Penny Shortage

Patrick Weisz

Has anyone heard anything from Blackbaud on what software updates they are going to make when the penny shortage hits in the coming months? I know many organizations are going to either be rounding (up or down) to the nearest nickel, but that needs to be done within the software. If we are relying on cashiers to do that math in their heads that is going to cause a lot of issues with mistakes and over/short drawers.

I am curious how Blackbaud/Altru plans to handle this but I cannot get any answers from them.

Tamara Christensen

Hi Patrick, This is a great question! We were talking about this the other day and wondering what the plan is. Thanks for being proactive and asking this! Thanks, Tamara

Sophia Ceron

I am interested in Altru's resolution as well.

Barbara Basten

I will also need the protocol soon for our policies and procedures.

Jenny Smith

Since Blackbaud is always 20 years behind what we need, what is everyone's process in the meantime?

Jean Kuyk

We're also talking about this. We could try to avoid dealing with pennies by changing merchandise prices to work out to an even amount when sales tax is added, but we give a member discount, so it's not going to work consistently. We have a lot of small items in our giftshop, so this would be a lot of admin work that we really shouldn't have to do. Altru Sales needs a button added to round off to the nearest nickel.

Barbara Basten

This also needs to be a priority for our business as well. We have to have protocols approved by our County government for things like this, so having Altru determine a solution will help in getting the policy approved.

Rosita Bradham

Happy New Year, Everyone! 🎉

We’re actively reviewing the upcoming penny shortage and want to make sure you’re prepared. Here’s what you can do right now:

✅ Check your current pricing and make adjustments so you’re not stuck dealing with pennies.
✅ Share your feedback with your Customer Success Manager—we want to hear how you’d like us to handle this change!

We’re exploring options like rounding to the nearest nickel:

• If a total ends in 1, 2, 6, or 7, it will round down to the nearest nickel.
• If it ends in 3, 4, 8, or 9, it will round up to the nearest nickel.

Your input is critical! Specifically, we’d love your thoughts on:

• How should refunds be handled for transactions that weren’t rounded?
• Do you need visibility into the total amount rounded up or down? Why is this important?
• Are there any reporting requirements we should keep in mind?

Let’s work together to make this transition smooth and simple. Drop your ideas below or reach out directly—we’re listening!

Patrick Weisz

Hi all,

Altru has asked me to have a call with their software team to discuss needs for this penny shortage issue. For us at Tulsa Zoo, I am going to ask them to create a solution in the software that rounds all cash transactions down to the nearest $0.05.

With that said, I have always wanted a much more user friendly way to "round up" on all transactions for cashiers. Whether for a capital fund or for a conservation fund, a simple round up feature can be great for fundraising for our organizations.

I am not sure when the call will be scheduled, but if you have any other items you would like to me ask, please comment here or email me at pweisz@tulsazoo.org and I will compile the commons questions and see if I can get more information for the group.

thanks!

Pat Weisz

VP of Guest Experience

Tulsa Zoo