IamA a cashier at a convenience store at a gas station AMA!

How often do people drive off with the gas pump still in their car?

A lot of the time lol. One time someone drove off, and immediately stopped once they realized what happened. Of course they then saw me walking over to them and drove off. We eventually found out who it as and they paid for it. Which made me smile. Most of the time though people will stay and give their information. The world is honest most of the time... Most of the time.

Just curious, and not saying this is what you should have done, but would that be an arrestable offense? Seems like theft.

I'm not sure, possibly just a big fine.

When did the Mongols rule China?

You got me there.

OOOOOOHHHHH! Someone just told me what you're referencing. God I feel stupid.

As a cashier, has someone ever tipped you by giving you an item they had just purchased. If so what was it?

Surprisingly yes. I have been given Ice cream, chips, drinks, as well as other items. My favorite tips to receive are from the extremely generous people who win pretty big on a lottery ticket and share a little bit with me.

I thought you said the lottery wasn’t worth it?

It's rare I get those big winners coming into my store.

How often do you get winners?

All the time, but they are relatively small like $2-$25

Is nobody gonna ask him what his biggest winner has been? I guess I have to

So what's the biggest amount someone has won and then shared with you?

Biggest I've ever cashed was $500 and I think they gave me $20 which was cool.

I used to work at a BiLo and would receive soda and candy on the regular. Happens more often than you'd think

Some people are surprisingly nice.

Do you judge people on what they buy? Why or why not?

When I started working there I had some judgements on some people, but over time I started seeing so much that I stopped questioning what people were in there for. After a while of working there I grew the mindset that I want people to come into my store, get their shit, and leave without being judged for what they get. I would be lying though if I said I never judge anymore. Typically I judge the most with lottery buyers. Especially the ones that spend everything they got just in hopes they win big. I recommend nobody ever fall into the trap of lottery. IT IS NOT WORTH IT.

I decided to get a scratch off the other day for the first time ever. It was the cheapest.. a $1. I won $3 whole dollars the first time ever!!! I went back today and decided to buy $10 of the same $1 scratch off. I won $10 (broke even). I thought about buying more, but I want to remember myself as a winner, so I probably won't ever buy another ticket again.

That's what I said to myself the first time... It didn't last.

I also work as a convenience store cashier with a gas station. It's been 5 years this month. I mostly judge the people who come buy a 6 pack of beer 3 or 4 times during a shift. Like dude you're not fooling anyone, just buy a case of 20 the first time. I worry about these people driving to get their fix...

I have regulars who are drunks. They come in 3 times a day to buy beer. They're great guys don't get me wrong! Very fun to talk to!

Ever been robbed? If so, how?

The store has never been robbed as the area we are in has a fair amount of police. There was however a bad drug deal that took place outside our store 5 years ago that my boss told me about. The guy shot someone who didn't give him money. The man lived and the shooter went to jail.

Did the dude who got shot get to keep the drugs?

I'm gonna make a wild assumption and say no

Worst. Drug deal. Ever.

Lol Seriously

Dude are you redditing right now while at work?

No it's my day off. I just put on the shirt and name-tag for the picture.

Do they train you to say "Take it easy" at the end of every transaction? Or is it just a coincidence every circle k cashier says this? lol

We were never trained to say anything really. I always say "Have a good one."

Maybe it's a franchise thing than. At the circle ks by me, they always end with that. Even when they forget and already tell my have a good day they'll add it in when they remember.

Tell them their store is an oppressive piece of trash.

You're probably not there any more, but who is the oldest person you have ever carded?

I carded a WWII Vet one time and he was very happy. I thanked him for his service and shook his hand. It was awesome!

I enjoy carding the lil old ladies when they come to buy their scratch tickets. Makes em blush or laugh

Saaame

Decades ago when I worked at one, minors were always trying to get smokes or booze with fake id's. Do you still see alot of that?

edit: kant spel

I have yet to come across a fake ID, but I have turned down countless amounts of people for not having their ID's on them. ALWAYS HAVE YOUR ID ON YOU. I can't stress this enough. If you come into my store and try to by some beer or smokes, and you don't have your ID on you. Unless you're clearly of age, I'm gonna turn you down.

I had a guy try to make a scene once about me turning him down without an ID. He was clearly most likely over 21, but he was also obviously under the age that we have to card for, and of course if I ask and he doesn’t have it there’s no going back. He starts to insult me and this giant ripped dude waiting in line behind him tells him to shut up and leave. All the customers laughed and told him to get out. It was very satisfying.

