“Cash is king” was the rule for ages, but if your spaza, shop, or side hustle is still strictly cash-only, you might be leaving serious money and growth opportunities on the table.

Fact: Accepting Cash Only Is Holding Your Business Back

Are customers literally walking away from your counter because they can’t just tap and go? Over 85% of South African adults now have bank accounts – that’s a massive pool of customers ready for digital.

In a recent survey, over 95 % of shoppers admit they’ve ditched a purchase if credit card machines weren’t an option. And younger crowds, the future of your customer base, expect to pay with a card or phone.

We all know “time is money,” especially when you’re running your own show. Businesses can spend up to 10 precious hours a week just managing physical cash – counting it after a long day, keeping it safe overnight, and then making the risky trip to the bank with deposit slips. That’s valuable time and energy you could be using to find new suppliers, serve more customers, or plan your next move! The operational costs of handling cash are a real drain.

All that cash in the till or under the counter… does it make you feel a bit on edge, especially after dark? Cash-heavy businesses in our communities, unfortunately, face higher risks of theft or armed robbery. Going digital with payments is much safer for you and your staff, giving actual peace of mind and reducing those direct safety risks.

How To Tell What Your Clients Really Want

Cash sales tell you very little. You see money in, money out, but not the details. Card payments show clear patterns for your business, like which items are your best sellers and your busiest trading hours.

This info is gold for smarter stocking from your local wholesaler, running specials that actually work, and maybe even starting a simple “thank you” discount for regulars!

Ever heard that little sigh or the “let me quickly run to the ATM” dash when you say “cash only”? People want things quick and easy. Cash can mean fumbling for change and slower queues. Smooth, fast digital payments mean happier local customers, less waiting, and folks are way more likely to pop back into your shop.

Which Machine Is The Perfect Match for Your Counter?

Firstly, let’s recap. By adding a credit card machine, you can:

  • Welcome everyone, however they prefer to pay.
  • Stress way less about security risks.
  • Spend less time counting coins at closing time, more time with your family or planning for tomorrow. Digital makes cash-up much quicker, with fewer errors.
  • Get your money into your bank account faster and safer. Card sales mean quicker fund settlement, which is brilliant for your cash flow to buy new stock.
  • Using credit card machines helps you adapt to how SA is changing, and simplifies your record-keeping.

Choosing a new business upgrade is a big decision. Ask yourself:

  • Sales volume? How many customers come through your door daily?
  • Need portability for deliveries in your area or markets? Or will a counter unit do?
  • Realistic budget? What makes sense for your current earnings and future growth?
  • Bonus services? Could the machine also sell airtime, electricity and other digital vouchers, making your shop even more useful to locals?

With that in mind, pop over to the R&A website – we’ve got credit card machines designed for every Mzansi hustle, big or small. And hey, why stop there? Explore mobile payments and digital wallets (M-Pesa, Quickteller, Apple/Google Pay) for even more customer convenience.

Don’t Let Old Ways Slow Your Hustle Down

The future of Mzansi business is smart, quick, and digital, and using a credit card machine is a powerful, practical first step. Reach out to the R&A team to find the best payment solution to get your sales up and make your daily work easier.