Tips From a Cashier/Cashier Rant

TK266

As a former grocery store clerk (8 years with a major chain) I can understand some of your frustration at having to deal with the same annoying issues day in and day out, but that is part of the job. In most cases it is not the same person causing the same problem or asking the same question. As customer service job, like being a checker, give you the chance to improve your interpersonal skills, learn more about human nature and be ready to handle a wide variety of situations.

While it would be nice if everyone was a perfect customer and never caused any problems, that is not the world in which we all live. It is your job to try to the best of your ability to make sure the customer has a good shopping experience and hopefully will come back to the store and shop again.

p.s. I was always a cashier or night crew, never in management.
p.s.s. sorry this issue is a pet peeve of mine.

beckajw

We all have jobs to do. We all probably have times when we don't like our jobs. But those customers you complain about don't owe anything to you. If it wasn't for them, you wouldn't have a job at all. So, be a little appreciative of people who spend money at your store--whether or not they are nice to you.

This pisses me off to no end. "if it wasn't for us you wouldn't.have as job" mentality. It may be true but just because I work at a job you deem low and unimportant does not mean I should be treated like a second class citizen. Not directed at you btw.

But I work at a bank as a financial service rep. And that comes with its own head aches. All I ask is do not repeatedly overdraw your account every month then yell at me when you get 750 bucks in overdraft fees. And ask me to refund your fees every single time. We have at least 5 different ways to moniter your account. Pick one and look to see if you have the money before you swipe your card or write that check.

Who cares if it pisses you off? It's the truth. The constant whining about your job is the problem with people today. Yes, I think everyone should be treated with respect. I do treat cashiers, and everyone else I deal with with respect. However, the fact that someone walks into your workplace and is having a bad day and treats you badly is not a reason for you to treat them badly, i.e. dropping their change. You are getting paid to treat them well. They are paying you to treat them well.

If you don't want to deal with people, find a non-customer service job.

treetop57

The constant whining about your job is the problem with people today.

No. The problem with people today is the constant whining about what people write on message boards.

rml_16

Geesh. Heaven forbid we vent in a safe place. Maybe we should all bottle it up until we all have some nice nervous breakdowns ...

Ayeshat

The bar I work in is in a train station and it really pisses me off when people wait until they have 2 minutes until they have to catch a train and start rushing me at the cash register... Fine ur in a hurry, but don't get snappy at me like i'm causing u to be late.
And there is not one person in this world that does not whine about something... We still do our jobs so whats the problem

Skeemer118

A few points from a former cashier:

1st, about not asking the cashier where stuff is.. They ask you for a reason. More often than not, they couldn't find anyone on the floor. The least you could do is attempt, or call a floor person. It's not hard.

2nd: About putting things properly on the conveyor belt.. Not everyone got the same training you did. Not everyone knows that cans go with cans, etc. That's your job. That's what you're there for.

3rd: If someone puts the money on the counter instead of handing it to you.. Put their change on the counter in return. Don't be a *****. Don't drop their change. They might have a phobia and not only are you activating it, but you're also being rude.

4th: Yeah, couponers are hard to deal with.. But the store/manufacturer put out those coupons, and it's your job to stand there and ring them up. Deal with it.

Just a general.. If you're nice to the customer, they're generally nice to you. I've had *****y people, I've been treated like ****, I've had two women on Black Friday get into an arguement and calling eachother *****es and horrible parents AT my register. It comes with the territory. If you don't like the service industry, quit and get a different job.

Edit: And for some things that bad cashiers do:

1: Don't talk to your friends/coworkers while I'm at your register. Don't shout "AAAAAAASHLEEYYYYYYYYY!!!!" and wave when your friend walks in the store. It's obnoxious. It's unprofessional. You're working. Work.

2: I'm nice to you.. the least you could do is be nice to me. I know you're working and you're tired.. But when I'm chipper and smile and ask you how your day is.. don't grumble and shrug. Don't silently stuff my change into my hand and mumble your required "Thank you have a nice day". You get what you give.

