Otaki Manual
Otaki Manual
The job of the Cashier is to take orders from the Customer at the counter, place the
order on the point of sale system, pack the order, and serve the order.
Attendance
Report for your shift 30 minutes before the time stipulated on the shift roster
Check in as per the attendance register or clock-in system
Be aware of the correct break times
No changing allocated section
Management to dismiss staff at the end of a shift
Perform any reasonable task as requested by management
Relieve or assist in other sections if and when necessary
Work reasonable overtime as demanded by trade
Personal hygiene is about keeping the body clean and healthy.
Total work is often physically demanding and you may get hot and sweaty when
working, which can result in a strong body smell
This can be uncomfortable or offensive to other people you work with, especially as you
stand close to them
Personal hygiene is important because the body carries bacteria on the skin and bodily
fluids that can be transferred to things touched, especially food.
Ensure that you are always well groomed and tidy to be professional
Ladies are allowed to wear minimal and elegant makeup. No excessive or bright-
colored makeup is to be worn. Be as natural as possible.
Regular bathing/showering or washing
All staff should at least wash, bath, or shower once per day to diminish body odor, caused
by the breakdown of sweat
Wash hair regularly using shampoo
Deodorant
Put just enough deodorant on to prevent you from sweating or having a strong body odor
Do not use strong perfumes to cover up bad body odor. This can only be done by
washing/showering/bathing every day.
Teeth
It is important that your breath is fresh at all times
Your teeth should be brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice daily.
Hair
Hair must be clean, restrained if longer than collar length, and pulled away from the face
Full beards are not allowed except for religious reasons
Never touch or comb your hair during service or while working with food as the
bacteria on your scalp will be transferred to your hands and the Customer’s food.
Hair often carries bacteria therefore you must shampoo your hair daily to remove grease
and build-up of germs.
Jewelry
A wedding ring is acceptable, but if wearing a wedding ring, disposable gloves must be
worn.
Up to two (2) sets of small earrings and a necklace are acceptable.
Earrings must be no larger than a pencil head. No large hoops or dangly earrings.
Necklaces must be worn inside the shift.
Do not wear any religious beliefs.
No body jewelry to be visible to Customers, including nose studs and tongue rings.
When preparing food, remove all jewelry from your arms and hands. This includes
armbands.
Fingernails must be kept clean. Any employee wearing fingernail polish, decals, or false or
acrylic fingernails, must wear disposable gloves.
Sunglasses are not to be worn while working. If sunglasses are needed for medical
reasons, employees must provide a medical letter.
All tattoos must meet the following standards:
-
No neck or facial tattoos allowed
-
Vulgar, offensive, threatening, or obscene tattoos are not acceptable
-
Team members should make every reasonable effort to cover tattoos while at
work – exceptions for religious reasons require prior approval.
Smoking
No staff member may smoke in uniform.
No staff member may smoke around food being served or prepared.
Remember to wash your hands after smoking.
Only tobacco smoking will be tolerated at work before or after a shift and out of uniform
and away from Customers
Please keep your breath fresh and avoid approaching any Customers directly after smoking.
KEEPING
THE FRONT
CLEAN AND
SAFE
Keeping the Front Clean
Sanitation
Sanitation is how we keep the shop clean, hygienic, and free of harmful germs and
bacteria that could make the crew and Customers sick.
The following are the most likely to be contaminated with harmful germs and
bacteria:
Cleaning clothes
Worksurfaces
Food storage containers
Refrigerator insulating seal
Chemicals/cleaning aids from non-authorized suppliers
Wood
Wooden cutting boards used to prepare meals
Wooden or wooden-handled mops and brooms
Wood is extremely absorbent and unhygienic as it can play host to numerous bacteria and
pathogens if used during food preparation.
Steel/brass/copper scourers
Pieces break whilst in use and these may easily find their way into food products.
Mutton Cloth
When cutting mutton cloth into pieces, the cloth sheds fibers continuously. These
fibers may end up in food products.
Used food containers / buckets filled with chemicals / soaps i.e. mayo buckets
This is unsafe as the same containers may be used to store food at a later stage.
Used chemical containers to store food / used oil containers to store food
Cross contamination and highly dangerous as the chemical that was in the
container previously may be hazardous
Cleaning procedures
drying Cloths
The bowl must be half filled with hot water.
The temperature of the water should be between 50°C and 60°C.
This is too hot for bare hands so make use of rubber gloves.
Add dishwashing liquid
First wipe off excess food, straws, paper serviettes or liquid from the dishes or
utensils and scrape or throw them into the dustbin.
When washing, use a combination of dishcloth and/or scouring pad. Note that the dirt
/ Grease will be removed but the utensils will not be bacteria free.
