Cashiering and

UNIT 9 CASHIERING AND CASH Cash Management

MANAGEMENT
Structure
9.0 Objectives
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Importance of a Good Cashiering
9.3 Qualities of a Good Cashier
9.4 Basis Role of a Cashier at the Cash Till
9.5 The Cash Till or Pos Machine
9.5.1 Operating Systems
9.5.2 Features
9.5.3 Peripherals
9.5.4 Function
9.6 Cashiering Sops
9.7 Preventing Thefts and Frauds
9.7.1 Employees Theft
9.7.2 Processes and Systems Frauds
9.7.3 Investigation and Detection
9.8 Anti-theft Security Systems
9.8.1 Electronic Article Surveillance
9.8.2 How does EAS Work?
9.8.3 Benefits of an Electronic Article Surveillance System
9.8.4 Types of Tags Used in EAS
9.9 Let us sum up
9.10 Keywords
9.11 Answers to Check Your Progress
9.12 Terminal Questions
9.13 Further Readings

9.0 OBJECTIVES
Cash management is one of the important ingredient or rather a backbone of a retail
(front office). After Studying this Unit, you will be able to comprehend:
● how the role of cashier in a retail is playing a vital role
● how to identify key Cashiering SOPs which facilitate in cash management
● explain how the various types of thefts and frauds in retail stores,
● selecting the appropriate measures of preventing thefts and frauds,
● way to incorporate the various anti-theft security systems.

151
Store Operations-I
9.1 INTRODUCTION
Cashiering departments which looks after billing process is a very important
department in Retail store. Quality of the team and the systems used to manage the
transaction is a vital part of efficient functioning of a store. Cashiering is also the last
touch point in the customer’s interaction; the impression formed here remain last
longer and any discrepancy can make or break the brand image of a store.
The cashiering department in a retail store normally handles the billing counter and
exchange counter in a store; apart for this they also provide various financial reports
to the management. The challenge in retailing is to get good cashiers with high
integrity to manage the cash counter and give good customer service.

9.2 IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD CASHIERING

Cashiering is the final interaction the customer has with store and quality of this
interaction leaves a lasting impression. Unlike the retail floor, the customer will not
like to spend time at the cash counter; he expects a fast check out. It is a challenge to
manage customer’s expectation at the cash till especially during rush hours or during
end of season sales.
Cashiering also involves financial transactions and the process has to be manage
efficiently. Any mistakes at the cash counter affect the retailers profitability and hence
his existence. Most retailers have SOP’s set for cashiering operations and update them
frequently. Cashiering department is audited frequently to strengthen the system.

9.3 QUALITIES OF A GOOD CASHIER

Cashiers work with customers and therefore must be courteous, presentable,
outgoing, patient, tactful and neat in appearance. They should have the following
qualities;
a. Handle Pressure: Cashiers should be able to keep cool
under pressure.
b. Knowledge of the Products: Customers may have
queries about the products which he will expect the cashier
to answer. A cashier should be able to describe product
available at the store and the services available clearly to
the customer.
c. Remember faces, products, prices and sales
promotions: Cashier should be able to recognize his regular customers and
treat him well. Cashier should also recognize all the products in his store and be
aware the price of the products. Being aware of the price will help to avoid
financial loss due to wrong pricing of tagging. Cashiers must be aware of all
current promotions and advertisements, in order to answer questions from
customers. They handle situations in which the customer disputes the scanned
price as not matching the advertised price. They also accept any valid coupons
for items, and gift certificates and gift cards.
d. Customer Friendly: Cashiers interact with customers continuously; they
should have a flair to deal with the customers and should enjoy daily contact
with the customers. Cashiers must be polite and friendly as they greet customers
152 arriving at the register counter. Cashiers ensure their work station is neat, clean
 and orderly at all times. They answer questions from customers in regard to Cashiering and
Cash Management
pricing, availability and location of items.
e. Good with numbers: Quick calculation help the cashier speed up the job. A
good cashier should be good with number and its analysis.
f. High ethical standards: This is a basic quality of a good cashier, since his job
involves financial transactions.
g. High customer service standards: Pleasant interaction with customers helps
create the store image and loyalty.
h. Quantity Confirmation: A cashier is a person responsible for totaling the
amount due for a purchase, charging the consumer that amount, and then
collecting payment for the goods or services exchanged. Any mistake like double
scanning or not scanning will lead to the loss either for the customer or for the
company. Also there is possibility of dropping the product while packing. These
mistakes can be avoided by developing habit of quantity confirmation i.e. tallying
physical quantity with scanned quantity.
i. Grooming: - Appearance is a statement of who you are and who you
represent. Personal grooming is as important as what you wear. Most cashiers
are provided with uniforms and identity cards, but neglecting personal hygiene
can ruin a cashier’s image. Since the cashier interacts with the customer longer
than most other function he has to be especially carefully of his grooming his,
hair, makeup, bear and even is finger nails. The cashier should be naturally
convey confidence and a positive attitude

