Penny Shortage

Patrick Weisz
Patrick Weisz
Eighth Anniversary Facilitator 1 Kudos 1
in Blackbaud Altru® General Discussions

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.

Answers

  • Tamara Christensen
    Tamara Christensen
    Ninth Anniversary Kudos 3 Name Dropper Participant

    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
    Sophia Ceron
    Third Anniversary Name Dropper Facilitator 1 Blackbaud Certified

    I am interested in Altru's resolution as well.

  • Barbara Basten
    Barbara Basten
    Ninth Anniversary Participant Facilitator 1

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

  • Jenny Smith
    Jenny Smith
    Second Anniversary Name Dropper Facilitator 1 December 2023 Challenge: Season of Giving

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

  • Jean Kuyk
    Jean Kuyk
    Second Anniversary Kudos 1 Name Dropper Facilitator 1

    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
    Barbara Basten
    Ninth Anniversary Participant Facilitator 1

    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
    Rosita Bradham Blackbaud Employee
    Tenth Anniversary Kudos 2 Name Dropper Participant

    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!

  • Kat Robinson Grieder
    Kat Robinson Grieder
    Third Anniversary Facilitator 1

    Has there been any resolution or are there any updates on this issue?

    Thanks!

  • Patrick Weisz
    Patrick Weisz
    Eighth Anniversary Facilitator 1 Kudos 1

    I got an update yesterday that their engineers are working on the solution and hope to present that to us "soon". I don't know how soon that will be. We are looking to continue to push towards a cashless operation.

  • Joe Killian
    Joe Killian
    Third Anniversary Kudos 2 Name Dropper Facilitator 1

    I'm glad to see Altru is working with some clients to find a solution. It'd be rocking if, at the same time, they were able to add a 'round up donation' feature.

    Commenting to be in-on the loop.

  • Jean Kuyk
    Jean Kuyk
    Second Anniversary Kudos 1 Name Dropper Facilitator 1
    https://community.blackbaud.com/discussion/comment/309587#Comment_309587

    We also love the idea of adding a round Up for charity or donation to the museum feature, since the engineers will likely be adding a roundoff to the nearest nickel feature (soon, I hope)

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