Lift utensils and soak for at least one (1) minute in the clean hot water to rinse
away soapy water.
The use of wire scrapers and steel wool is not permitted, as wire particles can be left
on the equipment.
Never place any sharp objects in the sink, i.e. knives, peelers and tin openers.
Always wash these separately by hand in the pot sink.
The water must be changed once becoming dirty or greasy and must be changed on a
regular basis so that it will always be clean and hot enough.
Allow washed utensils to air-dry by placing them to drip-dry in the drying racks.
While stacking and storing items that can break i.e. glasses and plates, check for
cracks or any other such damage and remove from circulation and use. Place aside
for the manager to destroy the cracked article
Sanitize
Wash and sanitize hands before starting the shift
Sanitize all workstations before, during and after food preparation and service
Keep and use sanitizer bottles at each section for sanitizing purposes
Keep all utensils in a bucket containing sanitizer solution while not using them
Cross Contamination
What is cross-contamination? When bacteria are transferred from one item to the next
Never wipe your hands on your uniform to ensure that the bacteria chain is
broken, do not:
A. Your hair (long or short) is tied up to ensure that hair doesn’t fall onto the food
B. Wipe-up clothes are kept clean and rinsed regularly in sanitization solution and disposed
of at the end of the shift
▪ After breaks
Beware of sharp objects, wrap broken glass or crockery in newspaper
Do not pick up broken glass or crockery with your hands, use a dustpan and brush
Do not pour liquid into bins. Tip out down the drain first.
Do not drink from containers that have been left lying around
Any sharp instruments contaminated with blood must be kept in a glass or hard
plastic container and disposed of safely
Keeping doors closed
Taking garbage out frequently and keeping garbage areas clean
Reporting any holes where animals can enter.
A reputable pest control company such as Rentokil will provide the service to
manage pest control
Garbage bins/buckets:
Floors:
Outside area:
Cleaning equipment:
Mop
s:
Use separate mops for FOH and BOH
After use, wash and sterilize
Hang upside down on mop rack
Sterilize mops overnight
Brooms:
Use separate brooms for FOH and BOH
After use, hang on the broom rack
Unplug the equipment and switch the power supply off
Wipe both plugs and cords ensuring that no residue builds up
Plug in and switch power off
Windows:
Windows should be washed inside and outside daily with window cleaner
They should be spot cleaned throughout the day. Use a spray bottle of window cleaner
and a crumpled newspaper to wipe the cleaner off. This polishes the glass without
leaving streaks or lint on the glass.
Apply the solution to window horizontally not vertically as this keeps more solution on
the glass and avoids streaking
Unplug equipment before cleaning or disassembling, to avoid shock.
Do not pull plugs out by the cord. This can cause damage to the cords, which may
then cause shocks.
Report damaged and worn plugs and cords to your manager.
Preventing Cuts
Pay attention when using sharp equipment. Never touch the edges of sharp blades.
Turn equipment off before adjusting.
Carry dishes and glassware carefully.
Sweep up broken glass immediately do not use your hands.
Use a special container to dispose of broken glass, dishes, and other sharp objects
so the person removing the rubbish bag from the bin, does not get cut.
Prevent burns
Pay attention when working around hot equipment.
Always alert other employees when carrying hot foods.
Avoid overfilling containers with hot foods.
Warn others of hot surfaces.
Let equipment cool before cleaning.
Wear safety shoes that do not absorb liquids.
Metal containers, foil or utensils should never be used in microwaves.
Warn Customers of hot dishes.
Prevent fire:
Smoke only in designated areas.
Keep equipment and extractor fans from grease buildup because this can cause a fire.
Keep garbage in a covered container, away from heat.
Keep the pathway to the gas storage area is free of any obstacles
Store chemicals away from heat because many chemicals are flammable.
Do not leave aerosol spray containers near heat or spray close to an open flame.
At the end of a closing shift ensure gas and all electrical equipment is turned off.
Chemicals
Keep cleaning materials away from foodstuffs.
Clean equipment or utensils with prescribed type
of materials only.
Take note that some chemicals are flammable, so
first allow equipment surfaces to cool down before
applying the cleaning material.
Read the instructions on the container
carefully before use and follow directions as
indicated.
Incident/s Precautions/procedures to follow
Gas
Gas can catch alight from a distance
Gas can be inhaled through the nose or
mouth which can be toxic
In the gas cylinder, the gas is in a liquid form. Once
the gas bottle is opened, gas escapes and can build
up in a confined area if there is no ventilation.
A gas leak is very dangerous as it can lead to
choking and can lead to an explosion close to an
open flame.
