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How do I overcome the fear of cashiers?

163 Answers
Last Updated: 04/23/2022 at 2:09pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
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Tara Davis, Doctorate in Counselling Psychology

Psychologist

I have worked successfully with a wide range of difficulties. Nothing is more important than developing a warm, compassionate relationship with someone you can trust

Top Rated Answers
Luxcassidy
August 18th, 2018 6:12pm
in my personal experience the best way to overcome the fear of cashiers is simply just to not say a lot. Most cashiers don’t say much any way. They usually just say hi how are you, and they tell you your total. They don’t start conversation so something simple to say would be... if they say “ hi how are you?” Then you just say “I’m good thanks.” You don’t have to say anything else. If I’m being honest they are just there to work and get paid not to become best friends with you. It will just take a little time to get used to.. hope this helps someone... 😊❤️
flowerssyndrome
September 20th, 2018 7:08pm
I have a friend who is a cashier, and I can assure you, she always saysbdoesn't remember a single thing about any customer she's ever served, haha. You might think you're weird for buying a certain thing, but trust me, they've have to deal with a lot stranger purchases. If your fear stems from simply the fact that you have to talk to them, then my number one coping method for something like that is usually that you just have to remember they're another person. They're not someone that's going to judge you. They're just doing their job, I assure you. It doesn't matter if you stuttered a bit or if you messed up a word, they probably didn't even notice! Remember just breathe and take it easy.
Anonymous
September 26th, 2018 12:09pm
I personally cope with social anxiety and irrational fears. IT is not easy. It has taken me many years of researching and therapy to figure out what works for me. My therapist started first by asking me to write out a list of reasons for my irrational fear. Then we listed them as a hierarchy. The would be listed with the least scary on the top and the most scary on the bottom. Then I would start with the first thing on my list and would make a plan to expose myself to that which was causing the fear. I didn't think it would work but it did! I worked my way down my list!
kindPanda75
January 13th, 2019 12:09am
You should never have a fear of cashiers, if you do then you will just become a bungling fool that has no means to function in a normal society, your life has been ruined by your own ineptitude and lack of ability to function within a society that is becoming weaker with every generation, you are week your children will be weeker and yor future is just relying on benefits and handouts from the people that feel sorry for you, so sad :( However I can still give you more reasons to sponge off the state as these great people that run this site have given me the platform to start telling you poor people that want help a reason to no come to this site... They will not help you unless you want to spend money, they will not help their own volunteers that are trying to help people and they will not give yo any help at all
Anonymous
January 24th, 2019 5:13am
Speaking as a cashier myself (who also had a fear of cashiers before I became one), the best way to overcome this fear is to remember that a cashier is just another person! We're human beings, which means we come with everything that comes with being human. We can be awkward and clumsy, we can get tongue tied and nervous. Sometimes cashiers are just as afraid of you as you are them! It's hard to talk to so many different people in a single day, especially if you're not much of a talker. Remind yourself that cashiers are typically more conscious of what they're doing than what you're doing, and as long as you aren't mean to them, they're not going to focus on the things you do, so don't feel self conscious!
thehelpfullinda
February 10th, 2019 12:00am
First off, you are not alone, most people go through this at some time in their life. Keep in mind, cashiers are most likely being paid minimum wage, have a life other than that job, and overall would rather be someplace else. Your payment of items, and the items themselves do not concern them in the least. Whether it be milk and eggs or condoms and a vibrator, they don't care. You are just another person, going through their life, just as they are as well. Next time you have to deal with one, remember to take a deep breath, and continue through as though it was just another moment in your day- which it is! Best of luck.
Anonymous
February 13th, 2019 1:58am
Sometimes it is nerve wrecking to go to cashiers and some people try to avoid doing it at all costs but the thing is, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. I was a cashier not too long ago and I can tell you with 100% certainty that we don’t really care. It doesn’t really matter what you’re buying or who you are, cashiers are just there to do their job and get paid. You just have to remember that cashiers are people too. Take a deep breathe and relax. If it helps, imagine talking to someone you’re comfortable with.
windfox3
February 14th, 2019 9:20pm
Having been a cashier in the retail business for several years, the things you need to know about us are: 1. We really do want to help you and hear about how your store experience was because your purchases put bread on our table. 2. We have both great and terrible store managers. Some will praise us for the chats we have with customers, others will scold us and tell us to quit talking and work faster. We cannot always be as personable towards you as we'd like. If we're sulking or appearing distant, there's a reason for it - that has absolutely nothing to do with you. 3. If you fear conversation with us, a great ice breaker is to pick a product you're buying and ask us if we've ever tried it, if we like it, etc. This can be especially helpful to you for new products that you're not sure is worth the investment. 4. Small talk about the weather is completely okay, and not talking at all is alright too. We really just need a sincere thank you after ringing your order up - to ensure that you feel you've gotten decent service!