:drinker:

kidakiwi04

We all have jobs to do. We all probably have times when we don't like our jobs. But those customers you complain about don't owe anything to you. If it wasn't for them, you wouldn't have a job at all. So, be a little appreciative of people who spend money at your store--whether or not they are nice to you.

This pisses me off to no end. "if it wasn't for us you wouldn't.have as job" mentality. It may be true but just because I work at a job you deem low and unimportant does not mean I should be treated like a second class citizen. Not directed at you btw.

But I work at a bank as a financial service rep. And that comes with its own head aches. All I ask is do not repeatedly overdraw your account every month then yell at me when you get 750 bucks in overdraft fees. And ask me to refund your fees every single time. We have at least 5 different ways to moniter your account. Pick one and look to see if you have the money before you swipe your card or write that check.

Who cares if it pisses you off? It's the truth. The constant whining about your job is the problem with people today. Yes, I think everyone should be treated with respect. I do treat cashiers, and everyone else I deal with with respect. However, the fact that someone walks into your workplace and is having a bad day and treats you badly is not a reason for you to treat them badly, i.e. dropping their change. You are getting paid to treat them well. They are paying you to treat them well.

If you don't want to deal with people, find a non-customer service job.

Do you want a cookie?

I don't care if you've had a craptastic day, you should still treat everyone with common courtesy and decency. But where I was getting at just because it's my job to be nice to you, doesn't mean that you should act all high and mighty like your **** dont stink. Common decency and courtesy how hard is that?

btw 'you' in this instance does NOT mean you personally, just people who assume I'm a second class citizen because I work a retail job.

:flowerforyou: :laugh: :drinker:

jilltaylor86

I get the feeling that the people saying "don't like your job? quit" or "it's your fault we act this way" are the *kitten* customers who think they are entitled to everything under the sun.

catshark209

I get the feeling that the people saying "don't like your job? quit" or "it's your fault we act this way" are the *kitten* customers who think they are entitled to everything under the sun.

YUP!

Kandy4mel

I think everyone should have to work in some kind of service job once in their lives. I use to work as a cashier and a waitress. It has made me a much better consumer.

Amen!!! I agree completely!

kaeelle

For example, someone said don't leave the items in the hand-basket. I didn't know that. I thought leaving the items in the basket made it easier on them but just this week when I did that I noticed the cashier unpacked the basket first. Now I know why and I'll be sure to unpack my basket after putting the divider down first.



I try to be polite but not engage them in a conversation. I figure they just want to do their job. At the same time though I don't care for the few that try to engage me in a discussion about things I'm buying.

----

The basket thing is only difficult if your cashier is sorta on the short side. The basket, when placed on a belt, comes up to my face, lol. And I can't reach into it. It's awkward.

And I definitely try to engage EVERYONE in conversation. It makes my 8 hour day in one spot go oh, so much faster. I understand that some people may not feel the same... but I personally enjoy it.

I've never dropped a customers change on the belt, even if they do it to me. I also bag things the way they want them bagged, or the way I'd want them bagged myself if they have no preference. Colds with colds, not overloaded bags, etc.

I enjoy cashiering though. Even through the crazy folks. Which, there is an abundance of.

christine24t

*Don't hit on me, especially after you've been staring at my boobs. Especially since I look 15 and you're definitely older than thirty.

It gets worse when you're a student nurse, trust me. But I totally feel your pain with this one!!

YES! Yesterday a patient hit on me...so awkward.

phoenixoncemore

For example, someone said don't leave the items in the hand-basket. I didn't know that. I thought leaving the items in the basket made it easier on them but just this week when I did that I noticed the cashier unpacked the basket first. Now I know why and I'll be sure to unpack my basket after putting the divider down first.



I try to be polite but not engage them in a conversation. I figure they just want to do their job. At the same time though I don't care for the few that try to engage me in a discussion about things I'm buying.

----

The basket thing is only difficult if your cashier is sorta on the short side. The basket, when placed on a belt, comes up to my face, lol. And I can't reach into it. It's awkward.

