sigma, Farm & Fleet closes at 9. What do you expect to have 10 registers open at closing?

At the very minimum I expect a smile and a thank you from anyone I hand money over to. Part of my job involves being a cashier and regardless of the kind of day I'm having, every customer gets a smile and thank you from me. If you can't manage to do that, get a different job. When you're waiting on a customer, you are the face of the company you work for. I tend to frequent businesses where I'm treated with good customer service much more than the places I feel like I'm an inconvenience. Store owners or managers need to spend more time watching their employees interactions with customers. I know that a lot of people that cashier are shy but it is possible to be shy and still say thank you. We not only expect it, we deserve it.

One of Dave Barry's "16 Things It Took Me 50 Years to Learn" applies here:
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"13. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter {or cashier}, is not a nice person."

I'll take the advice given here ....now from the cusomers point of view:
I ask only that the cashier COUNT my change back to me instead of simply handing it to me all in one handful without saying a word. Without counting it back Neither of us knows if it is correct. If you don't know how to properly count change back, then ask someone with a brain how it is done or find a different job.

I'm amazed at these responses. I moved here from Door County and find Janesville store clerks to be much friendlier and more polite than those up north.

(Yes, I know the people up there are friendly to you when you're on vacation. But you don't want to know what they say after you leave. Seriously.)

truth1- that is silly- So I should treat people differently in my business depending on how much they bought something for?
Some days it is minimum wage(well most lately) and some days it isn't. WHATEVER!!

befair- correct w/o them coming through the line you wouldn't have that job. If you want more than minimum wage you need to do something differently or chose a different career.

Truth1, the cashier says "thank you" because you chose to do business with the store that provides the cashier's joh. Without you, the customer, there is no job!

I have seen it both ways. I worked as a cashier YEARS ago for like $3.35 an hour but even if you don't make lots of money you should be treating customers well. I am not saying that they don't but I have seen rude cashiers as well as rude customers. Everyone needs to learn not to take out their bad day on someone else! It is called manners and people used to be raised with them. Not so much anymore, people think they can treat others badly for whatever reason but in reality they should be treating others as they would like to be treated!

Life is hard for everyone whos not rich.....I don't expect a "thank you" from a cashier who only gets a quarter in wages for checking out my stuff and works pretty hard for it at that...I actually feel a little guilty when they say it to me......what do THEY have to thank ME for, anyway?....they don't own the store.

my only complaint about being a cashier is this. please read posted sale signs carefully. not every item within sight of a sale sign is on sale. read descriptions-name of manufacture-to determine if it is really on sale. i've learned to do this at other stores where i shop, and it save me alot of time at check-out

Think of it this way...Say you're a cashier and you work an 8 hour shift where you have a total of 250 sales. Of those 250 most people are pleasant and pleasurable to deal with. 10 people in 250 is very few in relation to the total number of people you deal with in a shift, but getting yelled at and treated like garbage by 10 people a day would be more than most of us would be able to handle. Especially considering you are not allowed to yell back or even defend yourself for the most part. You are expected to stand there, apologize (whether it was your fault or not), smile, and take it. In my opinion, there is no excuse for a cashier to ever be rude to a customer. It is in their job description to stand there, apologize, smile, and take it. If they're unable to resolve the situation or the customer is out of control, they should involve a manager. But I understand that most of us are lucky enough to not even once a day be yelled at by someone we don't know who walks in the door mad and takes it out on us. Because of that, I try to make a point of being pleasant when dealing with cashiers. Chances are someone yelled at them today for something that wasn't their fault. It never hurts to be a little extra nice for someone, but it can make a big difference to be a little extra rude to someone. (On the same note, I also make it a point to get the name of any cashier that is rude to me and let their manager know.) You may not be the type of person that thinks its totally acceptable to yell and scream at a cashiers (even when it is their fault), and you may even be lucky enough to not ever have been stuck in line behind one of those people that do. Just remember, there are those people out there, and its probably a lot more than you realize.

