Why do cashiers give you change backwards?

Question

By this I mean, they lay the bills in your hand like a little tray and then put the coins on top so they slide around and it's very awkward. You need your other hand immediately to "undo" that before the coins slide and fall off. When I was a cashier (going back a quarter century here!) we put the coins in the customer's hand first and then the bills. The customer could grab the bag with the other hand and not have to use both hands for the money.

Cashiers are sometimes customers and are on the receiving end, so you'd think the problem would solve itself once they see how awkward it is. But it's not solving itself!

Answer 1

Yes, but, if you recall, you were counting out the change backwards, starting from the cost, and giving first pennies, then nickels, etc. and finally bills. (Twenty-two thirty seven; forty, fifty, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five).

Now, the cash register tells them to give you, say 13.62 back.

So it's natural to start from the beginning of the number, pick up the ten, and work down to the pennies.

I've also assumed they intend the coins to weigh down the bills so they don't fall out, as they would when they're on top.

Answer 2

Sometimes they when I have like 75 cent change they give me damn nickels and dimes. So it's like all this change falls everywhere.

So I just have an angry face and pick up a few of the coins and leave the rest.

But...it seems convienent for women. They just slide the coins in the coin pocket, then put the dollars in the dollar pocket.

Guys can just shove it all in their pocket. Except those with wallets. Then its a hassle.

Answer 3

It is easier to count bills first then change. It is something they were taught in the training of their job, and it is used to make transaction smoother and quicker. It's not like one method is easier or harder then the other. If you did it one way, and no one complained (but I am sure they did because you are doing it now), then good for you. People are going to find one way or another to complain about something. I was a cashier for my first job, and as a waitress/bartender I also handled money in a similar fashion, and no one ever told me to put coins in their hands first the entire four years of my job.

Answer 4

i think it is because you grab the bills with your right hand and change with your left so it makes more sense to the cashier to give the bills from the right hand to you first then transfergt he coins from their left hand to their ruight then to your hands. See however this might make it more conveniant or thenm but perhaps nto for the customer. I dounno never really given it much thought

Answer 5

My question will be, why do they make mistakes, but the same are in favor of the store, and not the customers? Money can get people into trouble. I've seen people(cashiers) getting acquaintant or getting in a conversation, just to keep your money, & I ask why?. They can give your change back as they please, but has to be correct.

Answer 6

Now they are not counting backwards toward the denomination that was used to pay with. They are merely handing back the amount the machine told them to. SO they do it this backwards way.

Answer 7

It's good that you've drawn attention to this. Of all of society's ills, the issue of backwards change is the worst.

It sort of makes poverty and substandard health care seem so unimportant.

Answer 8

Good point. I've often thought of that myself. I used to give a lot of change and I can't for the life of me remember how I would do it.

Answer 9

That's where they are comfortable, but it depends on individuals.