Please take my money!

Stopped at the ham store today. They're all set up for the holiday rush. Nice clerk behind the counter took my order, removed it from the package for my approval, re-wrapped it, put it in a plastic bag, wished me a happy holiday, sent me to the check-out counter. Entire transaction took about a minute and a half.

Got to the check-out counter. There was one customer at the register, and another in front of me. Clerk behind the register was pleasant, chatting with her customer while ringing up the sale. Cash register glitch. Clerk voids the transaction and tries again.

Register hangs up again. Clerk gets flustered and calls Manager. Customer in front of me, turns and rolls her eyes. Two more people get in line behind me.

Manager makes her way to the register. Tries transaction. No dice. Customer at counter turns to customers waiting in line and shrugs an apology. Three more people get in line behind me.

Check-out clerk finally opens another register while Manager works with customer at the counter. What starts as a pleasant, and quick transaction, turns into a chore. Everyone is unhappy; the check-out clerk, the manager, and the very long line of customers with money in their hands.

The cash part of my transaction took over seven minutes, five times longer than selecting the product. The easiest thing to do in any business should be taking the money.

This happens so often I'm thinking about having business cards printed up. Seriously.