Thank you, jterry. When I was a cashier if a customer got nasty to me. I did right back to them. You can't take it, DON'T dish it out!

I am not a cashier. I work as a teller at a Credit Union.

I dont understand why 99% of the year 90% of the checkouts in stores are closed. Woodmans, Farm & Fleet, WalMart, I go in at 9pm and there are 3 checkouts open and a line in each one... ya its irritating.

Yes, everything is someone else's fault. Other people are responsible for your bad attitude. Now look what we made you do!

twerp- I was a cashier when I was 15. I forgot about that experience. Also do not put the money away before you give the change. Example, they give you $50 - you lay it on top of drawer so when they say "I gave you $100 you can say NO right here it is ON TOP.

Janesvilleisntallthat/ What were you saying about attitude???? If cashiers could receive tips, your jar would be empty.

EVERYONE should have to be a cashier at one point in his or her life. Then you will see how bad it really is. All you people bitching about how you think cashiers have attitudes. well, it's because of rude, obnoxious, stupid people. LIKE A LOT OF YOU seem to be.

SarahB1: I don't think most people have a problem with people writing checks IF the check writer follows a couple of simple rules

1. Do NOT (ever, ever, ever) balance your checkbook in line.

2. Fill out your check as much as you can while the cashier is working. If you need to find your checkbook inside your purse after the total pops up you WILL get irritated looks from the people in line behind you. You are wasting everybody's time.

3. If you have a habit of writing bad checks you are only being rude to try and sneak another check past the hard working cashier. It will waste everybody's time when the cashier has to call over a manager to explain why they won't take your check. (and don't even think about acting all indignant when you get caught)

4. please consider using a debit card. PLEASE. Pretty please.

Many good points here. I do agree with the person that said customers pay our wages. Without customers I would not have my job. However,I do not have to be abused,talked down to or treated like I am a servant. I go by the golden rule and treat people how I like to be treated. No matter how much money a person has or, how high a college,or job position ,we are all people. Everyone has a right to be treated with respect.Enough for now as I am off to start my job soon. I joke and say that the only one out at this time of the morning are cops,robbers and me. Have a nice day all. :-)

I find it interesting that most here assume that this letter-writer is rude to the customers when they break one of his/her rules. Perhaps the letter was written because he/she is tired of grinning and bearing the annoying habits of some customers?
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About the credit card GUI: what are you people, all 85+ years old? You swipe the card and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. They are usually written in 2-4 word increments that are not difficult. I don't know how people have such a hard time with this.
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I generally give the benefit of the doubt to the cashier - they are standing there for hours at a time. You are there for minutes. I have had cashiers who were bad at what they do - uncommunicative, grumpy, SLOW, etc., but as long as they aren't all of the above I have no complaints. If they are slow but friendly it's good enough for me. If they are grumpy but fast, who cares? One thing I would never do is spend about 10X the amount of time I spent in line to find the manager to complain. I want to get the heck out.
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Overall, I am much more likely to be annoyed by fellow customers ahead of me in line farting around with coupons, checks, complaints, credit card machine difficulties, etc., than I am to be annoyed by the cashier. They want you to get in and out just as much as you do.

remember, those checkers at Woodman's have to fling 30 items a minute down the counter, or they will get demoted. that means back to a bagger... for about $6.00 less per hour. there is a lot of pressure on those people. walk a mile in someone else's shoes once, and it won't seem so easy. oh, and you ask, how do they time that??? everytime they start an order, the timer is running. there are several statistics measured. tender time, which means time between when they hit the total button and when they collect the payment. plus others that I can't remember right at the moment. so don't assume that it's just a smile and a thank you that keeps these people employed. they also rely on customer count to establish if the job is being done properly. so you may want to chit chat, but that checker is being monitored closely as to how many customers he/she has. another thing to remember, is that many of these cashiers are required to suggestive sell things... not at Woodman's... but many other places. just say no thank you if you don't want any. the cashier doesn't need to hear your life story about why you don't want the product, or get yelled at for simply doing their job.

