Learning how to use a cash register is one of the most important skills for any new retail or hospitality employee. A smooth checkout experience not only leaves a great impression on customers but also boosts operational efficiency. Whether you’re working in a supermarket, convenience store, café, or boutique, this step-by-step guide will help you confidently master how to use a cash register—from powering it on to closing your shift.

Why It’s Important to Know How to Use a Cash Register

Understanding how to use a cash register enables you to:

  • Process sales quickly and accurately
  • Minimize pricing and payment errors
  • Handle inventory and receipts with confidence
  • Offer excellent customer service
  • Support store operations and reporting

If you’re using a modern POS system like TCANG’s POS terminals, you’ll benefit from intuitive touchscreens, modular peripherals, and customizable interfaces—making it even easier to get started.

how to use cash register

Step 1: Know the Main Components of a Cash Register

Before learning how to use a cash register, get familiar with its basic parts:

  • Touchscreen or keypad: For item entry and menu navigation
  • Barcode scanner: Speeds up product lookup
  • Cash drawer: Secures cash and coins
  • Receipt printer: Provides a printed record for the customer
  • Customer-facing display: Ensures transaction transparency
  • Card reader or NFC module: Accepts mobile and contactless payments

Tip: Modern systems like TCANG’s Android POS devices often combine these functions into one streamlined unit.

Step 2: Start of Day – Power On and Log In

At the beginning of your shift:

  1. Ensure the system is powered on and connected to the network
  2. Enter your employee credentials or scan your ID badge
  3. Check that the receipt paper is loaded and that the cash drawer is stocked with change
  4. Confirm that all peripherals (scanner, printer, card reader) are working properly

Being systematic with these checks will help avoid hiccups during peak hours.how to use a cash register

Step 3: How to Use a Cash Register to Process Sales

Here’s where you’ll spend most of your time—ringing up items and handling payments:

  1. Scan the product or manually input the SKU/price
  2. Confirm the item description and price on screen
  3. Apply discounts if applicable
  4. Tap “Subtotal” to display the total amount to the customer
  5. Ask for and input the payment method: cash, credit/debit card, or mobile wallet
  6. Provide the change if cash is used
  7. Print and offer the receipt

Practicing this flow is key to mastering how to use a cash register efficiently.

Step 4: How to Handle Refunds, Returns, and Voids

Even experienced employees sometimes make mistakes. Learning how to use a cash register includes knowing how to fix them:

  • Use the “Void” function to cancel an item before payment
  • Tap “Return” for after-sales refunds
  • Scan the original receipt to confirm transaction history
  • Follow store policies for return approvals or restocking
  • Always reissue a revised receipt and update stock levels if connected to inventory management

Note: TCANG POS terminals can integrate with inventory systems, so any refund or return automatically updates stock data.

Step 5: How to Use a Cash Register to Manage Shifts and Reporting

At the end of the shift:

  • Print your X/Z report showing total sales, payment breakdown, and returns
  • Count the cash drawer and reconcile with the system’s expected cash amount
  • Log out securely using your credentials
  • Power down the system or switch users if there’s a shift change

This is a crucial habit for internal auditing and financial transparency.

Additional Tips for New Employees

  • Practice using training mode (if available) before going live
  • Always double-check high-value transactions
  • If unsure, pause and ask a supervisor—customer trust depends on accuracy
  • Keep the screen and scanner clean and unobstructed
  • Learn keyboard shortcuts or touchscreen gestures to save time

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re working at a neighborhood café or a tech-forward retail chain, knowing how to use a cash register is the first step toward becoming a trusted member of the team. With modern devices like TCANG’s POS solutions, the process becomes faster, more flexible, and easier to learn. All it takes is a bit of practice and attention to detail—then you’re ready to deliver a seamless checkout experience, every time.