Rude cashiers

@catdla1 (6005)
United States
November 8, 2008 11:07am CST
Yesterday I did my weekly grocery shopping. I always watch the checkout screen while the cashier is scanning my items. One item I was purchasing, a case of soda, did not register as she passed it by the scanner. She was moving quickly, so I was not able to get her attention while she was finishing up the scanning, but when she was done, I let her know that the soda didn't scan - and I was very polite in how I said it, too. When she checked the list of scanned items, she saw that it wasn't there. Don't you think she should have been appreciative of my honesty? Instead she became quite irritable with me, although she did rescan that item. To me, the cost of shrinkage is passed on to all shoppers, plus I don't feel right taking something that I know I didn't pay for. Has this happened to you? What do you do about it?
12 people like this
48 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I accidentally forgot to tell a cashier once to scan the soda my grandson was drinking and had to get back in line to pay for it while he sat in the cart with the bagged groceries nearby. She looked at me like I was crazy but it was an opportunity to teach my grandson one of two lessons; either you're honest and pay for what you take out of a store or it's okay to get away with something. That cashier shouldn't have been irritated with you for saving the store a loss. Maybe she was having a bad day.
4 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
8 Nov 08
When I was younger, I cashiered for 6 years...and that was before scanners (thankfully it was after abacuses fell out of fashion...lol). Even with the scanners, it's not an easy job, with very little thanks. I've been thinking about what to do, and I've decided to relay a compliment to the store manager for her gratitude and professionalism (even though that wasn't the case). Maybe if she gets a compliment for what she should have done, she will think twice next time. Maybe she was having a bad day, or had just been treated rudely by a previous customer.
3 people like this
@yadav8797 (1211)
• India
9 Nov 08
hi friend, this can be happen sometimes by mistake friend.thanks for sharing your experience over here .friend, this will give help to others.it will does not happen with others. i am hoping for hat friend. have a nice day friend. happy mylotting
3 people like this
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
9 Nov 08
That cashier was definitely rude, but I wouldn't take it personally. It's a real stressful job to be a cashier, so she probably was just taking that stress out on you. Did she actually say anything rude to you or was it just her body language and tone? Because if it was just her body language I'd guess that she was just frustrated with the situation, not you. Either way, you did what was right and you should be very proud of your integrity.
3 people like this
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
10 Nov 08
lol. That would be weird to surf the net one day and find a whole conversation about you from a bunch of strangers.
1 person likes this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Thanks for your response. Cashiering is a high-stress job, since you are always trying to be faster, more accurate and always polite to a steady stream of strangers, who may not always be polite to you. I cashiered for 6 years when I was younger. Her rudeness was not verbal, it was more in the rolling eyes, facial expressions and body language. You are correct in suggesting that it may not have been aimed at me, and I hadn't thought about that. Maybe she really wanted to kick the scanner for not doing it's job. I've learned one thing from this experience. Talk it over with my MyLot friends, because there are so many ways to look at any situation! Thanks!
1 person likes this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
10 Nov 08
Absolutely! Thanks for your thoughts! I wonder what she would think if she knew that people all over the world were talking about her...lol
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
9 Nov 08
You did the honest thing by pointing it out. Credit to you for your honesty. Unfortunately your kind act wasn't reciprocated the way it should. Some service people are just not customer-oriented. They don't make the customer feel good, or care if their actions cause the company to lose money. They just carry out their job actions to get paid and when customers point out situations to them which require them to do extra work, they just frown or show unhappiness in having to do more work. People in the service industry must realize that if the customers are happy being served, they will return and that translates to better business for their companies, and ultimately their pay or bonus rewards too. I've had occasions at the supermarts where things are scanned wrongly or discounts to offers were not applied, and usually the cashiers are happy to make the amendments when these are pointed out to them.
3 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
You and I think a lot alike! I really think that part of the problem is in the huge, super-stores (where this incident took place). They have so many employees, and such high turnover of employees leaving and being hired, that it almost becomes anonymous. Good employees don't get the recognition (verbally or in their pay), and employees that need further training are not getting it. It's such a large corporation, perhaps even the middle management don't even really tie their actions to the total profits of the company. Makes us almost like a society of robots, doens't it? When I shop at smaller, privately owned stores I really feel the difference in attitude from the employees and management. It's a much more personal experience, which the management has to emphasize to stand out & keep customers coming back. The cashiers there are much happier to correct any mistakes. Thanks for responding!
