Recently, I have been employed by Olive Tree Marketplace, an Italian specialty grocery store, located in a strip mall, not close to the main road, so I doubt anyone sees it if they are driving by. I applied to be a cashier, but I also do sweep the floors, block/organize items, and throw out the garbage. Being that this is my first actual job, besides working at my local summer camp as a counselor over the summer, I was, and still am pretty excited about working. I have been working at Olive Tree Marketplace for about a month now, and these are a few things I learned along the way.
1. People are difficult, always.
One time, a man and his son asked if they had a very specific brand of vegan sausage. When I said if we did it would be by the refrigerated meats, he then told me that I should know what is and isn't in the store. Sorry I don't know every brand and type of food in the store, I just started here! Also, do NOT swipe your credit card BEFORE I scan your items, if you have ever been to any type of place that accepts credit cards, you would know that you swipe AFTER someone scans your items.
2. Managing Money.
The most important aspect of being a cashier is money. On the first day my boss said do not mess around with other people's money. Working at Olive Tree Marketplace has taught me to handle cash money with ease and how to handle credit card mishaps. Also, money management looks great on a resume.
3. Learning how to communicate.
The second most important aspect of being a cashier is how to communicate with people. Like I said, people are difficult, but the difficult people give me the most experience on how to deal with them. I learned that the customer is always right, and that not arguing and accepting is the easiest way out of a situation.
4. Working quickly and efficiently.
With a growing line of anxious customers, items that won't scan, and a phone ringing, I learned that working calm and quickly will make the customer's short experience better. To help the cashier make your transaction quicker, group your items the way you want to the items bagged!. Frozen food by frozen food, not frozen food by a bag of chips or a bunch of bananas.
5. Smiling is key.
When dealing with a rude customer, smiling is the only way the customer knows that you are totally pissed off at them. On the other hand, smiling and saying "have a great day" can make someone's bad day a little better.
6. Attitude is important.
I tried to be my best when I am around customers, and I think the customer should too. Being on your phone while I ask you "how are you" and not saying "thank you" after I just rung up over 100 dollars of your groceries is extremely rude.
7. Making money feels good.
After working the six hour night shift, you remember that you just earned money on your own. I hate asking my parents for money, even though they will usually give me the money I need, it will always make me feel guilty. Knowing that I have extra money I can spend or save makes you feel good.
