Community Chat

[Cakers3]

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@tansy wrote:

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@Cakers3 wrote:

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@sidsmom wrote:

(Not scanning items)

"..Besides it should let you know if it did not scan..."

Uh dude....there's a loud audible BOOOP when something

is scanned...in the self-checkout AND  traditional.

If you don't hear it, you're stealing it.

Grocery Store 101.

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@sidsmom   Plus the bags are on a weighted platform.  If you do not scan and place an item in a bag, the platform registers the difference in weight and sets off a red warning light for an assistant and/or the robovoice will tell you to please scan your item.

DIdn't we just go though all of this a few weeks ago??? 

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My husband, even with hearing aids, does not reliably hear the beeps and robovoice.  

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@tansy   I understand your husband has a reason about hearing but scanning isn't just about a beep-the scanner also lights up; there is a little light along with the beep.

Also you can see on the screen that the item has scanned.

Even with the beep we still look at the screen to make sure the price is accurate.

[tansy]

My local market has installed numerous self checkout lanes but the manager had promised that there would always be two checkers available for those of us who would prefer not to use the self-check.  As that's proven not to be the case, I rarely shop there anymore.  

[noodleann]

I am pro-labor and I want those people to have jobs, so I use the clerk checkout. I also know that part of the markup I'm paying is for the overhead that includes the personal service of the checkout, so again, I use the clerks.

Anyone old enough to remember when ATMs were introduced and sold to us with the line that we'd get a break on fees as a result? If that happened, I missed it. The banks pocketed the savings we provided them, but the convenience of having an easy way to get our money at all hours made it an acceptable trade-off.  But I don't think having to do the work of scanning and bagging is convenient at all, and if I am going to do it, I want a discount for it.

I also enjoy having a little chat with the clerk. I've learned a lot about my community that way, and hearing other conversations during the wait to be checked out. Living alone, I appreciate that.

I don't like how stressful the self-checkouts can be, nagging you when you haven't removed your groceries at warp speed. I really dislike that, and the fact is that usually the helper has to come over if I've got a package coupon that's resisting removal or some other problem, or the scanner is just pitching a hissy fit and wants attention. If the helper's available, great, but often he or she is nowhere to be seen or is involved in a lengthy transaction with another customer.

Unless you have just a few items and no snags, you're providing more of a convenience to the store than it is to you, and you're getting nothing back for it. So I'll take the clerks and pass on the machines.

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[tansy]

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@noodleann wrote:

I am pro-labor and I want those people to have jobs, so I use the clerk checkout. I also know that part of the markup I'm paying is for the overhead that includes the personal service of the checkout, so again, I use the clerks.

Anyone old enough to remember when ATMs were introduced and sold to us with the line that we'd get a break on fees as a result? If that happened, I missed it. The banks pocketed the savings we provided them, but the convenience of having an easy way to get our money at all hours made it an acceptable trade-off.  But I don't think having to do the work of scanning and bagging is convenient at all, and if I am going to do it, I want a discount for it.

I also enjoy having a little chat with the clerk. I've learned a lot about my community that way, and hearing other conversations during the wait to be checked out. Living alone, I appreciate that.

I don't like how stressful the self-checkouts can be, nagging you when you haven't removed your groceries at warp speed. I really dislike that, and the fact is that usually the helper has to come over if I've got a package coupon that's resisting removal or some other problem, or the scanner is just pitching a hissy fit and wants attention. If the helper's available, great, but often he or she is nowhere to be seen or is involved in a lengthy transaction with another customer.

Unless you have just a few items and no snags, you're providing more of a convenience to the store than it is to you, and you're getting nothing back for it. So I'll take the clerks and pass on the machines.

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Yes, I remember the reassurances that ATMs wouldn't replace tellers.  I worry about the loss of grocery store jobs, too.  

[beckyb1012]

I do not mind standing in a line for an actual person to check me out.  I have done the self serve but do not care for it. I have to serve myself enough as it is do not need to do at a store and give them wallet to boot.

[Cakers3]

Our Whole Foods does not have scanners.........yet.  We have "favorite" cashiers and enjoy some chit-chat with them.  DH bags our groceries.

The other market chain does but you are supposed to use them as express check-out.

No more than 10 (maybe 15) items. 

And some do not take cash-cards only.

We only buy household products there so yes, we do use the self-checkout if the express lines are too long. 

That market is still packed with regular lines all the time and plenty of cashiers.

This is MY experience.

As far as Wal-Mart, never been in one that had a lot of cashiers before all this self-checkout angst began.

It's the way it is; you pump your own gas, you use ATM's; you bank online and shop online.

Same boat, different crew as far as "jobs" being lost.

[riley1]

If I'm doing a big shopping, I'll go to a regular line. If I just have a couple of items I use self checkout.

[CLHS68]

They are nice when you just run in for a few items. In & out much faster. But with a big order I prefer to use a cashier.

[MezzieStarr]

I've used self-checkout for probably 20 years now. My mom who is in her 60s has always chosen to use the self-checkout as well.  She prefers to bag her own things.