How do I overcome the fear of cashiers?

Remember that they might be just as anxious as you are. Both of you are strangers to each other, and it can be discomforting to meet new people.

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 matchers, and most are empathetic and might understand being anxious about a fear of cashiers too!!

As a cashier all we want to do is help you! It is our job to give you the best experience and often we are just as scared as you having to speak to so many people we dont know everyday. Unlike the customer we are the focus behind the cashier so being shy is not an option for us. We are just as nervous as you if not more and some might not seem like it because its our daily job and we've gotten used to it!

That's a tough one! I personally have a fear of walking into a store and leaving without purchasing anything. I'm deathly afraid of someone thinking I've come into the store and stolen something. So I'm awkwardly keeping my hands visible and not reaching for my pockets. It's weird.. I know.. :D There are more thorough resources available on dealing with this fear; however, I'll share some quick tips that I believe might be helpful (I'm using my background that I've gathered here on 7Cups to answer this). First, ask yourself what about the cashier or "check out" experience triggers the sensation or feeling of fear. Worded differently, what are you afraid of? To identify the cause, you may try speaking to a trusty friend or writing your thoughts down in a journal. Once you've identified some elements (or at least made an attempt), put together a goal and an action plan. (See below for example). Remember there are exercises available online (including on 7Cups) to help with this anxiety (including "Challenging Your Thoughts" and "Overcoming Avoidance"). EXAMPLE: Goal: I want to practice interacting with a cashier briefly. Commitment: I'm going to say hello to the cashier when I walk into the store. Obstacles: My fear that they'll think I'm dumb or weird might stop me before I even walk into the store. Solution to Overcome Obstacles: I'll bring a friend! Reward: I'm going to buy myself a candy bar because I put myself out there and accomplished my goal (and because I love chocolate/candy bars).

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

Cashiers are normal people just like you and me (which might sound patronising but it's true!) Cashiers have a job to do and see tens, if not hundreds, of people a day so don't think that they are focusing on you as an individual. Just think, if you fumble with your money or stutter when talking to them, they encounter people from all walks of life all of the time so won't focus on you alone. It might help to have your money in your hand before you go to the counter as it may calm your nerves. You may never see that person ever again so it doesn't particularly matter how the encounter goes. Just remember - they're normal people too!

I was a cashier for a bit as well as a TV salesman. Realize that cashiers are just people. We probably really hate where we are in life at the moment as it's not exactly a glorified place to work. Most of them will just say "Hi." and continue scanning items. It's up to you if you want to continue a convo from there.

Realize that cashiers are people just like you. They have made mistakes and gone through things in the past just like you have. And here's something that always helps me. "In 20 years from now, is this going to affect me?" And the cashier is just there to help you, not inflict anxiety.

One way is try to ignore the cashier when checking out. after awhile start looking at them. then after that try talking to them.

Remember that they're just people like you, and that it's literally their job to be nice to you. Also, you only have to interact with them for a short period of time and then you'll probably never see them again. As a cashier myself I can guarantee that they'll forget you by the time you get 10 steps away. If you think about it it's actually one of the lowest-risk interactions you can have.

first of all, they're not there to harm you in any way, be aware of the fact that they don't pose any danger to you and they're just doing their job. you can talk as little as you please and when the cashier has finished scanning your stuff you can pack your purchases and leave. if you flash them a smile or say goodbye when you leave, they might do the same for you and both of you have a nicer day. remember that they're all just people, working and living their lives without expecting anything from you. no worries, you got this :)

The best way to overcome your fear is to go up to a cashier as much as possible. The more you do it the better and more confident and comfortable you will soon get to feel about it. If you are getting really panicked take deep breath in and out just before you go up to the cashier and say to yourself "you will be alright, no need to be scared of a cashier" saying it in you rather than I makes your brain register it better in my experience.

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.

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.

You got to be brave, take a deep breath, and relax. It'll be ok just be confident and go for it!

Try to remember that cashiers are regular people, like you and me. My social anxiety used to paralyze me when I was shopping but now I try to recall that these people are human and that a smile or a nice greeting from customers can make their day, the same way a lovely interaction could brighten mine.

Know that cashiers encounter numerous people everyday. Chances are they won’t even remember who you are, so there is no reason to be afraid whether it is of judgement or ridicule. They’re people just like you and me :) And most of the time they’re just going to try to be polite and nice!

Try to think about and focus on something that makes you calm or happy and remember theyre human too, just like you!

It sounds like you are anxious about talking to strangers! I would suggest seeing things in their perspective. If you were a cashier and you saw another person coming through the line, how would you feel about them? For me, this quells my worries and lets me see that they aren't judgmental. It's also a good idea to interact more with people you are unfamiliar with in your community! Talking to others will help you gauge your first impression as well as what they think of you. That way, you will be more confident when going through the cashier's line

This is gonna be a hard truth - but you just have to try it out one day. The problems with fears is that unless we challenge it, the fear just gets bigger and bigger in your head. I believe in you ❤

Realize that they are people too. Cashiers are people trying to do their work as quickly and competently as possible. They are not out to hurt you in any way, and will likely forget who you are unless you gave them a hard time.

I've heard people say a good way to do this is to buy something and later return the item. Going through this process can empower you, acknowledging your rights as a consumer. Alternatively, make friendly conversation with the cashier

You can start by being more friendly and open they are human just like us and want to help so that’s a start

Remember that this cashier is just doing their job! They deal with many many customers just like you every day. It is totally normal to feel anxious when approaching strangers, but remember that this person is just a human being doing their job. They want to talk to you!

Maybe try looking at the things you are buying and not the cashier! everyone is scared of something, you’ll be okay! i promise. they won’t hurt you, they work there. you are okay. i swear!

You can think about how they're just trying to do their job in providing services for you, and you're just trying to get that service and carry on.

Overcoming the fear of that is tough, I have experienced it myself. You can get through it, trust me. What I personally did is seeing them and saying to myself “they are people just like me and if i mess up, it doesn’t matter”. They are people behind a counter just doing their job, everyone is scared of something, we are all imperfect

Honestly, I find it really difficult to speak with strangers--especially in a store setting--so I've learned to just smile and try to breathe through it, chance are if you're smiling, the cashier will smile too!

To overcome the fear of anything it could be helpful to make a list of what scares you about the person or object. Making a list can help you to visualize that it is about the object or experience that is most frightening. Taking the top 3 or 4 items and making a game plan to overcome through slow immersion could be helpful.

Take it slow, start out with a friend(s) and have them talk to the cashier. Next time, with the friend you talk to the cashier. Then, try it on your own. Pace yourself in accordance to your comfort level.