A depository safe box (often called a drop safe or skimming safe) is the first line of defense against armed robbery and internal shrinkage. Unlike a standard home safe, a drop safe features a one-way deposit mechanism. Once items are dropped into the hopper or slot, they fall into a locked storage compartment that can only be opened by authorized managers or armored car personnel.

When selecting a cash drop box, the most critical factor is the "drop mechanism." This determines how easily items can be deposited and how secure they are against "fishing" attempts (using a wire to pull cash back out).

Types of Drop Safe Mechanisms
Front-Loading Hopper (Mailbox Style): This is the most common style for a commercial drop safe. It functions like a USPS mailbox—you pull a handle down, place the cash bag inside, and close it to drop the contents. These are excellent for dropping larger cash bags and envelopes. They utilize jagged "anti-fish" baffles to prevent retrieval.

Rotary Hopper (Drum Style): widely considered the most secure design against fishing attacks. The user places cash or drops into an open slot in a drum, then rotates a handle to spin the drum 180 degrees, dropping the contents into the safe. This design completely seals off the bottom compartment from the top.

Deposit Slot / Letter Drop: These are often found on under-counter safes. They feature a simple thin slot, sized for envelopes or bills. While convenient for quick "skimming" at a register, they are generally best for lower volumes of cash or checks.

Through-the-Wall Drop Boxes: These units feature a chute that passes through a wall, allowing deposits to be made from the exterior of a building (or an adjacent room) into a secure safe on the inside. These are popular for rent payments and night drops.

Understanding Burglary Ratings
Most of the depository safes at SafesAndMore carry a B-Rate construction classification. This is the industry standard for commercial environments.

B-Rate Construction: Features a minimum of a 1/2-inch solid steel door and a 1/4-inch solid steel body.

Lock Protection: Look for units equipped with drill-resistant hard plates and relockers (devices that permanently lock the safe bolts if the lock is tampered with).

Ideal Use Cases for Drop Safes
Retail & Convenience: Minimizes the amount of cash in the register ("skimming"), reducing the temptation for robbery.

Property Management: Allows tenants to securely drop keys or rent checks into a secure drop box after hours.

Restaurants & Bars: Servers can deposit their banks at the end of a shift into a secure money drop box without a manager present.

Whether you are looking for a compact Mesa under-counter safe or a large double-door Hollon depository safe, we have the inventory to secure your assets.