Never spray a jet of water on a gas fire.
It makes the fire worse. Extinguish with
powder.
Shut off the gas supply if there is a fire, if
possible. If not possible and no risk to
surroundings let the fire burn out.
In case of fire keep cylinders cool by spraying
with water.
Open flames
Even small fires, can become dangerous and out
of control
Be aware of areas where fires can occur e.g.,
grills, fryers, ovens and other gas equipment
Know which type of extinguisher to use for a
particular fire
Do not attempt to put electrical fires out using
water as this can cause the fire to spread
Circuit breakers to be accessible at all times, shut off
gas, if safe to do so
Glass
Chipped glass can cause cuts and can carry
infectious diseases
When glass shatters it can cause serious
injuries to unprotected and exposed body
parts
Cracked windows could be dangerous when
cleaned, therefore replace immediately
Dispose of broken glass immediately by wrapping
them in paper and then discarding into refuse bins
to prevent any injuries
Fire
Check that fire detectors (if any) are operational
Fire extinguishing equipment must be in place
and accessible
Extraction systems must be cleaned daily and
serviced biannually
Avoid build-up of grease on surfaces
Fire extinguishers must be checked daily
and professionally serviced every six
months
Use chemicals only in ventilated spaces and never use
cleaning material or flammable solvents in fire
hazardous areas
Check that all exit doors are clearly marked, in good
working order and free from any obstruction
Design a fire escape route and practice evacuation
procedures regularly
Ensure that waste bins are always covered.
Never allow waste to build up near electrical or
cooking equipment.
Procedure in the event of a fire:
1. Remain calm, and raise the alarm as per
procedure of store.
2. Call for help by advising the nearest manager
3. Determine the nature of the fire and extinguish
the fire with the relevant extinguisher type
4. If the fire grows out-of-control and you
require assistance, telephone for help
immediately
5. If the fire cannot be extinguished calmly follow
the evacuation procedure, telephone the fire
brigade and assemble at agreed assembly point.
6. Remain at this point until everyone has been
accounted for Follow and adhere to all safety and
emergency exit signs
7. Do not stop to collect personal belongings
8. Assist any customers or colleagues who may
need help (where possible)
Basic First Aid
A first aid kit must be available on the premises at all times. It can be locked up, but
there must always be someone with access to the kit.
Only the most likely accidents to occur in the kitchen are covered within this section.
Basic treatments of such accidents are handled, but severe cases need to be handled by
an experienced, professional person. This section is not intended to be a first-aid course.
Burns
Burns can be caused by the heat of chemicals. There are many types of burns. Burns
can damage the skin and reduce the skin's protection against germs. There are different
types of burns.
D r y burns
Dry burns are caused by flames and hot electrical equipment. Fast moving objects that
rub against the skin may also produce dry friction burns.
S c a l d s
C h e m i c a l burns
Chemical burns may be caused by acids or alkalis found in the cleaning agents.
E l e c t r i c a l burns
Electrical burns are caused by electrical currents that may burn the skin and underlying
tissues.
1. Remove the source of the burn. If it is a hot pan remove it from your skin.
2. Put the burnt part under cold, slow running water if you can or place a cold object
on the burn, such as a bag of ice.
3. Chemical burns should preferably be treated with running water for about 10
minutes in severe cases.
4. If the burn is on a leg, then lift that leg as far up as possible and rest it on an object.
5. Loosen any jewelry, such as a watch, or any clothing that may be in the way of the
burn.
6. Dress the area with a clean, non-fluffy material. Do not use adhesive
dressings, or apply any lotions to the area.
7. Do not break any blisters or remove loose skin, if there is any present.
8. If it gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with clean water to remove the
chemicals. If the burning continues, then the person should seek professional
medical help.
9. In the event of a major burn follow the above steps as in the case of a minor burn.
10. If anything is sticking to the burn, then do not remove it. Rather leave
it for someone more professional.
11. Keep the person awake until a professional person comes to aid them.
1. Incision
Is a clean cut that is caused by a sharp edge, like a knife.
This wound may bleed freely because the blood vessels may not close easily.
2. Laceration
Is when the skin is torn irregularly, by an uneven surface, like the edge of a
cardboard box or pan.
This wound will bleed less because the torn blood vessels close more quickly. These
wounds can be contaminated therefore it must be kept clean.
3. Puncture
Is when a sharp object, like the point of a scissor or needle, enters deeply into the
skin. The risk of infection is high because germs and dirt may have been carried into
the wound.
Keep this wound clean at all times.
Bleeding should be stopped as soon as possible with any wound.
Follow these steps to stop
Check for foreign bodies, and remove any, if possible, with the cold water or clean cloth.
