Before the invention of the calculator and electronic cash registers, people had to count the change in their heads. Even in the digital age, there are situations where these features are not available – or where you still need to do your calculations empty-handed. Counting backwards is a simple and effective strategy. In addition, it is also important to check the change you receive after shopping. If you don't know what to do, you will always run the risk of being passed over or suffering from the mistakes of others.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Counting Basic Operations Change
Step 1. Say the purchase price out loud
If you work as a cashier in a supermarket or store, always tell the customer the total value of the products, as well as the amount he delivered for payment. If the purchase is $5.20, for example, and he hands you a bill for $10.00. Say "$10.00 to $5.20". This way, both will memorize the prices and the amount delivered. At this point, start calculating the amount of change in your mind.
Step 2. Put the money on the cash register or on the counter
That way, you'll be able to see how much you received and compare that amount to the purchase price, as well as calculate the change you should give the consumer. Never keep the coins or bills directly, or you may even forget how much you received.
For example: the customer may think that he delivered R$20.00 instead of R$10.00. If you leave the note on the counter until the transaction is finished, you will avoid any kind of confusion
Step 3. Count change according to the values indicated by the cash register
If you have the assistance of this equipment, use it to determine how much to deliver to the customer. For example: if a product costs R$5, 20, and the consumer gives you R$10,00, type this amount into the machine so that it can calculate the change (in this case, R$4, 80). Take the value out of the machine, starting with the bills and ending with the coins.
- Learn to use the cash register to know how to manage customers' money and change.
- If you make a mistake with the equipment, ask a colleague or manager for help.
Step 4. Mentally count the change
If you don't have a cash register for any reason or you've entered an incorrect amount, do the math in your head. This skill is essential for any cashier. You can, for example, count change from the purchase price and stop when you get to the exact amount - starting with small coins, gradually moving up to bills. For example: if an item costs BRL 12.45 and the customer delivers BRL 20.00, do the math like this:
- Count the small coins starting at $12,45: $12,45,$12,46,$12,47,$12,48,$12,49,$12,50 (5 cents).
- Count the $0.25 coins: $12.75, $13.00 (50 cents).
- Count $1 coins starting at $13.00: $14.00, $15.00 (2 reais).
- Count $5 bills starting at $15.00: $20.00 (one bill).
- Total change: R$7.55.
Step 5. Count change out loud to the customer
When determining how much to return, do the math as you hand the amount to the person so they know you're not wrong. For this, follow the same steps above - with the difference that, now, you will deliver everything in the hands of the consumer.
For example, if the product costs $10.25 and the customer gives $20.00, return the change while you count out loud. Hand out three $0.25 coins and say "$11.00"; four $1 coins and say "$15.00"; and a $5 bill and say "$20.00". Thus, the person will see that he received it correctly
Method 2 of 3: Making More Complex Calculations
Step 1. Pay close attention to more complex accounts
Some customers may deliver unusual amounts (greater than necessary) to avoid receiving too many small coins. For example: if the product costs R$33.05, a person can give you R$50.05. In this case, keep the extra R$0.05 in the machine and count from R$33.00 onwards. Do the following:
- R$34.00, R$35.00 (a R$2 note), R$40.00 (a R$5 note), R$50.00 (a R$10 note).
- In this case, the total amount of change is R$17.00.
Step 2. Return change with as few coins as possible
Depending on the amount you have to return, you may end up having to use several chicks. When you determine the exact amount from the money the customer has given, organize yourself to avoid a headache.
- For example: if the product costs R$5, 50, and the customer delivers a R$10.00 bill, start counting from the R$0,10 coins: R$5, 60, R$5, 80, R$5, 90, $6.00. Then move on to the $1 coins: BRL7.00, BRL8.00, BRL9.00, BRL10.00. The total change, therefore, is BRL4.45.
- Instead of giving five R$0, 10 and four R$1 coins, hand one R$0, 50 coin and two R$2 bills to the customer. Everyone will leave happier.
Step 3. Proof of accounts with a calculator
Leave the equipment nearby to see if you've done the right math before handing the change over to the customer. It will help you to detect possible errors and, in this way, you will have more peace of mind to confirm the operation. This step is even more important on complex accounts.
You can also use your cell phone calculator to see if you've hit your change bill
Method 3 of 3: Seeing if You've Received the Right Change
Step 1. Count your change before leaving the store or market
Always check the amount you receive after a purchase to see if everything is right. Many cashiers make mistakes (confusing $20 bills with $50 bills, for example), which can harm consumers. To do this check, count the amount you have on hand compared to what you paid.
- Start counting from the price you paid for the product to determine the right change. For example: if it cost $2.75, and you delivered a bill of $5.00, start the calculation from $2.75. Count a coin of $25 ($3.00) and, then, a bill of R$2 (R$5.00). So, the final change should be R$2,25.
- Use your cell phone calculator if you're in a hurry and can't do the math in your head.
Step 2. See if you have received your change in the correct currency
It may sound strange, but depending on where you live, you may receive money in the wrong currency. Check it out to see if there's nothing wrong.
For example: Brazilians who live in the South may end up receiving coins from border countries, such as Paraguay. Get into the habit of making sure everything is all right
Step 3. Just leave the store or market with the same amount you used for payment
Here's a simple tip to see if the change is right: You should leave the place of purchase with the same amount when it arrived - part in the form of change, part in the form of the product or service purchased. For example: if you entered the place with R$40.00 and bought a doll for R$25.00, you must leave with a change of R$15.00 and the product. So, when you add up everything, you will reach the amount of R$40.00, which is what you delivered to the cashier.