Top 5 Things We Do That Annoy Cashiers

I love my cashier friends- so I asked one of them to give me the top 5 things that happen at checkout that annoy them- and we all know that making friends with our stores than making them mad!  Here are 5 things that annoy our cashiers and how we can avoid them (plus most of these make our lives a bit easier too!)

Many stores rate cashiers on IPM (items per minute)- how fast they scan so they are interested in getting shoppers through the line as fast as possible.

1. Handing rainchecks at the end of the order.
This may seem trivial, but it’s very aggravating – especially if you have a large order. With a raincheck, we have to type in the price and then scan the item. So when you wait until the end to hand it to your cashier, they then have to search through your items, void the item, and then do the raincheck. If it’s a amount greater than $5, then they’ll have to get an override. Not only is it annoying for the cashier, your time in line is longer as well.

2. Having us scan your card from your smartphone, without being ready.
This can take a long time. Most apps are slow at pulling up your card, so again you are wasting your and the cashiers time. You can’t scan the card on the scale/scanner, so you have to use the scan gun . A lot of times, the phone is dirty and won’t scan so it has to be typed in. Some apps add in an extra number to the end of the bar code that needs to be left off and many cashiers don’t know this. It’s much easier to just use your phone number or your physical card or the stores app- but third party apps are trickier.  Be sure your screen is also set to its brightest setting to ensure it will scan.  Whichever way you decide too

3. Handing them your items out of your cart.
You want to make sure everything rings up correctly, they get that. But you don’t need to stand there and hand them each item and tell them how much it should be. There is a monitor for you to watch and make sure each item rings up correctly. Cashiers have to reach a certain IPM (items per minute) and you handing them the items slows them down and in turn lowing their IPM. That can affect their job, raises, bonuses and more.  Watch the monitor and stop if something doesn’t ring up right.  Also keep in mind many registers take off the discounts at the end not as each item is rung up.

4. Getting upset at the cashier for things out of their control.
The cashier is just that, a cashier. They do not order items. They do not stock items. They do not set prices.  They do not monitor the quality of the produce. It’s amazing how many customers get angry with the cashier for things out of their control. If you are upset about something, you need to speak to a manager. The cashier has no control over  (or ability to resolve)  anything except for ringing up your groceries and scanning the coupons.  Remember you get what you give!

5. Going through self service with lots of coupons.
This can turn out to be a big pain, for you and the cashier.  Most u-scans do not have the bag space for really big orders.  That means the cashier has to override the system to let the bags be placed back in the cart.  It’s wasting your time and the cashiers.  One coupon- sure head to u-scan.  A Big coupon transaction with lots of deals and promos?  Head to a real cashier where they can scan and you can watch the monitor and bagging is easier.