Self-checkout lanes replacing human cashiers.

logilnk2

I do find it quicker. I still prefer to connect with a human and say “Hello”.

mrspxl

Although at times it may be quicker to use self service if only a few items you play into the corporations games. There isnt enough room at the auto checkouts, it's cramped and over crowded. Seems some people do not realise what the supermarkets are doing. Soon there will be no supermarket jobs for people it will be all automated. When l have refused to use an auto checkout, prefering a manned checkout l am called a granny or a karen. Just another form of bullying and another choice taken away.

musicmum

Yes I find it a pain. Why should I work for free? Taking people's jobs? I despise having to ldo all the work and from my experience it is easy for things to go wrong and you then have to wait until you get help, so more times than not it is not quicker. I went back to manned check-outs because I like the human interaction, knowing I am keeping someone in a job and I can organize getting my cash ready, yes went back to cash too. Plus I hate that we are being tracked and kept an eye on at all times just because of a few people who do the wrong thing. What I would love to see is if everyone one gave up using the self-serve then they will get rid of them. Our local IGA got rid of theirs because being a smaller supermarket that could not cover the costs, losses and extra staff to keep an eye on people. So much more efficient using a manned check out and a lot more enjoyable, you get to know the staff and get a smile as a bonus. Often you get to talk to those waiting inline too, where as in the self-serve everyone is too busy trying to work the machines, volunteering their time with no pay.

Ashar

I don't use them at all. It is just a cost saving measure by the supermarket chains. I expect to be served by a human and receive friendly customer service as well as the check-out operator packing my bags.

musicmum

I don't use them at all. It is just a cost saving measure by the supermarket chains. I expect to be served by a human and receive friendly customer service as well as the check-out operator...

I agree, glad you don't use them either. The more that don't use the then they might get rid of them.

John3259

I prefer keeping people in work over supermarket profits so opt for cashiers every time.

musicmum

I prefer keeping people in work over supermarket profits so opt for cashiers every time.

I agree, why should we do unpaid work to help them make more profits?

penszen

I don't mind it as an option but not as a replacement for human cashiers, and I don't mean having just one cashier with a big queue! I don't want to reduce the employment opportunities the big supermarkets provide and nor do I want to do a job for free that previously someone was paid for, eg, scanning and packing groceries. If it's a bigger shop, say over $100, we should get a discount if we check ourselves out.

musicmum

I don't mind it as an option but not as a replacement for human cashiers, and I don't mean having just one cashier with a big queue! I don't want to reduce the employment opportunities the big...

They will get more manned check-outs if people demand them, line up and push the boundary to reduce the self-serve. Go back to the fast lane for a few items. Dollar factor is too hard to work out.

jamiesults

I'm not a fan of self-serve checkouts at supermarkets, straight up. This concept of having 1 employee attend to up to 16 self-checkouts at the one time is doing away with human cashiers having a job. Not exactly a satisfying 'customer experience' from my point of view. If it was a case of self-checkouts for 15 items or less, I can justify that. If it was a case of customers receiving 15% off their shop by going self-serve, that could also be an incentive as well Last time I visited my local Coles, I went via self-service checkout and I had 67 items in total costing me $242. What a painful experience that was - not just for the price I paid for everything, but especially with only two (2) manned checkouts open on the Sunday morning. What made it clear to me was the fact that using the manned checkout would've been quicker than doing it myself via self-serve - especially if you have items with the 'quick sale' sticker, and these items scan at the full price which then requires the employee with 15 other self-serve checkouts to worry about to come along and override the price that was scanned. The more self-serve options I see from the likes of Aldi, Coles and Woolworths - the less likely I am to use these options and instead head in the direction of a staffed checkout. In future when I have 67 items in my trolley, I know which way I'll be steering towards...

musicmum

I'm not a fan of self-serve checkouts at supermarkets, straight up. This concept of having 1 employee attend to up to 16 self-checkouts at the one time is doing away with human cashiers having a...

I agree, my experience it is quicker to use a manned check-out, the amount of times you have to wair if things go wrong to get help is a pain, and I don't want to work for free. Let's all use manned check-outs and then they might get rid of the self-serve and put back the fast lanes for a certain amount of item, that they use to have.

Ellessri

Personally I prefer the self checkout, but I do think there should be manned for those that want them, especially for elderly and those with mobility issues etc
They do however need to fix all the bugs with the self checkouts and have some that actually take cash, would be great if they also set them up so they are spaced so that you can easily fit a trolley at one without encroaching on others space

musicmum

Personally I prefer the self checkout, but I do think there should be manned for those that want them, especially for elderly and those with mobility issues etc
They do however need to fix all...

Machines will always get bugs, and things always go wrong. Not for me, prefer personal contact with someone who's job is important to them. You should try the manned one and compare the time it takes, much quicker to use a manned one and a much nicer experience.

