Many customers might be surprised to learn that drop safes and deposit safes are among the most popular types of safes in the industry, rivaling S1-rated gun cabinets. So, why are drop safes in such high demand? The answer is straightforward: many people are unaware of how many organizations require a drop-in safe. This article will explain what drop safes are and their uses.
How Do Drop Safes Function?
Drop safes, also known as slot or deposit safes, allow for the secure and convenient deposit of items—usually cash or important documents—without needing to open the entire safe. The concept is similar to that of a mailbox.
A drop safe features specially designed openings, which can be a hinged flap or a telescopic drawer, allowing users to insert deposits that then fall into a secure compartment. Access to this compartment is protected by the main door of the safe.
To retrieve the contents, either a key lock (less common) or an electronic lock is used, accessible only to authorized individuals.
Who Requires a Drop Safe?
Drop safes are commonly found across various businesses, primarily for securely storing cash. Typical users include:
- Retail Stores and Cash Registers: Even as cashless transactions rise, many shops still handle cash daily.
- Gas Stations: Safes are used for securely storing circulating cash.
- Bars and Restaurants: Many customers continue to prefer cash payments.
- Hotels: Regulations require hotels with three stars or more to have safes, and drop safes are particularly beneficial for securing cash and valuables.
The key advantage of drop safes is their ability to safeguard contents amidst high employee turnover. Authorized personnel can access the main door while any staff member can deposit cash or documents, minimizing opportunities for theft.
Types of Drop Safes
There’s a wide variety of drop safes available, tailored to different needs, including:
- Drop Lid Safes: Compact and commonly purchased, these can be installed in various locations, like furniture or countertops.
- Drop Boxes: Small boxes secured with a key, designed to hold a nylon bag for cash, which can be retrieved at the end of the day.
- Deposit Safes: Used mainly in hotels, medical facilities, and prisons for securing non-cash deposits.
- Safety Deposit Boxes: Found in hotels, these require two keys—one for the customer and one for staff—to access.
- Locks: Part of the infrastructure, used to securely transfer deposits between rooms in places like banks.
Choosing Security Classes
Drop safes adhere to security classifications similar to other safes. The level of burglary resistance should correspond to the value of the items stored, ranging from basic drop safes for smaller amounts to larger safes capable of securing hundreds of thousands.
Light safes or cashier safes rated S1 or S2 are suitable for retail and hotel use, while heavier safes with higher burglary resistance classes are better for securing significant monetary values.
Conclusion
Drop safes are a practical and versatile solution, but with so many options available, choosing the right one can require careful consideration. If you have questions, do contact Finloyd & our team of proffessionals are more then ready to assist you.
