What should a cashier do before giving change to a guest?

Before giving change to a guest, a cashier should count the change. This practice is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures accuracy in the transaction, preventing errors that could lead to financial discrepancies. By counting the change out loud or visibly, the cashier also reinforces transparency in the interaction with the guest, which can help build trust. Furthermore, this process allows the cashier to verify that they are providing the correct amount based on the transaction total, ensuring that the guest receives what they are owed.

The other options involve steps that may not be necessary or relevant in the context of giving change directly. For example, checking the register balance might be performed at the end of a shift or during a cash reconciliation but is not relevant at the moment of making a transaction. Notifying a manager could be required in specific situations, like an error or a large transaction, but it's not a standard step for every exchange. Asking for guest details is unrelated to the process of handling and giving change, as it doesn't pertain to the transaction itself. Thus, counting the change is the most appropriate and essential action to take before handing it over to the guest.