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10.2 ELEVEN CHECK-OUT SURVIVAL TIPS FROM AN EXPERT - BY KATHY GILLIKIN

Kathy has worked at a number of retail stores and is an expert.

== It really bugs me when my merchandise has no price on it, and I can't find the price anywhere. Some stores have scanners throughout the store where the customers can scan the item themselves. The Wal-Mart in our area does that.

== Don't let your child "help" the cashier. It may cost you. Some of the scanners are super sensitive and can pick up an item more than once if it isn't moved across fast enough. Many times the cashier will not catch it especially if the store is really noisy.

== If you have a check or credit card make sure you have a picture ID. Even if the cashier knows you, it is store policy at most places to check all IDs. If you don't drive or have a valid license, you can go to your department of motor vehicles and get an ID. Many older people will do this so they will have some form of picture identification.

== Before you leave, make sure you have all your purchases. Sometimes things can fall outside when your cashier is bagging your purchases.

== Please pay attention when money is changing hands. It is easy to make mistakes with the new $20, $50, and $100 dollar bills. I have to look at the back of the bills to make sure which is which. At the right side of the bottom of the bill is a larger, plainer number that makes it easier to tell the difference. I made an error giving change for a $20 bill when the customer had actually given me a $50. The customer thought he had given me a $50 but wasn't sure. Sure enough the $50 was in the $20 slot. I was very embarrassed. The customer was very nice about it. I was determined to be more careful and look more closely at the bills.

== Many times customers give me more than the correct amount. If I had been a dishonest person I could have kept the extra. As a cashier I can get in just as much trouble with too much money as not enough.

== Most of mistakes made at the checkout line are because people are in a hurry or are not paying attention. Don't talk to a friend instead of watching the register. Spending your money is serious business. For example, getting phone calls on your cellular phone while you are checking out can be very distracting.

== If you have a lot of items, it is good idea to have a calculator and keep a running total so you don’t get a “total” shock when you check out.

== When writing out your checks please make sure your written amount matches your numbered amount. Some banks pay the written amount even if it doesn’t match the numbered amount. I had one customer printed the right numbers but wrote the amount out for $10 more.

== Your cashier is there to help you, but he or she doesn't know every item in the store. In larger stores most of the cashiers know only a small percentage of the merchandise. Don’t expect expert advice about that new TV or toaster oven at the checkout. Usually stores have at least one expert in each department, often they aren’t there on the weekends.

== You know that a few kind words to you from a stranger can make you feel good and can even make your day. The same applies to cashiers. It really makes my day when I can help customers and they say thank you.

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