The letter writer makes some valid points, but the hostility towards customers is disturbing. Anyone with an attitude like that is never going to "have a nice day". ;-)

Granted, there are rude cashiers, but one has to ask how long have they been that way? Everything this person wrote is very true. As a manager (with a degree) I often had to work as a cashier and unknowingly people treated me like crap. Although I agree being friendly helps, generally people are rude regardless. Take in mind some cashiers do have college degrees and or are working towards one. It boils down to this. Most people have yes man or yes women jobs and very little control in their lives. As a result, anyone who is perceived as a servant or service oriented position is the unfortunate recipient of a power trip. It's even worse on a sales floor. Whether you are a cashier or a customer it boils down to good old fashioned common courtesy and a shower.

spikesmom, how do you know she wasn't done with her shift for the day? they have to be let off the clock at some point.

You think just because YOU'RE standing there she should have to clock back in and help you?

Does the whole world drop at your feet?

Every customer contributes to your paycheck whether you like it or not. If working with the public bothers you, go to college and get an education so you can choose another line of work. Customers won't bother you if you come to work with a positive attitude and make an effort to relate with every one of them.

I thwart any bad cashier attitude by looking them directly in the eye and greeting THEM with a smile and a 'Hi, how are you today?' It works every time if you make an effort to treat them as a person and not someone there to wait on you.

The letter writer needs to find a new job before the shopping season starts, sounds like a clock tower sniper in the making. If those were the only issues I had to deal with in a day I would call it a walk in the park. With that said, it is much more pleasant to be kind and patient, you tend to get further as well.
The Farm and Fleet worker whose boss I hope is not reading this blog has hit on something though.... Get used to unhappy service oriented workers because it will only get worse. They do not like getting paid 7.25 per hour, yet why should an employer pay more than that?(especially when you complain on a public forum about your job and your companies private policies)Better yet, how can they? The skill level for this position is pretty basic, all you have to do is show up, smile and wave. Don't forget, even if you only get $7.25 you are still costing your company about twice that after they get done with Fed/State taxes, Unemployment, Work Comp, ect...not including any benefits you may have.

It is a difficult sales atmosphere on all fronts. I have the most difficulty dealing with phone customer service people. I have mastered that though, I just hang up until I get a human with a brain.

As for this season, I have already finished by shopping online while sipping a bold Sumatra blend. Zero stress. Careful what you wish for retail checkers, your days are numbered anyway.

Open more cash registers and take the pressure off of the customer with melting items and the cashier having an hot flash,
One retail store no names mentioned has very few open cash outs, even during busy times.

How about ban checks at stores? Or at least have it made out to who its too ahead of time. Nothing worse than waiting for some old person that writes in slow motion a check for some super small amount while continually asking "did ya get that coupon for that one?". Nitpicking a $11. tab for 4 items. Grrrrrr.

To those angry, frustrated people who feel that they have the right to treat sales people bad "because they are paid to do what they do". I just want you to know that we do in fact talk about you after you leave and laugh at your expense. Be as miserable and vindictive as you want. That just makes your absence more enjoyable. Those people who think other people go of their way to make their lives miserable are the most uninformed of all. People are disgusted by your attitude but forget all about your small life shortly after you are out of sight. A clue to the most clueless of you all. If everyplace you go has bad customer service, the problem is facing you in the mirror in the morning.