Knowledge of Remember faces,

Handle pressure products, prices &
the Products sales promotions

Customer Good with High ethical

Friendly numbers standards

High customer Quantity

Grooming
service standards Confirmation

9.4 BASIC ROLE OF A CASHIER AT THE CASH TILL

Some of the basic job responsibilities of a cashier in a retail store are;
a. Receive payment by cash, cheque, credit cards, vouchers, or automatic debits.
b. Issue receipts, refunds, credits, or change due to customers. 153
Store Operations-I c. Count money in cash drawers at the beginning of shifts to ensure that amounts
are correct and that there is adequate change.
d. Greet customers entering establishments or arriving at the cash counters.
e. Maintain clean and orderly checkout areas.
f. Establish or identify prices of goods, services or admission, and tabulate bills
using calculators, cash registers, or optical price scanners.
g. Resolve customer complaints.
h. Answer customers’ questions, and provide information on procedures or policies.

9.5 THE CASH TILL OR POINT-OF-SALE MACHINE

A cashier at the retail
stores operates a station
called cash till or a POS
machine. The cash till is
a unit which usually
contains a cash drawer
with the computer and
software attached to a
barcode scanner and
EDC machine. A point
of sale/service (POS)
machine is used to
conduct retail
transactions. It can provide many services, including
credit card processing, check reading and cash
transactions, depending on the model. The
technology used in POS machines results in a
speedy and secure transaction.

9.5.1 Operating Systems

Mostly Microsoft POS platforms that are embedded
with various versions of Microsoft Windows
operating systems are used. In some stores DOS
based programs are also used. The use of
Windows-based graphical user interfaces increases
the accessibility of the POS for all users, due to the familiarity of the platform.

9.5.2 Features
POS machines offer the ability to automate many tasks that have historically required
human oversight. These machines can scan credit cards, authorize the charge, and
even accept a digital signature. POS machines can even synchronize with the local
area network of the business, and automatically update balances and inventory with
each completed transaction.

9.5.3 Peripherals
There are many peripheral devices that are needed
to ensure that the POS machine can work with the
utmost efficiency. Price scanners connect to the
154 POS machine, sometimes wirelessly, and are used to
read the barcode on an item. Keypads and touch-screen displays also connect to the Cashiering and
Cash Management
POS machine, allowing users to enter their personal identification numbers and
signatures to access funds.

9.5.4 Function
The POS machine is used to improve the efficiency of retail transactions. A POS
machine can be automated, as in a self-service checkout lane in the grocery store, or
it can merely augment the actions of a cashier. The POS machine uses a price
scanner to check the price of an item, and a credit reader, a check scanner, or a cash
drawer to accept funds in an exchange. The increasing level of automation in POS
technology has increased the ability of a business to process transactions quickly and
accurately. Due to reliance on the technology, however, many businesses are at a
standstill when the POS machine breaks down. For this reason, reliability is extremely
important in POS technology.

Check Your Progress-A

1. Briefly Comment on The Following Statements
a. Cashiering department in a retail store normally handle the billing counter.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
b. Mistakes at the cash counter affect the retailer profitability.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
c. Cashier should be aware of the price & producer.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
d) POS machine is used to improve the efficiency of retail transactions.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
e) Retails have standard SOP for operating the cash counter.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
2. Fill In the Blanks with the words given in the brackets
a. Cashiering department looks after _____________process is retail store.
(Selling / Billing)
b. Cashiering is the _____________ interaction with customer.
(First / Final) 155
Store Operations-I
c. POS machine can work with the _____________ efficiency.
(Utmost / Least)
3. State whether the following statement is True or False
a. Appearance is a statement about who you are, who you represent.
b. POS machine is used to determinate the efficiency.
c. POS machine is used as a scanner.

