Supermarket checkout chit chat - Love it or hate it?

[TaliZorahVasNormandy]

Not really a AIBU.

I've just had an interview for tesco for the checkouts, they had me shadow someone for an hour. Apparently I didnt interact enough with the customers, I chatted with some, did polite, Hello/do you need help packing/goodbye stuff. But I'm aware some people really dont want the chit chat.

So Mumsnet, do you love it or hate it?

I always get in there first with 'How's your day been so far?' If YOU ask the questions, and use open ended ones : how, what, why, when etc, then YOU get to control the conversation so when they've pretty much popped the lot through the till, you simply end with 'I'd better shut up there and let you total up so I can pay'

Works every time.

I hate it, I've avoided it for years though now doing self scan or self checkout.

How did you manage to revive this thread! It's so old! Anyway, I hate it when they remark on the items you are buying. It's so embarrassing!

It makes me uncomfortable but I try to respond pleasantly.

I always chat if they want too .
Maybe that's the highlights of the job? Otherwise maybe it can seem a little dehumanising?