In 1966 I applied for a job with Delchamps grocery in Pensacola. When I was hired, I was sent to this store in downtown Pensacola for training on the cash register, including counting back change, before being assigned to their store at Town & Country Mall (outdoor mall). I also spent a day working at their store on 10th Avenue being instructed on-the-job in proper bagging of groceries AND customer service.
Put heavy stuff in the bottom of the bag, light stuff on top. Be careful not to crush items such as eggs and tomatos. Paper bags, of course. Square up the bag. Don't put too much in each bag, especially if the customer was older and might have difficulty carrying a heavy bag. If the items in the bag were heavy or might punch a hole in the bag, double-bag it. Etc.
Also, put the bags carefully in the car so they wouldn't tip over.
We worked for a small hourly income and tips. A courteous, industrious bagboy could make some pretty good tips.
Incentive.
They spent a couple of days training me to work a register and bag groceries before I actually had to work with customers.
Can you believe that?
Quite a difference between those days and today. I have to bite my tongue every time I go through a grocery checkout... where, these days, I have to do self-checkout, bag it, and carry it out myself. No chatting with baggers... another loss.
Don't get me started on fast food joints.
Donovan Baldwin