Then rinse the wound with the water until it is clean.
Use a disinfectant such as Savlon or Dettol and dap it on the wound.
Use an adhesive dressing if required, to cover the wound.
Major bleeding
Keep the edges of the wound squeezed together with your fingers if it is a large wound.
If it is a wound on an arm or hand then hold the arm up in the air. Do not jump or
wave your arm wildly in the air. If the wound is on a leg, then sit down and lift the leg
up into the air and place on an object to keep it elevated.
Call a manager or someone in charge if the person must be taken to hospital.
Wait until someone experienced comes to help you.
Nosebleeds
Most nosebleeds are from broken blood vessels just inside the front of the nose.
These are not too serious nosebleeds.
Blood may only come out of one nostril.
Bleeding eventually stops on its own.
If there is a lot of bleeding, from the back of the nose and the blood goes down
the back of the throat or backward into the mount, then medical care is required
as the person could choke.
Fainting within the kitchen will mostly be a result of a reaction to pain, fright or emotional
upset or a lack of food or heat exhaustion
Important:
If someone feels unsteady and wants to faint, let them sit down.
Lean their body forward with their head between their knees.
Advise them to take deep breaths of air.
You may place the fan air, onto the person’s face.
Do not give the person anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered.
Do not slap
FOOD
STORAGE
Dating and labelling of stock
Why do we date and label food?
Food products are dated and labelled to ensure that the product is used at its best
quality and does not exceed the expiration date.
When we date and label a product, we write the day, month and year that the product was
portioned or prepared.
Which food items need to be dated?
All perishable food items such as meat, poultry, dairy and all cooked food items.
Why must food items be handled properly?
The proper handling of food items will prevent the food become contaminated
with bacteria, if not, bacteria can grow and cause food borne illness which will
make the Customers very sick. The most common reasons for contaminated food
are:
defrosting food at room temperature for longer than 2 hours
cross contamination between cooked and non-cooked products
handled by people who do not use proper sanitary procedures to stay clean
handling and preparation instructions are not followed
purchase product before expiration date
refrigerate perishable food immediately on receipt
store frozen products immediately at 1ºC t o 5ºC
follow handling recommendations as appearing on the product
check the shelf life of all cooked products on the recipe cards
STORAGE GUIDELINES
Dry Storage
All products to be stored 15 cm off the floor
Label all shelves
Pack boxes on the top shelves
When opening a full box of large quantities of items i.e. food containers
or serviettes, unpack the contents in bundles of 50 on shelves
Group stock items e.g. spices and packaging
Use shallow organizing shelving/plastic containers (Addis) for stacking
Apply FIFO rule when adding stock to the shelves
Store items such as mielie meal or rice in clear tight containers
Store chemicals and cleaning materials away from food items and packaging
Dry Foods
Dry foods include Cakes, Drinkable meals, and many others.
Dry foods must be stored in closed containers, off the floor, in a room or cupboard
that is cool, dry, and well ventilated.
They should be kept away from other foods and sources of moisture.
Check dry foods frequently for pest attacks, especially from insects.
Tinned Foods
Keep bottled and canned food off the floor in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
Inspect regularly and throw away food if containers are dented, rusty, or
damaged. The food inside is likely to be contaminated.
Do not store food in open cans. A harmful reaction can occur between the
food and the metal. When opening tins, remove the contents and store
them in an airtight plastic container with a lid.
Remember to date and label your container.
Check “best before” or “use by” dates. It is an offense to sell food that
is past its “use by” date.
Always keep food covered and sealed.
Perishable goods stored in the store room must be stored away from the walls, and
off the floor on shelves.
Correct stock rotation is essential to food safety.
Cold Storage
Label all shelves
Group stock items e.g. Sauces, Juices etc.
Use clear containers for easier viewing
Keep shelves organized
Group stock items e.g. Cakes, dairy, and vegetables
Use shallow organizing shelving/plastic containers (Addis) for stacking
Apply FIFO rule when adding stock to the shelves
Use fruit and vegetables as soon as possible to avoid shrinkage or waste
Vegetables should be washed, trimmed, and placed in containers and refrigerated.
Store on lower shelves of the cold room so that any dirt does not fall onto other food.
Check stock frequently and dispose of any items that are rotting or potatoes that
are going green – they can be poisonous.
Freezer Storage
Keep frozen food stacked, biggest and heavy containers on the bottom shelves
Date and group all items
Divide our products e.g. drinkable and eatable
Use baskets to organize smaller items
Use plastic bags for portioned items
Apply the FIFO rule when adding stock to the freezer
Frozen Foods
The temperature of frozen food should be checked on arrival. If it is
higher than -12°C, the food should not be accepted.
