Archived Taking money out of the wrong register

[Flabbergasted]

We have a register with a cash drawer that will not open. It doesn't open to add money or give change to guests, it doesn't open via K5 -> K1. The screen just flashes for a second and the drawer remains closed. We have a work order put in for it, but the other night when the issue was first noticed, I had 3 separate instances where I needed to give a guest their change but could not because of this stupid bug, so I took from other registers (before finally I noted down exactly what was taken and from where for the COTM, and I made AP aware of what I was doing, but I'm curious what the correct protocol is in situations like that. Have you ever had to take money out of a different register? How much of an issue is this for AP and the Cash Office?

I was never spoken to about it so I can only assume I'm in the clear now, but I'm sure the fact that I logged into a register just to take cash out of it looks super fishy.

 

[Retail Girl]

We have that problem on occasion. Just restart it and it'll be fine.

 

[Amaazingdude]

We have a register with a cash drawer that will not open. It doesn't open to add money or give change to guests, it doesn't open via K5 -> K1. The screen just flashes for a second and the drawer remains closed. We have a work order put in for it, but the other night when the issue was first noticed, I had 3 separate instances where I needed to give a guest their change but could not because of this stupid bug, so I took from other registers (before finally I noted down exactly what was taken and from where for the COTM, and I made AP aware of what I was doing, but I'm curious what the correct protocol is in situations like that. Have you ever had to take money out of a different register? How much of an issue is this for AP and the Cash Office?

I was never spoken to about it so I can only assume I'm in the clear now, but I'm sure the fact that I logged into a register just to take cash out of it looks super fishy.

AP most likely opened a Internal Investigation on you. Investigations can last a couple weeks to a couple months. You might not here anything in a while till the Investigation is done. You should never take money from a other checklane. If this happens flash your light and call the GSA. Here is a good example, the regsiter that had your guest might not have a camera, but the checklane that you removed cash from might have a camera. If the IC or AP is doing video review it will look like you took money from a checklane with zero gues in your line.

 

[Produce Queen]

He is the GSA and he notified AP

 

[awbuckit]

<< Cash office

Maybe once would be ok, but from then on no one should use the register and a sign should be put across the keyboard to NOT use that lane and that there's a work order submitted.

 

[RedMan]

My AP would be upset if it happened once. Three times, and heads would roll.

The drawer can be opened manually. Then reboot and check to see if it works. If it still doesn't work, call the CSC. But please don't continue using it.

 

[PullMonkey]

I would've bumped to another lane as soon as the issue presented itself. You can't be that low on lanes that you have to use a broken one.

 

[PinkZinnia]

I have had that problem on a few registers. The change thing is a help desk problem.. They have to reset the software for the machine - I might have the terminology wrong - you have to get someone who knows what they are doing.. Might have to be done a few times.. I try to call during the day, I get some knowledgeable people..
The drawer not opening can be related to that or I have had two other problems that have caused it.. One is that the spring in the back doesnt work and ncr has to come out to replace a part.. The other is that the register isn't seated correctly on the counter.. Make sure the feet aren't hanging over the edge of the counter..it should open..if not. Definitely my support the problem..

 

[redeye58]

We had one that wouldn't open regardless of reboots, etc.
When we finally got a tech out, it was a physical problem - the drawer itself. Once they replaced it, problem solved.
Re: taking $$ out of other drawers - like awbuckit & cashmonkey said, you should've put that one out of service after it happened the first time because that WILL get AP's attention no matter the circumstance.

 

[Flabbergasted]

I'll talk to my ETL-AP. It happened two or three times with backup cashiers. Restarting the register did not fix the problem, which is why it took two or three goes before we shut it down. The third time, actually, was me not paying attention & a backup hopped on the register for a few guests -- stupidly I forgot to make the TM aware of it. I was told by the STL that taking from another register was fine for the meantime... But it's always comforting to be told I'm going to be accused of stealing. Thanks guys for the alarmism.

 

[PullMonkey]

Let's face it. Spot is paranoid. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Flabbergasted]

Well I may as well quit then. I'm not going to get fired for stealing when I never stole anything. It was an accident.