And I definitely try to engage EVERYONE in conversation. It makes my 8 hour day in one spot go oh, so much faster. I understand that some people may not feel the same... but I personally enjoy it.

I've never dropped a customers change on the belt, even if they do it to me. I also bag things the way they want them bagged, or the way I'd want them bagged myself if they have no preference. Colds with colds, not overloaded bags, etc.

I enjoy cashiering though. Even through the crazy folks. Which, there is an abundance of.

True, I'm only 5'4 and the basket on the conveyor came up so high I couldn't reach in. The other thing is in the store I used to work in the conveyor is automatic, so the second I moved the basket to unpack it the conveyor zipped up to the bar and left no room before the next persons shopping. So then I had to hold the heavy basket of goods in one hand and scan with the other, which isn't as easy as it sounds on a checkout with barely enough room to fit a cash drawer in. Also I couldn't pack at the same time so if the customer wanted the items packed I'd have to do it after. This holds the queue up and wrecks the timings of the person serving. Most stores monitor their cashiers times, there's a black box underneath that tells them how long they take, how many voids etc. That's also why most cashiers don't like voiding off goods when customers change their minds. It logs it and if they have more than, I think about 5 usually, they can get disciplined for it.

The change thing, if they put the change on the counter so did I. However, that was on advice from management - not rudeness! Apparently some cultures don't do touching other peoples hands (also germ-phobes), so to avoid offending these people I was told to take my lead from the customer.

As a customer I quite like talking to cashiers, but I don't get upset if they don't engage me in conversation. For me it's like seeing a stranger in the street, if they talk then I'll talk to them but if they don't want to converse then that's fine too. I had a conversation with the checkout girl in my local supermarket last week when my other half was buying Ben and Jerrys and she was telling us about another brand that they sell and how much she likes it - we are going to try that one next after such a glowing review!

I think people can be far too sensitive these days! We are all just people! :flowerforyou:

DLDzioba

My biggest pet peeve about working the cash register is people downright refuse to actually hand you their money/card. The put it on the counter even if you've got your hand out to take it. Some of them even toss it down/at you.

Also, if I ask you a question relating to your order ANSWER IT!!!! (Bonus: Is this for here or to go is not a yes or no question.)

TheFearThatGaveMeWings

Okay I want to hit on a few points that were directed at me during the thread.

Firstly,
I realize customer service probably isn't my line of work but I needed a job to pay for college, not to mention I was extremely friendly and helpful to customers and constantly getting good comment cards. Ranting is for later when their not around.


Secondly,
I understand that some of y'all are concerned about my GW, but that is not the point of this thread and I realize it's an issue.


Thirdly,
To the women who said she doesn't speak to 'the help', without us, you'd have nothing because no retail stores or ANYTHING would be able to stay open. If you can't stand talking to us, do online shopping, because that was an extremely RUDE comment and nobody appreciates that sort of attitude. It's snobby.

TheFearThatGaveMeWings

A few more tips that I just remembered: =]




*It would be awesome if customers would unload their hand-held baskets on the conveyor belt instead of me having to stand on my tipy-toes to reach inside and unload it by hand.



*If you saw an item for cheaper elsewhere, don't ask me to discount our item to lower than our competitors. That's not how it works.


*It's weird when you look at my nametag and use my name. I don't know you...


*If you're trying to buy alcohol and you don't have your ID on you, I can't sell it no matter how pissed off you get. Our screen locks until we enter in a birthday, not only that but our security manager zooms in on us to make sure we're looking at an ID. If we don't, we could not only lose our job, but be fined and no-longer able to sell alcohol anywhere! Our job is not worth your night of drinking!


*When you hop into my lane as I'm about to close, don't get pissy and tell me to 'just ring you up it'll only take a second' because no, it won't. If I do this for you, I have to do it for other customers not to mention, if I take to long to clock out for lunch or just to clock out period, I get in trouble.


*If you're buying laxatives, ect, ect, I don't need to know why.. Please do not go into detail about how constipated you are.. Ick

Amy_nz

I worked in a little supermarket for three years while studying at university.

