Cash vs Card: How Grooming Businesses Should Handle Payments

Not long ago, many grooming clients paid in cash. Today, most Australians tap a card or phone for almost everything. Grooming businesses still need to decide how to handle both: whether to accept cash, how to keep it safe and recorded, and how to manage card costs. Here's a practical look at the pros and cons.

The case for card

Card payments are quick, safe and recorded automatically. Money goes straight to your bank, you don't count change or carry cash, and your sales records are accurate. Most clients expect to pay by card, and some carry no cash at all. With PetConnect, card payments cost about 2.2%, there's no monthly fee, approved businesses get a free card terminal and payments settle the same day.

The case for cash

Cash has no transaction fee and some clients, often long-standing ones, still prefer it. It can also be useful when a card terminal can't connect. For these reasons, many groomers accept cash as an option, even if most payments are by card.

The hidden costs of cash

Cash isn't free. It takes time to count, give change, reconcile and bank. There's a risk of theft or loss, especially for mobile groomers carrying cash in a van. Mistakes in recording cash can cause problems at tax time. Once you add these up, the cost difference between cash and card is smaller than it looks.

Record every cash payment

Cash income is taxable, and the ATO expects it to be recorded like any other income. Record each cash sale at the time, in the same system as your card payments. In PetConnect, cash and card payments are recorded at checkout, so your daily takings include both.

Card surcharges

From 1 October 2026, surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa payments are banned in Australia. Rather than adding a fee at the counter, build card costs into your prices so every client sees one price. Our post on the surcharge changes explains what to do.

Should you go card-only?

Some businesses choose to accept only cards. It simplifies the day, removes cash handling and improves security. If you consider it, tell clients clearly in advance, on your booking page and at the counter, and think about any clients who rely on cash.

Tips in cash or card

Clients who tip often like to do it at the same time as paying. Make it easy to add a tip by card, and decide how cash tips are shared. Record both, so pay and tax are handled correctly.

Mobile groomers and cash

Carrying cash on the road is a risk. If you accept it, bank it regularly and never leave it in the van overnight. Card payments at the door are generally safer and simpler.

The practical answer

For most grooming businesses, card should be the main payment method, with cash accepted as an option for clients who prefer it. Whatever the mix, record everything in one system, keep prices the same for everyone, and make paying quick and easy.

Keep a cash float

If you accept cash, keep a small float of notes and coins for change, and count it at the start and end of each day. Record any differences. Small discrepancies are normal occasionally; regular ones need looking into.

Bank cash regularly

Don't let cash build up. Bank it regularly, record each deposit and keep the receipt. The less cash on hand, the lower the risk.

Give receipts for every payment

Clients paying cash deserve a receipt as much as card clients. Sending receipts by email or SMS, whatever the payment method, keeps your records consistent and looks professional.

Think about your clients

Some clients, often older or long-standing ones, value being able to pay in cash. If you have a group of loyal cash-paying clients, keeping cash as an option is a simple way to look after them, even if most payments are by card.

Split payments

Some clients want to pay part in cash and part by card, or use a gift card with the rest on card. Your checkout should handle split payments easily and record each part correctly. It saves fiddly maths at the counter and keeps your takings accurate.

Gift cards and vouchers

Gift vouchers are popular before Christmas and for birthdays. Treat them carefully: record when they're sold and when they're used, and make sure staff know how to redeem them. Clear records prevent vouchers from being used twice and keep your income accurate.

Payments should be the easiest part of a client's visit. Make it quick, make it clear, and keep the records tidy.

If you're unsure how cash should be recorded for tax, a quick conversation with your accountant will set you on the right path from the start.

See how payments work in PetConnect on our billing and invoicing page.