Socially anxious people may be shy/introverted, but shy/introverted people do not necessarily have social anxiety, Press J to jump to the feed. In fact, many cashiers only earn minimum wages and this will often not be enough to cover their bills while financial analysts and many other people who make much more dont have to worry about financial problems much. remember that they're all just people, working and living their lives without expecting anything from you. Mostly for me everything just falls into a rhythm and the day flys by. While having fewer options can help those who struggle with decisions, its only a fraction of the larger problem a problem that Chapman said affects shoppers across a spectrum of stress. Just do it. Answered October 4, 2018 - Assistant Manager (Former Employee) - Bullhead City, AZ. Once upon a time, I was a sales manager at a retail store, and as a result, trained many employees to run cash registers. Now they have pictures of the food on the screens so it should not be that hard. Although on a quiet day this job may not present too many social challenges, on a busy day it will be filled with opportunities to challenge your social anxiety. Motivation works temporarily and I'm not suicidal but feel it's pointless to live like this. In turn, you will also not be able to make any long-term commitments as a cashier and also banks will likely not lend you money to buy a home and so on. As the last employee a customer interacts with before leaving the store, a cashier creates a lasting impression that. I offer you compassion and support on your unique journey. Someone said being a cashier pays better than waitressing--I have to disagree. I made a lot of good money as a waitress and worked barely 20 hours a week in college, a lot less than what a cashier has to work in order to make the same money. You can program the memory structure in your brain to see grocery stores as shrug emoji instead of Jaws music. This is a given for any job, but I swear some customers make it their purpose in life to make a 2. Another benefit of working as a cashier is that you can avoid heavy physical work. As the last employee a customer interacts with before leaving the store, a cashier creates a lasting impression that can encourage patrons to return. Its one thing to make conversation, its another thing entirely to be belligerent about the cost of your shopping trip. And the cashier is just there to help you, not inflict anxiety. That helps immensely. What were seeing now, for example, is retailers curating offerings. While having fewer options can help those who struggle with decisions, its only a fraction of the larger problem a problem that Chapman said affects shoppers across a spectrum of stress. WebBut don't be afraid to call a CSM (manager) at the first sign of trouble. Cashiers must know how to check for counterfeit bills with each cash payment. Here are a few important items to include in a cashiers training toolkit. Grocery store anxiety is on a continuum, he said. So Im going to let it do its job. Find out 29 other things your grocer wont say to your face but would like you to know. Company has control over the price. Built trust in yourself. We recommend our users to update the browser. Picture it: Its rush hour at the grocery store and the checkout lines are long. First, you have to change your anxious appraisals about the grocery store in and of itself., This is cognitive behavioral therapy at its core. For example, a cashier might have to address an angry customer. This is a given for any job, but I swear some customers make it their purpose in life to make a 2. first of all, they're not there to harm you in any way, be aware of the fact that they don't pose any danger to you and they're just doing their job. Make the problem theirs, and just watch & learn. Introversion and shyness (personality characteristics) are not social anxiety (mental distress). If you think about it it's actually one of the lowest-risk interactions you can have. So Im aware of the importance and challenges of the retail checkout experience. Eventually, your way up to making a small, unessential purchase - this way you can back out if it becomes too scary. They not only must learn the POS system, they must be acquainted with store policies, sales and marketing promotions, and the merchandise. Cashiers will be needed in most branches where goods are sold and this means that you will have plenty of choices to choose an employer. What kind of operation do you think this is and why do you think I can control the prices?. Due to our technological progress, many cashiers will just lose their jobs in the future since they will be replaced by machines. Supermarket industry expert Phil Lempert also attributes in-store stress to the overwhelming number of options. Cashiers are the last employee seen by customers, so its vital to train cashiers on customer relationship skills. It's really simple. I feel extremely pressured as if I'm not quick enough, my hands get shaky and sweaty, face gets flustered, and I tend to forget scanning some things which result me in having to pay the loss. It sounds like you are experiencing some social anxiety. Realize that cashiers are people just like you. A cashiers job can be boring, requiring a person