Banking is crucial for any business to thrive and even more important for spaza shops. Most spaza shop owners run cash businesses so they need to make regular cash deposits. Whether it is made at an ATM or inside the bank, it must be done safely. Follow these tips to make sure you don't lose your hard-earned cash:

Banking is crucial for any business to thrive and even more important for spaza shops. Most spaza shop owners run cash businesses so they need to make regular cash deposits. Whether it is made at an ATM or inside the bank, it must be done safely. Follow these tips to make sure you don't lose your hard-earned cash:

l When using an ATM, make sure you are familiar with the way it is used. Choose one that is not isolated and is in a well-lit area. Don't use ATMs that expose you to the danger of being mugged;

l Don't use the ATM if there are suspicious-looking people around or if it looks or feels unsafe to do so. Look for another ATM where there are many people;

l Don't open your purse, bag or wallet while in the ATM queue. Have your card in your hand before you approach the ATM;

l Do not accept help from strangers. Criminals work in teams. One may distract you while the other steals your card or money. If in trouble, you must look for a security guard to assist rather than ask for help from strangers. Most banks have security guards in the vicinity of their ATMs;

l Don't allow anyone standing behind you to watch you enter your PIN number.

Never disclose your PIN number to anyone, not even to the bank or the police.

Cover the PIN pad with one hand while entering the pin to avoid the number being seen by the person behind you;

l If you suspect the ATM is not functioning properly, cancel the transaction and go to another ATM;

l Do not leave your receipts or transaction records at the ATM.

If you do your spaza shop's banking inside the bank, you must:l Avoid collecting or depositing large amounts of cash. If this cannot be avoided, make special arrangements with the bank;

l Make sure as few people as possible know about your movements;

l Watch out for people following you to or from the bank;

l When filling in a deposit or withdrawal slip, do not be distracted, and keep the information from prying eyes;

l Do not accept help from anyone unless it is a staff member with positive identification;

l Before leaving the teller, hide your money. Don't carry cash in obvious bags or containers.