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What does a Retail Cashier do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A retail cashier is responsible for handling customer transactions at a store. This may include ringing up sales, processing returns, and answering questions about merchandise. Cashiers may also be responsible for stocking shelves or performing other tasks as needed.

Retail Cashier job duties include:

  • Greet customers as they enter the store and thank them for their business
  • Operate cash register to process customer purchases
  • Scan merchandise to ensure pricing accuracy
  • Answer customer questions and provide them with information about products and services
  • Process returns and exchanges according to store policy
  • Bag or package customer purchases
  • Balance cash register drawer at the end of each shift
  • Count money in cash drawer to ensure correct amount is present
  • May perform other duties as assigned, such as stocking shelves or cleaning

Retail Cashier Job Requirements

Most retail cashiers need only a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, on-the-job training, or certification. Many retail stores offer on-the-job training for new cashiers. Some larger stores or chains may require new cashiers to complete a formal training program before starting work. Certification for retail cashiers is not required, but completing a voluntary certification program can demonstrate competence and might lead to advancement opportunities. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with previous experience as a cashier or in a customer service role.

Retail Cashier Skills

  • Customer service
  • Handling money
  • Operating a cash register
  • Bagging merchandise
  • Dealing with customer complaints
  • Handling customer refunds
  • Stocking shelves
  • Price checking
  • Keeping the store clean
  • Sweeping floors
  • Taking out the trash

Related: Top Retail Cashier Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Retail Cashier

A retail cashier is responsible for handling customer transactions in a retail setting. They must be able to accurately handle money, provide excellent customer service, and maintain a clean and organized work area. Cashiers typically work in fast-paced environments, so it is important that they are able to stay calm and focused under pressure. If you are interested in becoming a retail cashier, here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Get experience: Many retail employers prefer to hire cashiers with previous experience. If you don't have any experience working as a cashier, consider applying for a job at a smaller retail store or even a grocery store. This will give you the opportunity to learn the basics of the job and develop the necessary skills.

2. Be patient and polite: As a cashier, you will be dealing with customers on a daily basis. It is important that you are patient and polite when interacting with customers, even if they are being difficult. Remember that your goal is to provide excellent customer service at all times.

3. Stay organized: A retail cashier must be able to keep track of various customer transactions and maintain a clean and organized work area. This can be challenging, but it is important to stay focused and organized in order to avoid mistakes.

4. Be reliable: Retail employers rely on their cashiers to show up for their shifts on time and ready to work. If you are not reliable, it will be difficult to keep a job as a retail cashier.

5. Learn the register: Most retail stores use electronic registers these days, but it is still important for cashiers to know how to operate them properly. Make sure you take the time to learn how to use the register before starting your first shift.

Following these tips will help you increase your chances of becoming a successful retail cashier. With hard work and dedication, you can develop the skills needed to excel in this role!

Related: Retail Cashier Resume Example

Related: Retail Cashier Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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