Do you have a job (maybe your first job) in the retail trade and have been asked to work at the cashier? They've probably offered you a basic course, but how can you be the professional cashier from day one who can reduce the queue in minutes and make everyone a little happier? Here are some tips to be the best at your new job!
Steps
Step 1. Smile and be nice
If you're having a bad day, leave your troubles at home and be friendly as you work, even with the most grumpy clients. You don't have to get your feet on your head, but your customers are much more likely to be happy and satisfied if you're slow but in a good mood rather than quick but brusque and rude. If you can't be honestly cheerful, at least try to do it and pretend a little bit.
Step 2. Learn the basics of your cashier system
Whether it's an old manual checkout or a new computer system, you should be able to execute all the basic commands you'll need at least every three or four customers. If your keyboard has quick buttons for some amount of cash, like $ 5, $ 10, or $ 20, get used to using them. For the first few days, review the basics constantly while you're not busy, and ask a more experienced cashier for advice to make sure you're doing everything properly.
Step 3. Learn how to act in situations that arise often enough, but not every day
For example, if you sell a prepaid gift card every week or two, it's still a good idea to know how to do it by heart. It's also a good idea to know what to do in case of a mistake or minor issues - what do you have to do if you give the wrong change but have already closed the cashier, if someone wants a refund or if the POS goes crazy? If this wasn't part of the training, ask your boss or a more experienced cashier.
Step 4. Learn where to look for the right information in unusual situations
You can't memorize all the procedures, especially those that you may never need, but you still need to know where to look for the information you need, for example in a guide book or a manual if the opportunity arises. It's a good idea to just browse through the entire guide, so you'll know in principle what you can find there and how to use it if the power fails and you need to look for something in stock.
Step 5. Make a note of how customers pay
One who pays in cash has to look for the change, while the one who pays with an ATM has to insert the pin and wait for confirmation before moving on. This is a great time to do something else while they wait, like putting their groceries in bags.
Step 6. Get to know the store's products well enough to be able to give advice and compliment
Even if you are just a cashier and you are not asked to work on the shelves, you are still an employee and you may be asked questions. For example, tell the customer who just bought a new product that the purchase is particularly good or that you consider it one of the best in the store and that they have made a great choice. Be honest about the praise and don't overdo it, but a little appreciation can add value to the goods and make the customer even more satisfied with the new purchase.
Step 7. Count the rest
When there is not a lot of queue, get used to counting change to the customer rather than simply presenting it to them in tickets and coins.
Step 8. Call for reinforcements
If your shop has a protocol to follow in case the line gets too long, call for help at the right time, you don't have to do the whole line alone.
