Used Cash Register

Used Cash Register Information

In the United States we call them cash registers but in England they are called tills. The original function of the cash register was to announce the sale by ringing a bell and then open the cash drawer.

The original cash register was not invented as a convenience, but actually as a theft deterrent. Invented by a saloon owner in 1879 to stop employees from stealing cash. A strictly mechanical device, the operator would push buttons to record the amount of the sale and when the cash drawer opened, a bell would ring. The bell would alert the owner manager that a cash transaction was taking place.

Early on the cash register was known as the “Incorruptible Cashier”. Some people theorize that the popular 99 cent pricing came about from the cash register. By pricing things at 99 cents it would force the employee to open the cash drawer in order to give the customer his penny change. The bell would ring and alert the owner manager. Originally a theft deterrent but today a necessity for any type of business doing any cash transactions at all.

Cash registers today have come a long way from the original mechanical models. Today they can monitor inventory levels, work as time clocks, print audit trails and much much more.

Unlike a lot of electronic things today, the cash register is a combination of mechanical and electronic components. In general the electronics are extremely reliable and most problems reported are actually from the mechanical parts of the register. Things like the cash drawer sticking, etc.

Most companies selling used cash registers do a good job at the refurbishing and testing of the units. Many of the cash registers sold as used really look like brand new units. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for some unscrupulous people trying to sell a used cash register online.

If at all possible, we recommend that you buy a used cash register from someone locally. This is the least risky way and you will be able to inspect the unit prior to parting with your cash. Most local Sunday papers have quite a few used cash registers for sale in their classified sections. You can sometimes find some fantastic deals this way. Plus, meeting the person face to face gives you a little extra negotiating power too.

Next down on the confidence level is buying a used register online. If you do wish to proceed, then we recommend that you buy from a fairly large company that specializes in refurbishing cash registers. Their prices may not be as good as those you can find from individual sellers but you can usually have a lot more confidence in the performance of the used cash register. Most companies selling this way will tout how great their refurbishing is and how nice the units look but they stop short of giving any sort of warranty at all. Unless the unit arrives dead out of the box, then you most likely will have no recourse.

Buying a used cash register via an auction site like ebay can save you a lot of money but you must be cautious. Ask a lot of questions. As a second line of defense, we recommend that you only purchase a used cash register from the original owner. That way (assuming they are honest) you can learn the history of the unit and be more confident in receiving what you are paying for. There are lots of people who buy used cash registers from pawn shops and second hand stores, give them a little cosmetic clean up and then sell them as refurbished. If it is not the original owner selling the unit then I wouldn’t recommend you buying it.

Once you decide which method you will use to buy the unit, then you will have to decide on the ‘must have’ functions. Nearly all of them will do a good basic job for you but you can find electronic cash registers that have the ability to access the transaction information online. Some will interface with your computer to keep real time inventory tracking and to allow you to print out all sorts of reports like inventory, re-order reports, employee time sheets, tax reports and a lot more.

So be cautious, ask a lot of questions and there is a really good possibility that you will be able to save a lot of money buying a used cash register.