Mostly it was good. I'd never do retail again, but my boss was great and the locals were fantastic. But I didn't much like the lady who would come in two minutes before closing and ask for a milkshake (that had to be made from scratch). (I sometimes lied and told her the machine was broken.) And I didn't like the lottery man who would spend a hundred dollars a week on lotto and then call me a b*tch every week when he didn't win.

But what did I like about it?

I liked meeting and getting to know an enormous range of people from quite a funky part of town. Everything from Lord of the Rings assistant editors to unemployed junkies. (And occasionally actors who were know nationally and/or internationally - it's a bohemian part of town and is the place to be seen.)

I LOVED my bosses - two Indian brothers. They were hilarious, they were great employers, and they really kept an eye out for us. And every summer I'd go home for two months and come back to any shift I wanted, they were so understanding of my schedule.

Now I appreciate the stress-free element. I used to finish my shift and not worry - I'd go home and get on with things. Now I finish my workday and go home and worry about it.

Oooh, and also the unplanned entertaining moments. The chap who bought catfood, straws, white toast bread and condoms, for example. would love to see how his day panned out! Or the 40 yr old that shoplifted an R18 magazine. That's pretty sad (and entertaining in a 'I'll never be that sad' way.) I saw him do it, and I challenged him, but ultimately I wanted him out rather than confront him about his pornographic issues.

Didn't like being on national TV for selling alcohol to minors though. Ooops.

Edited to add that the thing about not handing you the cash directly, and putting it on the counter instead? It may just be a cultural issue - I lived in Japan for a few years where putting cash into someone's hand would have been a god-awful thing to do. You put it into an intermediary spot - be it a little tray or a counter or whatever - they might actually be trying to be polite.

Italian_Buju

Extreme coupon'ers.. We hate you. I realize you save a boatload of cash but you don't need thirty things of mayo and I don't want to sit here for an hour reading all your coupons to make sure you're within the coupon rules.

How do you know how much mayo (or any other item) I need? I am a couponer, and an ad matcher...every week, I head into my local Wal-mart to do groceries, armed with a handful of other store ads, and my coupon binder. I feed a large family, and actually send a crate overseas a couple times of year of food, cleaning products and personal hygine items. If I see something that I use regularly, or can send overseas that can last several months, bloody right I am gonna buy as many as I can for near free. It would be stupid of me not to. And for the amount of money I can save (I would say, about $100 a week), I am gonna do it. Unless, of course, you wanna give me that in cash, then I will not need to. You never know what someone is doing with those items, or why they are needed. And, I hate to break it to you, but you are working either way, so what difference does it make what you are doing with that time. I have a few cashiers that I will choose if they are working, when they see me coming with my two overloaded carts, they will normally turn thier lights out and close down while I check out. And, they all agree, its better to serve one happy polite customer for 30 minutes, than check out 20 asshats.

I actually, am a cashier myself, and have been for about 14 years. And yes, customers do things that piss me off. I hate when they put money on the counter, and when they do, that is exactly where I put their change. Another thing that really irritates me is when they are rude for no reason, right off the hop, and then, that is what they can expect back. If you are nice to me, I am nice to you, pretty simple. I worked at Wal-mart for eight years, and one of the most annoying things there, is when Americans would come into the store (I am in Canada), and ask if the prices were in USD.....really? REALLY???? I would NEVER go to another country, and assume the prices are in MY homelands currency. And if they simply asked if they were in 'dollars' I would say yes....they are in dollars, just Canadian ones...if you are that ignorant, that is not my problem.

loombeav

Thank God I know longer work in retail or food, but the thing that bothered more than anything else was when people would lick their fingers then separate their money to hand to me. Seriously, I do not want to touch anything that your slobber is on. The other was when they pulled a wad of money out of their pockets/bra and it was wet and sticky with sweat, come on people personal hygiene goes along way. I never cared if they laid their money on the counter or the belt, but please don't throw it at me, that's rude.

