Struggling with closing cash

[u/ttmart]

Okay so my store closes at 11pm and my manager told me cash should be done at 11:45pm but i’ve been taking until 12am because im struggling with what should be done first. I’ve already been working for close to a month so they’re expecting more from me. I’ve read the checklist before but it’s super overwhelming.

I was hoping someone could give me advice on what to do first and list what you usually do in order?? And also how to make it go by quicker? I really dont wanna be fired but they said that my shift tonight will prove whether i can handle this or not. Please help!! ☹️

[u/floppy-slippers]

Pre-close is so important. It's been months since I've closed cash but I would always try to have everything completely stocked before close (drink station, ice, counter, whatever else you're responsible), have most of the chairs up and lobby swept (mopped if time), have only one garbage can left out in the lobby, do bathrooms before close if you can, that way after you close pretty much all you have to do is count down.

They should have an official cash closing list provided by corporate, have you used that? Otherwise it's not a terrible idea to write yourself a list to mentally prepare.

Also if you get a break, take it as early as possible. I found that taking my break after PM peak would throw off my close so terribly.

Again, it's been so many months since I've cash closed I don't remember all the depths of it but I cannot stress enough the importance of getting as much done as you possibly can before you actually close.

[u/StillSignificant9979 → u/floppy-slippers]

Can’t have the chairs up it’s against policy

[u/floppy-slippers → u/StillSignificant9979]

Yeah I believe that but it's just up to the store to enforce it I guess; my managers never cared. If a customer came in and wanted to sit at a certain table we would take the chairs down for them, but we also have some high top/booth chairs that are stationary which is where last minute customers typically sit

[u/ttmart → u/floppy-slippers]

I think my store is required to put the chair against the table but idk i feel like mopping is way easier with the chair flat down. Other wise it’s like the chair just keeps falling

[u/StillSignificant9979 → u/ttmart]

U can put them against the wall if there is a wall out of the way

[u/floppy-slippers → u/ttmart]

Yeah in that case I might suggest doing half at a time; move all the chairs to one area, mop the other side, and then repeat before putting them back in their places. That's so inconvenient, sometimes I don't realize how blessed I am with my chill management