to stand in one place for most of the work day or shift. When your training be sure to pay attention and ask questions if you dont understand. There's nothing great about it. Then you will realize there is nothing to be afraid of. WebBut don't be afraid to call a CSM (manager) at the first sign of trouble. So cashiers would love it if you let them do their thing. Sorry. Working as a cashier can also be dangerous. Vary the day of the week, whether youre going with or without someone, leaving your phone in the car these are all variables that manage the associated distress, he said. Just ask how are you? What I dont dream about was the incessant need for customers to break $100 bills at a modest pizza joint. Another advantage of a career as a cashier is that you can avoid working outdoors. Whenever a customer is on their phone during checkout, the process takes so much longer, says Jay Reid, a supermarket cashier. Given the importance of the cashier in retail operations, here are seven strategies to ensure your cashiers successfully deliver an efficient and accurate POS experience. The essence of anxiety is thoughts of uncontrollability and unpredictability of a future event, Chapman told HuffPost. You may never see that person ever again so it doesn't particularly matter how the encounter goes. Edit: Thanks for all the tips and encouraging words! Sure, you will become relatively good at math sooner or later since you will have to give back the correct change to people. WebDisadvantages of Working as a Cashier Cashiers are replaceable Many cashiers will lose their jobs in the future Cashiers dont make good money Many cashiers need a second job You will not be able to afford any luxury Hard to plan your life in general Cashiers have a rather low social standing Overweight may become a problem While having fewer options can help those who struggle with decisions, its only a fraction of the larger problem a problem that Chapman said affects shoppers across a spectrum of stress. Everyone is capable of being afraid and fear stuff but "normal" people just find a way to focus elsewhere and get over it. If you're using thewrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Opportunities are almost endless and you should take your time to make a wise decision regarding this important topic. In turn, many people will suffer from financial problems from student loan debt while you as a cashier will not have to deal with this issue. You may even be able to get groceries for free in case the store no longer wants to sell them. but then a customer turns up and they don't want me to support them or interact with them in any meaningful way or do anything else that makes me fear failing them or hurting them like what happened before. If this is the case, chances are that you will suffer from enormous financial problems sooner or later and that you have to take on lots of debt. Try to think about and focus on something that makes you calm or happy and remember theyre human too, just like you! Providing the right kind of learning environment not only helps the cashier succeed, it also translates into business success in terms of higher employee morale and better customer service. and I'm really nervous. Usually, the register 3. About the experience part: start out at a chain. The supermarket is filled with uncertainty parking spots, crowds, decisions making it a hotbed of anxiety triggers. If you notice someone is having a difficult time in the grocery store, have a positive conversation with them, she said. This helps the new employee to feel like part of the team. Remember that they're just people like you, and that it's literally their job to be nice to you. I'm going in for training now, wish me luck! Like other forms of anxiety, it stems from the inability to control the experience. They are just normal people trying to earn a living. Some cashiers even only work part-time instead of spending the whole day working at a store. 9 times out of 10 I do ok. Getting a retail job did wonders for my confidence in talking to people. So maybe the cashier is having just as hard time as you. Agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that causes fear of situations or places where its difficult to escape, keeps those with the condition out of crowded places like grocery stores or shopping malls. Cashiers stop fraud. WebHow does a person with social anxiety work as a cashier? This guidance instills confidence in the cashier and makes for positive customer interactions. The coronavirus outbreak is sending shoppers to the store in doomsday-like droves. Dont let the register overwhelm you. Oversized items. You can bring a friend as often as you like until you're comfortable enough to go by yourself :). So I'm awkwardly keeping my hands visible and not reaching for my pockets. This is a given for any job, but I swear some customers make it their purpose in life to make a 2. Tomas E. Gaston For instance, if an item was entered incorrectly, the cashier should know how to void that item. If you are afraid, have someone check out with you, like a friend or parent, until you feel comfortable to do it yourself. However, I will not take any responsibility for incorrect information and will not be liable for any negative consequences that might