Anonymous
March 30th, 2019 9:28pm
The best possible way to overcome a fear is to identify why you have that fear and then pushing that fear to the limit. If you can do it once and train yourself to continue to do it, even if you don't get it right the first time overcoming fears will be made easy. Always remember that you may not have the courage to overcome it the first time and that's okay. You just have to keep in mind that in order to succeed at overcoming a fear, you must be repetitive and relentless and strong. Getting a friend or a family member to come with you next time you go shopping may be a good first step in overcoming that fear.
AngelSnake
March 31st, 2019 1:31am
Well, you have to think about why you are scared of them. I used to be very socially nervous too. And that's ok. It's who you are. Probably very nice, just more solitary. Try never to overload yourself with responsibilities but still, be determined to realise your worth. Ultimately, if you or your family were threatened, you'd probably say hang on, I haven't done wrong so why am I apologising, or we? Someone has to do something. Trust me in the end it's a good idea if you run through this whenever you can and start shooting back so to speak, though avoid being spiteful. Stay well mannered always. Chances are the person on the checkout isn't worried about you. They might even be nervous as well. I was sometimes working on a til if I forgot how to do something, or had a long queue, that sort of thing. You don't have to talk much. It's really just the feeling of confrontation, breaking that invisible barrier. Are you embarrassed about your appearance, or voice? None of it matters. Go slow, say please and thankyou. Refuse to panic- you're bullying yourself essentially. Eyes down and just go. Every now and then we do get a horrible person, grumpy or mean. If you are really offended stay quiet and then go to customer services. Never feed into conflict, others only beat you at it. If you start going back over it afterwards, distract immediately. It's ok to think but it's not worth worrying over. Bin your fears like bullies, don't water them.
wonderfulSunshine91
May 1st, 2019 3:21pm
Almost everyone has an irrational fear or two - but I've never heard of one about cashiers. The same principle applies though as with any irrational fear. The most effective way to overcome a phobia is by gradually and repeatedly exposing yourself to what you fear in a safe and controlled way. During this exposure process, you’ll learn to ride out the anxiety and fear until it inevitably passes. Through repeated experiences facing your fear, you’ll begin to realise that the worst isn’t going to happen. It's important to create a list of things that relate to your fear. eg. going to the shop, using self checkout ect.. and then slowly work your way up to exposing yourself to cashiers.
Anonymous
June 15th, 2019 4:51pm
I just think of it like their a schoolmate, I don't talk to them often but I still socialize with them whenever I see them. I find it easier to speak to people in general if I think of the world as a school setting because it help assure me that the people surrounding me can not cause me harm. It also helps me to relax while checking out to start a lighthearted conversation with the cashier. Things such as talking about the weather or even reporting something like a a water spill in one of the lanes in the store can help a lot.
meteoritee
August 8th, 2019 3:11am
I got ahead of my fear by slowly exposing myself. I started somewhere I felt safe, with a friend with me. Then I did it without the friend, then in a new shop with a friend, then without a friend. It took a lot of time, and I'm still working on it, but I'm getting there. It also helps that when you're struck with the fear all of a sudden, especially when waiting in a line, just to go over the options. Think to yourself, "what's the worst that can happen?" and remember to be realistic. Trying to figure out from where your fear came from can also be a huge help.
Anonymous
August 31st, 2019 12:31am
as a former cashier, i promise you that they don't care. i don't mean this in a malicious way at all, but if you happen to be struggling with anxiety (or social anxiety, specifically) then i promise that you don't need to worry about cashiers judging you. they just do their jobs, and i promise that they have seen weirder things than however you're interacting with them. cashiers are people too, and if the mean little voice in your head decides to shout a little louder, try to remind it that it's being unrealistic. good luck!
melody06
October 17th, 2019 8:51pm
Well I would have to say the first step to do if you want to overcome the fear of cashiers is to push yourself to go up to cashiers more often than you usually do. Also, maybe try communicating with the cashier, start a simple conversation by asking how his or her day is. By pushing yourself to to go to an cashier more often than usual will help over come your fear. Also, by trying to start a short and friendly conversation with the cashier will as well help you over come your fear by making you realize that they are just like you, just trying to get through the day. By the end results now you feel less feared of cashiers and wouldn't mind being around them any more.