I have been a cashier and yes, there are some customers that make the job difficult. I have also run in to inconsiderate people in bookkeeping, IT, restaurants, the freeway, etc. It's a fact of life.
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I do agree that some people should tone down the amount of cologne or perfume they wear. If you walk down the isle in a store and your scent lingers for the next 10 minutes, you're wearing way too much.
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Cashiers don't care to hear their customer's life story? Fair enough. We don't care to hear about the cashier's recent battle with a sinus infection or last night's terrible fight with her boyfriend. It goes both ways.
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Cell etiquette is sorely lacking in many industries, not just retail. Yes, it is rude to stand in front of the cashier and blather away on the phone like she's not even there. It is also rude to carry on a cell conversation in the middle of a restaurant, in the ladies' room, and in the middle of a business meeting but that doesn't stop some people from doing it any way.
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Lastly, if a customer is paying you with a pocket full of coins, get over it. Yes, it takes longer to count and yes, it slows down the line, but does publicly embarrassing a customer by scowling and huffing over his quarters really make the transaction easier for you? No, it doesn't. All it does is make a paying customer feel like dirt. If that's what you were going for, bravo. Job well done. If you were striving for good customer service, perhaps a better approach would be to check your attitude at the door, accept his payment with a smile and tell the guy to have a nice day.

I've worked as a cashier. The one thing that sticks in my mind is something my dad told me a very long time ago. It still holds true today. "Those customers are the people who pay your wages. If they are having a bad day, are eccentric, slow, demanding or whatever...just smile and kill them with kindness...it goes a lot farther than any other response...and you do not have to carry their problem with you." He was a very smart man. If you can't find a way to deal with the people who you encounter, then get another job. I know I'm much more likely to return to a store where the cashiers / employees are nice to me.

I was at a store once and one of the cashiers didn't have her light on. I heard her say to the customer she was waiting on that she was leaving her light off because she didn't want people to think she was open. Fantastic customer service!!

frogger I agree... always check your money (change) before you leave. I worked as a cashier for many many years at various stores and my parents owned a store of their own when I was little...I was taught and I was ALWAYS told to count the change back, be polite and to smile and say thank you or your welcome, to not talk with friend/family while working, and to dress appropriately (not over done on make up or jewelry) nose, tongue rings etc were not allowed and tattoos must be covered.
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If I owned a store I would expect these standards for my employees, it is not too much to ask,there are plenty of hours in the day when not at work to dress the way you want.
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I enjoy chating with the cahsier, and they chat right back (at least the ones I know) Makes you feel more appreciated as a customer and I remember that the next time I shop so I go to that checker. If I get grummpy service I remember that too and avoid a cashier.

Honestly, how many of YOU on here have ever been a cashier? Not many I bet, but you sure like to bitch about them.

Farmgrl32. You are SO right. Cashiers DON'T get paid worth a damn and have to put up with a lot of crap. Some of the people up here leaving comments make me so GLAD I am no longer a cashier. I would want to slap them.

Ray the counting cash thing back sounds silly. So if it is wrong - who will believe you when you leave the area? I counted my cash once and it was off by a lot. The person couldn't subtract! If I just shoved it in my wallet thinking it should be correct I would have lost out on over $20- go back and tell them that and get the rest right now- NOT- wait until next day when till is OVER. If they gave 20 to much next time i would never see my money.

I bet the cash back wont be more than $99. I will take my chances that the person behind me KNOWS I have $20 change back. Hope they don't think I have MORE in the wallet- see how silly that sounds. I mean your comment.

Jimpl- about the bagging- it was mentioned by the person in the article. I mentioned it to but didn't elaborate about the charcoal with the lettuce ! >.. I have GROUPED the items together before- HINT HINT- and still all the nasty and tossed the lettuce right on top- UUGGHH.

By the way. I seem to spend an awful lot of time smiling at a grouch and asking, Are you having a bad day? But it occurs to me that the onus is not really on me, is it, to soften the relationship. I'm not the one getting paid to put up with you.

I can certainly sympathize. I spent a long time on the cashier end of things. It's just too bad that this one decided to write this apparently at the end of a bad day and be snarky about it. Nobody responds well to snark.
When I first came to Janesville for shopping, I sincerely thought I was running into a whole slew of people who'd had the same bad day. Then we moved here. When we shop anywhere else -- ANYWHERE else -- my kids always remark how nice people are in Beloit, Madison, Chicago, Delavan ... wherever we are at the time. Isn't that odd?
Cashiers ... I swear to god next time you lick the dollar bills you're about to give me, I'm going to lick your hand.
Oh, and please tell me where the author works. if they don't want my change -- which is often all I have -- I'll be sure to take it elsewhere along with my business.