9.6 CASHIERING SOPS

Cashiering is a high risk and high stake operation in retail. Weak systems here can
lead to substantial loses. Most retailers run the cashiering operation with care. They
invest in sophisticated technologies to ensure smooth and speedy operation at the
cash till.
Retails have standard SOP for operating the cash counter. These SOPs are strictly
implemented and the systems audited frequently to check for lapses.
Some of the key SOPs related to cashiering operations are;
1) Cash Operations at the Store: This procedure is most
important and the SOP normally spells out in detail the cash
operations. The details will cover the following broad areas.
a. Daily Cashiering Routine, including registers to be
maintained, float to receive etc
b. Process for acceptance of currency
c. Physical verification of cash.
d. Accounting Shortage / Excess of Cash
e. Procedure for deposit of cash with Bank or Cash Collecting Agencies.
f. Fake Note and soiled notes
g. Manual Invoice controls.
2) Credit Card Operations: The process defines the procedure for handling credit
card transactions at the store.
a) Credit card operations at the till, do’s and don’ts
b) Accounting for short or excess swiping.
3) SOP on Exchange Process: There are customers who would like to
exchange the product purchased due to various reasons. It is necessary to have a
proper procedure for exchange to prevent misuse of the facility provided by the
retailer.
4) Procedure for accepting Gift Vouchers: Norms related to type of vouchers,
validity, etc are listed.
5) SOP on Cash Locker Keys: At a given point there could be lack of rupees
along with other valuables in the cash lockers. It is necessary to follow the cash
locker key SOP to prevent employee thefts. The cash locker keys sets are
usually with the head cashier and a duplicate is with the store head. Movement of key
and the time of use are recorded in the register. Security is present when the locker is
opened in the mornings. The security also seals the locker at the end of the day.
156
 Cashiering and
9.7 PREVENTING THEFTS AND FRAUDS Cash Management

Theft, especially employee theft, is a very serious matter in Retail. Dishonest

employees may account for two-thirds of the losses of some stores. Even though one
cannot eliminate stealing entirely, you can take positive steps to keep it to a minimum.
The key lies in the proper mix of the right controls.

9.7.1 Employees Theft

The best profit safeguard one can have in a store is the employee whose integrity is
beyond question. The trouble is that too many retailers take integrity for granted. But
it doesn’t exclude the need to install effective theft deterrents and to track down
dishonesty. Many a times, the biggest crook turns out to be the most trusted
employee, the hard worker who has been with the company for many years. The
problem is that, with his long experience, this employee knows store procedures
completely. Because this employee is so knowledgeable and well trusted, he is in a
better position to steal than anyone else.

Steps which can be taken to prevent employees theft

It is a fact that the store with the greatest proportion of honest employees suffers the
least from theft loss. Every precaution should be taken to ensure that the people hired
are honest to begin with. Then, take pains to maintain the kind of store climate that
will encourage them to stay honest.
1) Selection of Staff: Upgrading the level of retail personnel is largely a matter of
careful personnel screening and selection, including careful reference checks, credit
checks, psychological tests, and personal character examinations. If you do proper
selection and keep the employee motivated the chance of employee theft goes down.
2) Screening Applicants: Job applicant can’t be judged by outward appearance
alone. Appearances, experience, and personality may all be striking points in the
applicant’s favour. And he or she may still be a thief. One hiring mistake could prove
to be a devastating profit drain for months or years to come. No matter how urgently
the need additional staff is, it does not pay to loosen the screening and hiring
procedures. Run a conscientious reference check on every new employee. No
security measure is more important than this.
3) Set the Tone: Checking out new employees is only the beginning of upgrading
your personnel. Another important step is setting a tone or atmosphere that will
encourage honesty in the store.
Reward excellence of conduct and performance. Because people respect high
standards, one should not settle for less. They also tend to copy the individuals who
set such standards and require that they be met. It is important to adopt a “Zero
Shortage” attitude. . Employees should be treated with courtesy and consideration.
Preserving the dignity of your employees is essential if you expect your people to
respect you and the store. Show an interest in them as individuals. Respecting
employees may not reform the hardcore thief. But it will help keep many others from
straying.