Frozen food should be put into frozen storage immediately; unless it is going
to be used at once, in which case it should be put into a refrigerator to keep
chilled.
Frozen food must be used within the recommended time.
Never re-freeze food that has been thawed.
Some food can be cooked from frozen like chips, but others like cakes must
be thoroughly thawed in a separate area, where there is no risk of the
thawing juices getting onto other food.
Once thawed, food should be used within 24 hours.
Never overfill freezers and make sure that you rotate stock, putting older
stock to the front, and newer stock to the back using the FIFO stock rotation
method.
Fridges & Freezers
It is best to keep products separate from all other products, but if this is not
possible, then make sure that products and other meats are kept at the bottom so
that juices cannot drip onto other food.
Dairy products should also be kept away from other foods.
All foods in a fridge or freezer must be covered to reduce the risks of
contamination and tainting.
Opened tins of food should not be stored in a fridge, as the food can react
with the metal in the can.
Put the food into plastic containers that are airtight and cover.
Units must be regularly defrosted and cleaned.
Self-defrosting freezers should be cleaned at least once a week.
Always remove food before cleaning. Use an approved odorless cleaner,
so that food doesn’t become tainted.
All freezers, display cabinets, and cold rooms must be serviced regularly by
qualified engineers.
It is vital that food is stored under the correct conditions, and used or sold within a
safe time to reduce the risks of it spoiling and most importantly, to stop any
bacteria already present from multiplying to dangerous levels.
Keep the doors closed at all times
Keep air curtains hanging and in good condition
Do not fill with too much stock as the air cannot circulate
Do not fill with hot stock as it increases the temperature and bacteria
can begin to grow
Do not line the shelves
Check that they are working properly using a thermometer
Freezing does not kill
bacteria!
Position Functions
POINT ONE
30 SECONDS GREETING
Greet and serve every Customer who enters PRODUCTS within 30 SECONDS in every
possible case.
New Customers must be welcomed and made to feel like a regular Customer.
POINT TWO
Whenever behind the counter, ensure your arms are never folded.
Make eye contact with each Customer as they approach the counter
POINT THREE
TAKE THE
ORDER
Make eye contact with the Customer as they give you their order
Ensure you upsell by suggesting a slightly more expensive meal than the Customer orders
or suggest an upsell item such as a drink or larger chips by saying “Would you like to add
(a cold coke or UPSIZE those chips too large) to your order?”
Before placing the order, ask the customer if the order is taken away or sit down so the
kitchen can serve it correctly. Sit-down meals are sent out on plates and takeaway
orders are packaged to eat away from the shop.
POINT FOUR
PLACE THE
ORDER
Accurately place the order into the POS system as the Customer orders.
Once the Customer has finished giving you the order, repeat the entire order back to
the Customer, from the screen and not from memory.
Be sure to read each line back as it reads on the system to ensure any errors are
corrected before the order is placed in the kitchen.
Once you have finished reading back the entire order, look up at the Customer and
confirm that the order is correct.
This is the most valuable KEY POINT to avoid serving the incorrect meal
Ask once more, “Would you like to add anything else to the order?”
Ask the Customer how they will be paying for the order
If the customer is paying with a credit card, you will need to use the mobile credit
card machine
Swipe or insert the card and follow the CREDIT CARD prompts
If there is an error message, politely show the Customer and let them know you will try
again.
If he offers another credit card, politely cancel the payment and print him the declined slip.
If the customer must put a PIN into the machine, politely hand the machine to the
customer and say “Please would you enter your PIN?”
Put the payment through and print a slip for the Customer.
Take the signed slip for your cash up and print a second copy for the Customer
CASH PAYMENT
If the customer hands you cash, say the amount out loud and thank them “R100 – thank
you” By doing this, you have verbalized the amount of money they handed you, creating a
memory for them and for you. Some customers might later say they gave you more money
than they did but this can be avoided by announcing the amount when they give it to you.
Place the cash into the cash drawer, and collect the customer’s change
If the customer holds out their hand, place the change directly into their hand, saying
each amount as you put it down, “twenty-five Rands and fifty-two cents”
If the customer does not hold out their hand, place the change on the counter directly
in front of them, counting it out in the same way as above.
Let the Customers know the meal will be ready within a maximum of 15 minutes and
indicate a table or area for them to wait.
As soon as the Customer moves across to wait, smile at the next Customer and start at
POINT ONE.
POINT FIVE
At all times, make sure customers are not waiting longer than the promised time of 15
minutes. If you notice a customer is waiting too long, follow up with the kitchen on how
long the order will still take and let the Customer know.
