Abstract
Sari-sari stores are among the most common microenterprises in the Philippines, operating primarily through daily cash transactions and limited capital. Because these small retail businesses rely heavily on cash, proper cash handling practices play a vital role in maintaining financial stability and sustainability. This study examined the relationship between cash handling practices and perceived business performance of sari-sari store owners in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City. The study used a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design. Data were collected from 30 purposively selected sari-sari store owners through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data and determine the relationship between variables. Findings revealed that respondents generally agreed that they practice proper cash handling in terms of recording, monitoring, and safekeeping. In terms of business performance, respondents perceived moderate profitability, stable sales, and consistent customer retention. The overall weighted mean scores imply that basic financial management practices have been adopted into the day-to-day operations of respondents consistently. The majority of store owners indicated that they monitor their cash transactions to prevent shortages and maintain enough working capital. The data also indicate that structured logging and tracking of cash assist store owners in compliance with inventory restocking and daily spending more appropriately. This indicates that although sari-sari stores use capital for their business, proper cash management practices are associated with operational stability and perceived business performance. Findings revealed that respondents generally agreed that they practice proper cash handling in terms of recording, monitoring, and safekeeping. In terms of business performance, respondents perceived moderate profitability, stable sales, and consistent customer retention. The results showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between cash handling practices and perceived business performance. The study concludes that strengthening financial discipline and improving cash management practices may support the sustainability and overall performance of sari-sari stores.