9.7.2 Processes and Systems Frauds

Apart from people there are other systems and process specific to stores where
fraud can take place. Some of these are explained be low:
157
Store Operations-I 1) Pricing: Loosely controlled pricing procedures constitute a major cause of
inventory “shrinkage.” Many a time in small stores, price ticketing is done in pencil.
Moreover, some tickets are unmarked. Since the store is inadequately staffed, many
customers marked down prices, switched tickets, or write their own prices.
Price items by machine or rubber stamp, not by handwriting. Permit only authorized
employees to set prices and mark merchandise. Make unannounced spot checks to
be sure that actual prices agree with authorized prices and price charge records.
2) Refunds: Refunds which usually take place at the exchange counter provide
dishonest employees an easy means to cheat. Many returned items can be marked
down at fraction of cost because of damage. It is easy for clerks to get authorization
to buy damaged merchandise. When they were armed with an authority, they
substituted first-grade items as damaged stock. To prevent this insist on a
merchandise inspection by someone other than the person who made the sale. Match
items to the return vouchers and then return the merchandise to stock as quickly as
possible. Tight control should be kept on all credit documents. Spot check customers
by mail or telephone to make sure they got their refunds.
3) Popular Salespeople: The popular salesperson is a great asset to the retailer
providing he or she is popular for the right reasons. However, many salespeople win
“fans” because of the deals they swing and the favors they grant.
Customers in a particular store would wait for a salesperson to serve them. They
refused to be served by anyone else. It was later found out that this salesperson used
to switch tags to give customers a substantial markdown. Cashiers could also leave
some items un- scanned resulting in losses.
Pay special attention to the salesperson that is visited by too many personal friends.
To discourage such socializing, some retailers hire people who live outside the
immediate store vicinity.
4) Cash Handling: The cashier’s post is particularly vulnerable to theft. The
experienced cash handler with stealing on his or her mind can rob the store in many
ways. Keep a sharp eye open for signals, nods, winks, and so on-between cashiers
and customers. Pay special attention to cashiers when they are surrounded by
clusters of people. Use a professional shopper to check for violations of cash register
and related procedures. Strong SOP’s and systems help to a great extent.
5) Backdoor Thefts: Large scale theft is carried on more often through the back
door than the front door. The backdoor through which the inventory is received is
very sensitive and required utmost care. Inventory team has to be very strong and
security should always be present when merchandise is received at the store, else
merchandise can be simply carries away. Have a secondary check by a worker or
salesperson on all incoming Insist on flattening all trash cartons and make spot checks
of trash after hours. Keep receiving door locked when not in use. Make sure locked
door cannot be raised a few inches. A receiving door should be opened only by a
supervisor who remains in the area until it’s locked. Alarm on door should ring until
turned off with key held by store manager. Distribute door keys carefully and change
lock periodically.
6) Shoplifting: Shoplifting is greatest in the self-service store. But regardless of
location, no retailers can afford to leave themselves unprotected against shoplifters.
The following actions can help to cut down on shoplifting losses.
i. Keep tight checks and controls on washrooms and fitting room. These are areas
158 where security tags can be removed in private.
j. Keep unused checkout aisles closed. Schedule working hours to assure Cashiering and
Cash Management
adequate personal coverage during peak periods.
k. Keep doors that are used infrequently locked.
l. Post anti-shoplifting signs in the store. This acts as a deterrent.
m. Display small inexpensive items behind the checkout counters.
n. Keep small expensive items in locked display cabinets.
o. In large stores use plain clothes patrols. They can track and investigate
suspicious customers.
p. Make sure employees know what to do when they spot a shoplifter.
q. Turn over apprehended shoplifters to the police. Clear policies and procedures is
a must
r. During busy periods, station an uniformed guard at the exit.

9.7.3 Investigation and Detection

Most people are basically honest. Remove the temptation to steal, and there is every
chance that they will remain honest. But unfortunately, retailers must also protect
themselves against the minority who are basically dishonest – the hard-core thieves.
The only way to stop an employee who is a chronic thief is to uncover his or her
method of operation and put an end to it before the loss is great. Undercover
investigation is the most effective way do to do it because the chronic thief is adapt at
working around anti-theft procedures, such as package examinations at employee
exits.
Such investigation can be done by (1) developing your own informants or (2) hiring
professional investigators.
Although home-grown informants might appear to be less expensive, working with a
qualified, reputable investigative firm has advantages. For one thing, well-trained
professionals do the job in an objective, impersonal way. They know what to look for,
where to look, and what steps to take to trip up the hard-core thief.
The investigator’s function is to investigate and to uncover employee and Customer
theft as quickly as possible. He or she reports findings to the manager with
documented evidence.

