Most people interact with a grocery store cashier at least a couple times a week. Cashiers have the worst rep for being "rude" but actually we're just misunderstood. We have pet peeves, and we're human. This article is for the daily customers who make clocking in every day at work just a little frustrating!
1. When the product has a hard time scanning and you hear "must be free?"
Yes, most customers are just using this as small joke but, do you know how many times we hear this a day? I guarantee you will get a better response out of me by telling me a Laffy Taffy joke.
2. When your hand is held out to receive the money but they place it on the counter.
Biggest pet peeve of them all. It's a respect thing. If my hand is purposely out reaching to receive your money why would you place it on the counter? It's rude and takes more time for me to scrape the change from the counter instead of you just handing it to me.
3. When an item actually isn't on clearance and you get yelled at for it
We have all been to a local supermarket and picked out things that we thought we wanted, but decided not to get and just put somewhere random. As a cashier I totally understand that you saw this cute top on the clearance rack and you really want it but, you do not have to yell at me. I don't make the prices and I don't ring the prices up wrong. Mistakes happen all the time. Also, just a little helpful hint if you see a random pink shirt on a rack with a bunch of brown shirts maybe that shirt doesn't belong there.
4. Incorrect change
As soon as you close the drawer and the receipt prints out:
"Oh wait I didn't mean to give you that 10, I had a five, can I just get my 10 back and give you this 5? Just open the drawer, give me that $10 bill and I'll give you this five. Oh, nevermind I have a 20, give me two tens and a five for the 20 and we'll be even."
I may not be the quickest on my feet when it comes to math but I know when someone is trying to quick change me.
5. Respect the light. On = working and Off = Home/Break
Yes, I understand that the lines are backed up and you're ready to go home. SO AM I. If you clearly see that my light is turned off and that I'm preparing to head to break or to clock out, and you still continue to place your items on the belt then you are the worst of them all. Be considerate. Be respectful. I promise it won't kill you to wait an extra 10 minutes in the other lane.
6. Sweaty money.
Sweaty boob money. Bras are actually really nice small purses. I will admit I keep things in my bra such as my cellphone, keys and some bills when I don't feel like carrying my purse. But, if you're going to hand your cashier sweaty boob money will you please take it out before you get to the register? Once again be considerate and respectful.
7. WIC transactions.
"I actually love WIC transactions," said no cashier ever! This is no shade for people with WIC because I know most customers try their absolute best to get every item correct that's on the list. But for the 2 percent that comes in and tries to buy things not listed on the check, thank you for the headache.
8. ID everyone.
I am legally required to ID people purchasing age restricted items. So if you are over 18, but you look 12, I don't want to hear "Are you really carding me? I don't have my ID it's at home." Well, I'll be here when you come back from getting your ID.
9. Deli food.
If you get food from the deli, pay for it first. Don't eat it then tell me, your cashier, that it was gross and you don't want to pay for it. You know that rule "you break it, you buy it" well, "you eat it you, you pay for it."
10. Greetings/valediction.
I know that as a cashier we're suppose to be friendly with a smile. But when I ask you "How is your day going?" or "How are you today?" I actually do want to know. You don't have to give me the rundown of your life - but you also don't have to ignore me either.
Retail has its ups and downs just like any other job - but if these small, minor things, could get fixed by customers, maybe people wouldn't think cashiers were rude all the time.
