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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,261
Registered: ‎06-02-2014

While out and about today:

 

1.). Self-checked myself out of the store.

 

2.). Handled three transactions at an indoor ATM at the bank.

 

3.). Gassed-up the car, transaction made at the pump.

 

4.). Bought a few items from the online A store.

 

 

I remember a few years ago, a family member said,

"In the future we may not have any human contact while

  handling our daily transactions....and we may just like it

  that way."

 

Question:  Do you prefer it that way?  Do you miss dealing with 

                  tellers, clerks

                  I know it is often a lot faster, but in general do you 

                  like not dealing with people?

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,950
Registered: ‎07-18-2010

during the "shut down" I would be at my grocery at 7 a.m.  to shop and the only checkouts open then. are the self scanning ones. Some visits that early, I saw no one.  I got used to it and I like it.  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,054
Registered: ‎05-01-2020

@Susan in California wrote:

While out and about today:

 

1.). Self-checked myself out of the store.

 

2.). Handled three transactions at an indoor ATM at the bank.

 

3.). Gassed-up the car, transaction made at the pump.

 

4.). Bought a few items from the online A store.

 

 

I remember a few years ago, a family member said,

"In the future we may not have any human contact while

  handling our daily transactions....and we may just like it

  that way."

 

Question:  Do you prefer it that way?  Do you miss dealing with 

                  tellers, clerks

                  I know it is often a lot faster, but in general do you 

                  like not dealing with people?


My thoughts:

~ given how many people are glued to devices, the need for human interaction is even more important

~ the jobs lost from all the 'do-it-yourself' is a concern

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,018
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Self Service

[ Edited ]

If businesses no longer desire to hire employees as "tellers, clerks" at a desirable wage, I can handle my business myself.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,040
Registered: ‎09-12-2010

Interesting question. For me it's not really about liking/not liking to deal with people, but rather what is convenient or available.

 

I stopped shoppping at Walmart for groceries because no more than 2 clerks were ever available for checking out long lines of people with full carts like me. I'm not about to self-check a very full cart of groceries....a few items are fine. My local grocer always has plenty of clerks available, as well as self-checkout, so that's where I now shop.

 

On the other hand, I'm fine with using an ATM for banking transactions, pumping my own gas, and using self-checkout at the big-box hardware store when I have a few items. Convenience is the key for me.

Regular Contributor
Posts: 188
Registered: ‎03-17-2010

In businesses where checkers don't bother to greet customers and say thank you I would just as soon handle the transaction myself.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,054
Registered: ‎05-01-2020

Re: Self Service

[ Edited ]

@deepwaterdotter wrote:

If businesses no longer desire to hire employees as "tellers, clerks" at a desirable wage, I can handle my business myself.


These are good entry level jobs where teenagers can learn customer service skills, develop work ethic, build a resume and save for college.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,574
Registered: ‎06-19-2010

I've been doing most things like that by myself long before Covid. I prefer it that way. Usually I'm faster than waiting for some clerk with an attitude to come wait on me or try to engage me in chit chat. I don't want to be followed in department  stores either.  I know what I'm looking for and if they don't have it, somewhere online does. I guess I'm just a loner at heart.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,327
Registered: ‎05-09-2016

Nine times out of ten, I prefer to do it myself. The only exception is if I'm doing a bigger grocery buy. I'm not a fan of packing several bags myself. 

~The more someone needs to brag about how wonderful, special, successful, wealthy or important they are, the greater the likelihood that it isn't true. ~

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,221
Registered: ‎11-08-2014

Great, thoughtful observations, @ThinkingOutLoud .