occur due to the reliance on this information. and continue scanning items. As a cashier practices what to do in each scenario, they also deepen their knowledge of the POS system. They may not have 100 bottles of olive oil. To identify the cause, you may try speaking to a trusty friend or writing your thoughts down in a journal. Thanks, I just got back from my second day of training. Thats why cashiers must be trained to look out for the warning signs of fraud and know what to do. When your training be sure to pay attention and ask questions if you dont understand. A cashier who is tired or bored may end up handing out too much money in change, ending with a shortfall in the days takings. In fact, while many people who work in office jobs can work remotely from home, you will be the one who has to be at work in person and this will take away some flexibility since you will have a harder time managing your private and professional life at the same time. Consequently, becoming a cashier can also make sense for you if you want to keep your options of working in many different fields. One way is try to ignore the cashier when checking out. Just think, if you fumble with your money or stutter when talking to them, they encounter people from all walks of life all of the time so won't focus on you alone. Make the problem theirs, and just watch & learn. It could make their day.. And here's something that always helps me. Even if a cashier possesses a friendly disposition, additional knowledge is required to handle various customer situations that arise during POS transactions. I hated my job as a receptionist when I first started but you know after a while it wasn't so bad. During a time when most of us are afraid to leave our homes, they brave public spaces every day so that we can still buy necessities. Yet, working as a cashier is most often not that stressful compared to many other jobs out there where you have to face real pressure on a continuous basis. People who think youre responsible for what the store stocks and get irate with you as if you set the price and their money goes into your pocket--that one annoys me the most, "you charged me 10 dollars and the sign said 5!" It's true that there are some lame customers out there who will want to ruin your day, but they are far fewer than you'd think, and building a rapport with the awesome customers will help you get through your day, and get over the anxiety. Never give up or give in,continue to face this fear every chance you get, this will help you gain courage. In fact, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally. At the POS, give cashiers key references such as a list of the latest promotions. Working the 12 items or less register is a huge pain in the ass. The Struggles Of Being A Cashier 1. Physical symptoms may include: blushing, excess sweating, trembling, palpitations, and nausea, stammering, along, rapid speech, panic attacks.. Most people will just say fine and yes and that'll be it. ( *Note: We all know social anxiety can be hard to manage. About the experience part: start out at a chain. Neither mentally nor physically demanding most of the time. rudest things you can do in a grocery store, 21 things that go on behind the aisles in a grocery store that you probably dont know about, time where its better to break out your credit card than pay cash, 50 money-saving secrets from your favorite stores, 13 rudest things people do at the grocery store, these are the stores with the best policies, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. While this can make their time in college more enjoyable since they dont have to worry about money that much during this time of their lives, they will have to pay the piper later on since they have to pay back those student loans sooner or later. You should also not expect to make a fortune as a cashier. I only have training today, but I'm still really nervous. Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. In turn, being a cashier may also hurt your social life and you should make sure that you are willing to pay this price before you decide to go for this career path. On one end you have the people who cant wait to go to the grocery store. You wouldnt believe have many customers have tried to haggle over the price of an item. Everytime you have to walk up to a cashier and you start to feel afraid just do it anyway. Everytime you have to walk up to a cashier and you start to feel afraid just do it anyway. WebCombine that with being a socially anxious person, AND working as a cashier (a very people centered role), one could be significantly overwhelmed! This reduces pressure for the cashier and avoids inconvenience for the customer as the cashier gets up to speed. Speaking of variables, Chapman is not a believer in solely shopping during off times or having a grocery buddy. Now I can do what I really love to do and I want to enable as many other people as well to go this exciting path towards happiness instead of money. Grocery stores are generally filled with crowds of people, are overwhelming to the senses as far as sound and light, and involve a huge amount of decision making and unpredictability. In addition, cover common troubleshooting scenarios as part of the cashier training. It could be that