currency might not cater to all customer preferences. Thus, building a till with a mix of appropriate denominations is critical for everyday transactions in a retail environment.

Till readiness: the small setup that keeps the line moving

If you’ve ever waited in a fast-paced shop and watched a cashier stall because there wasn’t enough change, you know why the till matters. It’s the quiet engine behind smooth customer service. For a quick-service spot, the right mix of cash is essential. The core idea is simple: have enough small bills and coins ready so you can give change fast, without fumbles. The clean, practical answer is this: at least $100 in 5s and 1s, plus rolls for change. Let me unpack why that matters and how you can set it up.

Why small bills and coins matter

Think of the till as a tool for speed and accuracy. Most customers pay with cash using varying amounts, and a line can melt away if you’re hunting for the right coin or a single five. Small denominations are the currency of everyday transactions. They’re what you hand back when someone pays with a larger bill, and they’re what you reach for to keep the flow steady. Without enough ones, fives, and coins, you end up making awkward pauses that kill momentum and chip away at good vibes.

Here’s the thing: a ready supply of smaller bills and coin rolls reduces stress for both staff and customers. Imagine a customer hands over a $20 bill for a $7.50 order. Without the right change, you might have to make a quick trip to the back, or guess at what to do—neither of which is ideal. With a solid base of ones and fives, plus rolled coins, you can handle common scenarios in one smooth motion.

What goes into a proper till

Let’s map out a practical setup you can actually use. It’s not about clever tricks; it’s about dependable routines you can reproduce shift after shift.

• A base cash reserve: at least $100 in $5 bills and $1 bills. This creates a ready-made change fund for frequent transactions.

• Coin rolls for change: have a few rolls of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Rolls keep coins organized and easy to inventory, and they speed up giving change.

• A neat drawer layout: separate compartments for bills by denomination, and a small section or tray for coins. When you can see everything at a glance, you don’t fumble.

• A quick-count routine: at the start of a shift, count the till, reconcile the float, and log the results. A simple tally helps you catch mistakes early.

• A plan for replenishment: know who handles bank drops and who restocks the till during a lull. Clear ownership prevents gaps in the supply.

What to avoid (and why)

Some ideas sound smart in theory but trip you up in practice. Here are a few common traps and why they’re not ideal.

• Only large bills: thinking “people will just need change later” sounds generous, but you’ll end up stuck when customers pay with a big bill and you don’t have enough smaller notes or coins to spare.

• Relying solely on digital payments: many customers still carry cash, and not everyone wants to swipe or tap. A till that can’t handle cash quickly creates delays and frustration.

• No coin rolls: loose coins scattered in the till slow you down and make counting harder. Rolls keep things tidy and predictable.

A simple start-to-finish routine you can adopt

• Begin with a quick wipe-down and a fresh sell sheet in view. You want a calm workspace.

• Count the cash in the till: verify there is at least $100 in fives and ones, plus a reasonable selection of coin rolls.

• Organize the cash by denomination: twenties and tens go in one area, ones and fives in another, coins in their own tray.

• Record the start float: jot down the exact totals. This isn’t a drill; it’s your safety net if a day ends with a mismatch.

• Check the coins last: make sure you can see the coins clearly, and that rolls are sealed and labeled. It’s amazing how much time you save when coins are prepped.

• Keep a small “restock” list at hand: if you notice you’re running low on a denomination during a rush, you know exactly who to alert and how to fix it quickly.

A quick scenario that makes it real

Let’s imagine a lunch crowd rolling through. A guest orders a combo that comes to $8.25 and pays with a $20 bill. You glide the bill into the register, hand back $11.75 in change using a five, a couple of ones, and a few coins, and the customer smiles. It’s not magic; it’s a system. No awkward counting, no scrambling for a stray coin. The line moves, and you’ve kept your credibility intact.

Tiny touches that add up

• Keep a small balance of coins in the till that matches typical change patterns. If you see more $1 bills or fives going out than coming back, note it and adjust sooner rather than later.

• Use coin sleeves or wrappers. They keep coins from scattering and make the daily close smoother.

• Stay mindful of security. Don’t leave the till open when you step away, and don’t stash large bills where they’ll be easily seen.

• Train new team members with a simple checklist. Repetition builds confidence, and confidence keeps the line flowing.

• If you’re using a POS system, learn its change-related prompts. Many systems alert you if a denomination is running low, and that can prevent surprise shortages.

Balancing act: cash, cards, and customer expectations

Cash is still one channel among several, and each has its own rhythm. Some guests want speed with a card, others want to pay cash to avoid fees. Your till doesn’t operate in a vacuum; it’s part of a broader service rhythm. By keeping a reliable cash base for change, you free up the line to focus on speed, accuracy, and a friendly attitude. The goal isn’t to stock every possible denomination to the last cent; it’s to ensure that common transactions can happen with ease.

A sprinkle of real-world wisdom

• Think of the till like a small ecosystem. If you keep a steady flow of small bills and coins, you create an environment where transactions feel effortless. The line feels shorter, and the customer happy.

• Don’t overshoot the float just because you’re opening. If you start with too much cash, you risk bigger discrepancies at the end of the day. Start with a sensible amount, and adjust as you get a feel for typical daily patterns.

• End-of-day handoffs matter. A neat, reconciled till makes closing smoother and reduces the chance of missing funds or miscounts.

How this ties back to everyday service

Here’s the bottom line: the right till setup minimizes friction. It reduces those tiny, annoying delays and makes people feel taken care of. In a fast-paced setting, a quick step like counting a few extra fives and ones, or ordering coin rolls, can save minutes over a shift. Those minutes compound into smoother service, happier customers, and better tips. And who doesn’t want that?

A final nudge for momentum

If you’re mentoring a new team member, give them a simple question to carry in their head: “Do we have enough change ready to handle the next few transactions?” The answer should be a confident yes, not a hesitant shrug. Build that confidence with a steady routine, a clear layout, and a few defensive habits—like checking the float at the start of every shift and keeping coin rolls organized.

To sum it up

• The proven setup is straightforward: at least $100 in 5s and 1s, plus rolls for change.

• A tidy drawer with clearly separated sections speeds up every transaction.

• Reconcile the float at the start, and restock as needed during quieter moments.

• Avoid relying on large bills alone or on digital payments alone; a balanced, prepared till serves all kinds of customers.

• Small, steady routines beat big, uncertain efforts. Consistency is your friend.

If you’ve ever watched a lineup stretch and wondered how cash got handed back so smoothly, you’ve witnessed a well-prepared till in action. It isn’t about clever tricks or magic; it’s about practical readiness. A solid base of small bills and coin rolls may not be glamorous, but it keeps the day moving, the lines short, and the smiles plenty. And that’s what great service feels like—from the first transaction to the last.