While I do agree with most of the things the OP and others have mentioned, I also think it's part of the job. As a customer I expect you to be friendly and polite, focus on the person in front of you not the cashier next to you, the bagger or Joe Blow that just walked through the door. Small talk is fine even appreciated, but I don't want to hear about nor have time to learn your life story. I prefer to use the dividers so please make sure you have at least 2 available. When I'm looking for one and you've got it set up next to your drawer instead of on the track, please be so kind as to hand it to me rather then ignoring my frantic search. I also put my groceries up the way I'd like them bagged. Frozen/cold together, boxed items, produce and cans. My cleaning supplies are always separate as are my raw meats. Please don't pick and choose what you want to ring up in some random order. I do not need 1 item per bag nor my eggs and bread double bagged. I generally always thank you for your time (unless you were rude and didn't feel the need to actually do your job) please be courteous and thank me for my patronage.

Musikelektronik

*It's weird when you look at my nametag and use my name. I don't know you...

Really? That's funny, because another cashier bi***ed because people didn't use her name even though it was right there on the name tag.

I guess it just goes to show that there is no set of universal rules to follow to keep you folks happy.

TheFearThatGaveMeWings

*It's weird when you look at my nametag and use my name. I don't know you...

Really? That's funny, because another cashier bi***ed because people didn't use her name even though it was right there on the name tag.

I guess it just goes to show that there is no set of universal rules to follow to keep you folks happy.

Well I don't like it because only creepy old men would do it. I myself look like I'm 15 even though I'm 20. So having an older man stare at my boobs, before looking at my name tag, using my name and giving me a creepy smile, it just bothers me now.

kcoftx

I'm probably gonna get flack for this and please understand that it is a generalized statement and does not apply to every person in customer service.

After living in another part of the world, I have come to realize that America, in general, doesn't have the best customer service. I think many are pleasant but rarely do I walk away being truly impressed. Yet in other places, I am bowled over by the care I recieve and sometimes for simple things.

Again, this is not to say that there is no good customer service in America. I would, however, describe most of it as mediocre. A lot, I think, has to do with the training.

For the record, I have done this job too.

Jain

I work in a small supermarket in a small town in the UK. And agree with everything you said. The abuse we have to deal with day in day out is depressing.

BeautyFromPain

ps I DO NOT MAKE THE EFFING PRICES my store is nationally owned... it is head offices hello?!

BeautyFromPain

I work in a fast food restaurant from 10-5 there is another cashier there from 12-3 but other than that I am on my own doing drive thru and front counter. If you decide to walk in the store at the exact same time as a car pops up and I start to take their order do not WHILSTLE at me, I am not a dog. This is a stressful job and I am doing the best I can.

btanton27

i work in a grocery store and some people drive me nuts!!! its like seriously? people have NO respect anymore! they are rude, insulting, and sometimes just plain stupid! sure, go ahead and scream at me for something that rang up 20 cents difference in front of my line of 15 customers because thats the right thing to do... so glad im getting stuck in the office from now on. i dont have the patience for ignorant people!

