Training a new cashier in one afternoon

New cashiers usually learn by watching someone else during a rush, which is the hardest possible way to learn. A short, structured afternoon session gets them confident faster and prevents the mistakes that cause cash differences later.

Before the session

• Create the cashier's own POS login. Never share accounts, because your void and discount logs need to show who did what.
• Set their permissions: most new cashiers shouldn't approve voids, refunds or manual discounts on day one.
• Prepare a one-page cheat sheet with your top 20 items, common modifiers, and who to call for help.

The four-step afternoon

Step 1: Greeting and order taking (45 minutes)

Practice the full order flow on the POS in training mode or on a test order: greet, take the order, repeat it back, suggest one add-on, confirm the total. Repeat with ten different orders until it feels natural.

Step 2: Payments (45 minutes)

Practice cash with change, card, QR Ph and split payments. Teach the "count back" habit: say the change aloud and count it into the customer's hand. For QR payments, the cashier should confirm the payment actually arrived before closing the order. A screenshot isn't proof.

Step 3: Discounts and problem orders (45 minutes)

Walk through a senior citizen or PWD discount, including checking the ID and recording the required details. Explain why the POS removes VAT before taking 20% off, so the cashier can explain it confidently to a customer.

Step 4: Opening and closing (45 minutes)

Count an opening float, run a short practice shift, then close: count the drawer, compare it with the POS expected cash, and record any difference with a note. Use our cash count routine as the checklist.

A reusable role-play script

1. "Two iced lattes, one large with oat milk, and a croissant." (modifiers)
2. "Actually, make the croissant two." (edit order)
3. "Can I pay ₱500 cash and the rest by QR?" (split payment)
4. "I'm a senior citizen, here's my ID." (discount)
5. "This drink is wrong, can I get a refund?" (call a supervisor)

The first week

Pair the new cashier with an experienced teammate for their first three shifts, review their voids and differences at the end of each day, and celebrate a clean close. Confidence builds quickly when people know what "good" looks like.

Key takeaway: one structured afternoon, real practice on the POS, and a supported first week prevent most cashier mistakes.