The person who wrote the complaints up sounds like someone I worked with trouble is, this person really didn't want to be there just wanted to pick-up the paycheck. When in retail, you have to put up with a lot of things but a majority of the time if you treat the customer right, with respect and humor they in turn will do likewise. Yes there are a few you would like to show the door to with the help of a good old swift kick and there are customers that would like to help you do it. If we are lucky this year, it will be busy one and we all need to be mindful of that. Make your shopping easier for yourself and the people around you and you will enjoy the Holiday season a lot more and so will the associate that needed a breather. And associates, Smile, say can I help you, and thank you regardless if the customer is a pain in the neck. They will be leaving and the next customer might just need your best smile and helpful service. EVERYONE, PLEASE HAVE A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON THIS YEAR.

I actually just commended a cashier at Woodmans last night for a job well done!

cashiers, here's a few tips:
If you have to sneeze, apply some hand sanitizer or have some tissues handy. Change on the bottom, bills on top. Please don't gossip with your bagger; it's tacky and slows down the show. Say "thank you" to me for doing business at your employer; "there ya go" is not an expression of appreciation. I can shop elsewhere, and I will.

To you complainers that think cashiers are rude, remember you are dealing with people who make $7.25 a hour, and have to put up with a lot of crap. Before you complain about cashiers, maybe you should try being one to see what they go through in a days work. Expect to get what you pay for.

Try being a cashier at Blains Farm & Fleet. If we dont pressure you for your zip code or try to sell you extended warranties on stupid things that waste your money like camping tents or a bicycle and pressure you to get you to sign up for a high interest credit card, they threaten to fire us. Like its our fault you didnt want to buy xtra warranty on a drill that already has a lifetime warranty.. or you dont want our credit card

I have been on both sides of this fence. It all comes down to being courteous. If you're the customer, don't shop when you're in a bad mood. And if you're the cashier, try to act like you care. It's not hard to do & the customer appreciates it.

I have worked in a convenience store 10 years now. I will tell you I have everything happen at one time or another that is written in the other articals,and then some. Please remember that we are only allowed to have so much money in our drawer. Sometimes I have several customers in a row come in with large bills and take all that is there.I was down to a handfull of singles before. We then have to wait until customers with smaller bills come in. The bank may be closed and we have nothing left.Some people want to break large bills because of this reason. We can't give you what we do'nt have. Please tell us when you have a large winning scratch off tickets. Online tickets like Powerball has an option and we can cancel it out. Scratch offs have to be paid out once the 3 numbers are entered. We have garbage cans all over but some choose to leave garbage on the counters or where ever. My store is a friendly store. I know almost all that come in by name,what they smoke and what they drink,ect. Many have said they like that. We tell stories sometimes,it works both ways and no one gets upset. There are many good people that come in every day. I have been invited to weddings,funerals and baby showers. We have shared both laughter and tears.When I was in the hospital last year for a serious condition the customers took up a collection and signed cards with well wishes. I was so touched I cried. So many good friends. I would never want to work anywhere else. Thank you for letting me share this with you.

Cashiers: Say hello and thank you, and don't say "no problem" if I say thank you - say "you're welcome." And look at and speak with me when you are waiting on me, don't flirt with the bagger or talk about how loaded you got at that party last night. Baggers: Keep the bread and bakery away from the cold and frozen so it doesn't get steamy and smushy, and don't smash the soft stuff with the heavy stuff. I hear that at Woodman's they show the baggers videos, but I have to wonder what is in the video if even the baggers who are middle-aged moms like me do these things.

