<metaproperty="og:description"content="Standard operating procedures for the front end. These are the ones I hand to new hires on day one—because if you can">
<metaname="description"content="Standard operating procedures for the front end. These are the ones I hand to new hires on day one—because if you can't follow a protocol, you can't…">
<spanclass="title">carolyn-dail ~ protocols — Point-of-sale standard operating procedures</span>
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<h1>POS Protocols</h1>
<pclass="subtitle">Standard operating procedures for the front end. These are the ones I hand to new hires on day one—because if you can't follow a protocol, you can't improvise one.</p>
<li>Retrieve original receipt. If no receipt, check the POS transaction log by time window (±5 min).</li>
<li>If item is unopened/with tags: process at register. Log reason code (D01–D07).</li>
<li>If item is opened/damaged: require manager override. <em>Never override yourself.</em></li>
<li>For returns >$100: manager override + secondary verification (photo ID optional, not required).</li>
<li>File original receipt in the void bin (the labeled shoebox by the safe). We audit these weekly.</li>
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<pclass="note">Metrics we track: void rate per cashier (target <2%),returnratebyreasoncode.IpublishtheseeveryMondaymorning.</p>
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<divclass="protocol-header"><span>PRO-003</span><spanclass="proto-id">CASH SHORT / OVER RESPONSE</span></div>
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<li>Register reports "Cash Short" or "Cash Over" at end of transaction.</li>
<li><strong>Do not</strong> add or remove cash to balance. This is a data point, not a suggestion.</li>
<li>Recall the transaction details mentally: what bills were handed? Was there a change-making error?</li>
<li>Document the amount and time on the shift log (the clipboard by the break room).</li>
<li>If cumulative short/over exceeds $5.00 in one shift, notify the floor manager immediately.</li>
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<pclass="note">I've seen new cashiers "fix" a $0.25 short by adding their own quarters. That is how embezzlement starts with good intentions. Document it. Let the numbers tell the story.</p>
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<divclass="section-header"><span>Close Protocol — End of Shift</span></div>
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<divclass="protocol-header"><span>PRO-004</span><spanclass="proto-id">Z-READ / END OF SHIFT</span></div>
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<li>Run Z-read from the POS terminal. This prints the shift summary: total sales, tender breakdown, voids, returns.</li>
<li>Count physical cash in the drawer. Compare to the Z-read cash total.</li>
<li>If variance ≤ $0.50: record as "within tolerance" on the shift log. Sign and date.</li>
<li>If variance > $0.50: recount. If still off, document with a note and flag for the floor manager.</li>
<li>Deposit cash in the safe using the drop bag protocol (two sets of eyes).</li>
<li>File the Z-read slip in the daily binder, tabbed by date.</li>
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<pclass="note">The Z-read is the retail equivalent of the AGC's telemetry downlink. It's your data trail. Protect it.</p>