My customers stood up for me one time because of a rude customer and it felt amazing!

is there a video rental place next door with a guy called randal?

That movie is why I love convenience stores.

Are you even supposed to be there today?

No I have the day off, I just put on the shirt and name tag for the picture.

Are you wearing pants?

In that photo? Do monkeys throw their own shit?

How often do people buy those penis extender pills hanging up on the wall in front of the cashier window?

We don't sell any of those, thank God.

What's the biggest bat-shit crazy costumer you've ever gotten? I worked in Fast-Food when I first got out of high school, and let me tell you.. It was an amazing way to meet weirdos.

There is an incredible amount weirdos that come into the store. I'd say the most bat-shit crazy ones are the ones that accuse us of making a mistake when clearly it was their fault, and because the conversation doesn't go their way then they take out their anger on us. Sometimes this results in them throwing stuff at us, or yelling slurs and storming out. No one is crazier then the other tho.

My fiancee worked a similar job. Her worst crazys were the homeless schizophrenics. There was a guy that tried to buy a beer, it was two dollars. He proceeds to reach in his pocket, grab nothing and slam it on the counter. He stares at her expecting her to take his imaginary money. She said, "Um, its still two dollars.". He goes, "I gave you two dollars! Right there!", and points at the empty counter. She says there is nothing there. He starts yelling that she stole his two dollars and to give it back.

Same guy pooped on the building two weeks later.

Well I can happily say we have not gotten that crazy of customers before.

Ever got offered a blowjob for cigarettes or any other item?

We have this college right next to our store, so we get a lot of drunk college kids coming into the store for alcohol. After 11:30 we legally aren't suppose to sell alcohol to anyone, and yes I have gotten offers to get a blowjob for some drinks. Only twice though and the girls were not that attractive for me to me to risk my job. If they were wicked hot tho, I probably would not gonna lie.

[deleted]

No problem man! Glad you like it!

How often are strange things afoot?

Since the Mongols ruled China.

You learned!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD6qtc2_AQA

I used to work at a gas station back in the day, and there were a couple times I had to clean bathrooms so nasty I seriously considered quitting on the spot. That ever happen to you? Also what is your go-to response to people who ask you why gas is so expensive, as if it's personally your fault?

I have never had to clean a bathroom so bad I've contemplated my job, but they have gotten pretty gross sometimes. And my go-to response typically is, if i'm joking, "Because they hate you." But sometimes I'll say "Couldn't tell yuh." And they accept that and walk away.

What's the funniest thing you've ever seen while working?

Also, are there times where a circle K isn't bathed in red and blue police lights?

The funniest and also most annoying thing I see everyday is the drug addicts that come in. Also known as tweakers. Their mannerisms and actions can be funny as hell, but often I find them wicked annoying.

As for the police lights, there are a lot of times people get pulled over here, but that's because they constantly sit outside of our store either to fill up gas or pull over speeders.

How are you? Also, what's the worst thing that happened at the store?

Regarding work I'm great, but I'm going through a rough spot rn outside of work. But who isn't right? As far as your question though, the worst thing that's happened while i've been there is this druggy who came in sober, shot up in our bathroom, then almost OD'd outside our store.

Yeah man life sucks. Up top brother, high five my man.

:D

If you were to quit in spectacular fashion how would you do it?

Lower the gas prices a shit ton on the big LED sign on the road to mess with all the customers.

i actually filled up my tank for 18 cents once! I didnt realize it until i got to work, across the street. I called the gas station and asked if i could make it up and they said no. I think someone got fired that day or quit

Damn thats crazy!

Do you think that any independent contractors who were working on the uncompleted Death Star were innocent victims when it was destroyed by the Rebels?

Oh without a doubt. I knew this one guy who was renovating a house for a gangster.

What are the best and worst value items y'all sell?

I'm not great with prices in my store, but most of the things we sell are up-charged because we are the closest convenience store in our area.

Biggest customer pet peeve?

Easily my biggest pet peeve is when I finish ringing up a customer, and then they give me that "Wait, and I need this." So I ring them up again, and after that they do it again! Think of what you need so I'm not ringing you up three plus times in a row! By far my biggest pet peeve.

I assure you, everyone behind them in line is just as pissed as you.

Oh I know they are. They tell me as soon as the person leaves.

Shuffles over with an armful of cheap snacks

Y'all take EBT?

Oh my gosh I get this all the time!

how nervous are you of being robbed? Is the security and procedures enough to take away that thought?

