Introduction: Coat Check – More than Just Managing Coats

The coat check is often the first and last contact point for guests at an event. It must operate smoothly to ensure a good overall impression. For the staff, the job sounds attractive at first glance: being part of exciting events, experiencing concerts, and working in a relaxed atmosphere.

However, the reality often looks different – especially when cash is involved. Providing change, counting coins, documenting revenues: all of this not only causes unnecessary effort but also significant stress. This makes working behind the coat check not only more difficult but often less appealing.

Summary: Why Cash Burdens Coat Check Staff

• Extended Working Hours: Cash processes such as change management and cash reconciliation take a lot of time.

• Increased Risk of Errors: Discrepancies in the cash register or errors in change lead to stress and extra work.

• Hectic Moments: Especially during peak times, the work becomes unnecessarily complicated and slower due to cash processes.

• Less Focus on Guests: The staff can concentrate less on providing service to guests because they are busy handling cash.

• Harder Recruitment: Coat check jobs often provide the chance to experience concerts or events. However, cash processes like counting and reconciling during the event often rob the staff of this opportunity.

1. Cash Consumes Time – Before, During, and After the Event

Working with cash runs like a thread through the entire workday of the coat check staff. Before the event, sufficient coins must be organized and cash registers prepared – a tedious process that is often underestimated. During the event, every payment slows down the process because guests search for small change or the staff must provide change.

However, the most time-consuming part is the end of the shift. After acceptance, the cash register needs to be counted. This process is not only prone to errors but also nerve-wracking – especially if the cash register does not balance.

2. Sources of Error Create Additional Stress

Cash always carries a certain risk of errors. Especially in hectic moments, like during entry, it can quickly lead to miscounting or other small inaccuracies. A small lapse in attention while handling change can later result in discrepancies in the reconciliation that need to be painstakingly traced.

Additionally, there is uncertainty when suddenly change runs low. Guests often pay with large notes, quickly depleting the change – a problem that puts additional pressure on the staff. These challenges create a constantly elevated stress level that negatively affects the work atmosphere.

3. A Less Attractive Workplace Due to Cash

The job at the coat check actually has the potential to be an exciting and pleasant side job. Employees often have the opportunity to experience events or enjoy a concert during breaks. However, cash takes away this advantage: breaks are instead spent counting cash or reorganizing change.

Especially for young people who are accustomed to digital processes, this analog effort seems discouraging. The cumbersome processes cause potential applicants to avoid the job, even though the position itself has many attractive aspects. Cash processes make the coat check a more stressful and less attractive workplace than it needs to be.

Conclusion: Cash Makes Work Unnecessarily Hard

While guests often only perceive the wait time at the coat check, the effort for the staff remains invisible. Cash processes extend working hours, increase the risk of errors, and place unnecessary pressure on employees. At the same time, they prevent the coat check from being perceived as an attractive workplace.

Simplifying the processes could not only increase efficiency but also make the work more pleasant and stress-free for the staff.

Find out how you can make the processes at your coat check more efficient while also making work easier for your team. Download our free PDF “How to Make Your Coat Check Cashless” and discover practical solutions for modern events.