Do you like using self scan checkouts?

I used to work at Lowes where we had some self checkouts. Many times my shift was to watch the self scanning from my own computer screen and assist people when needed. After being a cashier and observing the self checkout, I realized that about 90% of the time it would be easier just to go to a regular line. People always had trouble finding barcodes. The scale knew how much each item was supposed to way, but many times the weight would be slightly off. When that happened I had to approve the weight but people would get confused and take things off then it became a bigger process. Many items had multiple barcodes because there would be different ones for when lowes bought them off of the distributor. This caused many problems because it wouldnt recognize these barcodes so I would have to either go scan it for them or type in a complicated code. Many people would fill bags with individual types of screws, nuts, ect.. With these I would have to find the type in a big book, type in the code and the quantity, and it would end up taking way more time than going to a regular cashier. When people would choose how to pay, they often picked wrong options or got confused. Many people, to be completely honest, are just not smart enough to figure out these processes, whereas a cashier has been trained and can do it much faster. It was also very easy for people to steal at self checkout. I had a screen showing all of the scanning going on at four different spots so I could not catch everything that was going on. We caught multiple people switching barcodes and buying very expensive things for like 5 dollars. I think self checkout is a good idea on paper. However after watching it for so long I have realized it causes more problems than solutions.

Hi Memnon Yes I like using them sometimes and sometimes I don't when the self checkout doesn't scan something right then it starts acting weird and you have to start all over again that doesn't always happen but it happens just the same also I like the one on one face to face with a checkout person the store that I go to the people are very friendly so its nice to have a person checking you out sometimes

They have been put in place at the many grocery stores around my neighborhood. It really is convenient to just be able to scan stuff and then pay for it there. They don't mind that I have a lot of change to put in the machine. The Machine adds up the money well too. So not much worries for me when I use them. The only problem is they have problems inputting the coupons onto them so I would have to ask for help from an employee.

WShen self scan checkouts first came out, i thought they were fascinating. You could do everything yourself. i have yet to use one of these checkouts where i didn;t have to find someone to assist me. There would always be some technical issue. I think I am happier without the self scan checkouts. i would rather have a real person to wait on me.

If a bought few item I used the self check out but sometimes you I encounter delays like the item can not be scanned or there is an error. I think I like the traditional check out you just have to put all you things in the counter and they will scan and bag it for you. The problem is they are so generous with plastic bags so as much as possible I try to bring my own bags...

I use self scan checkouts at Schnucks in my hometown. I find them extremely easy to use if you have a small amount of items and are used to technology. They are quick and easy to use. I have not had any problems with them yet and their is someone on hand to help you if you do. On the other hand, the self scan checkout does take two peoples jobs away- the cash register and the bagger-. Also, the elderly will have problems with it and will shy away from it just because its computerized.

They just came out with self scanning at the checkouts here about a year ago. I have tried using them a few times but don't really like them. I'm okay if everything works, all the bar codes scan, and I'm okay if I don't have anything that has to be weighed. If I have only a couple items I will go through but most of the time I have lots of things so I go to the teller to check out. I think they are a smart thing, saving lots of time, if working properly. I watch while I am waiting at a till, and see people have so much trouble with them. Also I shop at Co-op and I have a membership and a lot of the times my card won't work and I would have to get help anyways using the self check out so I just don't bother even trying anymore. I also notice that there is very seldom any line-ups at them either. I think most people like to have a teller do the work, just so much easier. Cheers and happy mylotting my friend, Chris

When I buy only a few items I always use the self scans, as usually they're less packed than the normal counters. Fortunately many people don't have a good relationship with technology and still don't know how to use them, so I have to take advantage of that meanwhile Also I have never had any problem with those machines. Unfortunately many supermarkets still don't have them.

I love them! But it does take time before people learn how to use them, so in the beginning it can be a bit of a hassle, both because you and others in the store do not know how to use them. But once everyone knows what to do, it really makes things much easier and faster!

Self-scan checkouts are very convenient, but at the same time they can be more hastle than they're worth, especially with age restricted products and when they don't work properly. I only use them when I've got a couple of items to pay for and when the traditional checkouts are busy.