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Checkout Operator

Do you want to become a Checkout Operator? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Checkout operators are based at till points and take the payments when customers buy goods.

• They sit or stand at their till, and customers take their shopping to them.
• They scan the goods or take a bar code from them, to find out the price.
• In food outlets, they may also weigh items such as fresh fruit and vegetables.
• The checkout operator then takes the payment - including cash, cheques, credit and debit cards - and processes loyalty cards, discounts and credit vouchers.

A checkout operator will usually work 37 hours a week, and this is likely to include some weekend work and late evenings. A career in retail offers flexible working conditions, with shift patterns and rotas, as many stores and shopping centres are open 12 hours or more a day.

Stores are generally spacious, clean and pleasant, and checkout staff may either stand up or sit during their shift.

Salaries for checkout operators range from around £7,500 to more than £11,000 for a supervisor. There are opportunities to earn more from overtime, and there may be staff discounts and subsidised canteens.

A checkout operator should:

• have good communication skills
• have good customer service skills
• be comfortable using computerised tills
• be honest and trustworthy
• enjoy working in a demanding and busy environment
• be interested in people
• believe in customer service.

There are checkout operator vacancies throughout the UK.

Formal entry qualifications are not always required. Employers look for basic numeracy skills and good communication skills, and some may expect at least four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including English and maths. There are Retail Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships for young people.

There are no age restrictions for entry to this job, and employers value life experience and customer care skills.

Training is carried out on the job and includes in-house training courses. Larger retailers may provide induction courses and training in a classroom environment. Apprentices may work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Retail Operations.

Generally, stores encourage staff development, although it could be easier to develop a career with a larger retailer. There are opportunities for quick progression to supervisory posts, and further progression into managerial roles.

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