A Dad’s Cashless Back-to-School Shopping Experience Using Coins.ph

Back-to-School, Minus the Cash Envelope!

Every school year starts the same way in our house: a handwritten list taped to the refrigerator, reminders from the kids, and me trying to figure out how school supplies somehow cost more every single year.

We usually buy the basic school supplies for the kids ahead of the pack to avoid the mammoth crowd during the school opening rush and have the right amount of time to choose better options. Come the actual school opening we just have to buy the lacking items.

This year, though, I decided to do one thing differently.

Instead of bringing a thick envelop full of cash while shopping for notebooks, crayons, yellow pads, and art materials, I used Coins.ph and paid through the Scan QR Ph feature.

And honestly? It made the entire experience smoother than I expected.

The Annual “Dad, We Still Need One More Notebook” Trip

It was a Saturday afternoon in Cebu City, and the mall was packed with parents like me doing the same back-to-school preparations. My two kids were excited, skimming from one aisle to another.

“Dad, I need intermediate pad.”

“Dad, my teacher might require us colored folders.”

“Dad, can I get the bigger watercolor set?”

The shopping cart kept getting fuller.

Usually, this is the part where I start mentally computing if the cash in my wallet is enough. I’ve had moments before where I had to line up at an ATM because I underestimated the total bill.

This time, I skipped the stress completely.

Why I Chose to Go Cashless

I already had the Coins.ph app on my phone because I use it for bills and mobile load. But I recently noticed that more stores now accept QRPh payments.

That meant I could pay directly from my phone without carrying large amounts of cash.

No counting bills.

No looking for change.

No worrying about misplaced receipts inside my pocket.

Just scan and pay.

How I Paid Using Coins.ph Scan QR

When we reached the cashier, the staff asked:

“Cash or QR?”

I smiled and said, “QR.”

Here’s exactly how I used the Scan QR feature step by step.

Step 1: Open the Coins.ph App

While the cashier was scanning our items, I opened the Coins.ph app on my phone.

On the home screen, I tapped the Pay button.

The app immediately opened the camera scanner.

Step 2: Scan the QRPH Code

The cashier pointed to the store’s QRPh code stand near the counter.

I simply aimed my phone camera at the QRPh code.

Within seconds, the merchant details and blank payment form appeared on my screen.

I liked how fast it recognized the QRPh code without needing to type anything manually.

Step 3: Enter the Payment Amount

The cashier told me the total amount for all the school supplies.

I entered the exact amount into the app, tap confirm.

Coins.ph actually allows you to Select which Payment Assets you want to use in the transaction.

For mine I use PHP asset, other options include USDC and USDT.

Coins.ph app will automatically handles the conversion if you choose the latter.

Before proceeding, I double-checked the correct asset and amount.

Everything looked correct.

Step 4: Confirm the Payment

I tapped “Continue” and reviewed the transaction summary one more time:

• Amount
• Selected asset
• Merchant details
• Conversion information

After a careful review everything, I selected:

“Confirm Convert & Pay.”

Then I pressed “Confirm.”

The app processed the payment swiftly.

Step 5: Wait for the Payment Confirmation

A successful payment screen appeared on my phone.

At the same time, the cashier’s terminal confirmed the transaction too.

That was it.

Payment completed.

No cash handed over.

No waiting for change.

No accidental shortage panic.

The Small Moment That Made Me Smile

As we packed the supplies into reusable bags, my youngest looked at me and asked:

“Dad, you didn’t use money?”

I laughed and showed him my phone.

“This is money too now.”

For kids growing up today, digital payments will probably feel normal. But for me, there’s still something satisfying about seeing how convenient everyday errands have become.

Since we didn't have too much hassle time buying school supplies in advance, we have extra time to stroll at the nearby night market. We got refreshing drinks from local vendors using of course Coins.ph scan QRPh feature :)

Especially during hectic back-to-school season.

What I Personally Liked About Using Coins.ph QR Payments

After that shopping trip, a few things really stood out to me:

1. I didn’t need to carry a bulky wallet
2. Transactions were quick even with long cashier lines
3. Exact payments meant no loose coins piling up
4. I could immediately track the expense inside the app
5. It felt safer than carrying a lot of cash in a crowded mall

As a parent juggling school expenses, convenience matters more than ever.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school shopping will probably always be chaotic.

There will always be forgotten items, sudden add-ons, and kids changing their minds in the middle of the aisle.

But at least paying became one less thing to worry about.

Using the Coins.ph Scan QR feature turned what used to be a stressful checkout experience into something fast and simple.

And for a dad carrying armfuls of notebooks and art paper while keeping two excited kids together in a crowded store — that convenience goes a long way.