If I pay for something and hand the cashier the money,?

Question

shouldn't the cashier hand me my change instead of sliding it across the counter? I worked as a cashier at a convenience store while in college, and I remember how irritated I became when people would pay for something and slide the money to me across the counter instead of handing it to me, so I don't do this. Why do some cashiers do it when handing you change? I don't think it's a matter of germs/dirt on a person's hands. If it is, they need to re-think their outlook on that...money is incredibly filthy...sometimes moreso than a person's hands.

What would you do in this case? (you hand a cashier money, she slides change across the counter to you) Would you say something, keep quiet and pretend nothing was wrong, complain to a manager...what?

OK, I think some of you might have taken my question the wrong way... I'm not irate, fuming, or otherwise upset by this. I posted this question on the ***Etiquette*** board to receive answers as to what the proper etiquette would be if a situation like this occurred.

Answer 1

I believe it is a error on their part. What ever happened to counting change back and placing the money in customers hand. And saying thank you. I was working in a Gas Station and a young kid came up to the counter and threw his money on the counter (change I might add) and started to tell me to give him a pack of smokes. Well need less to say I was not happy, I voiced me unhappiness like this, " when you pick your change up off the counter I'll be happy to give you your smokes" I shouldn't have done this but I am not a servant will not tolerate this from some young punk. I feel maybe a small chat with the manager will help. I say this because when you count money back normally you would give it to the customer and not put it down, and if the cashier is not counting the money back maybe her till is short or over. So yes a small chat with management might solve your issues and maybe fix off cash tills.

Answer 2

Hi, the whole sliding the money across the counter can certainly be interpreted in many ways, obviously. I was taught that the proper way to give a customer change was to verbally count it back to them to ensure that both parties are aware that the correct change was given back. This was, at one time, standard practice in good customer service, but you're lucky to see it these days. Yep, now you're lucky to even have the correct change given back to you as it is often just dumped on you or slid across the counter! But, yep, I agree, money can be pretty dirty, think about how many hands it goes through in a day and goodness only knows what's been on the hands that have already touched it. When a cashier does something that I find a bit rude, I just let it go. Not worth the battle! (My pet peeve is when a cashier checks your lotto ticket, tells you that you've not won anything, but then disposes of the ticket without showing you!)

Answer 3

I wouldn't ever slide money across the counter becuase if it leaves my hand, it could go astray. Let's say he slides me the change. Maybe some dropped? Maybe I could tell him "Hey, I didn't get all my change" and he'd tell me "well I gave it all to you". No, I think that's inappropriate, mostly for accuracy, not etiquette. If they did, I wouldn't say anything unless I didn't get all my change back. If you "hand" someone the change, that means that "I am giving this to you in it's proper amount and I know you are receiving it". If you slide it, it's like saying "Here's the change I owe you. I hope it all makes it to you. If not, it's not my problem. Of course, I don't know of a counter that's large enough where sliding would be practical.

Wait... now that I think of it... if they "slide" it but don't take their hand off it, that's ok. If you mean that they "slide" it and release it, then they shouldn't do that.

Answer 4

I am so glad that I am not the only person who has a problem with this rudeness. I was beginning to think that it was a racial thing. Now, I believe that it may be more of a respect issue. When this happens to me, I just take my time picking up my change very slowly to make sure that the cashier has time to see the irritation on my face. If he or she does not engage, which none of them ever have, when I finish getting my change, I leave. I don't think that this would be a matter in which I would make a big stink unless it became habitual with the same cashier.

Answer 5

I worked as a cashier and it never occurred to me that anyone would care how they got their change back. Nor to any of the customers that I dealt with. I think you are making more of this than it has to be. Handing a person their change just seems easier for everyone and quicker than sliding it across the counter.I wouldn't take offense of it. Maybe she just has a system down that works best for her.

Answer 6

Wow. I think you are way over sensitive to something that doesn't really matter.

I think proper etiquitte would be to allow people handle money the way they want to and the way they feel comfortable.

What happens when one of these people gets spoken to, or reprimanded for "sliding money", makes a conscious effort to "hand off" money and then gets spoken to or reprimanded because the next person they try to hand money to doesn't want to touch the person's hands.

Tell you what. As the cashier, if you take the porduct off the shelf, carry to the register, and hand it directly to customer, THEN you can make a formal request for them to hand you the money. As long as the customer is doing all the work, they can do whatever they want with their money. AND vice versa.

Keep in mind, being a cashier puts you in the service industry. That means your primary job title is to serve. Not to jump through hoops, or make demands of your customer.

Answer 7

Yes this can be annoying, but you can't expect everyone to know the proper way to do things. Even if you model the correct behavior. You have done your part and that's all you have to be concerned with. I don't think saying anything would make a difference. Just don't take it personal--grab your money off the counter and walk out.

Answer 8

I worked in a convenience store for 6 yrs. When I gave back change I would hand it back unless the customer were messing with their purse or wallet or just not paying attention, then I would put it on the counter.

Answer 9

To be honest I probably wouldn't say anything. Yes...it would drive me nuts...but you have to pick and choose your battles, you know? Perhaps I would try to get my hand out there quick s they know I am expecting them to place it in my palm. I do understand where you're coming from though....I was a bank teller for several years and never slid the coin across the counter. It's just plain rude. The only exception is when I dropped it by accident and they went to take it and I slid it to them. Take care and I hope you have an amazing day!

Answer 10

I would rather have the money cross the counter, because I don't know where this cashier may have had her hand last. Did she cough into it?? Sneeze?? not wash after taking a restroom break??
Please do not put the money into my hand just on the counter....Thank you. A smile is nice too!