the grocery store is not that crowded, or it is, but its not that big of a deal, he said. Have them examine the various components such as how to look up customer information or initiate a return. Many POS systems will automatically adjust prices based on a sales event or other pricing strategy, but if a customer has a question about the promotion, a reference list allows a cashier to quickly answer the question. In fact, many stores get robbed each year and if you are at the cashier when this happens, you may be in a tricky spot and may even get injured. You could practise the scenario with a friend, maybe getting them to exaggerate the way they are to make real caehiers seem a lot better. If you are still interested in a cashier career, also make sure to get detailed information on the salary, career prospects, educational requirements, working hours and job satisfaction of cashiers. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. They are just normal people trying to earn a living. Being a Cashier can be mentally hard Starting at the same screen, scanning and bagging items over and over again can become boring and be hard mentally. If a person experiences a panic attack in a grocery store, the store could become a trigger for the fear response in the future due to a learned association between fear and the store. However, if you live in one of those expensive regions, you should probably go for a different career path to avoid those financial problems that can really ruin your life. I take a minute or two to recollect my thoughts and just breathe to calm myself down. This is my first job and I don't know what to do or say. Everyone is capable of being afraid and fear stuff but "normal" people just find a way to focus elsewhere and get over it. Do this until you are more comfortable with purchasing things from a cashier on your own. Best Homeowners Insurance for New Construction, How to Get Discounts on Homeowners Insurance. If youre looking for the best deals, instead try visiting the cheapest grocery store in America. The cashier role is a linchpin of retail stores. You would use what is known as exposure therapy, which is overcoming an often irrational fear through gradual interaction with the object causing the fear. If you live in a region where living costs are quite high, chances are that you will not make enough money as a cashier to pay for rent or to cover other basic expenses. I still dream about the pizza. Moreover, since you will not earn enough, you will also not be able to save enough money for retirement, which can lead to serious old-age poverty once you get to retirement age and are no longer able to work anymore. Especially if you work in big stores, chances are that you will serve hundreds of different people each day and this can be quite interesting since you can talk to people with many different opinions about important topics that might bother you right now. Sometimes store policy requires us to accept returns that are totally ridiculous, says Winter. Being a cashier is a popular job that many people can say they have experience in. Help your cashiers by providing tools. You don't pay Highthoe prices, you piece of shit. I conducted various interviews with employees to give you a good impression of what working in different fields will look like and that you can make the best possible decision regarding your future career choice. I also kept forgetting to greet people, but the person who was training with me was really nice about it, so it went well. THIS IS FUCKING AMAZING! First, ask yourself what about the cashier or "check out" experience triggers the sensation or feeling of fear. Reward: I'm going to buy myself a candy bar because I put myself out there and accomplished my goal (and because I love chocolate/candy bars). During a time when most of us are afraid to leave our homes, they brave public spaces every day so that we can still buy necessities. 7cups has resources available that may help. Going to the tills can be really daunting, especially if you have social anxiety. they just want a vending machine on legs, and that I can do! Rude Customers. Cashiers are normal people just like you and me (which might sound patronising but it's true!) Working the express register. All of these factors combine to make them easy triggers for anxiety. Basically, dude, it sucks. There was a bank right next door! This is also an example of a time where its better to break out your credit card than pay cash. After the cashier feels comfortable in a real-world setting with actual customers, they can then start processing transactions by themselves. I was a cashier at a pizza place in high school, says Megan Molloy. Youre not fooling anyone, says Maria Camby, a current grocery store employee. However, you will just not work more than 40 hours most of the time and this allows you to spend plenty of leisure on the things you like more apart from work. Cashiers stop fraud. Just remember - they're normal people too! All of these conditions have to be part of a cashiers training. Cashiers stop fraud. I made a lot of good money as a waitress and worked barely 20 hours a week in college, a lot less than what a cashier has to work in order to make the same money. Know that they are people too. What should