Karen Smith
Caldwell,ID
Summary
Dynamic and reliable professional with extensive experience at Costco, excelling in customer service and cash handling. Proven track record in enhancing checkout efficiency by 20% and fostering team collaboration. Adept at training staff and implementing loss prevention strategies. Committed to delivering exceptional service and maintaining high standards of integrity and accuracy.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Cashier
Costco
Nampa, ID
08.2006 - 07.2025
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained accurate cash drawers and balanced registers at shift end.
- Assisted with inventory management by restocking shelves and organizing merchandise.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Trained new cashiers on operational procedures and customer interaction protocols.
- Implemented improvements to checkout processes, enhancing speed and accuracy of transactions.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate cash transactions.
- Contributed to store success by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility.
- Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.
- Streamlined checkout process for increased efficiency and reduced waiting times.
- Provided backup support for other departments when needed, showcasing versatility within the retail environment.
- Exceeded productivity goals through consistent attention to detail and organization during busy shifts.
- Promoted store promotions and incentive programs to increase overall sales revenue.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, reducing instances of theft at checkout.
- Improved efficiency, organized checkout area for optimal workflow.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store policies and procedures, ensuring compliance in all transactions.
- Strengthened team morale and cooperation by assisting coworkers during peak hours.
- Facilitated positive shopping experience, greeted customers warmly upon entry.
- Enhanced customer service experience by efficiently processing purchases and returns.
- Contributed to clean and safe shopping environment, performed regular sanitation of checkout area.
- Improved store atmosphere with thorough and prompt cleaning of checkout area.
- Supported marketing initiatives by setting up and maintaining promotional displays.
- Enhanced customer loyalty by participating in rewards program enrollment.
- Reduced processing errors by meticulously following transaction procedures.
- Managed cash drawer accurately, ensuring all transactions balanced at end of day.
- Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors, and resolving discrepancies.
- Processed refunds and exchanges in accordance with company policy.
- Responded promptly to requests for assistance, spills and customer inquiries.
- Worked with floor team and managers to meet wide range of customer needs.
- Learned duties for various positions and provided backup at key times.
- Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
Server
Victor's
Caldwell, ID
01.2002 - 08.2006
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Trained new team members on menu offerings and service protocols.
- Managed multiple tables, prioritizing guest needs for optimal dining experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area throughout shifts.
- Implemented efficient table turnover strategies to maximize seating capacity during peak hours.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
Waitress Manager
Koffee Pot
Nampa, ID
01.1999 - 11.2000
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored staff, promoting professional development and service excellence.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Enhanced team productivity with thorough documentation of server configurations and maintenance procedures.
- Achieved significant cost savings by negotiating with vendors for better rates on hardware and software.
- Ensured high availability of services to users by meticulously planning and executing server maintenance schedules.
- Analyzed and generated end-of-shift and product inventory reports for performance and quality tracking purposes.
Education
High School Diploma - Mathematics, Spanish
Nampa High
Nampa, ID09.1989
Skills
Customer service
Customer assistance
Work ethic and integrity
Patience and empathy
Time management skills
Cash handling
Cleaning and sanitizing
Team collaboration
Customer service excellence
Money handling
Reliability and punctuality
Cash handling and management
Customer relations
Cash register operation
Payment processing
Refunds and exchanges
Cash drawer balancing
Payment collection
Staff training
Refund handling
ID verification
Attention to detail
Drawer balancing
Loss prevention
Identification checks
Liquor regulations and compliance
Spirit, wine, and beer expertise
Clear communication
Empathy and patience
Credit card processing
Basic math
Honest and dependable
Timeline
Cashier
Costco
08.2006 - 07.2025
Server
Victor's
01.2002 - 08.2006
Waitress Manager
Koffee Pot
01.1999 - 11.2000
High School Diploma - Mathematics, Spanish
Nampa High