I'm not at all nervous of being robbed. The area we are in isn't too bad, and we're a big enough store with cops patrolling all the time where if someone did try and rob our store, they wouldn't get very far.

What do you think of the movie Clerks?

It is the reason I love convenience stores.

As a former Coca-Cola delivery guy, how much did you hate our sales reps? They always were trying to order extra and the customer usually acted like it was our fault. I didn't mind taking stuff back but does it bother you as much as myself?

Most of the sales reps that come to our store are wicked laid back and fun to talk to.

Do you have a lot of no shows that you have to cover for? I used to work at a Kum and Go (I know, lol) and that drove me crazy. I actually kind of liked a lot about the job aside from 90% of the crappy, irresponsible people who also worked there. So many funny customer stories and interactions.

I have covered for coworkers in the past, and thankfully I get along with all my coworkers and most of the customers are good people.

Have you ever witnessed someone trying to and or succeeding in shop lifting but just decided it wasn't worth calling out?

I have witnessed two people trying to shoplift from the store. One person was a regular customer who was really nice, so I kinda just let them take the candy bar that I saw them pocket. The other person I called out because they tried to grab one of our drinks and I told them to put it back. They did and acted like they didn't know what they were doing. We then banned them from the store. People of course steal from our store all the time, which is why our audits are bad sometimes.

Hello John. Do you enjoy your job and why (or not)?

I very much enjoy my job. I love it because it's pretty easy laid back work. Most of the work that needs to be done is easy and not much of a back breaker. There are a lot of moments where hard work does need to be done, but for the most part it's pretty laid back. So much so that on somedays I will get high and do simple tasks I find enjoyable like stocking the coolers, sweeping the lot, or wiping down the counters.

How often do you get old/valuable/unusual coins and bills from customers (or from bank rolls)? Do you keep those sorts of things when you suspect they might be valuable?

I have kept a few things. I love getting stuff like that! I got this coin that was pure silver. I also love seeing really old 1's or 5's or 10's, and contemplate it's made up journey through time.

Thanks for doing this, i used to pull 3rd shift at a 7-11 (DO NOT RECOMMEND, BUT TIMES WERE TIGHT) and my mind would wonder. does your mind wonder or do you have a pretty cool view of the street/neighborhood to look at?

My mind wonders a fuckton! I like to hook up my phone to the speakers in the store and play my music, so when it's a slow day I can just chill and listen.

I worked as a cashier and was curious to see if you ever have received a counterfeit bill before?

All my coworkers have except me, and this kind of upsets me.

Are you even supposed to be there today?

Day off

Have you ever caught someone with a fake id? What would you do if you suspended someone was using a fake id?

I have never caught someone with a fake ID before, but if I did all I would do is refuse them service and kick them out of the store. I have turned many people down though for not having their IDs on them so just remember... ALWAYS CARRY YOUR ID.

How many polar pops do you sell a day? I remember in highschool we use to always buy one after school.

Too many to count.

Why does the Circle-K near my house always have like half the gas pumps out of service? Not even always the same ones. They seem to break constantly and it takes forever to fix them. Even after upgrading them to the knew models with annoying GSTV units inside. I go there because the price is the cheapest around, especially with Fuel Rewards but it is very annoying to have to wait because 3/6 pumps are broken.

Our pumps do break often, sometimes for unknown reasons, other times cause people are stupid. I promise you though that we report it and call for someone to fix it immediately. We then are put on a waiting list for GAFTEK to come and fix them. And they take FOREVER.

Have people referenced Bill and Ted while you're at work?

I mean I feel like I've heard it mentioned, why?

The plot begins when they meet Rufus outside of a Circle K. Also Strange things are afoot at the Circle K.

NO WAY! I didn't know that was Circle K! That's awesome! Thank you for showing me that!

Do you have plans to move on to another line of work in the future, and if so, what would it be?

I plan to run my mother's buisness, after I graduate college.

Do you ever have regulars that just disappear one day and you wonder what happened to them and make up scenarios or ever actually out what happened to them?

Yes, eventually I find out what happened to them, but sometimes I never do.

Would you want to run your own circle k one day? How about run your own independent store instead of a corporate chain?

I have other plans for my future, but I have said to my boss if I ever become insanely rich then I would by somme shares into that store.

When working early mornings, what percentage of customers hand you their junk food to check out, and say "Breakfast of Champions!"?

My brother works at a c-store and this is his pet peeve.

I get that all the time oh my gosh. It's almost as annoying as when customers ask "So that means it's free right?"

