Dear Margar-etiquette,

As a customer at a retail or grocery store, I am almost overly annoyed by people being on their phones while a cashier is trying to check them out. That is so disrespectful. What is the phone etiquette here?

Dear Reader,

This is an increasingly common frustration. Many people stay on their phones in public, even during interactions that require their attention, such as checking out at a store.

While having a phone conversation while shopping or waiting in line isn’t necessarily an etiquette concern, remaining on the phone while interacting with a cashier is both inconsiderate and disruptive. The cashier’s role is to efficiently complete the transaction, and a distracted customer slows down the process for everyone. Additionally, it diminishes the basic courtesy of acknowledging and engaging with the person assisting them.

A growing issue is the use of earbuds, which makes it difficult to tell whether someone is actively on a call or just wearing them out of habit. Cashiers and other customers may not know if someone is speaking to them or a person on the other end of the line, leading to awkward and also frustrating interactions. This adds another layer of confusion and makes face-to-face communication more difficult.

Good etiquette in this situation is simple: pause or end your phone call before approaching the register and, if possible, remove an earbud to signal that you are fully present. Giving the cashier your full attention ensures a smoother transaction and shows basic respect for their time and effort, as well as the time of other patrons. 

Stay Respectful,
Margar-etiquette

#LITA (Love Is The Answer)