I think about this every time I check out at Schnucks.  I’ve never worked in retail, but I can imagine that there are times when you’re working the register and the checkout just goes so very smooth (and not so smooth).  The items scan just right, the handles are accessible, etc.

What I want to know is, what makes a “good checkout”?  One where you want to pump your first and shout “Yeah!”  Where it seems like you just whooped their butts.

I want to know what helps out the checker.  How can I place my items on the belt so that you might achieve that nirvana check out.  I already make an effort to rotate the handles so that they are easy to grab.  But what else?  What about the sequence of items?  What about the boxes?  Or even, gasp, the fresh produce?

I’m very serious.  I need to know.  It’s bugs me every time I check out.