Memorize Produce Codes
People think that it's a simple job being a cashier at a supermarket since half the job is scanning items. The job itself is more tough as it seems, as the memorization of produce codes is mandatory, how to punch in UPC codes, intercom codes to address other departments or sections in the store, and the knowledge of dealing with transactions, such as credit cards and checks. While reading this article, you may have more knowledge of how easy it is to memorize produce codes.
Steps
- Walk around the produce section when you get the chance. Match up of what the fruit or vegetable looks like with the name of it. Sometimes there may be codes on the item or on the price label; these codes may be the correct one or a different one in the register system, just be sure to ask your manager.
- Doing something absurd while memorizing the codes helps even more. Such as doing the chicken dance while memorizing look a likes!
- Study any weekly specials on produce. These are the items that people will mostly get, so they'll always be rolling on the conveyor belt.
- Write down the codes for the most popular fruits and vegetables. Whether it's one brand of apples, or if the strawberries are in season, or if the price of peaches are low - you don't want to be searching the code book every time, when it can be right in front of you.
- Use the same paper for other codes in the supermarket, whether it's liquor or a long code that needs to be pushed in manually. If you are new to being a supermarket cashier, writing down department codes may be also helpful, as some coupons need it.
- Start another paper with different produce codes when you feel comfortable to move on. This paper may include the produce that people seldom get, but not as popular as the rest. Don't include seasonal items, as it's not useful as the others.
- Remember what the produce looks like and do a compare/contrast with others. However, majority of the produce will have a sticker (for example, apples).
Tips
- When you're not familiar with the item, casually ask the customer, "What was this again?". If they're not sure or give you a weird look, ask another cashier. Be sure to memorize it as you go, so that it's not a constant habit.
- Go through the produce section as much as possible, either before shifts, during breaks, or while shopping on your own time.
- Always keep a copy of the overall codes with you; so that if someone purchases a fruit and it's rarely bought, you still have a code for it on you.
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