Should my business go cashless to prevent the spread of Covid-19?

If the TV didn’t tell you, the newspaper would have done. But, even if you’d stopped reading the dread-soaked headlines or tuning into the alarming radio broadcasts, the dwindling footfall will soon tell you everything you need to know.

Covid-19 is here, and it means business. But what does that mean, exactly, for your business?

With the government still refraining from unleashing its strictest measures, businesses across London and beyond are continuing to persevere. For now, we’re left with that central, golden nugget of advice – keep washing your hands. 

So, as Covid-19 tightens its grip on the UK, how can British businesses respond? How can you proof your cafe, bar, restaurant, retail store, or pub against the present pandemic, while also proofing it for the uncertainties of the future?

By going cashless, that’s how. But is transitioning away from cash payments right for your business? 

Let’s find out.

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<>Is running a cashless business recommended for preventing the spread of coronavirus?</>Yes. Yes, it is. Well, according to the World Health Organisation, anyway, which has allegedly already singled out the role of banknotes in spreading bacteria and viruses. The Bank of England agrees, as do China and Korea, which have both been disinfecting their notes since last month. 

It makes sense. Covid-19 can stick to surfaces for hours, even days. So, as a well-handled and widely distributed commodity, cash is up there with doorknobs and public transport as being hotspots for the coronavirus. As one doctor puts it,

Is it that simple, though? Perhaps not. WHO spokesperson Fadela Chaib later went on record denying the organisation had ever suggested a link between cash and the spread of Covid-19. What gives?

So using cash in cafes or restaurants should be fine, then, right? When it comes to paying for the food, at least; you’ll just need to wash your hands before you put it in your mouth.

Regardless of which side of the argument you choose to believe, many small UK businesses have already made their choice. Particularly in the capital, more and more businesses are closing their doors to cash.

Whether you do it because of the threat of a deadly virus or not, the chances are that, sooner or later, your business will be going cashless. Why?

Because the UK is.

Debit cards overtook cash as the UK’s favourite way to pay well over a year ago, and experts predict we could see the back of cash as early as 2030. Plus, the meteoric rise of mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay attest to the increasing popularity of alternative payment methods. 

Basically, if you’re not taking cashless payments now, you should be. But how?

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<>Cashless for coronavirus: it’s your decision</>Covid-19. No-one wants to think about it, or about its consequences for the world. 

But the truth is, it’s set to put the squeeze on UK businesses for the next few weeks, if not months. And, whichever side you take regarding cash’s role in the virus’ spread, you’ll need to prepare for a cashless society – whether that’s by 2020, or 2030.

That said, you won’t have to go completely cashless just yet. But, when card readers have never been easier to apply for, simpler to use, or cheaper to maintain, accepting card payments isn’t just smart for public health – it’s a business decision that makes a lot of sense.

And, whatever you do, make sure you’re using all the tools at your disposal to keep your customers in the loop. Put health, safety, and your staff and patrons first. And when the world does beat coronavirus? You’ll have a more resilient, versatile, and future-proof business to wow it with.