Like gbpacker1994, it's a little annoying that all the card readers have different user interfaces, especially different orders of action. I was baffled just yesterday by one that made me approve the amount BEFORE adding my cash back. The approved amount should be what is requested from the account. It's also annoying that there are touch screens that only accept plastic pen input, not fingers the way my cell phone does. The industry really needs to standardize a lot more (none of which is the cashier's fault, of course).
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My only other substantial shopping peeve is people who don't keep right, or who unheedingly block an entire aisle for a conversation. Don't make me ASK you so I can keep shopping. Move off to the side when you meet your friends.

Right livefree.... and frogger. I've never seen cashiers treated as in the above list by customers. If cashiering is an inherently difficult job, the ones who can't handle the stress should just do something else for a living. There is no way they can "love the job."

@Frogger: Your statement "...stop looking like a french girl with all the makeup and more jewelry ON you face than I have in my own EARS!! I don't care if the rule book says it is okay." is completely out of line. I don't think the amount of makeup of jewelery on someone's face has anything to do with how they do their job.

You don't need to be so judgmental just because someone doesn't fit your profile of how they should look. Besides, you didn't write the rule book, so suck it up!

A customer's change should ALWAYS be counted back to them and placed in their hand, coin first. This is for the benefit of both the store and the customer. I'm more likely to get ripped off by a cashier that can't count than the guy standing behind me in line.

JimPl: My biggest bagging beef: Don't squish my bananas and make them suitable only for banana bread a day later.
Greg Peck

Everyone would be a lot better off if we could manage to treat each other the way we'd like to be treated. Its an old lesson that most people just can't seem to figure out. There is just no common courtesy anymore.

To the customers: Yelling at the cashier will get you nowhere. Yelling at management is just going to make you look as unreasonable as the cashier said you were. If my employee was rude to you, I want to know, but be careful what you claim because I am certainly going to go back and review the surveillance (and audio). The customer is not always right. Many times the customer doesn't know what their talking about, and is annoying the other customers with their hissy fit. We're adults, try to control yourself. When did screaming at people become an acceptable reaction? If you feel that it is, you can take your business elsewhere. Also, not being able to break $100 bill on a $2 purchase is completely outside of the cashier's control. Getting angry at them is a waste of your time. Those polices are set in place by management. Don't bother to complain, we don't care if you don't like it and complaining won't change it. We're not a bank. Asking you to pay with a bill that is comparable to the amount of your purchase is a reasonable request. It is a major safety issue in many retail situations to allow the cashiers to have enough cash on hand to regularly break large bills for small purchases. Most retail cash drawers are between $100 and $200 including the change, and are required to stay at those levels. We will not compromise the safety of our employees for your convenience, ever. You can blame the criminals for that.

To the stores/employees: It would be in your best interest to remember that customers are your business. They are the reason you exist. If you can't deal with that, get a job in a different business. We're not bothering you or wasting your time, you're being paid to assist us. Do your job. Please polite, courteous, and try to have half a brain. If you encounter an unreasonable customer that is holding up the line, please call management to assist, and ask them to step to the side and wait for the manager. Do not give in to customers that are not willing to follow the rules. We are just as annoyed as you are at the I customer throwing a fit because you won't let them use their expired coupon. They do it because they know you'll give in, and they're going to continue to do it as long as they continue to get away with it. While we're at it, clean your bathrooms regularly, keep your store clean and stocked, and take the time to train your employees!

A couple cashier pet peeves of mine:

1) Acting insulted or angry if I challenge the price an item rings up. I'm not blaming you personally for the error, so lose the attitude. If you're going to be angry at someone, the blame goes to either the person who entered the price into the computer or the person who put the price tag on the shelf. Not my fault but I'm not going to pay more just because someone else screwed up. Call whomever you need to so we can all get on with our lives.

2) I'm not interested in lengthy conversations. Smile, tell me my total, count back my change. That's really all I'm looking for in this relationship.

3) If you're working for one of the few remaining retailers that provides bagging service at the checkouts, please pay attention to what items you're putting together in my bag. I really don't want charcoal lighter fluid sitting with my bread and eggs. On a related note, don't get all ratty with me when I call you on it and ask you to put the lighter fluid in a different bag.

