Hello
Are any Squadrons totally cashless? By that I mean subs, payments for camps etc and the tuck shop.
We’re looking to go that way very soon and wondered if anyone had any experience to pass on.
All of our payments are on line and at the moment 70% of payment in the tuck shop are contactless using Sum up.
Many thanks
Subs, the parents should direct debit in.
Camp payments use govpay.
Tuck shop you could use a sum up machine but you are losing a percentage or so every time.
GoCardless is probably the best option for subs payments via direct debit. It’s also mentioned in one of the CivCom policies if you care about that. Fees are reasonable too.
Another problem with card payment systems like SumUp, particularly for canteen/NAAFI is most of them have a £1 minimum charge. Which isn’t great for Sqns who buy in bulk and sell at cost
Personally, I’d argue against this approach.
I understand the ambition to go that way, it’s a lot more convenient for volunteers and that sometimes it feels inevitable that society will become completely cashless, however many poorer families budget using cash.
By going cashless you risk, inadvertently, excluding cadets from poorer backgrounds - particularly for things like the tuck shop.
Have you undertaken any kind of impact assessment of the idea?
My squadron is cashless. The other night a cadet with no card wanted to buy from the canteen and was looking for someone to give his cash to if they would buy what he wanted by card. I was happy to oblige.
I am treasurer of a target shooting club with 300 members. We gave up cash and cheques about 2 years ago. The reduction in time and effort in cashing up, banking and getting change has been unbelievable. It also reduces the insurance risk.
Getting your staff their money back (or better yet, giving them a card to buy tuck stuff) is also immensely helpful.
I’d happily swap cash for the use of my card to help a cadet rather than keep dealing with cash.