What bill denominations are best for a change fund?
Focus on $1s and $5s, keep only a few larger bills, and match coins to your price points.
Most vendors load up on singles and fives, with just a few $10s and $20s. Think 50–100 $1s and 20–30 $5s, and only a couple larger bills. Coins matter too—bring quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies to match your prices.
Tailor to what you sell
Small, low-priced items need many $1s and coins. Mid-priced items lean on $5s. If you sell $20–$50 pieces, keep a few $20s but still stock singles for odd prices or tax.
Organize and count
Count your float before opening (e.g., $100 as $40 in ones, $40 in fives, $20 in larger bills) and keep it separate so you return the same float after the event. A well-planned mix keeps checkout quick and customers happy.