• Philippines
9 Nov 08
I haven't met any rude cashiers yet. In your case, it was rude of her. Whatever her feelings at that time, even if she was having a bad day, a thank you would have been the right thing to say after you told her to rescan the item. I know how tiring the job sometimes, but if you are working in grocery, you need a whole lot of patience. I owned a small store, and i do help and cashier. It is hard work. And a lot of customers are rude too. But it always impressed me when i have an honest customer to tell me i had i didnt charge 1 of her orders. Although i wouldn't mind the small loss. But i dont met someone everyday that is honest enough and its kinda refreshing. Despite the rude cashier, i'd like to commend you for being honest catdla1. Kudos to you. Hugs
3 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Thank you for your kind words! We, all of us like a pat of the back sometimes, maybe cashiers don't get enough of them. As a store owner yourself, you made an interesting point. In saying that you wouldn't mind the small loss, perhaps the store this event took place at, puts such emphasis on speed and moving customers through the line, that they are willing to absorb those small losses. That's another viewpoint that I hadn't really thought of. Thanks for sharing & hugs back at you!
1 person likes this
@lisa0502 (1724)
• Canada
8 Nov 08
I think that you did the right thing. I do not think that the cashier should have given you any trouble. I think that more and more cashiers do this. They get really stressed at their jobs and then get grumpy. It is not fair to anyone. Maybe they should look at getting a new job.
3 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Cashiering IS a very stressful job. I think more stores, especially discount and grocery stores would actually benefit by giving more breaks...like 10 minutes every 2 hours. It would really help the cashiers to have a couple of minutes to unwind, and the customer experiences could actually benefit from it.
2 people like this
@messageme (2821)
• United States
10 Nov 08
lisa0502 you say maybe she should look at getting a new job. I agree with you, but with the economy right now there is not that many jobs out there and maybe she just had to get anything she could, hence she's probably not happy doing what she is doing. But that is still not a reason the be rude towards people, she still has a duty to do and the is friendly service if she can't supply that, your right she shouldn't be there working.
1 person likes this
@ray770 (4)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Some people don't care, they are there only for the paycheck. What you should do if it happens again is go to the store manager and show him or her the slip and show what she missed.
3 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
At the time, I did glance around to see if there had been a supervisor or manager available. I would have approached a comment from the viewpoint that there may be something wrong with the scanner itself. I don't know that this cashier wasn't having problems all day with it. My motto has always been, 'When something goes wrong, blame the machine first'.
@tammytwo (4298)
• United States
9 Nov 08
The cashiers in my area are almost always rude. I more often experience the items ringing up at a higher price than shown on the display. Sometimes I bring it to their attention while at other times I do not. It just depends on if I feel like dealing with their attitude or not. I have complained but it does no good. They can treat customers crappy because they are the only choice in town for shopping.
2 people like this
@krissy32 (205)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Go to another town to shop if the cashiers are always rude. There are better places to shop than being stuck within one's own town. I do it all the time. I go to a town about 30 minutes drive away to get what I need and the cashiers would not dare to treat me rudely, as they know that I will call it to management's attention, right then and there. There is no reason to put up with that kind of crappy treatment, ever.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
In the instance of prices ringing up higher that they are supposed to, after corrections are made (and I do take the time to comment to the cashier how frustrating it must be to have the computers not updated), I do try to speak with a store manager about it. These instances are not the fault of the cashier. For the past year, I have also sent emails to the corporate offices of these stores. At a store level, general managers may want to show more profit, but at a corporate level, the emphasis is on keeping repeat business. I frequently get 'appology' coupons in the mail, for taking the time to write.
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
9 Nov 08
The cashiers are usually helpful at the Supermarket that we buy from. However its not the first time that you meet someone who is nervous because her break time is near and she is seeing you as a her lunch instead of being a person. It never happened to me however if it did i would react as you did. I would tell the cashier about the object that was not scanned. © ronaldinu 2008
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Thanks for responding! You know, a lot can be said of the types of wonderful people who are MyLotters. Not one person has responded to keep the item and not say something. I think we're a great bunch of people, don't you?