When the order is ready, call the Customer to the counter and hand the packaged meals
over, as you repeat the order once more.
Apologize to the Customer and immediately ask the kitchen to prepare the correct
meal, explaining it is urgent. Confirm with the kitchen how long the order will take to
make.
Let the customer know the kitchen will make it immediately and also let them know how
long it will take. Apologize.
If you notice a customer has been waiting more than 3 minutes, ask the kitchen
immediately whether the order is almost complete.
If the order has been lost, let the kitchen know the order and ask how long it will
take to prepare with urgency.
Immediately let the Customer know about the mistake and let them know the kitchen will
make it immediately and also let them know how long it will take. Apologize and ask the
manager to assist.
Never tell the customer that the order will take a few minutes more if you know that
is not correct and the order will take longer. Always be truthful and keep
communicating with the customer.
When the order is ready, call the Customer to the counter and hand the packaged meals
over, as you repeat the order once more.
Once the customer is satisfied with the order, smile and ask them to help
themselves to condiments at the counter:
CONDIMENTS include
Tomato Sauce
Vinegar
Chip Spice
Remember the Customer has chosen to spend their money at PRODUCTS, out of all the
food options available, so always be thankful for their business and invite them back.
2. TAKING THE ORDER SUMMARY
At Counter to “Take-
away” order At the Counter to Phone and Collect Order Phone and Delivery Order
“Eat-here” order
Make eye contact Make eye contact Answer the telephone – Answer the telephone –
Greet Customers within Greet Customers within within 3 rings. within 3 rings.
60 seconds of 60 seconds of
approaching approaching Obtain the Customer’s Obtain the Customer’s
the counter with a smile the counter with a smile name. name.
and pleasant greeting. and pleasant greeting.
Follow the dictum Follow the dictum
below below Offer the current Offer the current
Offer the current Offer the current promotion or promotion or
promotion or promotion or personal favorite personal favorite
personal favorite personal favorite Listen carefully and Listen carefully and
Listen carefully and Listen carefully and take orders take orders
take orders take orders Upsell extra slices of Upsell extra slices of
Upsell extra slices of Upsell extra slices of cheese, cool drinks, or cheese, cool drinks,
cheese, cool drinks, or cheese, cool drinks, side items or side items
side items or side items Enter order onto POS Enter order onto POS
Enter order onto POS Enter order onto POS Determine if Determine if
Determine if the order Determine if the order the order is the order is
is “eat here” or “take is “eat here” or “take “collected” or “collected” or
away”. away”. “delivered” “delivered”
3. CASHIER DICTUM
STEP 1
Smile and be nice! If you've had a bad day, leave it at home and be polite while on shift,
even to the meanest of customers. You don't need to be a pushover, but you're more likely
to leave your customer happy and satisfied if you're slower but in a great mood than if
you're the fastest cashier ever but snappy and rude. If you can't sincerely be cheerful, at
least try and fake it.
STEP 2
Get to know the basics of the point-of-sale system. You must know how to do all
the basic things that will come up at least once every three or four customers. For the
first few days in your new job, look over all the screens and payment options on the
system during any quiet periods and ask a more experienced cashier to ensure you're
doing everything right.
STEP 3
Learn how to do things that come up reasonably often, but not every day. For
example, if someone is wanting to use a birthday voucher to pay for their meal, once
every three weeks, it's still a good idea to know all the conditions around the voucher. It's
also a good idea to know what to do if you make a mistake, for example, ringing up an
incorrect order, or a small problem comes up, such as giving the incorrect change but the
till drawer has already been closed, or if someone wants a refund, or if your debit/credit
card machine has no signal. If you find yourself in a situation that wasn't part of your
PRODUCTS training, ask your manager/franchisee or a more experienced cashier to assist
you and make note of the process for the future.
STEP 4
Know where to go for more information if a unique situation comes up. You
probably can't memorize everything you learned in training, so you need to find out where
the store’s copy of the CASHIER TRAINING MANUAL is kept in case you need to look
something up.
Make sure you also know what stock items are available in the kitchen and all the portion
sizes in case a customer asks if it is possible to make something that is not on the menu
and you can confidently answer their query.
If a customer does ask something you do not know the answer to, let them know you do
not know by saying “I don’t know if that is possible, but if you don’t mind, could I ask my
manager for you?” OR “I am unsure about the details; do you mind if I find out quickly?”
Customers will appreciate your honesty and this is a great opportunity to learn something
new that makes you more knowledgeable and more experienced at your job,
STEP 5
Keep note of how the customer will be paying. Someone paying in cash must search
for change, while someone paying with a debit/credit card must type their PIN and wait for
the machine to go through. This is a great time to do something else they'll need to do, like
packing their order against the slip or collecting something from the kitchen that the
customer has asked for that was not available in the front.
