Cashier skills for your resume and career

Front end is the part of a store where customers are served and transactions are processed. Cashiers use the front end to ring up purchases, restock products, and keep the area clean and organized. They also assist customers in finding products and answer phone calls.

Cash handling is the process of managing and processing monetary transactions. Cashiers use cash handling to take orders, manage customer payments, and complete transactions. They also use it to count their drawers at the beginning and end of shifts and maintain accurate records. This skill is crucial in ensuring that customers are served efficiently and accurately.

Basic math is the ability to perform simple mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Cashiers use basic math to accurately calculate customer orders, manage daily profits, and process transactions. They also use it to recognize possible fraudulent activities and handle cash with precision. For example, they might need to calculate production time and labor time associated with a customer order or figure out the price of items purchased when a technological difficulty arises.

POS, or Point of Sale, is a system used to process payments. Cashiers use POS systems to record transactions, handle cash and credit card payments, and count the money in their cash drawer. They also use POS systems to manage returns, exchanges, and order entries. As Ekin Pehlivan Ph.D., Associate Professor of Marketing at California State University Channel Islands, puts it, "What I recommend my students usually, is that they try different things before graduation and find something that makes them feel a purpose other than (and in addition to) making ends meet." This means that a cashier's ability to efficiently use POS systems can lead to more opportunities and success in their career.

Customer service is the act of helping and supporting customers before, during, and after a purchase. Cashiers use customer service by providing advice on products, answering questions, and handling complaints. They greet customers promptly, manage cash transactions, and handle point-of-sale transactions. They also provide information to customers and display friendly service.

Customer issues are problems or complaints that customers have about a product or service. Cashiers use customer issues to quickly resolve problems and maintain customer satisfaction. They handle these issues independently, efficiently, and professionally. They often work with management and other departments to find a solution. They document customer complaints and recommend options for review. They also communicate with management to resolve issues and build customer loyalty.

The sales floor is the main area of a store where customers shop and make purchases. Cashiers use the sales floor by restocking merchandise, assisting customers with their needs, and keeping the area clean and organized. They may also help with tasks like unloading and unpacking new shipments, preparing merchandise for display, and managing fitting rooms.

Customer transactions are the interactions between a cashier and a customer when the customer is buying something. Cashiers use customer transactions every day to process payments, handle returns, and answer questions. They must be accurate and efficient when completing these transactions. They also need to be friendly and helpful to ensure customer satisfaction. For example, a cashier might enter transactions into a computer, handle money on a cash register, or assist with customer inquiries.

Product knowledge is the understanding and awareness of a company's goods or services. Cashiers use this knowledge to provide excellent customer service. They greet customers, ring up transactions, and offer assistance. They also use their knowledge to increase sales by suggesting alternative or complementary products. For example, a cashier might recommend a certain type of wine to go with a customer's dinner selection.

Food preparation is the process of transforming raw ingredients into a dish. Cashiers use food preparation in various ways, such as supervising and coordinating food preparation activities, assisting in maintaining quality food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in food preparation areas. They also use it to serve customers, stock items, and work on cash registers.

Customer orders are the requests made by customers to purchase specific items or services. Cashiers use customer orders by processing them through cash registers, operating electronic or manual systems, and computing bills. They also assist customers with purchasing decisions, expedite orders, and notify customers of delivery schedules.

Excellent guest service is about making customers feel welcome and ensuring their needs are met. Cashiers use excellent guest service by greeting customers, answering their questions, and resolving any complaints. They also maintain a friendly and professional demeanor while processing transactions. For example, they might quickly organize purchases while making friendly conversation, or provide information and recommendations to customers.

Customer inquiries are requests for information or assistance from customers. Cashiers use customer inquiries by responding to them in a professional and informative manner. They handle a variety of inquiries, from questions about products and pricing to issues with billing and installations. They also use computer applications and billing systems to process customer inquiries. By doing so, they ensure customer satisfaction and often increase company profitability.

Stocking shelves is the process of organizing and arranging products on display for customers to purchase. Cashiers use this skill by unloading pallets of supplies, placing items in their correct locations, and ensuring inventory is properly stored. They also restock shelves when items are running low, and provide assistance to customers who are looking for products.