Courtesy in the Self Checkout Lane
Get Your Goods and Get Out of the Way!
Early technology for these machines made them cumbersome to use and customers would typically need employee assistance anyway. A quote in wikipedia explains the self checkout lane the best, in that it "requires that the customers using the machine be reasonably competent."
Now that most of the kinks have been worked out there really should be no reason for any slowdown in the self checkout lane. Granted, reasonable competency must be employed.
This is obviously not a perfect world, so let us come together and share some common courtesy at the self checkout lane.
10 Items or Less
The self checkout lane was designed to expedite the checkout process. The design and space of this machine was created to serve a customer with a few small items. The typical customer should not leave this lane with more than two bags.
If your basket is full, please go to a normal checkout lane with a cashier. Otherwise you will be able to look behind you and notice the growing line of irritated people who just want a quart of milk and a loaf of bread.
The cashiers are trained to handle large amounts, and a bag boy will be there to put everything back in your cart. You are on your own in the self checkout lane. Do yourself and everyone else a favor by letting the speedier customers pass by.
Don't Forget Your Glasses
Arguably, someone who is reasonably competent will be able to operate the self checkout machine. The large screen will take you step-by-step through everything you will need to do in order to scan, bag and pay for your goods.
Please remember that the self checkout machine is not out to get you. In fact, it is designed to only respond to the buttons that you push.
If you are uncomfortable with computers, touch screens or blinking lights, please do not use the self checkout lane. A cashier will take care of you in another lane.
Try a Little Tenderness
Alternately, if you are behind someone who is clearly having problems or moves very slowly, do not get angry. Offer to assist the person, quietly wait in line until it is your turn, or move to a cashier who is bored and reading the National Enquirer.
There is no reason to leave a little old lady in tears because you were not able to purchase your fudge pops in a timely manner. Everyone has to learn how to use the machine. Have a little patience.
We are all in this grocery store together. It is in our best interest to employ some courtesy and specifically use a little common sense.
Published by Zane Ewton
Writer, editor and photographer. View profile
- How to Become a Self-Checkout WhizWith all of the do-it-yourself kiosks being installed at retail stores, one would think most would be informed about them! It turns out, that is far from the truth. If you are one who doesn't know, consider the follow...
- Pet PeevesI have a plethora of pet peeves. People leaving their shopping carts in the middle of the aisle so no one can get by, people who try and cut in line, people who don't say thank you when you hold the door open for them...
- The Usefulness of Walmart's New Automated Checkout StationsAre you someone who wants to do everything by yourself? If you are, then you'll love the new automated checkout system that is available at some Walmart stores.
- Have Self-Checkouts Lived Up to Their Promises?Self-checkouts have appeared in stores all over the country in the past few years. Do they simply make life easier or do they increase unemployment and practice generational discrimination?
- Self-Checkouts at the StoreSelf-checkouts all they are cracked up to be?
- Mastering the Self-checkout Lane at the Grocery Store
- Self Service Checkouts
- The Cashier to Be Replaced By... A Machine?
- Is the Self-Checkout Lane a Public Nuisance?
- Are You a Self-checkout Doofus?
- How to Use Self-Checkout at the Grocery Store
- Life in the CheckOut Lane
- 10 Items or Less
- Don't Forget Your Glasses
- Try a Little Tenderness
7 Comments
Post a CommentI work as a cashier on self checkouts. I like the point that if you're uncomfortable with computers and touch screens, go to a regular lane. On the other hand, if you don't use them a few times, you'll never learn how.
I would add, if you can't read or follow instructions, please don't frustrate yourself, the cashier-operator, and the people waiting behind you. The machines are text-heavy and need you to follow instructions and push the proper buttons to do their thing. If you will go slowly, read the messages, and pay attention to any flashing buttons, you can figure out what to do next.
I hate the self checkouts because they're smarter than I am. I think they are out to get me. :) Good article, though.
Great article with excellent points!!
Cool Article Zane! I use stop and shop for groceries and they've moved to having some self checkout lanes. They have 4, and 1 of them is a "12 items or less Lane."
Our Home Depot has gone completely to self check out except for contractors. I'm not sure I like it much... but when no one else is in line, I can get out a whole lot faster. Cool topic.
I rarely use the self-checks unless there's no one else around, because I don't want to hold anybody up. And I NEVER go through if I have produce... I don't know how. :-P
I agree - use a little patience when those ahead of you are facing a learning curve at the self-checkout lane.