Most shops lose some money to errors, and a few to theft. The goal of controls is not distrust. It is to make mistakes visible quickly so they stay small.
Separate the jobs
Where possible, the person who receives goods should not be the only person who records them, and the person who counts the cash should not be the only person who rings sales. Even in a two-person shop, a weekly check by the owner helps.
Count the drawer every shift
At the start and end of each shift, count the cash. Compare it to what the system says should be there. Write down the difference every day, even when it is zero. A pattern shows up quickly.
Controls that cost nothing
- Give each staff member their own login so every sale is tied to a person.
- Check discounts and voids at the end of each day.
- Do surprise counts on high-value items such as phone accessories, cigarettes or cosmetics.
- Bank or secure large cash during the day instead of letting it build up in the drawer.
Use your numbers
Compare stock used with stock sold. A gap that keeps growing is the signal to investigate. TU2 Market records every sale, tracks quantity on hand and keeps expense receipts, so the evidence is in one place.