RainyMemory97
October 30th, 2019 3:27am
You can start by taking small steps. First, you may not have to say anything to them though you can just get your items checked out and leave. Do this step until you feel comfortable with this step. Then, you can just make small eye contact or just say hi without looking up while focusing on your items needed to be checked out. You have to continue with this step until you feel comfortable and normal while doing this step. You can continue to make little changes to this process, like the next step could be eye contact and saying hi together, and then the next step could be doing those things along with asking them how they're doing or how their day is going. It's okay if you are feel uneasy when doing the next step, and if you're not able to complete it, then just simply go back to the previous step and practise that until you feel ready to take on the next step and it won't be that scary for you like before.
laylajewelz
December 26th, 2019 3:10pm
Practice! make extra stops buy coffee and gum in separate places, also when making purchases with more items like grocery shopping on your way to the register start calculating the costs before you reach the cashier so that you have a ball park for what the purchase should be you can even calculate the sales tax so this way the cashier is not telling you anything u didn't already know and the total should be just a confirmation of your calculations. That confirmation should reassure you and the prior calculating should ease anxiety smooth your check out. You could also try getting a part time job as a cashier if you become one of them it will put you in the situation to understand them better also you will have to interact with lots of different people, it could build you socially and eliminate social anxiety all together.
AlwinS
January 17th, 2020 8:16pm
I like to first look at the situation from the cashier's perspective, the job can be very repetitive. You have the opportunity to make their work shift a little brighter. They are usually happily surprised if you start a little conversation with them, it can be about anything! Even a 'Hey there, how are you today?' can lead to a positive outcome, a conversation or a smile on their face. Another benefit of practicing this is that you come across as a very confident person. It may be difficult at first, believe me, we all have struggled to start conversations, myself included! However, once you learn yourself to ask them how they are or how their day is going, you will gain the confidence you need and you no longer have to fear them! I am sure you guys all got this!
Anonymous
January 29th, 2020 10:59am
I didn't understand how to until I became a cashier one day. While it may seem like a cashier is watching your every move and judging silently, they're most likely just thinking about when their break is, or how much longer until they get off of work. It's also important to note that humans are natural energy matches, and most are empathetic and might understand being anxious about a fear of cashiers too!! Also Cashiers have a job to do. You have something you want from them. In order to rid yourself of the fear of cashiers, remind yourself that they're only doing their job and that talking to them is a necessary step for getting what you want
Anonymous
February 19th, 2020 5:42pm
Cashiers and checkouts can be so intimidating. I like to try and remember that I am definitely not the strangest, most unsociable or awkward person that they've seen that day. I've learned that cashiers often truly don't care what people buy or how they present themselves, in fact, they just want to get their jobs done. I used to feel like all customer service people were just constantly judging me, but I realized I was actually judging myself and making myself insecure over things no one else even noticed! Cashiers are people just like you. They're usually nice enough and will just go on with their day without a second thought.
Anonymous
May 2nd, 2021 10:38am
Just remember cashiers are just people and probable have their own fears. Maybe first just go to the shops and just walk past them and say hi. Then move on from there. Baby steps are always the best way to start. Then when you feel comfortable gradually move on from there. If this feels too overwhelming then maybe ask a friend to go with you or maybe you have a friend that is a cashier and you can do it that way. Whatever you decide to do just remember you have a made the first step by asking for help. Good luck.
WhiteRoses25
September 23rd, 2021 10:21am
You overcome the fear of cashiers by knowing you have a list and price of things correct and enough money to pay for your groceries. You never panic and always walk with a credit card if convenient. Always have more than one form of payment. Always also have either a visa or master card on hand. A discover card is great as well since they take these. Be confident and show show confidence, You are how you feel and no one will know your fears. Believe in yourself and visualize everything going smoothly. It is your chance to overcome your fear.
sourpatchsnail
August 15th, 2021 1:07am
Hey there! Cashiers are human too! I 100% understand where you're coming from. As a person with a lot of anxiety (especially socially), those types of situations can be difficult sometimes. Especially when my grandma used to send me to the grocery with a freezer bag full of coins, haha! I always just try to keep in mind that they just want to do their jobs. If they look annoyed, it's not at you! Maybe they didn't sleep well, or are just not feeling the best. As the costumer, simply buying the store's items doesn't create any problems for them. I've met a lot of people too, who say that they never even look at what customers are buying (if that's what you're worried about). They just want to get everything ringed up and done so you can be on your way. And it's alright to give yourself a break sometimes. I still use self-checkouts (if possible) when I'm having a particularly rough day. Best of luck!