AdelaideM

I love self checkouts, but I think it's important that we maintain at least some irl checkout staff.
I really enjoy that I can get my grocery shopping done without having to worry about polite small talk with the cashiers, espeically when I'm tired or just grabbing a quick something on my way home, but I'm only buying for myself, not a whole family.
I think having cashiers is important for many other people in society. I worked as a checkout operator for a few years, and for some of our regular eldery patrons, it was sometimes the only conversation they'd have all day. They'd come in to get their dinner or some biscuits or milk, and have a little chat with us. Whilst on days that we were incredibly busy this could be frustrating, at the same time this was really important to the customer. It's also crucial for some of the disabled in our community. While the idea of just swiping something through the little machine may seem like a small task, when you've got a lot to get through and lifting anything is hard for you, having someone else scan and bag your items can make a big difference to energy levels.
Both self checkouts and human cashiers have a place in grocery stores.

musicmum

I love self checkouts, but I think it's important that we maintain at least some irl checkout staff.
I really enjoy that I can get my grocery shopping done without having to worry about polite...

I am surprised that you support self-serve when you know it is important to have the manned check-outs not just for the people but for the job, which more and more are disappearing because of machines replacing them. Why is it so hard to just smile and say hello to the cashier, no need to talk if you don't feel like it? Please support people in jobs, it is important to them.

Bazman321

I love self checkouts! For me grocery shopping is something that has to be done but I try to make it a relaxing experience, almost meditative. I take my time to go up and down the aisles and the self-checkout is a huge part of that experience. It might sound strange to others but I find it so relaxing scanning each item at a steady pace as I empty my trolley and it helps me forget everything else happening in the day as I focus on scanning. It also gives me a nice feeling when it prompts me that I have some money off, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. If I was asked if I would like to use a normal checkout I would refuse as it is that important to me to have the self-checkout experience

musicmum

I love self checkouts! For me grocery shopping is something that has to be done but I try to make it a relaxing experience, almost meditative. I take my time to go up and down the aisles and the...

Sad you like machines replacing people's jobs. How can it be relaxing if something goes wrong with the machine?

site77

self-checkout lanes have definitely stirred up some strong opinions! You're not alone in liking the speed and independence of it; a lot of people appreciate being able to skip long lines and just zip through on their own terms. Especially if you're grabbing just a few items, it's super convenient.

musicmum

self-checkout lanes have definitely stirred up some strong opinions! You're not alone in liking the speed and independence of it; a lot of people appreciate being able to skip long lines and just...

That is what the fast lane used to be for, a few items, I don't like working for no pay. I prefer to help keep people in jobs.

Zanyt

I do not like self checkouts if you have a big shop as they take you so long to do it. My local store now see me coming with a trolley load and they open up a staffed checkout because they know I do not like self checkout plus it is nice to talk to the staff while they are scanning your groceries.

musicmum

I do not like self checkouts if you have a big shop as they take you so long to do it. My local store now see me coming with a trolley load and they open up a staffed checkout because they know I...

I agree, and how nice that your local is looking after you. Our local IGA got rid of the self-serve and it works so much better.

PGS

I prefer the staffed ones. If I wanted a job as a checkout chick, I'd apply for it.

musicmum

I prefer the staffed ones. If I wanted a job as a checkout chick, I'd apply for it.

That's exactly how I feel, keep them in jobs.

musicmum

I prefer the staffed ones. If I wanted a job as a checkout chick, I'd apply for it.

Yes me too, it gets me people like working for free and are not thinking of those jobs that are lost because of self-serve.

madi.sons

I used to without fail always go to a manned checkout.
Until they were simply not available.
There is 2 at my local woolworths. The other dozen or so are self checkout and one of those new scan your phone and go checkouts where you scan items as you shop.

I find the self checkouts frustrating especially when paying cash as the machine doesn't take it unless absolutely perfect straight note. It doesn't register 5c peices at times too.
But, I like the way I pack things. I have seen a lot of my items just thrown in with bo regards to eggs or cold products.
I pack things in order of my kitchen - all fridge items in one bag, all freezer items in another then pantry items. I also play tetras! So it all fits perfectly. I like my bottles (like water, soda etc) to be laying down then pantry items on top. Most people stand them up - no room in bag for anything else.

Anyway, so now I always go to self serve. Much quicker and the way I like things packed. I just pay by card mostly now so I don't have to wait around for help.
I'm introverted and I do not like engaging with people if I can help it so this suits me better now.

I do also shop once a week at iga and in my small town they only have manned checkouts so that's always nice though to speak to a human. I still pack my bags!

musicmum

I used to without fail always go to a manned checkout.
Until they were simply not available.
There is 2 at my local woolworths. The other dozen or so are self checkout and one of those...

I only use manned check-outs and I tell them I will pack my own bags, they love it. I prefer also to keep people in jobs. Our local IGA got rid of their self-serve.

dvdlcs

Love self-checkouts. Quicker (no queueing for a cashier), simpler (no awkward conversations - I'd rather they concentrated on doing one thing right rather than trying to talk and work at the same time), and I can pack my bags the way I want them packed (weight distribution as I walk to the supermarket).

