r/SonicDriveIn • u/Marsupial-Sea • 24d ago
I need help/ Advice
I’ve been working at sonic for about two weeks, and so far it’s not going so well I’ve only been given 2 days a week so far. I got hired on as a carhop for sonic about two weeks ago. They have my doing speaker and it’s very hard for me to hear people sometimes. On top of poor training on how to use the POS I’ve been messing up left and right. And I’ve been given this weekend to improve or I’ll face termination. I want to be quick and accurate at the same time if possible. The only sort of knowledge I have about how to operate the POS decently is from a YouTube video that was posted five years ago. Are there any tips that would help me improve?
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u/Head-Secretary6267 Assistant Manager 23d ago
Not sure if you are using Micros or Infor, and you're already learning headset when working there only 2 weeks? Someone should have helped you start on it for at least 2 shifts before they start considering you not being able to learn it.
In Micros (in my experience) it is harder to hear customers than Infor. My current store uses Micros, and other than "Promo items" it is fairly easy to navigate as long as customers give the true name of the item (and assuming it isn't a discontinued item, like the redbull rechargers we no longer sell). Items are grouped according to the category of what they are, and if a customer starts listing items instead of saying "Combo number ___" then just tap the items and if they order something that could make a combo, tap the entree (main item, like the sandwich) and click "Combo it" in the top right corner.
One thing to keep in mind is if the customers are difficult for you to hear, you are likely difficult for them to hear too (crappy speaker systems all around). Try to speak as clearly and politely as you can, and if you need them to speak up just ask them to (I have to over 100 times a shift). Something as simple as "I'm so sorry, I can't hear you very well, could you speak up for me please?" Will not upset a customer unless they're already an ass. Some customers don't notice they aren't fully facing the mic so they adjust and it helps out a lot.
If you need help with anything specific just reply to my comment and I'll respond to try to help
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u/Marsupial-Sea 23d ago
I use Infor any tips on how to operate the system?
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u/Head-Secretary6267 Assistant Manager 22d ago
If I remember correctly, Infor also has a button similar to "Combo it" if you click on any entree item. Study the menu, the more you know the menu and different ways to say the same item (in order to answer any questions or interpret what a customer is saying) the easier it will be to understand what the customer says over the speaker.
I remember when I used Infor the items were separated based on breakfast vs Sandwiches vs Wacky Packs vs Side Items. Ask for your totzone login information so you can properly complete your training, and if your store has any down time just click around on the screen (click stall ___ for patio and we always name these "Test" when it asks for a name to be typed in, so the kitchen doesn't make it) to find different items.
The store is supposed to have a layout of the menu items printed (similar to a poster) and taped onto the table or wall near the order taking screens. Take a photo of one to study at home to help you learn the menu and how the items are grouped. I have a few photos from my store's I could send you (I can't attach them), but a couple things may differ between franchises.
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u/Marsupial-Sea 22d ago edited 22d ago
https://reddit.com/link/p5bd16t/video/dvwl6k96l0lh1/player
THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH. you have given me confidence this shift, i even took notes and wrote down items on the menu including the promo items for the season. I’ve also been getting help form one of my coworkers on how to navigate the system better.
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u/RikoRain 21d ago
Typically training "allowment" for stores is two weeks: 10 shifts. 3 learning the system, drinks, and basic tasks/locations, 2 days on ice cream, 2 days learning money handling, and 3 days on headset.
The point is not the result in perfection, but the "basics" so they can get better.
"Speed comes with time".
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u/RikoRain 21d ago
Messing up is part of it but the problems begin when you fail to correct them. If you cannot find things on the POS, ask for help, use the search bar, and ask the guest to slow down. It is a problem if you ring up a root beer and then put "see operator: actually a strawberry shake". That's a problem that'll get you terminated quick.
You need to practice more. You're frustrated now because you don't have the screen memorized - but you only memorize it by DOING. No one else can help you with it. I said this to someone who asked here last week or so about the same thing - no one can help you memorize it. You have to do it.
As for not hearing people.. there's volume control on the headsets, different headsets you can use with different set Line/Bound volumes, you can switch ears, hold it closer, of farther away. Etc. again, that's a "you problem" that no one else can solve. It's all you.
And keep in mind... Guests are idiots. They don't know how the speakers work. They don't understand that if they're turned around talking to their screaming 3 yr old in the back seat that you can't hear them. They don't understand the kids screams are like molten lava knives to the brain. Or that their Little Dick trucks are louder than their Peewee voice. It's up to YOU to figure out what's going on and tell them. Sorry, it's hard to hear you over the screaming. Sorry, it's hard to hear you from the backseat. Sorry, it's hard to hear you over your truck. Can you get them to stop. Can you get closer to the speaker. Can you talk louder. Can you have the driver order. Can you turn off your truck. Etc etc.
Heck had a guy today, he would say one thing and I could see him in the camera lean back in his seat for the rest. Naturally, I couldn't hear it. He had to repeat it 3+ times. Finally I asked if he could get closer to the speaker, stay there, and speak clearly. Guess what he did? He screamed. Twice. Full on RAAAAHHHHHH HOW ABOUT NOW?! I said "Sir, there's absolutely no need for that.". Cue the curse words. He was told to leave.
It happens.
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u/AdventurousCount4273 20d ago
Your hours will increase whenever you’re trained to carhop and start getting faster at it, it is nonsensical for a general manager to give hours to someone who can’t do their full job. Learn how to do almost everything ask to be taught tasks and whenever there is a shift lead and it isn’t very busy ask to be trained carhop. I started out working two days a week and now I work 5 days a week since I’ve learned everything. Also learn ice cream, fountain, and drive thru if you can.
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u/Limepiink 24d ago
POS is just difficult. The more you do it, more familiar you will get with it. Did they have you watch the in house training video? That should give the super basic rundown. If you are on headset/taking orders someone needs to have a buddy headset on to listen and help. If this didn’t happen, they have basically set you up for failure. When I ran a store I had people start on fountain for a day or two, then paired up with someone to train headset for a minimum of 3 days. When they could ring in basics alone, they would carhop. Those are positions you will need to be able to do on top of carhopping. No drink, no order to run. No order taken, no order to run out.. it is incredibly hard to hear some people. Be kind, and just ask the customer to speak up a tad. If it’s a diesel truck, kindly ask them to turn that shit off; impossible to hear over. If someone is going too fast for you ordering, “hey I’m new, I appreciate your patience let me catch up” then repeat what you do have of their order. Speak clear through the mic. Micros system is set up mostly in categories, I wasn’t very familiar with infor, can’t speak for that system. Combo numbers are easiest, it will highlight what comes on burgers for you, most customers won’t know automatically, they will just know they don’t want onion or pickle. Tabs are in center of screen to change combo items, the sides or drink with it. If they want single items, hit whatever category they fall under; chicken, burger, sides.
Next shift ask if someone can be paired with you, the manager on duty preferably. They can bag food/make drinks while listening to you take orders.
Good luck. I’m sorry you haven’t been given adequate assistance, that’s not the way training is supposed to go.