Which practice best describes how to handle bagging when the window is busy?

• A. Label bags clearly and stage orders by ticket sequence.
• B. Bag items after completing the entire window.
• C. Bag items as they are completed and stage by ticket sequence.
• D. Randomly bag items to save time.

Answer: (C)

When a window is busy, the goal is to keep orders moving quickly while preserving accuracy. Bagging items as they are completed prevents a backlog at the bagging station and reduces extra trips, so the workflow stays smooth. Staging by ticket sequence then keeps the completed bags aligned with each customer’s order, ensuring the right items go to the right bag and to the right window.

If you bag only after the entire window finishes, delays creep in and the line slows down. Randomly bagging can waste time and increase the chance of mis-ordered or missing items. Labeling bags and staging by ticket sequence is helpful for organization, but without bagging as items finish, you lose the immediate efficiency that prevents backlogs.