9.8 ANTI-THEFT SECURITY SYSTEMS

Product loss through theft, damage and pilferage is a common problem among shop
owners and retailers. Regardless of where a store is located and what it sells, the
challenge about security is never ending. Without a reliable system to protect
products, stores will be at the losing end. This type of security problem can be
avoided, however. Learn how retail security systems can assure your business the
protection it deserves:
A retail security system is a set of tools or equipment that is especially designed to
work in a retail or shop environment. These can consist of a variety of gadgets,
including but not limited to security cameras and video surveillance, product
monitoring and inventory, audio monitoring, and point-of-sale monitoring.
Retail security systems are usually categorized based on their main functions. For
visual monitoring and recording of store activities, for example, a single system could
consist of surveillance cameras, a DVR and monitors. For loss prevention due to 159
Store Operations-I shoplifting, a retail security system could consist of an electronic article surveillance
or EAS with anti-theft tags and exit sensors.
As a retailer focusing on the problem of what’s known in the industry as loss
prevention, you basically have three methods to slow the shoplifters:
(1) You can watch everyone in the store and make sure they don’t steal anything.
You can do that using security guards and/or video surveillance systems;
(2) You can make things hard to remove from the store by bolting them down,
attaching cables, putting things in display cases and behind the counter;
(3) You can use a system that attaches special tags onto everything so that an alarm
goes off whenever a shoplifter tries to walk out with an item.
Every store has a unique set of security needs, depending on factors such as its
products, services, physical layout and average number of customers on a given day.
A furniture shop, for example, will require a different retail security system than a
store selling handheld digital products. If the concern is about theft, monitoring
smaller, digital products will be much more challenging than larger items like tables
and chairs.
When choosing retail security systems, it is important to consider the inherent
strengths and weaknesses of the store itself. In a lot of cases, a live video monitoring
system will usually work for many stores, although some shops may require far more
intricate security systems.
There is a wide range of security systems they can range from the most basic to the
most sophisticated. Some systems, such as those that make use of sensors and
electronic locking devices, will require very little human intervention. There are also
others, such as video monitoring systems, that require manpower for live surveillance,
review and analysis.

9.8.1 Electronic Article Surveillance

Electronic Article Surveillance(EAS) is a technological method for preventing
shoplifting from retail stores. This is the most popular technology used many big and
small retailers. Special tags are fixed to merchandise. These tags are removed or
deactivated by the cashier when the item is properly bought or checked out. At the
exits of the store, a detection system sounds an alarm or otherwise alerts the staff
when it senses active tags.

9.8.2 How does EAS work?

Most effective anti-shoplifting tools these days are CCTV and the tag-and-alarm
systems, better known as electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems. Separately,
these are good options. Used together, they’re almost unbeatable. EAS is a
technology used to identify articles as they pass through a gated area in a store. This
identification is used to alert someone that unauthorized removal of items is being
attempted. Using an EAS system enables the retailer to display popular items on the
floor, where they can be seen, rather than putting them in locked cases or behind the
counter.
Three types of EAS systems dominate the retail industry. In each case, an EAS tag
or label is attached to an item. The tag is then deactivated, or taken from an active
state where it will alarm an EAS system to an inactive state where it will not flag the
alarm. If the tag is a hard, reusable tag, a detacher is used to remove it when a
customer purchases the item its attached to. If its a disposable, paper tag, it can be
160
deactivated by swiping it over a pad or with a handheld scanner that “tells” the tag its Cashiering and
Cash Management
been authorized to leave the store. If the item has not been deactivated or detached
by the clerk, when it is carried through the gates, an alarm will sound.

