Cashier jobs

You don’t even need your calculator—just some basic customer service skills and a smile.

Previous experience isn’t needed to score this position because almost all cashiers are trained on the job. If you don’t mind being on your feet and you know how to count money, then a cashier job may be the one for you.

What do cashiers do?

Retail stores can’t operate without the cashiers who work with the customers to complete sales transactions. Here are some of the duties cashiers perform:

• Scanning sales tags
• Totaling bills
• Receiving payments
• Handing back customer receipts and change
• Honoring coupons
• Filling out charge forms or processing store credit card applications
• Comparing your register’s contents with the sales data at the end of each business day

Here’s where the customer service skills come in: As a cashier, you will be responsible for handling returns and exchanges, so you need to know the company’s return policy. Every now and then, customers may challenge this policy, but always keep a smile on your face and remain pleasant. You can always call the manager over if things may get heated.

When business is slow, many cashiers work as sales associates to help fold, stock or perform simple maintenance around the store.  They also aid customers in finding sizes or styles on the sales floor. If you’re a cashier in a grocery or convenient store, you may be asked to furnish money orders or sell lottery tickets. Hey, if you sell the winning ticket, maybe your customer will give you a cut of the winnings. Talk about perks of the job.

What are the working conditions?

Before your first day as a cashier, make sure you head to the shoe store and get yourself some comfy kicks because you may be standing all day long. Break times may be cut short because, on busy days, someone must be at the register at all times. Also, make sure you look the part. Because you’ll be dealing directly with customers all day, you should be presentable in appearance and cheerful in demeanor.

Many cashiers also have to maintain a flexible schedule as managers need workers at the registers on nights as weekends, when business is really booming, as well as during the day. Holidays are another time when retailers experience high traffic in their stores, so try to make yourself available throughout these busy times.

What skills do I need and how can I get promoted?

You don’t need a lot of experience to be a cashier because you’ll be trained on the job; there are often no educational requirements for this position, but to become a full-time employee, your boss may prefer you to have at least a high school diploma. And you don’t have to be a math whiz to excel in cashier jobs either, but basic skills in this area are necessary.

Cashiers have many opportunities for promotion in the workplace, such as going from part time to full time, or becoming lead cashier. Also, keep in mind all managers have to be trained at the register, so this position could be a steppingstone to a position of greater responsibility.

Show me the money!

In addition to your paycheck, you can usually expect to receive a discount on the merchandise you’re selling. This translates to free or discounted meals, cheaper clothes or jewelry or a lower grocery bill. Some employers even offer stock-option plans and educational reimbursement.

Wages vary depending on location and job description, so for more specific information on pay in your area, check out our Wage Calculator.

So practice that winning smile in the mirror, and remember: The customer is always right.

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