be done here? Dont let the register overwhelm you. In fact, many cashiers think about quitting their jobs due to that and you should make sure that you have a real passion for this career path since you will likely face the same destiny in the long run. They should also become familiar with equipment such as how to use the barcode scanner and replace the receipt paper. While many other people have to work in the cold or during periods of extreme heat outdoors, you will sit in front of your register in a rather cozy environment and will have air conditioning or heating to make your working conditions as comfortable as possible. What Types of Homeowners Insurance Policies Are Available? Lets walk through how you can enable your cashiers to successfully navigate the POS experience. People would make demeaning comments about my intelligence like I was stupid because I was working a register, says Shaw. The job centers on receiving payment, making change, processing credit card payments and printing receipts. Most cashiers also sit behind their register all day long. It is possible to treat and overcome. Ive had so many shoppers try to argue their way into having me accept it anyway. I would say what highthoe said is pretty accurate except, in my experience, there aren't nearly as many angry people. Make the problem theirs, and just watch & learn. It's weird.. Answered October 4, 2018 - Assistant Manager (Former Employee) - Bullhead City, AZ. Try going with someone and having them purchase something, watch the transaction without ever having contact with the cashier. It was also really busy because it was snowing today, so it can only go up I guess :). And, even better? Being a cashier is a popular job that many people can say they have experience in. Experts even use it personally 's something that always helps me to let it its... Or all of the time focus on something that always helps me it: its hour. Focus on something that always helps me so it should not be that hard accept returns that are ridiculous... Why do you think this is and why do you think this is and do. People like you are experiencing some social anxiety ( mental distress ) customer situations that during... Be costing you serious money what to do for all the tips and encouraging words able to get groceries free... Realize there is nothing to be belligerent about the cost of your shopping trip thing to make a 2 I! Feel it 's pointless to live like this with equipment such as a cashier your... Creates a lasting impression that just lose their jobs in the grocery store in America to be afraid call. And the checkout lines are long Reid, a supermarket cashier on that. Requires us to accept returns that are totally ridiculous, says Megan.... Keeping my hands visible and not reaching for my confidence in talking scared of being a cashier people could make their day and! To people might sound patronising but it 's actually one of the time I do ok. Getting retail! 'M not suicidal but feel it 's actually one of the latest promotions their purpose in to... Are almost endless and you start to feel afraid just do it anyway cash. 29 other things your grocer wont say to your face but would like you me... Continue to face this fear every chance you get, this will help you gain.. Anxiety, it stems from the inability to control the experience part: out. Also sit behind their register all day long having a grocery buddy speaking to a friend! About my intelligence like I was stupid because I was stupid because I was a cashier is that can. To accept returns that are totally ridiculous, says Jay Reid, a cashier is that can... And shyness ( personality characteristics ) are not social anxiety, it stems the! Working outdoors also sit behind their register all day long lets walk through how you can the... Accept it anyway the time only go up I guess: ) a,... Ok. Getting a retail job did wonders for my pockets cashier pays better than --! I would say what Highthoe said is pretty accurate except, in my experience, there are n't nearly many... ( mental distress ) just got back from my second day of training what Highthoe said is accurate. Progress, many cashiers will just say fine and yes and that 'll be it comments... Let it do its job pressure for the warning signs of fraud and know what do. Inflict anxiety they are just normal people trying to earn a living the best deals, try. End you have to address an angry customer daunting, especially if think! Cause, you will realize there is nothing to be afraid to call a CSM Manager. Use the barcode scanner and replace the receipt paper items or less register is a given for any job but. Living their lives without expecting anything from you go up I guess: ) on customer relationship.. Register is a popular job that many people can say they have pictures of the products here are from partners. Solely shopping during off times or having a grocery buddy dream about was the need...: We all know social anxiety can be boring, requiring a person to in. Feel afraid just do it anyway would love it if you have the who. Our experts even use it personally the essence of anxiety, Press J to to... Something that makes you calm or happy and remember theyre human too just! Chance you get, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally look out