• Philippines
9 Nov 08
That never happened to me but it did happen to my classmate back in high school.The cashier forgot to scan the product and when she got out of the store,the alarm buzzed.The store gave her flowers as a sign of apology to her.
2 people like this
• Philippines
10 Nov 08
Yes,that store still has excellent business going on.It has many branches nationwide and I heard it has expanded to other countries.that's one thing that we Filipinos should be proud of.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
What a nice thing for that store to have done! With one simple action, they turned an error into a positive experience that is remembered. I bet that store still does an excellent business!
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
9 Nov 08
This would not happen to me because I do not look at the cashier scanning. At least she did not rebut you for being honest. I empathise with the cashier. Perhaps there is a long queue and she is trying her best to move along. She did her job by scanning but I do not think it is her fault if the scanning did not get registered. All cashiers would have trusted the scanners to work! If she had checked everyone single scan, she could be perceived as being unproductive. Who knows if there is a camera above her. lol.
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
I agree, and after reading most of the responses here, I'm really glad I didn't react more negatively. I cashiered before scanners were invented, so I never had the pleasure of using them. I can well imagine that if the cashier checks each scanned item to make sure it really scanned, she would probably get into trouble for being slow. There's a fine line between speed and accuracy and I can see that a lot of stores opt on the side of speed. Thanks for your answer!
@arcidy (5005)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Well I work at a stop and shop and most of the cashiers are pretty nice there since thats a requirement that you have to be nice to the customers. Im guessing it was a teen since thats usally the ones that I hear that are mean to the customers since they dont care about there job and have just a bad attitude. But the adults are usally the good ones at least thats what ive noticed.
3 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I have found that to be true as well. Those who need their jobs, and take pride in what they do are much more pleasant to deal with. They are also mature enough to realize how seemly small occurances, like the unchecked soda, effect the larger picture. When I cashiered, I loved 99% of the customers I dealt with. To be fair, I've also seen many wonderful teen employees, too.
2 people like this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
9 Nov 08
I find I don't watch the scanned items on the screen as much as I should. But I have to admit, if something was missed by the scanner, and I'd said something to the cashier, I can't imagine he/she being rude and disgruntled by it. Having been a cashier in the past, I would greatly appreciate the honesty of a customer stating that to me. I'd feel rather embarrassed mind you, for missing it, but overall, I'd be grateful (afterall, the shrinkage is passed on in wages too).
2 people like this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
9 Nov 08
That little extra touch IS nice, I agree. That's the sort of thing that brings me back to a store, or choosing a specific cashier in certain stores as well. :) BWhahaha @ the teenagers' attitude. I get it from my 9 1/2 yr old too.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Having cashiered too, I agree with you. I truly think the emphasis on 'faster, faster, faster', especially in the large box stores like Walmart, is behind some of the frustrations and attitudes that some cashiers have. A good shopping experience is more apt to get me back into a store than speed with an attitude. LOL...I get plenty of attitude at home with my teenager...
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I know that as a cashier in the area I used to work in it was kind of stressful. It was always busy and well, that was maybe in one place. In another it wasn't quite as busy but was probably busier then the other place during Christmas... In any case, I can sympathize with the cashier in that I am sure she was just trying to get the line down as it can be tiring, but I also think that it was not right for her to be so rude. I know I have been rude before, and I know it's more out of embarrassment then anything else but I eventually felt guilty about it, even if it's up to today where I am thinking about my jobs as a cashier. I don't think she should have been so mean, but I don't know if I would do anything unless the person is continuously mean to you!
3 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
8 Nov 08
I actually went today to tell the manager that she did a good job and handled it very professionally (even though she didn't). I was assured that the compliment would be passed to her, so hopefully in a similar circumstance, she will remember the compliment and handle the incident a little better. We'll see if the reverse psychology has merit...lol
2 people like this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
9 Nov 08
People who work with the public often have a lot of stress to put up with, when I run into one that is rude for what ever reason, I always respond by being extremely considerate, who know how this small amount of effort on my part might change their world. If i were to get upset, even if i didn't say anything, I would give off negative energy that would just contribute to their unhappiness.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
I couldn't agree more. Sometimes we need to give ourselves a good pat on the back for not reacting negatively...it's so temping sometimes, isn't it? Kudos to you for being a great roll model for the rest of us!
