Here's to the cashiers that know these 12 struggles all too well. Not to worry, my friend, you are not alone.
1. Getting asked "are you open?" when you're at your register.
The funny thing is I am always asked this whenever I am standing right at my register. The system's screen does not read “closed,” nor does a “closed” sign reside on my belt. I cannot explain how hard is to hold back from answering sarcastically, or saying “no” because I just finished ringing a line that could reach Lake Erie.
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2. Getting a member's card flashed/waved in your face.
Nothing annoys a cashier more when they get into their “zone” while scanning a customer’s items, then they get out their card… “Hey! I have my card!” “Can you scan this now?” “Don’t forget to get my card!” “Don't I need this for sale prices?”
3. Or when you have to look it up because they "forgot" or lost the card.
But really, you know they are probably just too lazy to search their wallet/purse for it.
4. Getting asked "can I leave my stuff here?" or "I forgot something, can I go get it?"
It is one thing if this happens during a Monday afternoon, but if it is during the weekend rush, forget about it. Your line is already probably backed up to the deli, and the last thing you need is customers to get angry with you. However, the customer usually never waits for an answer, and goes and does it anyway.
5. Customers bringing well over 12 items into the express lane...
…and turning them down nearly every time, and they get mad at you for it. Sorry, it is called an express lane for a reason. But then again, there is always that cute old couple or family friend you tend to make an exception for.
6. Getting asked where something is when you're out on the floor.
Whenever you are finally going on break, or putting something back, there is always that one customer that stops you right in your tracks and asks where something is. Sometimes, you blurt out a not-so-casual “I don’t know,” frantically search for a stock person, or send them to the isle/department where you think you last saw it.
7. Those compulsive coupon-using customers.
Oh yeah, these customers are everywhere, at grocery stores more than anywhere else. What do you know, a heap of trouble – I mean coupons. It just so happens, almost every time, that a large majority of them are expired. Or the customer does not have enough quantities of the item to get the discount.
8. Those customers that are still in the store after close.
Lights are dim, chores are done, registers are wiped down, and tills will be pulled soon. Finally the end of a long day is here, and it is time to go home! Oh wait, there are still customers in the store... You cannot help but wonder if they can tell dark from light or empty isles from full as they casually continue to fill their carts and shop.
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9. Working when you're hungry.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner rolls around, and you forget to eat before coming in for your shift. Or you still have not had your break yet. Therefore, everything coming through your line looks and smells so good. Rotisserie chicken, buffalo macaroni and cheese, cakes from the bakery, you name it. It is just a matter of time until you burst and tell customers how good their food looks and smells.
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10. When your manager asks if you can stay later.
Thank God, only one hour left of my shift left, you think to yourself. Oh no, here comes my manager. Be cool. You both smile, then she hits you with the dreaded question… “Hey, can you stay later?”
11. Coming into work and seeing your favorite co-workers are working that day.
There is absolutely nothing better than entering those front doors and seeing your favorite co-workers on the front-end. They are the ones who keep you going, entertained, smiling, and laughing until the end of your shift. Because of them, you find yourself a little less crazy and capable of keeping your sanity, no matter what.
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12. Deep down you love your job of being a cashier.
Truth be told, you would not trade it your part-time (or full-time) job for anything. Although, being a cashier has its ups and downs, it has always been worth it. By being a cashier, you have the ability to assist, talk, listen, meet, experience, and take on various people every day. That within itself is what I believe to be the very best part.
