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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to put up a sign encouraging customers to pay in cash?

367 replies

Theydidnt · 11/03/2026 16:02

I run a small business and we are taking SO much less cash than we used to. It's really having an effect on how much we are taking. But I'm interested to know whether people would be put off by a sign with this wording or whether people support it. I know lots of people think cash is a way of avoiding the tax man and may find it unprofessional. Interested to know people's thoughts

AIBU to put up a sign encouraging customers to pay in cash?
OP posts:
ContentedAlpaca · 11/03/2026 16:16

I think cash is important so I'm happy to see signs up. I'm not great at carrying it though. I seem to burn through it so quickly.

goz · 11/03/2026 16:15

You think you are losing a substantial sum of money from the 1-3% card transaction fee?

Or you think you should pay less tax so you can have more money?

Mmmchocolatebuttons · 11/03/2026 16:15

It's fine to put a sign up. I've seen similar in other small businesses.

StripedTee · 11/03/2026 16:13

It's too wordy, and saying you retain 100% of the value makes it sound like you're not declaring it to HMRC.

I'd just put something simple like - 'due to the costs involved with facilitating card payments, cash is preferred please'

DappledThings · 11/03/2026 16:13

I'm not put off by it or any of the other versions I've seen including the far blunter "Cash preferred" ones. But I'm afraid it wouldn't change my behaviour. I never have cash on me. So I would still buy from you happily but it would still be on card.

CanISeeYourLicence · 11/03/2026 16:12

In our village loads of shops, cafes have signs like this. Our local pub sells half pints for £2.00. If they had to pay a card charge on top of that it would be brutal.

I almost always use cash now.

Flamingojune · 11/03/2026 16:12

Some small businesses prefer card payments

KiposWonderbeasts · 11/03/2026 16:12

Several local cafés near me give a discount for cash.

I was initially wary tbh, because cash in hand can be a sign of modern slavery or tax evasion.

However, one café owner put up a sign quite like yours explaining the fees she faced so I was happy to go along with it.

GranolaBaker · 11/03/2026 16:12

Our local shops have signs quite agressively pushing cash payments - to the extent I feel guilty using my card.
i much prefer your sign.

KitsyWitsy · 11/03/2026 16:11

It’s sycophantic and a lot of it is pointless. You’re not going to reduce your prices if everyone suddenly starts paying cash are you?

Why bring other businesses into it?

if it were me I’d put up a cute sign that says ‘cash preferred’ and leave it at that.

Moonnstarz · 11/03/2026 16:11

I find it a bit rude..you either want my custom or you don't. I don't generally carry cash and while your note is worded politely I might feel that it's a hassle to you if I pay by card, potentially taking my business elsewhere.

Octavia64 · 11/03/2026 16:10

Yes I’ve seen similar at various places

begonefoulclutter · 11/03/2026 16:10

It's a good idea but far too wordy.

Just say your business prefers payment in cash for smaller transactions so that you can keep your costs and prices low.

Jinxy1 · 11/03/2026 16:10

I get your reasoning and the sign seems fine by me (though you may want to proof read it). It’s good to give customers the choice.

Greenbooksandtomatoes · 11/03/2026 16:07

I live in a village our nearest shops are in a small market town many have this kind of sign (nobody seems to complain and many shops are long standing). My only issue is that I can't always get cash (only one cash machine and no banks left so if the machine is empty its not possible). What is the local area like for getting hold of cash in the first place?

Teado · 11/03/2026 16:07

That looks reasonable. Very polite. You’re not expecting people to trek to the cash machine, they have the option to pay by card if they’ve no cash.

TBH I still think that most will pay with card simply because many people don’t really carry cash. That said, if regular customers know that you prefer cash, they’ll remember to bring it I’m sure.

Lmnop22 · 11/03/2026 16:07

I would fix the typo on the word “the” and the fact one sentence is repeated twice but wouldn’t be offended by the concept at all

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