The advent of self-service checkouts in supermarkets has been a game-changer for many shoppers, offering a quick and convenient way to breeze through grocery shopping.

However, for some Australians, these machines have become a source of frustration and confusion.

A recent online debate has shed light on the struggles some people face with these checkouts, sparking a discussion on whether the problem lies with the user or the technology itself.

The debate was ignited by a shopper who expressed his bafflement on social media, saying he ‘can’t imagine’ why so many people struggle with self-service checkouts.

He argued that the system is ‘not a super complicated thing to use’ and suggested that those encountering issues are ‘just doing something wrong’.

A man shared online his confusion as to why people are having problems with self-service checkouts. Credit: Shutterstock

‘I know I'm beating a dead horse with this subject, but do people REALLY have trouble at self-service checkouts?’ the shopper asked online.

‘I'm not even sure when the last time I had an issue with this was, and the scarce few times I can recall having a problem (in the distant past when I first started using them) was when I was doing genuinely silly stuff, like brain-farting and not weighing my fruit.’

The man said he’s been using self-service checkouts ‘almost daily’, and he found scanning or weighing an item and putting it in the bagging area relatively easy.

‘Some people make it sound like they're just constantly throwing errors at them. I can't help but assume it's user error, but at the same time, I can't even imagine what that might be (it's not a super complicated thing to use),' he said.

'I'm borderline fascinated by this subject whenever it comes up and would love to observe someone who struggles with these using one so I can just see what's actually happening.'

'Like when my grandma thinks her phone is broken, but she's actually just muted it,' the shopper jokingly said.

His comments sparked a flurry of responses, with many people sharing their experiences and perspectives.

While some agreed with the shopper, stating that they find self-service checkouts efficient and easy to use, others were quick to voice their frustrations.

Common complaints included the machines being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’, often not detecting items in the bagging area, and being overly sensitive to the weight of items.

Some users also reported being frequently accused of shoplifting by the system, leading to embarrassing and time-consuming interventions by store staff.

The debate also touched on the new anti-theft technology installed in many supermarkets.

While these measures are designed to prevent shoplifting, some shoppers argue that they make the self-service checkout process more complicated and time-consuming.

Most shoppers find self-service checkouts problematic for being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’. Credit: Shutterstock

For instance, one shopper shared her experience, saying: ‘'The last time I used it, the new anti-theft software stopped me three times and would not let me continue until the checkout chick confirmed that I had really scanned my stuff correctly...it added another 15 minutes to my shop.'

'Most of the issues with self-service stem from anti-theft measures. Overly sensitive scales, not giving customers the ability to fix mistakes by taking things off, etc,' another claimed.

'When my toddler is sitting in the trolley seat, the camera is convinced he's an unscanned item and won't let me proceed without a staff member,' a mum said.

Others also slammed the registers, with some saying they refused to use them.

'I have never, and I mean never, had a shop where at least one person at self-service has not had a problem which sucks,' one user said.

'The computer always has a problem with something and needs approval. They're painfully slow,' a second added.

'The machine doesn't trust you and asks the staff member to confirm that you have bags/fruit/lightweight items, and by the time you wait for them to be free, wave them down, get the machine unlocked and go back to scanning three or four times in one session, it really does start to feel like a lot bigger hassle than a regular checkout,' a third replied.

However, many said they rarely encounter issues with self-service checkouts, which has become a prevalent problem in most Australian supermarkets.

A social media poll revealed that more than 5,400 Aussies are in favour of stores removing their self-service checkouts, compared to 840 people who wanted these to stay.

'Having worked on checkouts for years (prior to self-service being installed), I almost never have an issue unless I'm getting something that weighs next to nothing (like a card),' one replied.

'I love them. It's way faster, regardless of the quantity of groceries. I hate going to the checkout and waiting, waiting, waiting. I don't have issues regardless of whether it's Woolies, BIG W or Coles. I dread the day they are killed off,' another commented.

'People just like to whinge. If they took away the self-service checkouts, there would be just as much complaining. You can't please everyone,' a third added.

Key Takeaways

• A shopper expressed confusion over Australians' difficulties with self-service checkouts, sparking debate online.
• Critics argue that self-service machines can be slow, glitchy, and prone to false accusations of shoplifting.
• Proponents find self-service checkouts faster and more convenient than traditional checkouts.
• The discourse extended to introducing new anti-theft technologies, which some claimed increased shopping time.

What's your take on self-service checkouts? Do you find them convenient or confusing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

[Robbo3006]

The advent of self-service checkouts in supermarkets has been a game-changer for many shoppers, offering a quick and convenient way to breeze through grocery shopping.