9.8.3 Benefits of an Electronic Article Surveillance System

The advantages of using EAS are;
● Protect your store inventories and reduce shrinkage
● Deter shoplifters and eliminate their stealing attempt from your shops
● Allow your products be fully presented to the customers, so customers can
easily examine them or try them.
● Increase store staff’s service quality by providing them a secured and stress
free working environment. Your staff can now concentrate on serving your
value customers and create more sales rather than serve one and watch another
one.
● Enhance your shops profile and image. EAS system is becoming part of your
shop decorator and brand building tool
● Provide a feeling of security and trust for your customers. When you go
shopping, you don’t want to be watched, as it makes you feel guilty and kills all
your shopping mood. With the protection of EAS, merchandise is protected by
security tags, not eyes or cameras.

9.8.4 Types of Tags Used in EAS

Retailers use electronic Tags to prevent shoplifting. Various types of Tags normally
used by retail stores are explained below:
a) Soft Tags
Soft Tags are also called Labels or Disposal Tags Labels are adhesive-backed
security tags (stickers) that can be easily adhered to the merchandise. Labels are
disposal and can only be used once when they are deactivated. Some labels are
disguised as barcodes or printed with the shop’s logo on. Labels are small, low cost
and protect diverse range of products. Labels are always a good option when hard
tags are not applicable. For example: small goods, boxed products etc. Labels need to
be deactivated during the checkout process. A deactivated label cannot be reused.
Soft tags can be used on; Books and Magazines, Apparel, Cosmetics, Fashion
earrings, Liquors Razor blades, Batteries Film, Vitamins and Medicines, Software, Ink
Cartridges, Compact discs, Shoes, Hardware
b) Hard Tags (Usable Tags): Hard tags are usually
made of PVC and appear in different shapes and sizes.
Hard tags offer visible detection and strong deterrence.
Unlike labels, hard tags are reusable security tags and
normally last for long time. Hard tags can work in conjunction
with pins and lanyards and protect different merchandise.
Hard tags deliver high defeat-resistance and excellent
detection properties for both hard and soft goods.
Hard tags can be used on;
Adventure and Hiking Stores ,,Audio and Visual Stores
,Bags, Handbags and ,Luggage Shops ,Bedding ,Clothing
Stores ,Hardware Shops ,Hobby Shops ,Lingerie ,Shoes
161
Stores ,Sport Shops
Store Operations-I c) Benefit Denial Tags or Ink Tag: Ink tags represent a different idea of loss
prevention solution. It referred to as benefit denial products, because Ink tags
discourage shoplifters from benefiting from the stolen products which are mainly
clothing. If a shoplifter attempts to forcibly remove an Ink tags from its locking
device, the Ink tags will erupt and ink will spill out onto the garment permanently
defacing it, so the stolen merchandise can neither be worn nor sold.
d) Source Tagging: Source tagging is to integrate EAS tags in the product during
the point of manufacturing or logistics. Both hard tags and soft tags can be used in
source tagging. The types of the source tagging tags are varying. Appearances or the
forms of source tagging tags can be customized to suit different requirements. The
most popular used forms of source tagging are embedded swing tags and customized
hard tags. A single-use hard tag is a fresh idea that combines the benefits of
conventional soft tags and hard tags. Single-use hard tag is always used as an extra
protection for high risk products.
Embedded Swing Tags are made during the manufacturing process of the normal
swing tags. It is a composition of EAS soft tag and normal swing tag. Customized
EAS Soft Tags are encapsulated inside the normal swing tags as a middle layer. This
technology makes the EAS enabled embedded swing tags look the same as normal
swing tags.

As EAS tags are encapsulated into the normal swing tags during the manufacturing
stage, the end users do not need to change any existing procedures to switch to this
technology.
This will save end users huge amount of time and effort in doing what they are not
familiar with, so they can focus on their own job.
Embedded swing tag is a hassle-free source tagging solution that gives the products
maximum invisible protection.

Deactivators and Detachers

The type of electronic deactivator depends upon the kind
of EAS system and tags used by the store. There are
hand-held scanners and flat scanner pads used to swipe
and deactivate merchandise tags. Traditionally, scanners
must touch a label directly to use specific frequency to
deactivate it. But with the growing use of source tagging
proximity deactivators, or verifiers that don’t require
contact with a label, are becoming more important.
To remove most hard tags, a detacher/releaser is necessary. Today’s detachers,
which basically unlock the tags, are designed so that they cannot be copied or
purchased by shoplifters. Some detachers are hand-held; others are fixed,
most are simple devices with no moving parts, something that makes them very
durable.
162
 Cashiering and
9.9 LET US SUM UP Cash Management