Have you learned to spot the scammers, the meth heads and the pill poppers yet?

Scammers are hard to spot, I have caught some, especially the ones over the phone, but scammers in person can be tricky. The meth heads are easy to figure out as soon as they walk in the store, and the pill poppers can look normal so they're especially hard to notice.

What’s the most bought item? What kind of soda is the most bought? What’s the most disgusting hot food and best hot food y’all sell?

Definitely cigarettes is the most bought item, Coca-Cola is the most bought Soda, and the most disgusting food we sell is our gas station quality hot-dogs.

Obligatory question mark? I worked for quick trip (a midwest gasnstation) for a year. They taught me how to count back change, for which I am ever grateful, otherwise they can suck a bag of dicks. I got written up for asking a dude if he was going to get it on after he bought a box of condoms. In hindsight it was a little insensitive, but in my 15 year old virgin addled mind it was a legitimate question.

The manager always made me restock the freezer and fill up ice bags while he did fuck all. When i asked him why he didn't do anything, he said it was because he was the manager. Fuck you Randy, you lazy piece of shit

15! That's crazy! I haven't heard of any gas station in New England hire lower than 18.

Hi.

Why do you thing your customers keep comming back? Do you proactively do something o thats someone else job? Its seems gas stations are a very competitive niche.

Greets.

Customers come back because, we are what our name suggests... Convenient. We have gas, snacks, and drinks, as well as an assortment of other things. We could be a terrible convenience store (which we aren't), but people will always come to us for gas, snacks, etc.

Circle K fried chicken is surprisingly good. Can you share any secrets? Is it made at station or brought in or injected with gas? JK about injection. Thanks for any thoughts!

We have a fryer and stove in the back. It's all cooked at the store.

Did your boss make you do this?

Lol no I did this cause I wanted to know what people were curious about regarding convenience stores.

Have you ever seen any famous people at your circle k?

I have never seen any really famous people, but the closest I could say I've seen to a celebrity is this one time Kevin Skarupa, a weatherman from WMUR, came to my store. I didn't know who he was until he was out the door and my boss pointed him out. The richest person I have ever seen is definitely the CEO of Circle K when he came to visit our store. I shook his hand and he congratulated me on the store which felt pretty cool.

Are you in NH?

Yes I am, how did you know?

No response, prepare to move

Fuck.

You just listed the local tv station.

Oh yeah lol

Are you able to support yourself financially? I'm currently planning on moving out and surviving on a fast food/convenience store pay. I'm excited and nervous!

It depends on the position you're hired for and the store and state you're in. I can't help you there. I suggest contacting a financial advisor or someone you know who knows about that field.

I work over night at a convenience store, and because I'm too busy cleaning and stocking the rest of the store I have a reputation with the morning shift for being lazy because I never get to the cigarettes.

I fucking hate the day shift cashiers.

Any bullshit like that at your store?

Everyone gets along at my store thankfully. We all work together the best we can to get shit done. Yeah sometimes we criticize each other on doing what we think as shit work, but there are two sides to every story. I typically don't judge what my coworkers do because I look at myself at think "Do I do that too?"

Are you aware that the glass roses you sell are actually crack pipes?

We don't sell glass roses.

Why?

What?

Maybe this is only a Canadian think but when I buy gas and pay at the pump, once the bank transaction is confirmed/finished and I have the pump ready with my gas type selected I still have to wait for you to authorize it.

What exactly are you confirming/reviewing before you authorize it?

Must be a Canadian thing because at my gas station the customer can do everything themselves. They first slide in their Irving rewards card (if they have one) then select if it's Irving debit pay or not. If not they hit no and slide in their debit/credit card and proceed to type in the pin/zip code. They then remove the nossle and select their desired choice of gas.

Ive never been to a circle k in my life, but I used to follow them on Facebook for some reason and every Friday they would give away free food/drink to a random commenter. This was in Georgia. Does this still happen?

I am not aware of this promotion.

Has anyone ever tried to do this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLCL6OYbSTw

No, but whoever would I'd be sure not to inquire about their business.

Why do you think this is a relevant AMA?

It isn't. I'm doing it cause I was curious what people wanted to know about what it's like to run a convenience store.

Why do you think your job is interesting enough to be doing an ama?

I just feel there is a culture behind convenience stores, and I find that culture interesting which is why I took the job. It's not my career obviously, but it's a fun job.

When do you plan on getting a real job?

When I finish college obviously.

Are you supposed to be there today?

Day off

Can you hook me up with some free beer?

Nah