STEP 6
Know the menu well enough to make suggestions and compliments. Even if you
are a new cashier, you will be asked the same questions that an experienced cashier is
asked. If you happen to know that one of the meals is particularly good value for money or
a new promotion has just launched, let the customer know that they just got the first of a
brand new product, or that you think that one's the nicest on the menu and they have
made a great choice.
Be sincere about this and don't overdo it, but a little compliment can create added
perceived value and make a customer even happier with their order.
You can do this by saying “That’s a great choice for lunch/breakfast. It’s our most popular
choice because it’s such good value for money OR our new promotion and is only available
at PRODUCTS. “
STEP 7
Count back change. When there is not a long line, get into the habit of counting back the
change to the customer instead of just handing them all the change in one handful or all
together on the counter. This lowers cash mistakes and keeps the till balanced.
STEP 8
Call for assistance if the line is getting too long and you are not able to assist customers
fast enough. You may have a customer who needs special assistance another customer
who keeps changing their order, or a customer that keeps asking questions. Make sure
you know what the process is if the line is getting too long, for example, does the
manager come or should the kitchen manager come and take orders from customers
standing in the line?
Always call for assistance if the line is too long, as it is better to still take each order
accurately and give each customer the service, they expect than to rush through the line
just to get through everyone’s orders, but don’t take unnecessary time taking any orders.
During peak
Periods are not the correct time to have long conversations with a customer placing an
order. Keep the conversation quick but polite friendly and sincere.
2. Wear comfortable closed black shoes! A cashier’s job involves standing behind the
counter and you wouldn't want to be taking off your shoes in the middle of the day
when customers may see them. As a cashier, you will be doing repetitious work. Ringing
up orders, receiving money (or credit cards or vouchers), counting money, giving
change, packing orders and the process starts again and again. Be sure you are alert
and don't come to work sleepy or hungry. You do not want to be messing up your
orders and change.
3. Be sure you know how to identify fake money. This is very important. Many cashiers
accept R200 notes and don’t even check if they are real. You have to be sure all the
money in your cash till is real or the bank will not accept it and you may be held liable
to replace the money.
4. When you don't have any customers at your counter and don't want it that way, you
shouldn't look away or talk with other cashiers. If you just stare at the window or do
whatever on your counter, customers would feel very hesitant to come into your store
and come to your counter. Keep your eyes on prospective customers walking past and
keep a smile on your face.
5. When you pack orders, it is important to pack more delicate items like chips on top of all
the meal boxes. If you pack separate chips under meal boxes, the chips will be
damaged. Always place the meal boxes first in the bag, the correct way up, no more
than three meal boxes on top of each other. Use a second bag if the order has more
than three meal boxes. Divide the total order between the two bags so they are filled
evenly, always starting with the meal boxes.
Remember also to pack hot items together and cold items together and never mix
different temperatures as the hot food will become cold and cold items will get warm.
You wouldn't want customers complaining afterward. If you are unsure of how to pack
orders properly, never hesitate to ask the manager or a more experienced cashier to
show you and pack orders for you to watch and learn.
6. Don't let customers get to you. Many of them could be in a bad mood and scream at
you or insult you for whatever reasons. Be sure you stay calm and patient. If they
have a problem with the prices of menu items and argue with you about them, just
call the manager. Don't bother trying to tell them they are wrong or the customer
might become more annoyed and the situation could get worse.
7. Don't hurry when you count your money, even if ten other people are waiting in line
behind your current customer. Always take your time when you count change, and
don't hesitate to recount if you aren't sure. It's better to be sure you aren't going to get
short when your shift ends than to be fast and have as many customers as you can.
8. Avoid talking to other cashiers or co-workers when you have a customer unless you
have to ask an important question. Some customers find it rude, and although some
don't mind, you should make all your customers feel they are special and not ignored.
Don't feel like you are JUST the cashier. Keep in mind that most restaurant managers have
started as cashiers, kitchen members, bar persons, or waiters and worked from the bottom
up, so this could be a stepping stone to a position of greater responsibility.
Food gets burned and orders get lost or missed in the middle of a rush, or the menu
prices increase and your regular customers feel that the menu is now expensive.
No matter the reason for the complaint, the important thing is to try and please the
customer and send them home knowing that, yes there was a problem, but it is not typical
of your Store. Let them know that you, the owner, value their comments and their business.
How you handle customer complaints will determine if the customer comes back to your
store. Here are some tips to help you field your next complaint and send your customer home
with a smile.
