From One Cashier to Another

I am a firm believer in treating minimum-wage workers with respect (Servers, cashiers, etc. The "help"). I've been there. I know that one bad customer can ruin your shift, and I know that one really nice person can brighten your whole day. I also know that the "help" will treat you as nicely as you treat them. Customers usually fall into one of two treatment patterns:

Customer comes up to the cash register. I say to them "Hi, how are you doing today?"

Type 1: Responds with "Fine." No attempt to further the conversation. I finish your transaction and put your things in your bag with standard tissue paper.

Type 2: Responds with "Good. How are you?" I respond with a "Good, thank you for asking!" I carefully fold your clothes, place them in the bag and give you extra tissue paper for extra prettiness.

In this scenario, being nice to the cashier didn't really have any advantages. BUT if you're nice to the help, they'll be nice to you. Case in point: Whole Foods.

I got off at Pantyland and went to Whole Foods to pick up some tempeh and veggie chicken. I also bought some impulse bulk granola. Toffee Almond. So good. Basket in tow, I headed to the checkout and got in line. The line I chose, just as an fyi, had a very cute checker. I got to the front of the line and he said

"Hi, how are you?"

I responded with a "I'm good, how are you doing today?"

"I'm good, thanks for asking."

While he was ringing up my groceries, I asked him how his shift was going. He told me it was ok, just a normal shift. I replied that I could relate, I had actually just finished at my job. Then, He rang up my granola that I bought and asked me what the price was. I had forgotten to write the number of the bulk bin on my bag! There was no price! I was being "that customer." I apologized profusely and offered to go check what the price was.

He said to not worry about it and started to type in another code for a similar product. Then he stopped and looked at me. He thought for a moment and said "Tell you what, you can just have it."

FOR FREE.

So what did we learn today? If you make the "help" happy, they'll make you happy.