Re: Walmart checkouts

MG Chris · ‎09-10-2020

@Greeneyedlady21 wrote:
Most stores have multiple self checkouts and have for many years now.

Walmart pays their employees very low wages, and they are known for very poor labor practices.

I disagree. I worked at Walmart in college and my ex worked at the home office for 10 years. They pay a fair wage and treat employees fairly. Of course, you will always have the bad managers as with any company.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

I prefer self checkouts when I only have a few things. I accept that the big Walmart I prefer will have long lines, I'm retired now so I have plenty of time. I have my phone with me, sometimes my Kindle. I read or play around on Facebook while Im in line. It's true that stores have fewer checkout lines open now. That's not new, it started several years ago. Probably because so many of their customers shop online now.

gardenman · ‎03-09-2010

The whole "Why should I do their work?" aspect always confuses me. You're doing the same thing you'd do anyway unless you shop someplace where they empty your cart and then load the bagged groceries back into the cart for you. The only extra step is waving the item past the scanner. You still unload your cart and then load the bagged items afterward. You still pay the same. It's just where you put the items as you remove them from the cart. Instead of putting them directly on the conveyor belt you just wave them past the scanner then put them into your bag. You have more control, knowing what goes into each bag and fewer people are handling your stuff.

In terms of calories spent, I'd be surprised if you burned even ten more calories using a self-checkout over a manned checkout. You're still emptying your cart and putting your items someplace. Only instead of putting them on the conveyor belt, you're moving them past the scanner and then putting them into a bag. You then still pick up the bag and put it back in your cart. You still pay the same way. I don't see where using the self-checkout is that much more work than using a manned checkout.

Fly!!! Eagles!!! Fly!!!

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

@gardenman wrote:
The whole "Why should I do their work?" aspect always confuses me. You're doing the same thing you'd do anyway unless you shop someplace where they empty your cart and then load the bagged groceries back into the cart for you. The only extra step is waving the item past the scanner. You still unload your cart and then load the bagged items afterward. You still pay the same. It's just where you put the items as you remove them from the cart. Instead of putting them directly on the conveyor belt you just wave them past the scanner then put them into your bag. You have more control, knowing what goes into each bag and fewer people are handling your stuff.

In terms of calories spent, I'd be surprised if you burned even ten more calories using a self-checkout over a manned checkout. You're still emptying your cart and putting your items someplace. Only instead of putting them on the conveyor belt, you're moving them past the scanner and then putting them into a bag. You then still pick up the bag and put it back in your cart. You still pay the same way. I don't see where using the self-checkout is that much more work than using a manned checkout.

It depends on what you are buying and how many items you have in your cart. And for some people, it's the principle of the thing. I only use self checkout when it benefits me. If I'm buying a few light items and I want to get out quickly. If I'm doing my monthly Walmart with an over flowing cart, there's no way I'm going to use self checkout. There's no incentive for me to do that.

Greeneyedlady21 · ‎01-06-2015

@MG Chris wrote:
@Greeneyedlady21 wrote:
Most stores have multiple self checkouts and have for many years now.

Walmart pays their employees very low wages, and they are known for very poor labor practices.
I disagree. I worked at Walmart in college and my ex worked at the home office for 10 years. They pay a fair wage and treat employees fairly. Of course, you will always have the bad managers as with any company.

No offense intended but how many years ago was that? Things have probably changed since then.

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Auntie CC · ‎10-28-2015

In my neck of the woods Walmart and grocery stores have gone to self check out because they can't get employees. Help wanted signs are the norm here on most retail. You can get a job at Arby's to start for 16.00 per but still they don't have much luck

PINKdogWOOD · ‎05-13-2010

@PinkyPetunia I've checked myself ot at my local giant eagle, if I get there before 9AM I HAVE to as they don't bring on checkers until 9A, maybe later if they don't have any reall checkers to get there.

I will say their self check machines work pretty darn well too. The lady in the machine prompts you with everything ou need to do just to get ready to begin your scans too. Then at the end 'she' prompts you for coupons, gives a discount I think if you bring your own bags too (and they're getting ready to end using plastic bags too really soon). So I do kind of enjoy it, it's quick and easy and as others have said, we can bag our goodies as we want to.

I will also say though, I'd miss chatting it up with my friend Rose, my personal checker at GE when I get into her line.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

Last week I shopped at Costco. It was a zoo trying to check out. I have no idea what it will be like at Christmas.

The only lines that were moving were the self check out lines.

The lines for the 3 lanes that were open and being checked out by a person was weaving their way through aisles. It was crazy trying to make your way through any aisles toward the front of the store.

We split up a few times because there was no way my husband would make it through the crowds with a cart. I walked and got the item. But he still had a hard time standing with the cart and people trying to get around him.

That is why we always use the self check out at Costco. Sam's Club has self check out but it also has every lane open with a person. It isn't a zoo like Costco.

San Antonio Gal · ‎05-18-2017

@pinkcrystal wrote:
I honestly prefer self checkouts. I hated going through lines with checkers who asked questions about how I was doing or were super slow, or worst of all the ones who would stop while checking to look at something I was buying and say things "wow I love this, where did you find this" or "I use this all the time too" etc.

Maybe I'm in the minority though.

I like the self checkout also unless I have a ton of products. However, when using a cashier, I don't mind interacting with the cashier like you do. Nothing wrong with friendly conversation. Why would it bother you if the cashier asks how you are doing @pinkcrystal ?