@frogger. I now work at as a teller at a credit union. MUCH better than retail. I must say, I am sure waitresses get treated pretty crappy sometimes. I have never been that way to a cashier, waiter/waitress or anyone in the service industry. As a matter of fact if I see or hear someone getting snippy with someone in the service industry, I will say something to them. Can't stand or sit by and do nothing.

Here are some tips on the flip side:
1. Large bills not all stores are the same smaller stores keep less cash on hand then the Big Boxes for security reasons.
2. Change isn't counted back for security reasons do you want the person behind you/next to you to know i just gave you back a large mount of cash?

3. Respect those behind you,
4. DON'T COME IN IF YOUR IN A HURRY.
5.follow the golden rule
6.please keep your child/ren in check.

i can think of two thing s cashier do that make me want to leave my stuff and let them keep it. blow their nose and then go right back to checking you out. lick their fingers to get the plastic bags open and then handle your food.

Janesvilleisallthat- I have done better- waitress and sales all of my life. You cannot be rude to people. Yes it sucks that they are rude to you sometimes but like others have mentioned if you cannot handle it GET out. I see you have gotten out. That is your choice and may have been a good one. I could go on for days about the treatment a waitress gets and sticks it out and smiles throughout the day only wanting to punch out people like this.

Pretty sure I have stated some very valid and factual points here!

I wish I knew who this cashier was. I would LOVE to shake their hand.

Wow, this person really needs a new line of work. Someone with this much negative nit picky complaints needs to reevaluate their career choice. However, I'm wondering if someone this negative would be happy in any situation/career choice.

It may not be in your job description to throw away someone's trash, but part of being a customer service representative/cashier is being curteous to customers.

"Don’t threaten to tell our boss. Our boss hires us; he already knows what we’re like".... if your boss is ok with the attitude you are displaying, I think they should be evaluated as well. Obviously this person has been rude enough for customers to complain. Now we know why the letter was anonymous.

Being a cashier was the easiest and least stressful job I have ever had. Being friendly and chatty with everyone who comes in front of you is not difficult, and as several have stated, if you can't do that, than customer service is not for you.

I agree with number 15 on the list. Yes, a lot of people stink. Also, when it says 10 items or less that is EXACTLY what it means.

@Frogger, Obviously YOU have NEVER worked as a cashier anywhere. I have and I HATED it. Having to deal with stupid, rude people. THANK GOD I am no longer in the retail field.

WELL I have a few words of my own!!

1- can you hand me your trash can please so I may toss the trash in or would you like it in the parking lot?
2- stop acting like we are bothering you when we check out.
3-be more respectful of others.
4-Don't take your anger out on us- we don't care if it is 7 pm and you have been here since noon- OMG 7 hours in a row-will you be okay???

5- WE don't care about YOUR stories.
6- we don't care about your work schedule.
7- Act as if you are supposed to be waiting on us and acknowledge us -YES the WHOLE TIME!!

8- YES Please shower before coming to work- and stop looking like a french girl with all the makeup and more jewelry ON you face than I have in my own EARS!! I don't care if the rule book says it is okay.

9- LEARN how to count change back to us. Don't just toss in our hands.
10- if you cant break of $50 or $100 maybe I should shop somewhere that can. I DON'T care how much money is in your till at 9am I WANT my change. thanks

11- take a quick class on how to bag items. YES I HAVE bagged my own. SOMEBODY has to.(ps I cannot believe you have to bag your own at Menards now. I feel like get off my belt I have another customer in line- hurry while I stand and GLARE at you cause you have a lot to bag by YOURSELF.

12- How about you be courteous FIRST. I am here to shop from you. Treat me with respect. for example say HELLO to me when I come in line instead of ignoring me and acting like I am a bother. You have to be there anyway- smile and say hello ASAP!