Anonymous
August 12th, 2021 8:30am
Identify the worst that could happen. You could bungle up your order and feel a little embarrassed and then? Nothing bad would happen as a result. Cashiers are people too and they understand someone people are nervous. Most of them won't pressure you or be mean when you tell them your order nervously or slowly. Additionally, planning what you say ahead can help the anxiety. As long as you don't take longer than 2-5 minutes, doing so can be helpful. Do this preferably while you're lining and just waiting to be called. Don't over complicate it. You got this, friend.
keirashepherd123
May 9th, 2021 12:46pm
coming from a cashier I love and respect every customer I come into contact with. I used to have extremely bad social anxiety so I understand the fear of us. I promise you, we probably will not remember you are we are busy scanning your items and waiting for our break or the end of the day. I am way more worried about what you are thinking of me and worrying about in case I mess something up and charge you wrong to be worrying about you. It is our job to help you and serve you. Do not be afraid to ask us something as that is what we are there for!
Anonymous
April 8th, 2021 4:22am
I used to feel very nervous anytime I had to buy anything, and would often my friends or family members to do it for me. It helped me to remember that the cashier most likely doesn't even notice the things that are causing me to feel scared or anxious, even if I think that these things are blaringly obvious. They see dozens of customers a day so they are likely not focusing on you as an individual, their goal is to simply help you. Try and think of them as people who are simply doing their job, they are not there to judge you.
Izzy274
April 4th, 2021 10:19pm
There are lots of different ways to get over fears, and different things work for different people, but here are a few ideas that you could possibly consider if you wanted to. - Think about how the cashier is just a person, who is more likely focused on their job than judging you, and they see lots of people every day, so won't remember lots of people. - You don't need to have a full interaction with the cashier every time. Start as small as you need, such as challenging yourself to make eye contact once, or to say 'hello' or 'how are you' once you feel a little more comfortable. -Cashiers see lots of people every day, so even if you do something that seems really embarrassing to you in front of them, they've probably seen it before and won't be judging you. - Think about what in particular you don't like about cashiers, and then try setting a SMART goal to help you start to overcome it. - try distracting yourself whilst with the cashier, for example by playing a game or messaging someone on your phone. Fears are real and really difficult to overcome, but hopefully with continued effort and support you can begin to take steps to overcome this :)
Sodiumforsaltytimes
April 7th, 2021 7:11pm
— why are you afraid? Chances are, you either: — had a scary experience with a cashier before. * What happened? How did it make you feel? What are your thoughts like now because of it? — hold onto expectations or try to mindread or make assumptions about how they view you. * Why do you need to be viewed that way? What can't they see? What are you trying to hide? Why?.. etc. And of course, professional help would be the best option. It's probably not available for everyone but it's most certainly worth mentioning. I hope things work out for you, friend.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2021 2:18am
Start small. If you have a store, cafe, or otherwise place with cashiers that you frequent, try talking to the cashiers. By starting to form a relationship with the cashiers, it helps fade that anxiety. As you grow more comfortable, begin talking to cashiers at other places besides those you go to often. If you continue to practice, it gets easier. The phrase “fake it till you make it” definitely applies here; if you fake confidence, it will begin to become reality. After a while, you can overcome your fear of cashiers through practicing talking with cashiers and practicing confidence.
Anonymous
April 8th, 2021 2:15pm
Oh wow. I often have anxiety when it comes to talking to cashiers. My advice is to take a few deep breaths and psych yourself up. If all else fails, just don't really talk to them. They won't really talk to you if you wont talk to them, unless it's the stuff that they have to tell you, like the amount of money and stuff like that. I often have a bunch of anxiety when talking to strangers. What I typically do is just push myself to do it rather than not. It's better to at least say a little bit than not say anything at all, but not everyone views the same thing as me, so yeah