I’ve been working as a cashier for two months at the Base Exchange and i thought it would be fun to share sort of a rant post, because who doesn’t need to get things off their chest once in a while. I always thought that i could never be a cashier. Why? Well i’m not the best at math (lol!) and i just couldn’t picture myself standing behind a register for hours, saying the same things over and over again; but here i am. I did not know it was a cashier position when i applied but i decided to go ahead and interview for the job because they aren’t easy to come by here and well.. let’s face it, it paid.
Here are just a few things you should take into consideration when checking out of a store..
1. When the cashier greets you with a smile and a ‘hello’, even if you’re in the worst mood just fake a smile and say ‘hi’. There’s nothing worse than a customer who won’t even look at you or acknowledge you’re there while you are giving them a service.
2. You know those annoying questions cashiers ask? Well let’s just say they don’t want to ask them as much as you don’t want to hear them; but they do not have a choice. It’s part of the job.
3. When an item doesn’t have a tag, don’t take it out on the poor cashier, it’s not their fault. When they call another associate to help and it takes forever, don’t take it out on the poor cashier, they can’t just leave the register unattended. If it pisses you off, calm down, it’s not the end of the world.
4. When you have over a million items on your cart, do not try to fit them all on the counter, give the cashier some time to scan/bag your items. Especially if he/she are trying to organize things for you in separate bags. You are not helping.
5. If you have coupons give them to the cashier as soon as he/she starts ringing up your items. Do not wait until the last minute because in some systems (like the one i work with) you have to scan/punch coupons right after each item. Be thoughtful.
6. If you are paying with your credit card, you know you have to show your ID. Just do it. That means one less question the cashier has to ask you.
7. If they make a mistake, please remember we’re all humans. Don’t take your frustration out on them.
8. Be nice to the cashier. They are people too and let’s face it their job sucks, so if you can, try and make their day; tell a joke, ask them about their day, or just smile. Customers like you keep them going (trust me).
Q: Have you ever been a cashier? Is there anything you would add?