13- I WILL tell the boss- seems he doesn't know what you are REALLY like. I am NOT afraid of you and will say something!!

gppacker- yes some have a pen and DON'T work and WE are supposed to know this??

I do agree with some of these the cell phone one for sure.

Jimpl- I am a girl and shop like you. I am bad if I see somebody I know I might duck out. I am wanting to get in and out and on with the day. If I do see them I wave and keep on trucking!!

My pet peeve is to be in a long line, get almost to the cashier, and the lil old lady in front of me pulls out a check book. As far as the anonymous cashier is concerned, sounds like they need a career change. Patience and friendliness is a must for customer service. Being a cashier is an easier job than most of the jobs I've held.

@JimPl, AMEN!! I am a woman and I completely agree with you, especially about socializing in the middle of the aisle with long lost cousins and aunts, blocking everyone from getting past. Huge pet peeve of mine.

I don't work retail for a reason. I have in the past. Both sides could learn from the statements listed. Common courtesy goes a loooooong way!(A little common sense too!)

As a former cashier, I think that whoever wrote this should find a new line of work. All of the customer behaviors listed above are part of having a job in customer service, and if they irritate you, then, perhaps that type of work isn't for you.

And Sanio, funny story: The purpose of credit/debit card readers is to limit the store's liability in the event of fraud. If the cashier doesn't touch the card, the store is not liable for misuse. Consequently, the cashier should not be looking at the back of your card if you use the machine.

Complaints from a shopper (about fellow shoppers):

1) During a busy sale is NOT the best time to socialize with friends you happen to see in the store. If you simply must tell each other your life story from DNA up until that morning, please move to a relatively quiet part of the store. Please do not block entire aisles with your carts, giggling and laughing, seemingly oblivious to those around you.

2) While you're standing in line at the checkout, take a moment to decide how you're going to pay for your purchases and get your credit card / cash / checkbook ready to go. Don't wait until everything is rung up, then act surprised that you have to pay for your stuff before you can leave.

3) During big sales, like Black Friday or the opening morning of F&F's Toyland, make a list BEFORE you come to the store. Grab what is on your list, then move off to a less busy area to debate the merits of what you are thinking of purchasing. Don't stand in the aisle, blocking traffic going either way, trying to decide whether you should get the Malibu Barbie, the Texas Barbie, or the Rocky Mountain Barbie. This goes double for those who are shopping and talking on their cell phones at the same time.

4) If I politely ask you to move so I can get by and you give me a rude look, I'm probably going to move your cart for you. You probably won't enjoy it either.

5) Don't make me wait at the register for ten minutes while you dig through what must be 28 pounds of stuff in your purse, trying to find two pennies for exact change.

Yes, I'm a guy and I shop like a guy. Shopping isn't a social outlet for me, it is a means to an end. In my defense though, my wife as well as many other women happen to agree with my thoughts above.

I also work in customer service. And this person is completely right. When customers are on their phone, it creates frustration. I know it sounds ridiculous, but its true. And please do not bring a $100 bill in, when your buying a $2-$4 item. We shouldn't have to deal with that. Its not that all of the customers make it hard to enjoy our jobs. Its just the rude ones!

justoneof: Oh, yes, and say "you're welcome," not "yup" when I say "thank you." Of course, the cashier is the one who should be saying "thank you" first on behalf of the business.
Greg Peck

how about the cashiers that dont want to be there, and dont like their jobs at all. remember to say hi and smile it makes others around smile.

Wow. I can empathize with some of these, but others make me think this cashier needs an attitude adjustment or a different job. If you don't like or have tolerance for people, don't work in a customer service related job.

And don't forget the card readers where you need to scan you card inside a plastic baggie. Why does that work?
My biggest complaint is NOT LOOKING ON THE BACK OF MY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD!!!
I thank people that do, and I getting ready to complain to management about those that don't.

I agree, read the debit card readers, but why do they have to be different from store to store? Some of them you push buttons, some you use a pen, the buttons you do push are always in different places and different sequences.

There's more than one side to this story......