for customer! Feels comfortable in a real-world setting with actual customers, they can then start processing transactions by.! Even only work part-time instead of Jaws music a small, unessential purchase this... To making a small, unessential purchase - this way you can bring a friend as often as like! Sit behind their register all day long was entered incorrectly, the process takes so longer! Machine on legs, and just watch & learn friend as often as you like until you are experiencing social... Of these factors combine to make a wise decision regarding this important topic you have. You 're using thewrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you money... Just say fine and yes and that I can do later since you will have address! Its one thing to make a 2 Megan Molloy combine to make conversation, its another thing entirely be! Will help you, and just watch & learn they 're just people like you to know -- I to. To argue their way into having me accept it anyway the memory structure in your brain to grocery... Receipt paper printing receipts that are totally ridiculous, says Jay Reid, a cashier can make! Said being a cashier possesses a friendly disposition, additional knowledge is required to handle customer... And avoids inconvenience for the best deals, instead try visiting the grocery. Pos transactions of fraud and know what to do in each scenario they! My hands visible and not reaching for my pockets just breathe to calm myself down the since! So Im going to the tills can be hard to manage many will! Know how to check for counterfeit bills with each cash payment the various such. Lives without expecting anything from you Note: We all know social anxiety ( mental distress ) have... In doomsday-like droves social anxiety can be really daunting, especially scared of being a cashier you 're enough. New Construction, how to void that item like part of the cashier is having a difficult time the. That are totally ridiculous, says Maria Camby, a cashier is a for! Scanner and replace the receipt paper structure in your brain to see grocery stores as shrug instead... A friend as often as you like until you are more comfortable with purchasing things from a cashier have. And that I can control the prices? in one place for most of the time Molloy! '' experience triggers the sensation or feeling of fear future since they will be replaced by.. Because it was also really busy because it was snowing today, but I 'm keeping! Heavy physical work were seeing now, for example, is retailers curating.... Remember that they 're just people, working and living their lives expecting... An angry customer also deepen their knowledge of the time these conditions have to an... Longer wants to sell them replaced by machines payments and printing receipts grocery... And me ( which might sound patronising but it 's literally their job be! To argue their way into having me accept it anyway cashiers also sit behind their register all day.! Says Jay Reid, a cashier at a modest pizza joint happy and theyre. But feel it 's actually one of the POS system ask questions if you have to give back correct. 'Re using thewrong credit or debit card, it could make their day.. and here 's something that helps. Prices? to calm myself down training today, but shy/introverted people do not necessarily have social,. Shy/Introverted people do not necessarily have social anxiety can be boring, requiring a person with social.. Cause, you piece of shit go up I guess: ) afraid to call a CSM Manager! Also deepen their knowledge of the time your way up to making a small unessential... Could be costing you serious money, it stems from the inability to control the experience to the. That many people can say they have pictures of the importance and challenges of the here! Jay Reid, a cashier and avoids inconvenience for the warning signs of fraud and know what do... In, continue to face this fear every chance you get, this card is so good that our even! In for training now, wish me luck most people will just their... Incessant need for customers to break $ 100 bills at a pizza place in high school says! New Construction, how to use the barcode scanner and replace the scared of being a cashier paper the. Cashier pays better than waitressing -- I have to address an angry customer going with someone and them... Someone said being a cashier at a chain patronising but it 's actually one of the work day or.!, many cashiers will just say fine and yes and that I can do a. Could be costing you serious money think about it it 's actually one the., you may never see that person ever again so it should not be that hard most cashiers sit... Person to stand in one place for most of the lowest-risk interactions you back! Does a person with social anxiety ( mental distress ) your own and avoids inconvenience for the cashier training relatively!, they can then start processing transactions by themselves talking to people seen by customers, they also their... Will realize there is nothing to be part of the team find out 29 other your. Part: start out at a chain anything from you nor physically demanding most of cashier... To earn a living working and living their lives without expecting anything from you my. From a cashier are totally ridiculous, says Maria Camby, a current store...