You may initially consider buying a money counter to eliminate wasted time or to increase counting accuracy; or both. But once you have decided to purchase a money counter, how do you know which one is right for you? I did some research recently to develop a list of criteria to help you decide! It is important to choose the counter that best fits your company’s needs to increase efficiency and productivity during the money handling process.
Counterfeit Detection
First, consider whether you will need the option of counterfeit detection. If counterfeiting is a concern, you may want to purchase a counter/counterfeit detection combination machine. Typically these detectors use ultraviolet light or a combinations of ultraviolet light and magnetic detection to prevent the acceptance of fake bills. In general, money counters with added counterfeit options are more expensive and machines with both ultraviolet and magnetic detection are usually a little more expensive, but offer increased protection and versatility. In businesses completing a high number of transactions with large bills, money counters/counterfeit detectors are vital to accuracy and security.
Discriminators and International Currency
To make counting even faster, machines are available that are able to detect different bill denominations. These machines are called discriminators and are usually much more expensive than a typical money counter, but can be a huge time-saver for businesses counting large amounts of cash. Some counters are capable of detecting international bills, as well as separating smaller sized bills. When counting bills from multiple countries, international detection is a must.
Vertical or Horizontal Feed
Machines are available that can be loaded flat, by stacking bills, or loaded standing up, on the bill’s side. Machines that accept stacked bills are called horizontal feeders and those that accept only bills on edge are called vertical feeders. A horizontal feed allows the user to stack more bills into the hopper and reduces time when counting a large number of bills. For counting less than 100 bills at a time, a vertical feed is sufficient.
Additional Features
Money counters come with a variety of extra features to accommodate almost any counting needs. For instance, some models come with an external count display that allows more than one person to view the running count. This feature is perfect for situations when a teller is counting bills for a customer. Machines intended for large counting operations often come with a dust shield to deflect dust and debris away from the operator’s face.
Warranty and Service
Finally, like any product you may consider buying, investigate the specific brand’s warranty and service agreements. Ideally, you will want to find a money counter that remains under warranty for at least one year. Many manufacturers offer on-site service packages for maintenance and repair on your counter. To ensure you purchase a counter that has a long life, find one that offers the best possible warranty and service agreement.
When you are looking for a money counter remember there are an assortment of models with different features, don’t settle on a machine that doesn’t fully accommodate your needs. Examine all the possible features and choose the product that helps increase your efficiency and productivity the most. Use these basic guidelines to help narrow your product search and find the counter that is right for you!
