Community Chat

[Venezia]

Two days ago I had been running errands and wanted something quick to eat.  I was heading to Sam's Club, so I figured I'd get the pizza & drink combo.

Went up to the counter - several staff standing chatting; plenty of pizza, way more than usual.  Then a clerk turned around and said "Are you wanting to order food?"  "Yes."  "You have to do it through your phone.  Use the app."

WTH?  No register.  In order to get a slice of pizza or a hotdog, you now have to download the app and order (and pay) through your phone.  I just looked at her and said I didn't think so and walked away.

Then today I read online that Sam's Club is planning to do away with all checkouts - regular and self-checkout - nationwide.  Customers will have to use the "Scan and Go" app.

Are they trying to drive away customers?  I don't have a digital wallet on my phone and I don't intend to.  How many busy shoppers, especially those with children, are going to want to have to order a simple snack over their phones?

Has anyone else heard this?

[KailaS]

I thought I read a similar post, maybe here, about the same thing.  So much now seems to be eliminating people and requiring a phone or other technology.  However, for some senior citizens or for people like me with macular degeneration, the new systems seem to be cutting us out.  

Some of the changes, if they were options, would be fine. But the "all or nothing approach" keeps making my world smaller.  

[Lucky Charm]

I hear ya, I feel exactly as you do about using apps, paying by mobile phone, etc.  

But, you bring up the point about parents with children wanting to grab a snack.  Believe me they're for it.  Phone's in their hands anyway, so order, grab, go.  No interaction really with employees.  And, less employees needed now, I'm pretty sure.

[SilleeMee]

I don't even own a smart phone so there's the end of that.

[spumoni99]

We have been using scan and go or a few years, its really simple however we cannot buy alcohol through the app.  I cant remember the last time I bought from the snack bar so I am no help with that.

[clearpmurt]

Heck, my phone is on my kitchen counter connected to the wall. Too much personal infor out there for anyone to see

[Etoile308]

Should be interesting to see if this ever comes to fruition. I belong to Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's. Although Sam's has the cheapest gas, and the closest location I'm not a person who walks around with a phone in my hand, especially when shopping. I can drop Sam's like a hot potato. I imagine others will feel the same.

And how will that work at the gas pumps? You know, the ones that warn you not to use phone while at the pump for safety reasons. 

[shoekitty]

I don't want to take the time to do things like that.  I dislike it!  I do know at Costco when you check out you can request pizza or any order from snack bar.  Pay for it with order, and show receipt. I would go to management and ask if there is another way to do it?   I dont what they do when people don't have smart phones!!!!  Geesh.  I do many tech things, ORDER online, do instacart, etc.  But I can't be bothered to order on app, good grief, I can't even read the menu online on those apps. 

[bmorechick]

Been using the scan and go on the phone for about a year now and we love it.  When we are done, we wait for the icon and head out the door.  Most times, the camera at the exit catches our purchase and employees at the door just wave us through.  Don't miss self checkout or regular check out at all.  Haven't been in a line all year long.  

I wish all stores had scan and go...

We don't eat snack bar food, so that's a non issue for us.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

We are long standing Costco members and have no intentions of quitting. However, recently I was able to join Sam's Club for $20 and thought, why not.  DH and I went and I was able to use the scan and go.  I found it to be easy.  Even so, it's a dumb move to do away with all the cashiers and traditional checkouts.