Smoke Break - Sales Associates

Episode 25: Cash Handling Essentials
Hey Sales Associates! Welcome back to "Smoke Break." I'm Mike Hernandez, and today we're getting into something that's absolutely crucial to your job - handling cash properly and safely.
You know what's interesting about cash handling? It's not just about counting money - it's about building trust. Every time a customer hands you cash, they're trusting you to handle their money accurately and honestly. Let's talk about how to live up to that trust.
First, start each shift right. Count your drawer before you begin - this is your starting point for everything that follows. Make sure bills are facing the same way, organized by denomination. It might seem picky, but this organization saves you time and prevents mistakes when you're busy.
During transactions, develop a rhythm. When customers pay with cash, count it in front of them first. Place their money on top of the drawer while you get their change - never put it in the drawer until the transaction is complete. This prevents confusion if there's ever a question about how much they gave you.
Counting change back is an art. Start with coins and work your way up to bills. Say the amounts as you count: "That's fifty cents, makes six dollars, and four more makes ten." This helps customers follow along and catches mistakes before they become problems.
Here's something many associates miss - watching for counterfeit bills isn't just about big denominations. Yes, check those $50s and $100s carefully, but fraudulent $20s are actually more common. Learn the security features - how the bills feel, the color-shifting ink, the security strip.
During busy times, resist the urge to rush cash handling. It's better to take an extra second to count accurately than to make mistakes that take minutes to fix. Your accuracy builds customer confidence and protects both you and the store.
Here's your check-in question: What three steps would you take if a customer claims they gave you a different amount than what you remember receiving?
Take a moment to think about it. Consider both the customer service aspect and the cash handling procedures.
Your actionable item for this week: Practice counting change back verbally, even when it's not busy. This skill helps you stay accurate and builds customer confidence in your abilities.
Remember, good cash handling isn't just about preventing losses - it's about maintaining professionalism and building trust with every transaction.
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and share these videos with your fellow Sales Associates. Good cash handling makes everyone's job easier! For more great convenience store content, visit cstorethrive.com.
Thanks for watching another episode of "Smoke Break." Next time, we'll dive into more advanced cash handling techniques. Until then, keep those transactions accurate!