Tips for a Sonic Carhop?

Question

I've been working at Sonic for almost a month and have carhopped twice. The first time I came up a little short, but this most recent time I was about 10-20 dollars short. I'm wanting to know what carhops do (or what you think would be a good idea) in order to organize their money more. I think where most of my problems are is trying to find the right amount of money. Most of the time my money is just shoved into my apron pocket and I have to lay most of it out on my tray to count their change.

Would a paper clip/money clip/rubber bank help keep money together?

What are some good ways to seperate money into different pockets?

Any other thoughts?

I'd appreciate any ideas, because I enjoy car hopping so far and I'd like to keep most of the tips I earn, not just use them because I'm disorganized and can't keep up with all my cash.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I worked as a sonic carhop for 4 years, and depending on which apron they provide you with. when i worked therewe had both 3 and 6 pocket aprons. i would put 1's and 5's in a seperate pocket as the bigger bills. If you're resturant has a way to "drop" money (putting it in the safe)  i would keep as little in your apron as you can, that also helps with keeping everything in order. I don't know if they provide you with the folders either, but anything even the money clip idea to keep ur larger bills seperate will help. Take a little extra time to ensure ur giving out the right change. and make sure you count it back from the coin change first. It's alot easier that way

Answer 2

My son has been working as a carhop for sonic for 3 yrs. He is now a shift manager but still carhops.  If you want to email him, his email address is [e-mail].  His name is Gregg.  He can answer whatever questions you have.

The tips are great, you'll love it.

Answer 3

I agree about going to fast because when you are hurried,you could very easily give a larger Bill than intended,thus you come up short! I have had that happen to me,and I always bring it to the carhops attention,because I'm sure they/you have to pay out of your pocket for coming up short! Get a money clip that you can secure to your Belt or waist,and also a coin clip or what ever they are called, so that coins can be easily made available,without the chance of dropping, by having to dig them out of your apron or pocket!

Answer 4

They make a wallet just for this sort of thing. They keep the bills flat with no folds and have 3 or 4 pockets inside it. There are usually two snaps on the flap to open and close it quickly but still secure it. Some of them even have a chain you can hook to your apron so your wallet doesn't get snatched. They also make a change machine that hooks to your apron also. You use the wallet for all of your orders and your tips go in your apron separately until you can put them in your tip jar inside. Always keep your tip and order money separate. Your manager should have bought all this stuff and have them ready for you with your initial cash in them when your shift starts. If he doesn't then he needs to get a bit more experience with someone who knows a bit more about managing. Tell him to look in the Sonic product catalog to find this stuff. It will make all the carhop's jobs easier and quicker.

If they won't do it then find one on your own. They only cost about 10-20 dollars which would pay for itself in one or two shifts if you are losing that much.

Answer 5

Well, at my Sonic the aprons we've got has 6 pockets- 3 on top and three on bottom. I put my coin changer on my side. Leave the two pockets by my changer empty for MY tips.  Put my 1's and 5's in the bottom pocket. 10's and 20's in the top but keep each amount seperate.  When you go to give back the change; keep their money seperate at first so you know how much they gave you.  Say they had a $7.83 order and paid with a $20. Give them there change (17 cents) first so your at the next dollar amount and then give them the bills, starting with the ones and working your way to any higher bills they give. That should make it easier to give correct change.  Something else that might help; make cash drops when you've got alot of money on your hands and during a down time take a moment to restraighten your bills.   Good luck and hope this helps.   Once you get the hang of it you should do great.

Answer 6

I have seen then organiz it by 1s, 5s 10s, etc all together, then putting it in numerical value and folding it in half then putting it in their pockets. I wouldn't just shove it in there though. Try that. if not maybe you can get an envelope and put it in there and then place it in your pocket. I have seen that too.