Raking in the cash

Cashiers record and receive payment from customers in stores, restaurants, theatres, business offices, and other commercial establishments. They handle a variety of purchases, services, or admission tickets. Cashiers identify prices, key the amounts into the cash register or use an optional price scanner, receive cash or process a credit card payment, and provide change to finalize the transaction. Other duties include providing information to customers, balancing money at the end of a shift, knowing any feature priced items, and placing purchased goods in bags.
To become a cashier, you will have to be trained in the operations of the business where you want to work. A key part of this training is to ensure you understand different transactions involving cash, credit, and coupons as well as learn the necessary product codes used in your job.
Since there are a wide range of positions available in the field, there are no specific working hours associated with being a cashier. Full-time, part-time, shift work, night work, and working on holidays are all part of this job. Flexibility in terms of the hours you are willing to work is a real asset in this job. Your pay is based wither on an hourly rate or a flat rate per shift. Finally, your employer may want you to be "bonded", a requirement that protects the business against theft.

Do you have what it takes?

Since the cashier is the person providing the most contact with the customer, you should be outgoing, patient, and friendly. You must conduct yourself professionally and politely with the public at all times. Being able to communicate effectively with management and stock-people alike is also a requirement. When problems arise that you are unable to solve, you should be quick and direct in addressing the person who can deal with it.
Working with money requires that you have basic mathematical skills and that you are trustworthy.
You should be able to cope well with stressful situations. Peak periods of business mean that you must conduct your transactions swiftly and in an organized manner. You need to be alert and informative, but most of all, you must be courteous to your customers.

What you need

• minimum age is either fifteen or sixteen for most positions, though some employees only hire those over eighteen
• some secondary education is usually required
• familiarity with keyboard operation
• some employers may demand that you be bonded
• union membership may be required

Other Related Careers

• cashier, office
• bank teller
• money counter
• cashier, customer service