A very annoying habit from cashiers in other (non-supermarket) stores is when they look at your purchases and start asking questions or making comments about them - oh, that's nice! I didn't know we had those! etc. No, just no.

musicmum

Love self-checkouts. Quicker (no queueing for a cashier), simpler (no awkward conversations - I'd rather they concentrated on doing one thing right rather than trying to talk and work at the same...

You can pack your own bags, I do. Are you not worried about jobs being lost? Remember when there is more unemployed, less gets spent which effects the economy. Machines are taking away too many jobs and they still go wrong at times.

musicmum

They are only trying to be friendly and create some repour with their customers. It is so hard working on registers when you have to deal with customers that want to talk and you have to be polite...

I wonder why it is so hard for people to accept friendliness, I much prefer that then rudeness, being ignored or just have a stone face serving me, maybe some people do prefer robots.

. V

Love self-checkouts. Quicker (no queueing for a cashier), simpler (no awkward conversations - I'd rather they concentrated on doing one thing right rather than trying to talk and work at the same...

They are only trying to be friendly and create some repour with their customers. It is so hard working on registers when you have to deal with customers that want to talk and you have to be polite when you have a line of customers waiting giving you greasy looks and others that are just downright rude to the point they will not even acknowledge you with a hello or anything. We get customers that will report us for not being friendly enough to them. Damned if we do, damned if we don't.

Prad

Depends on my mood—if I’ve got three items, sure. But if my avocados won’t scan right, I’m cursing the robot overlords.

Pennycake

I have ASD Level 1 and I much prefer using the self-checkout as I don't have to make small talk or interact with the cashier, plus I don't feel rushed by other customers queuing right behind me. However my husband also has ASD Level 1 and he enjoys the human interaction at the regular checkout.

I was really annoyed when I was pregnant during the pandemic and one over-enthusiastic older staff member came over as I was using the self-checkout and started being very inquisitive about the pregnancy and standing so close that I was backed up against the checkout machine. Seriously!

OzBirdMan

I hate them, theft has risen so prices go up, I don't get a discount for taking someone's job so refuse to use them

musicmum

I hate them, theft has risen so prices go up, I don't get a discount for taking someone's job so refuse to use them

Because of them and the thefts we now are all being tracked and filmed. I feel sorry for all those who lost their jobs.

Emerald

I try to refuse self serve checkout's , as other people say, they don't get paid to do it themselves and neither do I. I am deaf (fully) but can still speak and say Hello to cashiers who get paid for doing their job ans still can smile and understand my problems. I don't like them self service and am still into people sevice :)

kossie

I work in retail and in my opinion I reckon it’s quicker if a cashier does it because you sometimes don’t have enough space for placing bags and that can delay you, also I notice the public have lost interaction with communication with a cashier even if it means just saying hello. I’m old school it’s great having all this technology these days but we the public have lost our ability to communicate.

joose

If I only have a few items it's fine. I find I cannot have more than 2 bags on the counter, even half full, and I have no room, and the red light comes on and the thing squeals that I have the wrong items in my bag! It is so annoying. Oh, and if I have something else in the trolley [ another store purchase or my bag], then it calls me a thief!

ljrallyart

I hate them unless I’m getting only a couple of things, I prefer to talk to someone and there is less issues where an assistant has to step in if a product doesn’t scan or weigh right

crypticpat

It's a matter of personal choice. We need both. Depends how much shopping I have done and how much time I have, though I usually choose self serve.

mulbs

I will not use self checkout unless I receive a discount for doing a staff members job, which will probably be never. We used to be provided with bags once, now have to buy them. We all had items scanned by staff once,now we are being pushed into scanning yhe items ourselves. The next change will be stack the shelves our selves !!

funnysag

I prefer a person & also pay 💰 n cash.

musicmum

I prefer a person & also pay 💰 n cash.

Yes, keep cash alive.

Shiralee

I try not to use them. I've had issues every time I've used them. It works out just as quick to be served by a staff member.

Bigbear

I've had a change of heart and no longer have I any quarms using these self checkout lanes and mainly use self-serve nowadays.
With self serve its convenient, quick, no fuss and I can arrange everything in my shopping bag the way I want.
My local woolworths and coles have plenty of self checkout and it's pretty easy once u get the hang of it.
I wouldn't use a self serve with a huge trolley load, I think that's annoying when shoppers take up a huge amount of space with their trolley and bags all around the place, but I do my big shops online and then all the extras with self serve.

musicmum

I've had a change of heart and no longer have I any quarms using these self checkout lanes and mainly use self-serve nowadays.
With self serve its convenient, quick, no fuss and I can arrange...

So you are not worried about jobs being lost?

jtmorri

I first started using self-serve checkouts at the supermarkets 10 - 12 years ago and did not like them. The whole bag in the area, goods not in the area, having to have the attendant come across all the time to swipe their card and sometimes reset things, not enough space for a trolley and not enough space for all your shopping are some of the drawbacks I faced at this time. One defining factor for me was the fact that items didn't end up in my bags due to the lack of space so I would get home without one or two items that I had paid for. So, I don't use them as I am shopping for a large family and they don't suit my purpose.