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How do you handle checkouts?

How do you handle checkouts?

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Do you greet the cashier or wait for them to speak first? Do you say something when you give the money or when you take your change? Do you say something when you leave? How about eye contact or tone of voice? I know there are self checkouts available, but I think self checkouts are more intimidating. I've used them, but the thought of something going wrong scares me. I imagine buzzers and lights going off or something, directing all sorts of attention my way, making me look stupid. I also have a problem when there are people in line behind me as I feel like they are judging my appearance and my purchases.

Gimme some ideas people... I always leave these important social encounters feeling awkward - as if I've just proved myself to be the most boring customer of the day.

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"Hi"

(converse or not depending on the answer, your mood and the cashier's mood)

"Bye, have a nice day/evening"

Doesn't seem too difficult.

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I bet you suffer from some wicked panic attacks.

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Originally posted by homedepotov
Do you greet the cashier or wait for them to speak first? Do you say something when you give the money or when you take your change? Do you say something when you leave? How about eye contact or tone of voice? I know there are self checkouts available, but I think self checkouts are more intimidating. I've used them, but the thought of something going wr ...[text shortened]... ers feeling awkward - as if I've just proved myself to be the most boring customer of the day.
Here they usually greet you as soon as they pay attention to you, so I let them say it first and then echo them. If they ask something (usually standard questions like whether you want a bag), I reply; if they give me the change or the receipt, I say thanks. I say good-bye if they are looking in my direction at that point; if they are busy with another customer, I just leave.

But it's also a cultural thing; for example, in Germany the cashier might not greet you at all.

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How strange.
It just dawned on me that I know most of the clerks I deal with on a regular basis.

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Try:

JUST PUT THE MONEY IN THE BAG AND NO ONE GETS HURT!

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Originally posted by homedepotov
Do you greet the cashier or wait for them to speak first? Do you say something when you give the money or when you take your change? Do you say something when you leave? How about eye contact or tone of voice? I know there are self checkouts available, but I think self checkouts are more intimidating. I've used them, but the thought of something going wr ...[text shortened]... ers feeling awkward - as if I've just proved myself to be the most boring customer of the day.
I live outside a small town and the grocery/liquor/postoffice/gas station/video/incometax return store is staffed by people I know so there is a lot of "talkage" that goes on. Sometimes , altough I'm second in line , it takes about a half hour before you get to the cashier.

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Originally posted by Daemon Sin
Try:

JUST PUT THE MONEY IN THE BAG AND NO ONE GETS HURT!
or, just a teensy bit less confrontationally:

JUST PUT THE GROCERIES IN THE BAG AND NO ONE GETS HURT!

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meh. They almost always say "how are you" and I have to make up some lie like "I'm okay" when really I'm broken to the core.

I'd much prefer if they found a greeting that left a response optional. Such as "Hope you found what you needed." Then people have the option to respond or simply say thanks or whatever.

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Originally posted by Great Big Stees
I live outside a small town and the grocery/liquor/postoffice/gas station/video/incometax return store is staffed by people I know so there is a lot of "talkage" that goes on. Sometimes , altough I'm second in line , it takes about a half hour before you get to the cashier.
That's what's called a 'Chatterbox' 'round here.

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Originally posted by Great Big Stees
I live outside a small town and the grocery/liquor/postoffice/gas station/video/incometax return store is staffed by people I know so there is a lot of "talkage" that goes on. Sometimes , altough I'm second in line , it takes about a half hour before you get to the cashier.
Liquor??? Whereabouts in Onterrible are ye again?

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Originally posted by darvlay
Liquor??? Whereabouts in Onterrible are ye again?
'tween London & Chatham.

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Originally posted by monster truck
That's what's called a 'Chatterbox' 'round here.
'round these here parts we calls her Loreena..'cause that's her name. The woman does like to chatter though.

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Originally posted by Great Big Stees
'tween London & Chatham.
Oh, I see - that's not all one store you're talking about. 😛