Basic Cash Register Buttons | Bizfluent (2024)

Cash registers are used in a variety of businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, retail chains and mall outlets. A cash register is a machine that an employee uses to ring in customer selections, take payment and complete a sale. The buttons on a cash register vary, depending on the make and model, but basic registers carry common features.

Numbers

All cash registers have number buttons, usually for the digits one through 10. The number keys are used to input quantities, prices and special codes particular to specific register functions that were set by the business or owner. Some registers may have digits higher than ten, depending on the type of business the register is being used for.

Math Functions

A register typically has math function buttons, such as percentage, addition and subtraction. The percent key is used to calculate merchandise discounts or in situations where percentages are needed, such as currency exchanges. A multiplication button may serve for quantity purchases; the cashier may press the correct number and multiplication buttons to calculate the price for the purchase of more than one of the same item.

Total and Tax

The total button is used to calculate the total cost of the purchase. Some registers have subtotal buttons that can be pressed to give the customer the cost of the items currently rung up or before tax is added. A tax button that is preset to the correct tax rate may be used to add sales tax to an order, but if the machine does not have one, the cashier may manually calculate the tax using the percent button.

Cash or Tender

The cash or tender button is used to input the customer's payment and typically opens the till, or drawer under the keys where the money is kept. The cashier is then shown the correct change on the register screen. A more advanced model may have a button for credit if a credit card swipe is attached to the register, but older models generally do not. Some businesses use separate credit swipe machines and enter the credit charge amount as cash or tender on an older register.

Void and Feed

Cash registers commonly have a void button that allows a cashier to delete a tally for a sale or just selected items. Some registers require a turn of a key inserted into the register to use the void button. A feed, or paper feed, button is used to draw the receipt paper into the proper place on the register when the roll or tape has been changed.

Basic Cash Register Buttons | Bizfluent (2024)

FAQs

How do you use an old fashioned cash register? ›

How you use an antique cash register depends on the type. Push-button cash registers allow you to punch in the sale price and then push another button to open a drawer. With crank cash registers, you must turn the crank to unlatch the drawer. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique cash registers.

What are 3 key tasks that must be done when balancing a cash drawer? ›

Recount your cash, checks, coupons, credit card receipts, etc. Check in and around your drawer and register for missing information (e.g., receipts) Review POS transactions for information, such as credit card transactions (if applicable)

What is the clerk button on a cash register? ›

All cash registers carry common features. The buttons on a cash register vary, depending on the make and model. Clerk button: Each employee will be assigned a clerk code. This code allows the owner to see who processed what cash transactions.

What is the basic training for a cashier? ›

In the first part of this course, learners will learn all about product knowledge, basic math, point of sale systems (POS), and basic computer knowledge. After learning job-specific knowledge, the second section will touch on communication skills, work ethics, dispute resolution, and telephone etiquette.

Is working a cash register easy? ›

Learning how to use a cash register is pretty simple. It's essentially a calculator with an integrated drawer for collecting money. But its limited function means you'll need to add other systems to process credit-based payments, inventory and the accounting side of your store's operations.

How can I be a good cashier? ›

These tips will help your staff handle angry customers:
  1. Stay calm. This is a tough one, especially if someone is yelling at you. ...
  2. Be an active listener. ...
  3. Echo and get clarification. ...
  4. Empathize. ...
  5. Apologize. ...
  6. Offer a solution. ...
  7. Know when to get help. ...
  8. Take a breather.

What is a traditional cash register? ›

The traditional cash register is often a physical device for handling transactions and issuing receipts. It typically consists of a cash drawer, a receipt printer, a barcode scanner, and a display or keypad for entering sales amounts. Data is stored locally, and reporting requires manual processing.

Do people still use cash registers? ›

Cash registers are a simple solution for small, traditional stores: A register-based system doesn't have as many features as a POS system but that's perfectly fine for many business owners. A cash register is ideal if you just want to ring up sales and process payments.

What are the three 3 basic functions of cash registers? ›

All cash registers and POS terminals can perform three basic functions: (1) record sales, (2) store cash and sales documents, and (3) provide receipts.

How do you close a cash register at the end of the day? ›

At the end of the day, close your register to see any shortages or overages of funds in your cash drawer (cash and non-cash payment types). To do so, go to Sales > Close Register.

What is the difference between a cashier and a cash register? ›

The cashier inputs the sale information, and the cash register calculates the total, displays it to the customer, and records the transaction. The cash drawer can then be opened to provide change to the customer or to store the cash received.

What is the SBTL button on as cash register used for? ›

Press SBTL to subtotal the total transaction. 6. Enter the amount of the payment and press the Check or Cash button. a.

How do you explain money missing from cash register? ›

Cash discrepancies can occur for all sorts of reasons, including mistakes, lack of procedures, and theft. Some questions to ask are: Is the staff properly trained on how to count change? Is the staff careful about entering the amount tendered properly ?

What is the correct way to put money in a cash drawer? ›

The currency should be separated into slots by denomination, portrait side up, with all facing in the same direction. The highest denomination should always be on the left, decreasing to the smallest on the far right.

How do you pay at a cash register? ›

Cash: Paying with physical money is the most straightforward way to pay. You hand over the exact amount of money to the cashier. Credit or Debit Card: Credit or debit cards are commonly used for transactions. You swipe, insert, or tap your card, and then enter your PIN or sign for the purchase.

Do you need to know math to work a cash register? ›

Does a cashier need to be good in math? The cashier must possess the math skills because the job involves the collection of payment from customers and the giving of appropriate change to customers on a daily basis. A cashier will also be involved in the process of balancing cash registers on a daily basis.

How does working a cash register work? ›

The cash register will alert you of how much change is owed, and then you can insert the correct amount of money into the machine. The machine will then automatically calculate any change to the customer's purchase. You must return the appropriate amount of change to the consumer as indicated by the register.

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