These are the confessions of every grocery store cashier and the things that we wish customers knew about.
1. We ask questions for your benefit, not because we have to.
We understand that you're going to have a lot to carry in your house, so we're just trying to make it easier for you. Saying "it's not necessary" or looking at us funny doesn't do anything but make us resent you.
2. When the light above a register is not lit, the lane is closed. The lights are not there for decoration. On = open. Off = closed.
And yes, we know the tricks that customers try to pull. We know that the second we turn around to bag another customer's groceries then you'll sneak your items onto the belt while we aren't looking. This forces us to ring you up even when we are suppose to be going on break or leaving.
3. When we say, "hi, how are you?", we are actually expecting a response. Don't make us look stupid when we're just trying to be nice.
4. Cashiers don't have any power.
You can complain to us all you want but chances are there's nothing that we can do. Your complaints are our complaints too. We just look like we're really engaged to make think that something can be done.
5. There's not a magical room filled with everything in the store.
The back room is not filled with all of your favorite items. If it's not on the shelf, then we probably don't have it in stock.
6. Regular customers are a cashier's favorite customers.
You might think that you go to the grocery store way too much.. and if you're thinking it the you probably do. But the "regulars" make our day more than anyone else. We memorize what specific things you would like just to make your checkout experience even more wonderful.
7. Talking on the phone while checking out is never okay.
If you can help it, please don't be on the phone while you're checking out. We can't effectively communicate with you if you're having a conversation with someone else. It also takes you longer to checkout because you're trying to do several things at once. Plus, it's rude.
8. Checking out is not a game.
When we have nobody at our register and we look over to you and say, "I can help you over here!", we don't expect to be ignored. It's rare that our lines are empty. If we reach out to get you in another line, then you should feel special. Always pay very close attention when you're checking out. You never know what might happen.
9. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control.
The card machine might start acting up, your favorite items might not be on sale anymore, and you may have to wait 5 minutes before you are able to checkout. If anything unexpected happens before you come and check out, please don't have an attitude. It's hard enough to figure how to try and fix the problem.
10. We don't get an employee discount.
Contrary to popular belief, we don't get an employee discount. We have to use a discount card just like everyone else.