LISTEN
Listen to what the customer has to say and never interrupt. Even if you can’t solve the
problem, you still need to listen to their entire complaint. For example, perhaps a customer
is displeased that the menu had a price increase and is shouting at you. This complaint is
not because of something you have done wrong, but you just need to let the customer vent.
The way you stand and listen to the customer, speaks louder than any words you can say. By
remaining attentive and positive, you show the customer that you are taking them seriously
and value their business.
Never fold your arms
Maintain eye contact
Don’t cross your arms over your chest, even if you are feeling defensive.
Never roll your eyes, even if you are feeling frustrated
Nod and smile, no matter how irritated you may feel.
When the customer has finished explaining the complaint to you, calmly offer an apology
and repeat their complaint, as you understand it, by saying “I understand the price increase
is upsetting and I’m sorry you think we are expensive. We do have great value meals such
as the
for only R . Can I order that for you?”
By apologizing and repeating the complaint back to the customer, you demonstrate that you
completely understand their frustration and are working diligently on a solution. ADVISE the
customer on how you will resolve the issue or make a suggestion to resolve the complaint.
SOLVE
If a customer has a complaint that could have been prevented, such as a burnt piece of
products or chips or a long wait because the cashier didn’t have enough change, then the
best solution to take, is to apologize and offer some sort of compensation that is
acceptable to the customer.
Ask the customer what solution they feel would be suitable. If they insist on getting
something for free, here are some complimentary items that you can give customers that
won’t cost you much money, but will go a long way to satisfy the customer and ensure
they return: (Always make sure the Manager approves of the giveaway
beforehand)
Occasionally you will have a truly angry customer (perhaps justified, perhaps not) who
declares “I’m never coming back!” Well, if that is the case, then there probably isn’t
anything you can offer for free to change their mind. Calmly assure the customer you
understand their frustration, and offer an apology (again). By sending them off with a polite
apology, there is a very good chance, that once their anger has cooled, they will try your
store again.
Remember to only offer complimentary items your manager will agree to give the
customer, never make a promise that you cannot keep. If you are not sure about how to
resolve the complaint or what to offer, LISTEN to the complaint, ADVISE the customer that
you understand the complaint, and APOLOGISE. After that, ask if the customer minds
waiting while you call the manager. The manager will SOLVE the complaint THANK the
customer and invite them to come back.
THANK
Always thank the customer for bringing the complaint to your attention by saying “Thank
you very much for (letting us know ) OR (bringing to our attention). Enjoy your
and please come next to try
our
(talk about a promotion or a special occasion here)’”
7.UP-SELLING AND CROSS-SELLING – TURNING A CASHIER INTO A
SALESPERSON
Cashiers are a key part of your store staff. Without quick, personal, accurate, and
friendly service, few customers would return to the store.
A good Cashier does more than just serve customers. They are salespeople.
They should not just be taking orders.
1. UP-SELLING
Up-selling is getting a customer to spend more than he originally intended, but on the
same meal or item they wanted to order, for example:
2. CROSS-SELLING
Cross-selling is when an additional item is added to the order. The customer still spends
more than they originally intended. For example:
If they hadn’t, the customer would have only ordered what they came to order and that’s
fine, but a good Cashier will always try to offer something a little nicer and a little bit more
expensive to increase their turnover.
It is important to offer an incentive to the Cashiers for an increase in sales from upselling
or selling a particular item or promotion.
A great incentive is to choose a particular high GP and high margin item for the week and
reward the top seller with a cash prize or prize of his choice to the value of a certain amount
i.e. SPUR voucher or CHECKERS voucher etc.
Remember – It’s easier to sell more to a customer that is already in the shop than to find a
new customer to sell anything to….
3. 5 UP-SELL AND CROSS-SELLING TACTICS TO INCREASE YOUR SALES
1. Don’t be pushy
Upselling and cross-selling can indeed increase your sales and the lifetime value per
customer. But despite the word “sell”, these strategies are not a replacement for
traditional sales and marketing. The most important reason for implementing cross-selling
and up-selling has to be customer value. The customer must not feel as though they were
pushed into something they didn’t want. The upsell or cross sell must have increased their
eating experience and not just made them spend more money.
2. Actively recommend
Once you have “upsold or cross-sold” the customer, close the “deal” by letting them know
their choice was a “great choice” and the meal they have ordered, is one of the most
popular meals on the menu.
In some cases, the best idea to introduce additional or costlier items is after the customer
has already selected something first off, the menu.
Don’t interrupt the customer when they are searching for a particular meal - it messes up
the user experience. What for them to give you their order, then up-sell or cross-sell items
that are relevant to the original meal ordered? Make sure whatever you upsell or cross-sell,
will complement the original meal.