Slow check-writer

[Headset Hellion]

First of all, who writes a check at the store these days? It just makes me think that you know your debit card would be declined for NSF...

So anyway, I was at the store earlier which has Lots that are Big, picking up some household supplies and possibly some things I don't really need. When I got to the registers, there was only one lane open with a longish line. There were about 5 people in front of me, and some of them had a lot of stuff. I was waiting patiently, until this happened:

After the cashier has his items rung up, the SC in front of me pulls out a checkbook.

First he asked the cashier who to make the check out to. Hmmm, maybe the name of the store? Call me crazy, but I hear that's pretty standard.

Then I hear the cashier telling SC, "T-H-I-R-T-Y...and then 'nine'." Are you kidding me?!

Next, SC asks the cashier for today's date. At this point, my eyes are in danger of rolling right out of their sockets.

WTF, dude? You had to wait for 4 people with full carts to be checked out, and then your own crap to be rung up, before you even pulled out your checkbook? You should have had everything but the payment amount filled in and ready to go!

[Jay 2K Winger]

You know what's worse?

When the check-writer can't remember how to spell the store's name. In a store whose name consists of TWO LETTERS.

[kpzra]

I have to write checks when I leave the house without checking that DD (3 y/o) didn't take my debit card out. As soon as I see that it is missing I start writing the check out though. It's my fault for not checking my wallet before leaving I know, but I usually have a lot going on when I head out.

[Raveni]

My favorites are the ones that have to take a break and a deep breath after filling out each section.

"It was so tiring writing out those numbers. Let me catch my breath before spelling it out."

[It's me]

My favorites are the ones that have to take a break and a deep breath after filling out each section.

"It was so tiring writing out those numbers. Let me catch my breath before spelling it out."

It's not the physical effort, it's mental overload! One can only hope that they are only holding up the ones that spend 15 minutes rooting around for a penny....

[Headset Hellion]

My favorites are the ones that have to take a break and a deep breath after filling out each section.

"It was so tiring writing out those numbers. Let me catch my breath before spelling it out."

That was pretty much the case here. The fact that he had to ask the cashier how to spell "THIRTY" didn't help!

[XCashier]

We take checks, but the customer doesn't have to fill it out. All we do is check the ID to make sure it's them, run it through the check scanner, the customer signs his/her name on the credit card reader, and the check is treated like a debit. We run the check through the check scanner, it prints "void void void" all over it, and we hand check and receipt to the customer. Simple, right?

You would not believe how many customers still insist on writing the whole check out. Very, very slowly. Misspelling the store name even though it's in big bold print on my name badge, shirt, apron and several signs all over the store. Of course, they have to balance their checkbook before they even hand you the check. And the line behind them grows ever longer...

Seriously, checks have gone the way of the Betamax. Get with the 21st century and use your debit card already!!!

[Food Lady]

I always buy more than I need at Lots that are Big [].
On the odd occasion I have to write a check at a store--about every 10 years--I either have it mostly filled out before I get to the cashier or dash it off in about 10 seconds. I can write fast. And the checkbook gets balanced at home when I pull out my receipts that I saved from the last several days.

[Catwoman2965]

Add to that, back in the day when a lot of people wrote checks at the grocery store, those who wait until ALL their stuff is rung up, bagged and placed in the cart, and then begin to rummage in their huge suitcase of a purse for their checkbook, store card and pen. and then begin to write out the check.

I know when I used to write checks at the grocery store, I'd have it all filled in, before I left teh house, except for the amount. or I'd write it in while waiting in line, and then just had to fill in the amoutn, hand it over with my card, and be on my merry way

[fma_fanatic]

First of all, who writes a check at the store these days? It just makes me think that you know your debit card would be declined for NSF...

Not necessarily. I know a few people who refuse to use their debit cards or have one because they are thoroughly convinced that they're going to get their money stolen if they do. Our receptionist is one of them.

WTF, dude? You had to wait for 4 people with full carts to be checked out, and then your own crap to be rung up, before you even pulled out your checkbook? You should have had everything but the payment amount filled in and ready to go!

This I agree with.

[Food Lady]

I have never had my info stolen from use of a debit card. I have had checks forged. Your receptionist should know that.

[fma_fanatic]

Yes, I do agree with you. But you go ahead and try to tell this the woman and see how far you get. She's dead set in her ways and is convinced that checks are the only way to go.

And people wonder why I look like I want to bang my head when I cover her breaks. *sigh*

[Food Lady]

What will she do when checks are eventually phased out? I really believe that will happen eventually.

[sms001]

What will she do when checks are eventually phased out? I really believe that will happen eventually.

Pull her tinfoil hat down tighter over her ears and use cash.


I've said (politely I hope) something to people ahead of me in line about this on several occasions ---"Ma'am, would you mind doing your balancing over there, I'd like to get checked out." and "Man, you'd zoom right through this if you filled all that stuff out in advance." Mixed results, but can't even think of the last time I was in the situation.

[raudf]

I've had to use checks for various reasons, including forgetting the debit card without realizing it. Someone (my child) took a magnet to my debit card so it would no longer read. And waiting for a new debit card after mine had be hacked and the number used elsewhere, while I still had the farking card.

Easiest thing to do? Just hand 'em the check. Most places at least have check writers on their check scanners, even if it doesn't electronically draft like the Mart of Walls does.

Which brings me to when I worked as a cashier.. in the land of the nearly deads and newlyweds of Arkansas. It was always the old farts and bats that would insist on WRITING THE DAMN CHECK THEMSELVES.. even though it could easily take them 10 minutes to write their own names! Occasionally, I'd get a grateful soul who'd happily hand over the signed check to have the register print it out for them. But I began to hate checks at that point.