How to Survive as a Cashier (2024)

In the United States, more than 3 million people work as cashiers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They greet customers, ring up purchases, accept payments, provide change and receipts and bag orders. Twenty-five percent of all cashiers work in grocery stores, and 13 percent work in gas stations. The repetitive nature of the work, required speediness and constant dealings with customers make cashiering a difficult job, but you can survive by following a few basic approaches.

Budget Wisely

According to the BLS, cashiers earned an average hourly wage of $8.89 in May 2010. Many beginning cashiers receive minimum wage. To survive as a cashier, you must learn how to live on a cashier's income. Budget wisely to make your paycheck stretch. Take advantage of employee discounts. If you work in a grocery store, use your knowledge to take advantage of weekly discounts that may save you money. By managing your budget, you may avoid financial stress, which often affects an employee's work performance.

Be Patient and Friendly

Cashiering requires constant interaction with customers, and you determine how those interactions play out. Some customers lack politeness, display negativity and grumble. You must not allow a customer's mood to affect your approach to the job. If you show impatience, condescension or frustration, it may make your job more difficult and less tolerable. To ensure good interactions with customers, greet them with a friendly smile, make small talk and show patience and understanding to customers who challenge prices, try to use expired coupons or ask to speak to a supervisor.

Familiarize Yourself With Products and Sale Items

Memorize the best deals from your company's sales fliers. You can use this information to help customers and deal with disputes. A customer may demand a sale price when he actually purchased the wrong size or quantity. Some customers may not know about sales, and you may build customer rapport by recommending a sale item or mentioning a coupon available in a flier near the store entrance. If you work in a grocery store, many produce items don't feature barcodes. Memorize the price lookup codes for the most common fruits and vegetables. Learn the difference between a butternut squash and an acorn squash.

Establish a Good Relationship With Supervisors

Your supervisor may decide on break times, set weekly schedules and assist cashiers by manning registers during busy periods and sacking orders. Establish a good relationship with supervisors, and they may provide you with a lot of help. They may enjoy your company and might sack more orders if you're friendly and talkative. You also depend on other cashiers for assistance. They may bring you change, check a price or deal with a customer. Supervisors may avoid you if you don't show them respect and kindness.

Prep Register Area Before Shift

Cashiering may become chaotic during busy periods. If you run out of bags or change or need to empty trash or clean your register area, you may not have the time during your shift. It pays to show up a few minutes early. Empty trash cans, restock bags, check the receipt tape and make sure you have ample change. Clean the counter if you find a mess.

2016 Salary Information for Cashiers

Cashiers earned a median annual salary of $20,180 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, cashiers earned a 25th percentile salary of $18,450, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $23,570, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 3,555,500 people were employed in the U.S. as cashiers.

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