thetruthrevealed

This is regarding customers. I have worked as a grocery store cashier for 4 years. Please spread the word about what goes on because i have experience just about everything. If you are a customer:
(1) Do not take an item(s) out a cashier's hand after you ask him or her if they are done. Only ask the cashier something if you want it, but i only allow this if its one or a few items--not a dozen or more items. So even if you ask politely if you can have a dozen or more items i will not allow you to take a dozen or more items out of my hands after i immediately scan them. When a customer asks a cashier "Are you done" and the cashier says they are done, it means that I am done scanning the items, but it doesn't mean I am done bagging your groceries. And just because i say yes to your done doesnt give you the right to take many items out of my hands one by one. And what exactly do you mean when you ask are you done? Yes i am done scanning but it doesnt mean im done bagging your groceries. If you would like me to give you an item or even a few items okay. But do not stand up there taking an item out of my hand a dozen times or more. How would you like if i kept doing that 15-20 times. If you want to bag the groceries yourself i will let you do that. But please wait until i put the items in the back or some place in order for you to do what you want to do with them. And do not put reach across and or put your hands in the scanning area and take items from off the scanning area. That is the job of the cashier not a customer. And if you do this customers, it should not be something where you are doing this throughout half of the transaction.
(2) Do not ask me to put an item into a certain bag after i already put in one unless there is good reason to do so. For example, if i had put something where it didnt belong then ok, but most of the time if not all of the time people dont have good enough reasons for telling me to put an item into a certain bag.
(3) Please do not take the bags from off the hooks while my hands are still on the plastic bags and they are in the process of coming off the hooks. If you want to take the plastic bags from off the hooks, why not simply ask me or take them off the hooks when my hands and fingers are not on the plastic bag. Also, why would you feel the need to take the plastic bags from off the hooks exactly at the same time i am removing the plastic bags from off the hooks. (Because alot of plastic bags are filled with items, a cashier cannot remove the plastic bags from off the hooks fast enough before customer takes the plastic bag from off the hooks.) But the problem is customer is removing the plastic bag at the same time cashier is removing the plastic bag from off the hooks.
(4) If you say you forget to give me a coupon, i find it odd how you will have a closed fist with a coupon in your hand and how convenient that you all of a sudden just remembered to give me that coupon that came out of the hand that you made a closed fist with. Its strange that when I immediately after i press the button how some of you feel the need to give me a coupon the split second after i hit the button. Its always strange how they never give me a coupon like 10 seconds or more after i hit the button but immediately after i hit the button. Keep in mind i am referring to customers who have given me at least several coupons and then decide to give me the very very last coupon immediately after i press the button.
(5) Yes, i agree with a lot of other people on this board. I have had the same problems with customers wanting me to take change out of their hands, mainly its the senior citizens that i have found do this to me while I have also experienced some younger customers to have done this as well.
(6) Yes, I also have the same problem of many many customers putting mostly food items on top of magazine racks along my line.
(7) Don't tell me that this is your first time shopping in this grocery store or supermarket when i have seen you before in other lines where the cashier has checked you out before. Dont pretend to not know what button you have to press if you want to use debit or credit. I have seen you many many times before in other lanes being checked out. Dont tell me that this is your first time you are using debit or credit when you came in my line.
(8) Also, Dont tell me there is something wrong with the pen just because you pretend to not know how to use it.
(9) Do not tell me that you forgot to bring your debit or credit card with you and ask me if you could go out there to the parking lot and get it from out of your car. Some of you wont even have the decency to ask me if it would be ok. You just say things like Ohh, i left my debit or credit card in the car. Wait here. No, i will not wait. No cashier should have to put up with a customer who not only walks out of the cashier's line but walks out of the store to get their debit or credit card. I dont care when you say to me "ohh, it'll only be a minute its right around the corner, ill hurry up and be fast. It wouldnt be so bad if you came back fast. But some of you it takes 10 minutes to come back. ridiculous.

britttttx3

*complains*

mio_amore

I worked as a cashier in this Greek restaurant and the customers I had seemed to always want to change their order AFTER I had already called it in AND pressed to print the receipt. They're like "oops! i decided i want to add such and such" or 'no i dont want that anymore' so I have to refund and re call it to the kitchen that it changed and hoped the cooks heard me or else the customers and the waiters/waitresses would give me crap. But my favorite (sarcasm intended) customers are the ones who come in and ask for an item that's clearly NOT on the menu in front of them and ramble on and on about how "the other restaurant on 5th avenue has it and they always give me a discount. Ya'll need to add it too/its a shame you done have it/ I really like that restaurant more" Like seriously? ugh just go there then!

gogojodee

I was a cashier as my first job and a few others down the road. It definitely helped to solidify my desire to get out of retail.

- Put your money in the cashier's hands. Cashiers don't make you scrape your change off the counter, so don't make them scrape your payment from there either.

THIS is my biggest pet peeve. You do this, you have no respect for me, therefore no respect for you. :flowerforyou: