Cashier Rant

So as a young struggling adult I found myself needing some additional income.  Unfortunately my artwork has brought in little coin so I was forced to head out and get a 2nd job!  Given my availability I didn't have many options.  I'm not certified in anything and jobs such as doctor's office receptionist now require certifications at most places so they don't have to deal with training. 

So reviewing my options the only thing I figured I could get into was working at a store.  I still kept some standards and refuse to do fast food.  Ideally I would have liked to work in a clothing store so I could get a nice discount on developing my wardrobe.  However I've ended up in a chain store cashiering.  I must admit that I like this store better than the previous store I worked for.  The management here is so much better and don't make me dread going to put in 5 hours after I've already done 8 hours at my main job.

There is one thing however that remains the same...CUSTOMERS.  Some customers are a dream!  They are so friendly, helpful and efficient that I can't help but smile and thank them along with any price adjustments they may advise me of.  But then there are those customers that make me wish I had been smarter with the path I choose to lead myself down.  So I decided to put together a list of things to think about for the next time you visit a cashier, which due to our consumer lifestyles in this country it is quite often!

Without further ado:

1. Reply to the cashiers greeting.  As a cashier we speak to 100 people or more a day, we are tired of saying hello but we still do it and it would be nice for you to reply.
2. Space.  Be aware of the customer in front of you and don’t crowd them or the payment tablet.
3. Reusable bags.  This should be the first thing you give me.  Don’t allow me to pack 3 bags and then say ‘oh I have reusable bags’
4. Go backs. It is ok to change your mind about a product but try to limit how many items you pick up and then decide not to get.  You shouldn’t be returning half your items to me.
5. Clearance.  Expect that items are priced as marked.  Other customers may have put the item in the 75% off section; sorry about that but there is nothing we can do about that.  There are also price scanners throughout most stores.
6. Sales.  Sometimes you have to buy a certain number of items to get a discount or one free or whatever. Be sure to read the sign carefully.  As a cashier I don’t know every sale.  If you read the sign you can follow it correctly and save us all the time and the hassle.
7. Packing your cart.  At most stores customers put their own bags into the carts.  At all the stores I have worked in there is very limited amount of space.  Once you are done loading the belt and you are the current customer take your cart to the end and start putting the bags into your cart as to not delay the cashier with ringing your items.
8. Coupons.  Don’t put coupons on the individual items.  Give them to me before or after, let me know you have them and don’t swipe your credit card before giving me coupons.
9. Payment.  If you are done loading pull out your wallet.  Have your card ready or your coin purse out if you are they type of person who wants to give exact change. 
10. Declined credit cards. Cashiers only know that the card was declined. I don’t know why. I don’t know your limit. I don’t know anything other than that it was declined.
11. Product questions should be asked to the sales floor team.  They have the tools to see if there is more stock.  They can also check other stores.  They can also tell you about the product and help you decide if it is best for you.  As a cashier I have no visibility to what is in stock or the other items we carry that are similar nor can I check another location.
12. Get off your phone!  Its rude.  I can't greet you.  I can't ask you bagging instructions.  I can't tell you your total.  If I ask all these things and ignore that you are on the phone I feel rude and that is very rude of you to make me feel rude!
13. Take the ear buds out.  See number 12!
14. Control your children.  I don't mean their crying because I understand that is sometime uncontrollable.  You can however stop them from climbing on everything.  Stop them from pulling items off the shelf.  Stop them from pounding on the pay machine.  I love kids I don't want to sound mean.  But I hate telling other peoples kids not to do something!
15. Know that sometimes your attitude reflects on the cashier.  We have to deal with so many different people and attitudes.  One person wants the bags packed while another wants one item per bag while another person wants no bags.  If you have a special request just let us know nicely and we will oblige.  And be nice just for the heck of it!

After all that I will conclude with knowing that I am a nice person/cashier.  There are cashiers who hate their job and don't want to be there.  Your attitude can change that.  For some they are just grumps! (I hate grumps)  The best remedy I've found for grumps is to kill them with kindness.

I do hope you will consider some of this.  Even if you just pick one and start to work on it.

Thank you!