I know I've alluded to this before, but it's worth repeating:

The retail store cash register is no place to "sell" magazine subscriptions, extended warranties, add-ons, buyers club memberships, or anything else. The cashier should have one job - take the money.

Retail stores, in the face of increased competition online, have done the unthinkable, really - they have made it MORE inconvenient to shop at their stores. It's not enough to put impulse items around the register (which I have no problem with.) Every store I go to now seems to have the cashier "selling" a variety of items, all requiring an extended checkout process while the customer asks questions and fills out forms.

One instance had the guy in front of me take 15 minutes to ring out. He bought the extended warrantee, and filled out that form. Then he "ok'd" the free magazines. Filled out another form. Then he joined the buyer's club.. well, I assume it took 15 minutes, because I walked out when he said "ok" to the buyer's club. I left my $70 or so worth of purchases on the floor.

Can anyone who makes marketing decisions for a large retail business tell me why you are doing this? It just seems so counter-productive.