Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Cash Registers in Retail

Cash registers might feel like “old school” tools in today’s world of advanced POS systems, but they’re still widely used—especially by small businesses and retail shops that want something simple, fast, and reliable. But here’s the catch: even the most basic cash register can become a problem when used the wrong way. If you’ve ever dealt with long lines, system errors, or missing sales data, one of these common mistakes might be the reason.

Here are five things to avoid when using cash registers in your retail space:

1. Not Training Your Staff Properly

This is probably the most common (and most costly) mistake. It’s easy to assume that cash registers are simple to use—but if your team doesn’t know the basics, they’ll end up making small errors that add up.

What to do: Take a few minutes to walk new employees through each function—opening/closing the till, voiding a sale, reprinting a receipt, etc. If possible, leave a quick reference sheet near the counter. It’ll save time and prevent frustration.

2. Skipping Routine Maintenance

Cash registers might seem like they can run forever—but like any piece of equipment, they need some basic care. Dust, sticky buttons, jammed receipt paper—these little issues can slow down your service or even stop it completely.

What to do: Wipe the machine regularly, keep the receipt area clean, and replace ink or paper rolls before they run out. A quick weekly check can go a long way.

3. Not Backing Up Sales Data

Some cash registers store daily reports or transaction histories internally. But what happens if the machine crashes? Or if you need a report from last month?

What to do: If your register allows data export, make it part of your end-of-day or weekly routine. If not, consider upgrading to a model that connects to a computer or cloud software—especially if you rely on those numbers for inventory or accounting.

4. Holding Onto Outdated Equipment

If your register is slowing down your service or not syncing with your other tools (like card machines or scanners), it might be time to let go.

What to do: Review your system every year. Are your needs growing? Are you still able to accept all payment methods? Sometimes investing in a newer model actually saves money in the long run by making things faster and easier for your team.

5. Ignoring Security Features

Unfortunately, theft—both external and internal—happens. If your cash register doesn’t have basic security settings in place, it can be an easy target.

What to do: Make sure the drawer locks when not in use. If your machine has user profiles or codes, set them up. Even something as simple as assigning each employee a shift login can help track and prevent issues.

Cash registers might be simple, but using them well takes more than just pressing a few buttons. Avoiding these five mistakes will help your business run smoother, reduce stress for your staff, and leave a better impression on your customers.

Need help choosing or upgrading your register? Our team at Kenrod can help you find the best solution for your business—without overcomplicating things.