The final operation is a retail store is the billing process. Efficiency of this process is
important in forming the image of the store in the customers mind. Retailers have
highly systematic operations in the billing counter with strictly implemented SOP’s.
In the retail industry it is a challenge to get good cashiers who are highly skilled and
with high customer orientation besides having high integrity. The retailer should have
strong systems in place to ensure smooth cashiering operations.
The retailer should also have proper fraud management to ensure irregularities in are
reduces. Employee theft is a major challenge among retailers. Selecting staff with
high integrity and maintaining a good working culture within the organization can help
reduce employee theft.
Retailers use many security systems to safe guard their merchandise. EAS is the
most popular security system protecting merchandise of many large retailers.
Retailers should be up to date with latest technology to ensure his merchandise is safe
and the security system is easy to administer.

Check Your Progress-B

1. Briefly Comment on The Following Statements
a. Cashiering is a high risk and high stake operation in retail.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
b. Security should present when the locker opened in the morning.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
c. Product loss though theft damage and pilferage is a common problem.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
d. EAS system enables the retailers to display popular item.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
2. Fill In the Blanks with the words given in the brackets
a. _____________system here can lead to substantial loss.
(Weak / Strong)
b. Security seals the locker at the _____________ of the day.
(End / Start)
c. Hard tags offer _____________. (Visible / invisible)
d. Scanner touches a label _____________ to use specific frequency.
(Directly / Indirectly ) 163
Store Operations-I
3. State whether the following statement is True or False
a. Permit only authorized employee to set prices & mark merchandise.
b. Shoplifting is greatest in the self-service store.
c. Every store had a unique set of security needs.
4. Short Notes
a. Shop Lifting
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
b. EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance)
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
c. Soft Tags
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................

9.10 KEYWORDS
Point of sale : Point of sale, or POS as it is more commonly abbreviated,
refers to the capturing of data and customer payment
information at a physical location when goods or services
are bought and sold. The POS transaction is captured using
a variety of devices which include computers, cash
registers, optical and bar code scanners, magnetic card
readers, or any combination of these devices
Hard tags : Hard tags are usually made of PVC and appear in different
shapes and sizes. Hard tags offer visible detection and
strong deterrence.
Source tagging : Source tagging is to integrate EAS tags in the product
during the point of manufacturing or logistics. Both hard
tags and soft tags can be used in source tagging
CIM : Customer Information Management is the practice of
systematically collecting information about individual
customers and making it available to staff within a company
to better inform the decisions they make regarding
interactions with that customer.
Data warehouse : A data warehouse (DW) is a database used for reporting.
The data is offloaded from the operational systems for
reporting. The data may pass through an operational data
store for additional operations before it is used in the DW
for reporting. A data warehouse maintains its functions in
164
three layers: staging, integration, and access.
Electronic : ED is an innovative technologies and successfully Cashiering and
Cash Management
deactivator solves the problem. It can deactivate the pulse magnetic
field which is generated only when items are moved onto
proper position for deactivation. The deactivation will be
done rapidly and safely. This unique feature successfully
prevents improper deactivation which might cause false
alarms at exits and, at the same time, dramatically reduces
the risk for unintentionally destroying other valuable items
when passing through the continuous strong magnetic field.

9.11 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Check Your Progress-A
2) (a) Billing (b) Final (c) Utmost
3) (a) True (b) False (c) False
Check Your Progress-B
2) (a) Weak (b) End (c) Visible (d) Directly
3) (a) True (b) True (c) True

9.12 TERMINAL QUESTIONS

1. The final operation in a retail store is the billing process. Explain
2. What are the importances of a Good Cashiering?
3. Explain the Qualities of a Good Cashier with the help of an example.
4. What is the basic Role of a Cashier at the Cash?
5. What do you mean by Systems Frauds? explain.
6. How to discriminate investigation and Detection
7. Explain the philosophy behind anti-theft security systems
8. What are the ways of preventing thefts and frauds?

9.13 FURTHER READINGS

Books
Gitman, L.J., & Joehnk, M.D. (2005 or current). Personal financial planning (10th
ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson/South-Western.
Online Resource
www.elementk.com

Note: These questions/exercises will help you to understand the unit better. Try to
write answers for them. But do not submit your answers to the University
for Assessment. These are for your practice only.

165