 

[Flabbergasted]

Also like how some of you didn't even read my opening post. I am the GSA. I told TPS what happened immediately after & he said not to worry about it. Haven't had a chance to speak to the ETL-AP but I will as soon as I see her. I think it's ridiculous to fire someone for an honest mistake like that. I would have shut it down after the first try but I didn't because I made a mistake, but I noted down exactly what was taken from other registers. STL said that was fine & not to keep the guests waiting.

 

[PullMonkey]

Not trying to attack you here, but we know Spot sometimes goes after the most ridiculous things. Merely mentioning. You asked, we're presenting our info.

 

[Flabbergasted]

So what happens with the investigation @RedMan? Will I for sure be fired? If so, they should just get it over with. I don't think I even want to deal with the ETL-AP, because she's not going to tell me whether there is or is not an investigation pending. In fact, I don't know how she'll respond because she's really sweet and chummy with me.

 

[Flabbergasted]

Sadly I may have to put in my 2 weeks, then. If there's even a small chance that an investigation exists & I will be accused of a crime I did not commit (theft), then I will need to just get out while I can. That environment is too toxic for me. I will stress and panic and hate myself every day I'm at work. If it's even just a CA or FW I will be angry at myself. In fact I'm afraid to even go in tomorrow.

 

[Produce Queen]

You need to take a step back from panic mode buddy. Seriously. Speak to your STL, see what's up.

 

[redeye58]

Cool the jets.
Yes, something like that gets APs attention BUT, if you go in & explain to AP (along with an email to CSA), it would be better than waiting for them to ask you about it.
Point being, NEXT time shut that register down before perpetuating a string of errors.
Shut it down, post a note on the keyboard, unplug the monitor - anything to deter users.

 

[unknown]

Here's what may happen: You'll be blamed for the equipment not working. It's no excuse that it's broken. It's totally your fault. Also, instead of making it expedient for the guest, which it sounds like you did, you should have made it extra hard and voided out the whole transaction. No matter what, they'll find a way to blame you. Doing the best you can is never good enough.

I feel like if Target was in charge at Jesus' crucifixion, even that wouldn't have been good enough. Some fuck off etl would have said, you didn't die fast enough or with a sense of urgency.

 

[Burlseveryday]

I used to do that all the time lol I always made sure to send an email to ETL-AP, ETL-GE, Cash office specialist, and all GSTL/GSAs with the exact dollar amount I took and the affected registers. No one ever said a word to me about it.

 

[DevinDeLaSpot]

It's not a good thing to do what you did... but it's also hardly the end of the world.

Just don't do it again, and things should be fine.

 

[Flabbergasted]

On Monday, I will just write a late e-mail about it to AP (both TPS & ETL), CSA & whoever else it may concern. Better late than never I suppose.

 

[Patty]

What? Do NOT put in your notice!!! You didnt steal, dont let people make you feel like you did , and dont act like you did. I don't know anything about cash registers, but i do know that people under pressure and stress make mistakes. A mistake is not a crime. You will be ok. The tapes are the best evidence. Try and enjoy your day off. You know what happened. Good luck to you. Dont quit! Get some rest and have a Peep. Everything looks better in the morning, and think of all of us rooting for you when you go in tomorrow. We are on your team too.

 

[Flabbergasted]

I don't have too many complaints about working for Target -- well, I do actually, but at the end of the day I am generally happy with myself and satisfied with my work. I hate to think that I could have jeopardized my good standing through a simple mistake like this. I always assumed that if there were any concerns, AP would notify me right away but, I guess that may not be the case here. Again, all I can do is go into work, do my job & write a last-minute e-mail to the people who would investigate this and hope it just blows over. I never received any formal training for GSA and had to learn much of the job on my own, and prior to this incident I had no direct experience with a register just refusing to open like that. That's why it took me 3 or so goes before it finally clicked in my dumb head that "Hey, maybe I should put a note up warning cashiers not to use this."

Does anyone have the e-mail address for CSA?

 

[RedMan]

Hey, talk to AP. All stores are not the same. I know that my AP knows that we know how to deal with any situation and that we will follow Best Practice. I don't think you're gonna get fired, but you need to figure out what to do if this situation comes up again. That's what we were trying to explain to you.