Cashiers receive money from customers, provide them with change, fill out charge slips and issue receipts, in establishments other than financial institutions. They may use electronic scanners, cash registers or related equipment. They usually have to process credit or debit card transactions and validate cheques. They may have to wrap or bag purchases and usually operate a computerized cash register.
In more detail, cashiers greet the customers entering the establishments, establish or identify the prices of the goods, services or admission, and tabulate bills using calculators, cash registers or optical price scanners. Items sold by weight need to be weighed to determine the price. They receive payment by cash, cheque, credit cards, vouchers or automatic debits. They issue receipts, refunds, credits or the change due to the customers. Carry-out service may be offered at the completion of the transactions. They may also cash cheques for customers. They are often asked to assist customers by providing information on procedures or policies, and resolving their complaints. Some are asked to request information or assistance using paging systems.
They count the money in the cash drawers at the beginning of their shifts to ensure that the amounts are correct and that there is adequate change. Total payments received during the time period are calculated, and reconciled with the total sales. They usually have to sort, count and wrap the currency and coins.
Additional duties vary according to the employment setting, for example:
Supermarket cashiers may also stock shelves, mark prices on items, arrange displays and take inventory, or bag, box, wrap or gift-wrap merchandise, and prepare packages for shipment. They need to maintain a clean and orderly checkout area and complete other general cleaning duties, such as mopping floors and emptying rubbish bins.
Restaurant cashiers may also handle reservations and type menus.
Front desk cashiers, such as in hotels, may be required to type, operate the switchboard, perform bookkeeping tasks and act as receptionists.
Cashiers may also sell items displayed on or near their counters, such as cigarettes and sweets.
Cashiers can advance to senior cashier and then to head cashier. They then need to supervise the others and provide on-the-job training. Although promotions for cashiers are limited, this position provides a good opportunity for an employee to learn about the company or business and may serve as a stepping-stone to a clerical position. Prospects for employment as cashiers are generally favourable.