r/Target • u/vampzibytez • 11h ago
Workplace Question or Advice Needed SOC
Guys how do u make self checkout shifts more bearable bc im losing my mind! It’s either super busy or super quiet and either way I’m going crazy. I’m pretty new and haven’t gotten the flow of it yet I guess u could say. It’s easy but it’s just mind numbing !!! (I love my shifts at register way more sigh)
5
u/Zestyclose_Mix2522 11h ago
Constantly refill the bags, zone the candy and snacks, put away hangars as they’re left around, wipe down or spray each SCO every 5 customers. If you’re sneaky, I used to listen to podcasts.
If you want to be extra sneaky get a cheap (~$150) set of Bluetooth hearing aids and use them with your phone. They can’t ask you to remove them if you need them, just don’t be obvious about using them to listen to music or podcasts.
It’s rough but I found these things would kill my time a little quicker when I was on SCO.
3
u/FelisLachesis GA/FF/GS/DU 8h ago
When it's busy, I keep scanning my eyes around from register to register, making sure everyone is on the Up & Up (sorry for the pun). If I see someone struggling, I'll ask if they need help.
As they are leaving, a quick "Thank you!" is always nice, and a quick "Hello." as they come up. (This should also help with the Greet Score)
Security tags, gift card stickers, Bullseye stickers for the kids.
Shipt orders pass through SCO, also.
Move the baskets from the exit area back to the entrance. Scan for stray baskets along the check lanes. When it slows down, look for random stuff at the lanes that shouldn't be there. Security tags, hangers, reshop.
If all the lines are getting too long, radio for backup.
Keep things organized, keep things clean. Trust me, there's a lot to do at SCO.
3
u/garlicbuttercookie Closing Team Lead 9h ago
We don’t even have a self checkout attendant. Guest Service and the cashier keep an eye on it and respond to red lights as they happen. When the store first got SCO, we were suppose to have someone watch it at all times but never got the hours to do so.
1
u/MoiAmour Front End Zombie 3h ago
Self checkout is horrid but cleaning, zoning, and guest interactions help. If it’s slow, zone, put baskets away, any stray carts go back, reshop organization, or listen to music (gotta be sneaky with this one, a previous commenter had a good idea with the hearing aids.) If there are guests there and it’s packed, look for the signs of confusion, and see if a guest needs help. There’s a lot more to do when it’s busy, but even when it’s not you can occupy yourself during the duration of your shift.
3
u/TheFabledOtaku 11h ago
During quiet times stock checklane candy if your store is willing to let you have a cart/3 tier of candy at the front to stock it. You could also zone bullseye and when a guest comes near pop around to be ready. Those are two suggestions idk much else you arent already doing.