why are cashiers so moody and take things personally?

That was uncalled for and you don't have to be treated like that. You should have complained to the manager. Americans are famous for interrupting each other, so you are okay on that. I am a cashier, and the customers drive me crazy!! BUT I want to work, so I BETTER behave. It's that simple. My customers have a right to be treated with you respect, and you do too. YOU pay her salary.

O! and they act like that because management let's them.

Working in a retail setting, I've found that most people treat cashiers like robots. They do not greet cashiers, do not thank cashiers, do not even attempt to make small talk with cashiers, do not show the least bit of concern for cashiers. They hand cashiers their stuff, then hand cashiers their money, and then walk away...like dealing with a vending machine. Especially now a lot of customers won't so much as set down their cell-phone for 10 seconds to acknowledge the cashier's existence. Then when something isn't right customers explode on the cashier, though it's not the cashier who sets the prices in the register, and it's not the cashier who sets the prices for goods, and it's not the cashier who sets company policies. Nonetheless cashiers get chewed out for all kinds of things that are not even remotely their fault. And this happens all day long. So there's a good chance by the time you got to the cashier, she had a rough day, was tired of feeling like a robot, just wanted to go home, and so was a little snappy. Instead of getting ticked off at her, you ought to make an effort to greet cashiers, ask how they're doing, try to get to know them a little, and thank them for what they do. And, especially since they wear name tags, use their names so as to treat them more like people. A minor kindness you can do that will go a long way.

As a cashier (many years ago) I did something like that too. And heard about it later. Learned my lesson. Then I was on the other side and gave this cashier total attitude because I thought she had one. All I remember her saying was -"not today.. please," as I gave her this dirty look and snatched the receipt from her hand. Sometimes people are just having a bad day- we all do. I learned not to let those who have attitude, get the best of mine. We all have a story and have crap happen- so maybe it was just one of those days for her. Anyhow, I just try to treat people that act like that with compassion, cuz they probably need it.

She was probably just going through a rough day. You have to imagine that cashiers have to deal with all sorts of people, including those who take their stress out on them. I work at a restaurant and I can tell you that sometimes I want to strangle a customer, lol.

Well cashier don't get paid a lot and on top of it they have to deal with all types of people all day long. Don't take it personal. Something or someone probably got on her nerves and she's probably PMSing too.

Interrupting someone is rude. Especially when what they're saying is part of their JOB.

It's not true that all cashiers are moody.

But a LOT of customers are rude, so it's hard for them to cope.

But you were rude to her; it shouldn't be surprising she took it personally.

Stuff happens. Don't judge all cashiers by one who was having a bad day. Maybe she had a headache. Maybe her feet hurt. Maybe stuff at home was going all wrong for her.

She was being rude. It's part of her job to be polite to customers even when she's having a bad day. This was a relatively minor incident, so I would let it go. If she does it repeatedly, I would tell the manager.

good question. it seems to me that too often cashiers, waiters/waitresses, etc. seem like they've got a 10-foot stick up their butts. i don't know if they just eventually get sick of people in general b/c they have to deal w/them constantly, if they've personally been having a bad day, if they're one of those moody ppl who take everything personally or what. if they don't like dealing with people, they shouldn't have gotten a job where they're constantly interacting with people! i try to not interact too much with cashiers/waitresses, etc. or make eye contact b/c i personally don't feel like dealing with anyone or their attitudes. though not all are evil. a lot are also nice.