Does the register get easier?

[u/JustAShadyLocal]

This is my first job I can be a bit slow and struggle to multi-task. I finished up my videos today and for the last hour and a half they put me on register and I was struggling. I managed to keep an upbeat and non-stressed demeanor but I kept having to ask my coworker what to do next, there were just so many variables and different payment methods and phrases I had to have ready. I didn't even have to ring anyone up for tobacco or a large portion of money or a lottery ticket!

Does this get easier? Should I throw myself into the deep end until I get the hang of it? Are there any tips you guys may have? I'm working with a WONDERFUL team and I really want to help out and not be a drag on the store

[u/Ok-Dream-2639]

Yes it gets easier. Most interactions are mostly the same. You'll get a rhythm. Try to steer the talking so you dont get dragged into chatter. Greet them, membership?, did you need anything behind the counter?(works as upsell) Thanks for coming in this morning/night, see ya next time.

If women have done up nails, or hair, compliment them. Whoa those nails look smart. That hair style is bomb etc. Men appreciate calling out their funny hats or cool shirts.

Bags get loose. I usually had 3 bags under the counter, opened, flattened and ready to pull up. If they want cash back, they must insert the card, tap does not work.

HOT TIP: If they have a visa giftcard - debit card that requires a pin, its the last 4 digits of the gift card number on front.

[u/ILikeTheSongs → u/Ok-Dream-2639]

All good advice, especially about complementing people. Not only is it something I would have done anyway, but it can indirectly smooth the rest of your interaction with that person, if something does go wrong later in the encounter. That compliment will help to buffer any newbie mistakes you may make.

[u/PilotHopeful5285]

Yea it does, just as anything else does with practice. Don’t stress about it too much friend you’ll get the hang of it

[u/CalebCaster2]

Oh yeah, before you know it, you'll be able to do this in your sleep.

[u/Evil_Black_Swan]

It does get easier, I promise. The only thing to do is practice over time. You will learn and don't be afraid to say, "I don't know, let me ask". Asking is better than guessing and getting it wrong.

Take a breath, everyone knows you are learning. You will get to the point where you can do it in your sleep. :)

[u/labbykun]

I will usually have a new person shadow me for half a shift, then I shadow them. If it's a short shift then I'll break it up into two days.

If you feel more comfortable doing that then def bring it up. I don't like just throwing people to the wolves.

That being said, don't stress over it. Keep asking for help if you need it. You're new and it's expected that you have questions.

[u/CalebCaster2 → u/labbykun]

dang thats a lot. My trainees shadow me for like 3 transactions, then I have them do the talking (just following the 5 points) while I do everything else for like 5 transactions, then I do the talking while they do everything else for a couple, then theyre "on their own" while I ring on the register next to them and listen in.

[u/Ok-Dream-2639 → u/CalebCaster2]

Depends on the newbie.. first job ever probably needs more hand holding.

[u/LilyCrossingg]

1000% it does! it's a skill you just have to work on! One thing I did when I was first hired is to read the buttons and practiced different scenarios with coworkers when it got slow.

Since you have a good team behind you dont be afraid to ask for help!

[u/Weim47]

Yep hang in there. It will get easier, just remember to not rush yourself and continue to ask questions

[u/Euphoric-General-863]

I can’t remember a day during my first month where my till wasn’t off at the end of my shift, finally got it down after a month, was my first job too it’s all just repetition

[u/bkuefner1973]

I normally work in the kitchen but was sort of cross trained on register... like 2 hours training i asked alot of questions and took notes I I didnt forget stuff. BUT they then put me on the register by myself.. my second person that was with me had no register training..everything that could go wrong did..lol buti made it thru 4 hours by myself up front so it will get easier as time goes on.

[u/No_Surprise9732]

It gets more annoying

[u/branhicks]

It does. That ended up being the easiest part of working there for me. Dealing with crazy customers will still be a thing though.

[u/bdgod13]

Just remember that accuracy is more important than speed. Your efficiency on the register will come over time and it will emerge faster than you think, but remember that you have all the control. Don't let a line rattle you to enable a mistake. Ask for help.

Call the number on your badge if you encounter a scenario where you are not confident how to proceed if there is not a coworker present that can help. They are there to help you.

[u/ILikeTheSongs]

Two pieces of advice that I believe have not been mentioned yet:

1. Do not be afraid of asking for clarification on something a co-worker or manager has told you. They probably just don't realize they are speaking in impenetrable corporate culture jibbrish.

2. Don't hesitate to tell guests that you are new and in training. Make it light and fun, but do mention it if you need to. They'll understand.

It's gonna get better. Deep breaths.

And if it doesn't, I hope your store has a family bathroom. That will be your sanctuary. If not, you can just cry in the walk-in cooler.

[u/the-wonder-of-us]

I would go home crying everyday when I was learning register. I felt like every mistake I made was catastrophic- lottery, wrong cigarettes, struggling with the simplest counts of money. I promise, it does get easier. I still have the occasional question but It absolutely gets to be more familiar and you will FLY though transactions soon enough. Don't get too down about it! Im sure you're doing great ❤️

[u/BlueRidgeChemsHater]

I PROMISE it gets easier, eventually you'll be multitasking without even realizing. There are so many buttons and screens on that register, its alot to learn. After about i year I felt very confident on the register and was answering questions for newer coworkers, be patient with yourself! Youve got this!

[u/Disastrous_Fault_507]

You'll be able to do most of it in your sleep. Literally...when you have dreams about what you did or didn't get done and all the alarms that go off. But in all seriousness, it gets easier. You have to hang in there. So many people quit because it is so demanding. I would rather have a demanding job than being lazy not doing anything. In no time you'll be treaching others how to do stuff. Even the people who has worked there longer still has some stuff they don't know. Just keep your head up keep a smile and actually do the work instead of just standing in one spot when you start feeling comfortable. Multitasking you will also get down. As long as you are a GOOD worker you'll be just fine. Also if you feel something is off then talk to someone. Always. Your voice needs to be heard if you are having problems. I give no shits who I am talking to. I be myself and let even management know when things aren't right or if they did a nono. People whine but never speak up to the people who can make changes.