Bagging groceries is one of the classic first jobs. Baggers, also called courtesy clerks or packers, help checkout lines move faster, pack customers’ shopping carefully and often help with carts, returns and store tidiness. The work teaches customer service, teamwork and reliability, and it can lead to cashier, stock or supervisor roles.
This guide explains the job, the skills employers value and what to check before you start. We do not list vacancies, quote pay or suggest any specific store is hiring.
What baggers do
O*NET lists bagger among the reported job titles for packers and packagers. In a supermarket, typical tasks include:
- Packing groceries quickly and safely: heavy items at the bottom, fragile items on top, chilled items together.
- Separating cleaning products from food.
- Offering help carrying shopping to customers’ cars, where the store provides this service.
- Collecting shopping carts from the car park.
- Returning unwanted items to shelves.
- Cleaning spills and keeping checkout areas tidy.
- Helping colleagues with simple stocking tasks in quieter periods.
Bagging well: the basics
- Heavy and square items first, such as tins and bottles.
- Fragile items last, like eggs, bread and soft fruit.
- Keep raw meat and fish separate from ready-to-eat food.
- Keep frozen and chilled items together to stay cold.
- Do not overload bags, so they do not break and are easy to carry.
- Ask customers if they have a preference, especially if they bring their own bags.
Skills employers look for
- A friendly, polite manner.
- Speed and care.
- Reliability and punctuality.
- Teamwork with cashiers and supervisors.
- Willingness to work outdoors collecting carts in all weather.
Safety
Baggers lift, bend and push carts. OSHA’s ergonomics guidance and the HSE’s guidance on musculoskeletal disorders explain how to reduce strain. In the car park, wear high-visibility clothing if provided, push manageable numbers of carts and watch for moving vehicles.
If you are under 18
Bagging is often done by teenagers. Most countries have rules on minimum age, maximum hours, night work and dangerous tasks for young workers. Check the official rules for your country or state before starting, and make sure your employer follows them. In the US, the Department of Labor’s youth employment rules apply alongside state laws; in the UK, councils and gov.uk publish rules on child employment.
Pay and conditions: what to check
Ask in writing for the hourly rate, typical weekly hours, how shifts are scheduled and whether tips are allowed. Some stores do not allow baggers to accept tips. Check official minimum wage information for your country, such as the UK National Minimum Wage rates, which set different rates by age.
Moving up
Many baggers move into:
- Cashier roles (see our supermarket cashier guide).
- Stocking and merchandising.
- Department assistant in produce, bakery or deli.
- Supervisor positions after experience.
A typical shift
Baggers usually start by checking which tills are open, collecting a supply of bags and tidying the packing area. During busy periods they move between checkouts where queues are longest. In quieter moments they bring in carts, return unwanted items to shelves, face up products and help with simple cleaning. Before the end of the shift, they make sure the packing area is tidy for the next team.
How to apply, step by step
- List supermarkets near home or school. A short commute matters for after-school or weekend shifts.
- Prepare a simple CV or application. Include school activities, volunteering, any customer-facing experience and your availability.
- Apply on the store’s official careers site or ask at customer service.
- Prepare for a short interview. Expect questions about teamwork, customers and availability.
- Bring any documents required to prove your right to work and, if under 18, any permits your area requires.
Official US Department of Labor-sponsored portal. We are not an employer or agency.
Interview tips for a first job
- Arrive a few minutes early and dress neatly.
- Give examples from school, sports or volunteering that show reliability and teamwork.
- Be honest about your availability.
- Ask what training is provided.
Avoiding job scams
Stores do not charge for applications. Be careful with messages offering “instant hiring” in exchange for a fee, or asking for bank details before an interview. Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Is bagging a good first job?
Yes. It builds customer service and teamwork skills and often offers flexible hours.
Do baggers get tips?
It depends on store policy. Some do not allow tips.
Can I work as a bagger while at school?
Often yes, within the limits set by youth employment rules.
Do I need experience?
No. Stores train new baggers.
Sources
- O*NET – Packers and Packagers, Hand (includes bagger)
- OSHA – Ergonomics
- UK – National Minimum Wage rates
- CareerOneStop
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Opportuly Careers is an independent guide. We do not hire, represent any employer or charge for information.
