Cash Register Layout Basics if You Start a Dollar Store

If you are about to start a dollar store it does not matter whether you have a point-of-sale (POS) system or good old-fashioned cash registers thought and planning need to go into determining the perfect layout for your checkout area.  After all, this small amount space is mission-critical to your business.  All sales transactions are closed here.  Equally importantly, add-on sales of dollar store items as well as building relationships which bring shopper back soon for another visit both occur in this small area.  Read on for some of the basics to help make your cash register area a winner for your business.

Room for Customer Purchases

Do not skimp on the amount of room you allocate for shopper purchases when you start a dollar store.  There needs to be room for many dollar store items to be comfortably placed onto the counter or conveyor.  The exception would be if the cashier actually unloads the shopping cart of basket as merchandise is rung up.  Your goal is to allow time for the shopper to ask questions and investigate the impulse items on display at the cash register.

Create an easy way for Cashiers to Bag Purchased Dollar Store Items

Make it as easy as possible for your cashiers to bag customer purchases.  One easy way to accomplish this is to build-in a small stand and place a t-shirt bag rack/stand right beside the cashier.  As dollar store items are rung into the cash register, they can quickly and easily be placed into a t-shirt bag.  If you are not using t-shirt bags, use the built-in stand to hold paper bags open and upright.

Think About Safety and Security for Placement of Cash Drawers

Keep the money drawer as isolated as possible from the reach of shoppers.  Placing them down below counter level and as far away from the shopper side of the checkout counter will be helpful.  Just make sure to consider the ergonomics of placement for the comfort and safety of the cashier.  Be sure the cash drawer is also visible to your security cameras.

Remember to Leave Room for Impulse Sales

The checkout area is prime real estate for add-on sales.  Do not allow this area to become cluttered with too many items.  A better approach it to highlight just a few hot, new arrivals and to rotate what shoppers will find right at the cash register frequently.

If you are about to start a dollar store do not underestimate the importance of planning and designing your cash register checkout area.  Leave plenty of room for the dollar store items shoppers are about to purchase.  Make it easy for your cashiers to bag merchandise and properly and safely handle cash and credit cards.