During my year and three month stint at the technology
and office supplies giant, Staples, as Cashier/Sales, I got a great deal of
valuable work experience in this area. Below are my helpful hints to make your
experience in the check-out lane more pleasant no matter what time of the year
it is. [i]
99% of customers serviced are kind and have no issues
with their experience. It’s the 1% that makes the cashier job quite a
challenge. (I believe what you will read below are common concerns for most cashiers
all over the world.)
Cashiering can be monotonous in its routine, but also
a joy when a cashier makes that quick (less than a minute) all-important human
connection.
1.
A friendly smile
can go a long way in making a cashier’s day. We love you trying to connect with
us by using small talk.[ii]
It breaks up the work day, and it helps to make a quick verbal connection.
2.
Do not expect
store rules to be altered when your problem arises. Like any job, the rules are
there for a reason. They protect both of us. Horrible behavior on your part can
make this an unpleasant experience for both of us.
3.
Do not interrupt
a cashier for a “quick question” when they are with another customer. This
delays the transaction of the other patron, and could distract the cashier
enough to make an error. (You can wait in line for your turn like the rest of
the customers. At that time the cashier will give you their undivided attention.
)
4.
Do not take out
your irritation on a cashier (no matter how upset you are over the situation).
As a representative of the store you are using, they must remain polite to you
no matter how they might wish to reply to you. (If they wish to stay employed
there.) It is not a fair fight.
5.
If a cashier does
not know the answer to your problem, allow them the time (and your patience) in
getting a solution to your issue.
6.
If a patron has a
time construction, do not go shopping. The cashier has a process they are
required to follow. Tapping your fingers, looking at your watch, or demanding
the cashier move faster doesn’t aid in getting you out quicker. It irritates
the cashier, which slows down the process.
7.
If an item that
you are purchasing has a wrong price connected to the barcode, give the cashier
time to correct that in the manner their store allows. (Some stores will
empower cashiers with a discretionary dollar amount per item that does not
require manager approval.)
8.
If the cashier
does not seem as bright (and cheery) as you think they should be, who knows
what might be going on in their personal (or work) life?
9.
If you are in a
long check-out line, and see a cashier clocking out for the day in lieu of
helping you, don’t cop an attitude in your head. That cashier has worked a grueling shift in
retail, and is ready to go home. (They have a life outside of the store you are
patronizing.)
10.
If you are
purchasing goods for your company and they have a non-taxable status, you must
inform the cashier of that at the beginning of the transaction. Your word of
mouth is the only way the cashier is aware of that. (Making them aware of this
while your purchase is processing, or at the end of the transaction is too
late.)
11.
If you have a
customer service issue, be concise with your wording so the individual can
efficiently deal with your concern.
12.
If you have two
separate transactions that both require the same information (like a phone
number for a store rewards card), please do not expect the needed facts for transaction
two to be remembered a second time by the cashier.
You might be surprised how many people a cashier sees
in one day (and the amount of data being processed by them). It can be both
emotionally and physically exhausting.
13.
If you recognize
a store associate shopping in their store in street clothes (and not in
uniform), this means they are off the clock. They are not being paid to help
you. Resist the urge to confront them with a store-related question.
14.
Nothing is ruder
for a customer to be in a cell phone conversation when I am trying to
communicate to them. Please allow your cashier the courtesy to do his job with
a fully engaged patron.
15.
Read store
coupons carefully. Do not expect a cashier to accept an expired coupon, or one
that is unrelated to the purchase being made at the moment. (In this case, the
faults lie with the patron not validating their coupons.)
16.
Realize the
question and answer, “how are you?” and “I’m doing just fine” are standard
conversation clichés, and may not reflect the reality of how the cashier is
really are.
17.
When things go
awry, do your best to remain civil. The cashier not out to ruin your day. They
are human beings like you, and are deserving of your absolute respect. casual
I
hope this advice has been helpful. It the honest information you never knew you
needed. Take it, and make a difference with every cashier you come in contact
with. See how much better you feel about every purchase you make.
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