@GardenGerty (157027)
• United States
9 Nov 08
I am glad that I do not live where you do . I have read two posts this evening about rude retail help. Our cashiers would be grateful. I would let them know if they missed something. I guess I can be appreciative of the friendly sales and cashier help we have here. Yes, if there was a mistake, even if it was in my favor, I would let them know about it.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Most of the time now, I shop at a local, small, privately-owned grocery store. The prices may be a little higher, and the selection isn't like a supercenter...but it makes up for it in service and friendliness. I've gotten to know all the cashiers at our local store, and it's a pleasure to shop there. I have also taken the time to relay positive comments to the general manager. It helps.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
9 Nov 08
Whenever i encounter rude service people, I show them how irritated i am. Outwardly i'd tell them what they should and should not do to a customer. After all, their salaries come from us customers who avail of the product they are selling.
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
I try never to show irritation with other people, especially those working in service postitions. After my own years of cashiering, I worked in the office of a manufacturing company. There was a salesman who regularly called, to sell products to our company. For months, he was turned away with no sales, but he always maintained a friendly and optimistic attitude. I made a comment to him one day about his cheerfulness, and he told me something that I've always remembered. He said, "You get more with honey than you do with vinegar". You know what? He ended up making sales to this company, and eventually became a top vender. I should have shown more empathy for the frustrations of the scanner not working properly, and thanked her for taking the time to rescan the item. I missed a chance to turn a negative into a positive.
• United States
9 Nov 08
I think that's ridiculous that she acted that way. Unfortunately we have to deal with that more and more these days. It seems like the stores are full of young employees who for the most part weren't taught the good manners that we were as kids. Often times these people are working for minimum wage and more than likely don't enjoy their job. They are there because they have to be and that doesn't put anybody in a good mood. An attitude like that totally turns me off to an establishment and often I won't go back there. It's a shame. I wish we could go back to simpler times when people were nicer to one another.
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
That makes two of us, wishing for simpler and more relaxed times. Why does it seem so hard to teach pride for a job well done, no matter what the job is?
1 person likes this
• Singapore
9 Nov 08
You are a honest peson. This company could employ this type of unresponsible person just cause their bad reputation. You should lodge a complaint about this lady's attitude toward you. That should not be happen in any service line and it make me wont patronage this shop again. there once i went to minimart, i brought alot of grocery and request for more plastic bag, and she reply,"waste our plastic bag for what and show her bad temper to me. I was upsad and angry, end up i made a sence and manager apologised to me and send an 50 dollar voucher. haha..
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Writing letters to corporate office about bad and good experiences is a smart thing to do. If it's for an ongoing store problem, it puts the blame squarely where it should be...with the management. In the long run it does the company a favor, and it also is nice when they send you coupons or vouchers for your efforts.
1 person likes this
@nimnim74 (250)
• Philippines
9 Nov 08
She has no right to do that to you, sometimes there are people in which we don't know how they were brought up or why their life is so complicated or why they are so moody or rude. I just pity on them. I just say it to myself "I'm so sorry for them that they are like that, I have a good,peaceful and honest way of life but you don't have that.". See it's her lost not yours. God is watching us all the time.
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
I agree and that's a wonderful way of looking at it. Sometimes we don't take the time to look at events like this from different angles, or to imagine what life is like in their shoes. Thanks for giving another perspective!
1 person likes this
@nadooa247 (1096)
• United States
9 Nov 08
For me it wasn't about scanning rather about correct change. I bought a jacket and some shirts for something close to 70 dollars and some change, i handed the lady $100, she returned 50 dollars... i know i suck at math but even i knew that was wrong lol I asked her is Christmas coming early this year she looked at me confused =P i told her you gave me a 50 i gave you a 100... my total is 70... =P Her eyes widened she was polite and thanked me... lolz... a friend told me i was insane but i would have felt like i stole from her since she would have to pay for that miscalculation or lack of attention... Even though your experience was odd keep doing the right thing because as you said the losses will be distributed to the consumer in the end!
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
9 Nov 08
You handled that instance with a touch of humor and tact. Kudos for doing the right thing, and I bet the cashier had a smile for you too, despite her error. I eouldn't feel right in getting something for nothing. And, while I can't control the reaction of those around me (the cashier), I can control mine. Allowing these types of mistakes to go unchallenged is like stealing to me. Using a bit of humor really does take the sting out of self-blame for the cashier involved.