However, for some Australians, these machines have become a source of frustration and confusion.

A recent online debate has shed light on the struggles some people face with these checkouts, sparking a discussion on whether the problem lies with the user or the technology itself.

The debate was ignited by a shopper who expressed his bafflement on social media, saying he ‘can’t imagine’ why so many people struggle with self-service checkouts.

He argued that the system is ‘not a super complicated thing to use’ and suggested that those encountering issues are ‘just doing something wrong’.

View attachment 39393

A man shared online his confusion as to why people are having problems with self-service checkouts. Credit: Shutterstock

‘I know I'm beating a dead horse with this subject, but do people REALLY have trouble at self-service checkouts?’ the shopper asked online.

‘I'm not even sure when the last time I had an issue with this was, and the scarce few times I can recall having a problem (in the distant past when I first started using them) was when I was doing genuinely silly stuff, like brain-farting and not weighing my fruit.’

The man said he’s been using self-service checkouts ‘almost daily’, and he found scanning or weighing an item and putting it in the bagging area relatively easy.

‘Some people make it sound like they're just constantly throwing errors at them. I can't help but assume it's user error, but at the same time, I can't even imagine what that might be (it's not a super complicated thing to use),' he said.

'I'm borderline fascinated by this subject whenever it comes up and would love to observe someone who struggles with these using one so I can just see what's actually happening.'

'Like when my grandma thinks her phone is broken, but she's actually just muted it,' the shopper jokingly said.

His comments sparked a flurry of responses, with many people sharing their experiences and perspectives.

While some agreed with the shopper, stating that they find self-service checkouts efficient and easy to use, others were quick to voice their frustrations.

Common complaints included the machines being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’, often not detecting items in the bagging area, and being overly sensitive to the weight of items.

Some users also reported being frequently accused of shoplifting by the system, leading to embarrassing and time-consuming interventions by store staff.

The debate also touched on the new anti-theft technology installed in many supermarkets.

While these measures are designed to prevent shoplifting, some shoppers argue that they make the self-service checkout process more complicated and time-consuming.

View attachment 39392

Most shoppers find self-service checkouts problematic for being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’. Credit: Shutterstock

For instance, one shopper shared her experience, saying: ‘'The last time I used it, the new anti-theft software stopped me three times and would not let me continue until the checkout chick confirmed that I had really scanned my stuff correctly...it added another 15 minutes to my shop.'

'Most of the issues with self-service stem from anti-theft measures. Overly sensitive scales, not giving customers the ability to fix mistakes by taking things off, etc,' another claimed.

'When my toddler is sitting in the trolley seat, the camera is convinced he's an unscanned item and won't let me proceed without a staff member,' a mum said.

Others also slammed the registers, with some saying they refused to use them.

'I have never, and I mean never, had a shop where at least one person at self-service has not had a problem which sucks,' one user said.

'The computer always has a problem with something and needs approval. They're painfully slow,' a second added.

'The machine doesn't trust you and asks the staff member to confirm that you have bags/fruit/lightweight items, and by the time you wait for them to be free, wave them down, get the machine unlocked and go back to scanning three or four times in one session, it really does start to feel like a lot bigger hassle than a regular checkout,' a third replied.

However, many said they rarely encounter issues with self-service checkouts, which has become a prevalent problem in most Australian supermarkets.

A social media poll revealed that more than 5,400 Aussies are in favour of stores removing their self-service checkouts, compared to 840 people who wanted these to stay.

'Having worked on checkouts for years (prior to self-service being installed), I almost never have an issue unless I'm getting something that weighs next to nothing (like a card),' one replied.

'I love them. It's way faster, regardless of the quantity of groceries. I hate going to the checkout and waiting, waiting, waiting. I don't have issues regardless of whether it's Woolies, BIG W or Coles. I dread the day they are killed off,' another commented.

'People just like to whinge. If they took away the self-service checkouts, there would be just as much complaining. You can't please everyone,' a third added.

Key Takeaways

• A shopper expressed confusion over Australians' difficulties with self-service checkouts, sparking debate online.
• Critics argue that self-service machines can be slow, glitchy, and prone to false accusations of shoplifting.
• Proponents find self-service checkouts faster and more convenient than traditional checkouts.
• The discourse extended to introducing new anti-theft technologies, which some claimed increased shopping time.

What's your take on self-service checkouts? Do you find them convenient or confusing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Probably works for the company that manufactures the machines and doesn't want to lose his job, the machines are shite and will never replace humans.

 

[Annna]

I love self-service I useit all the time quick and easy in and out I can pack my groceries, the way I want them packed. I don’t have to stand in a queue where people just want to chat to the cashier

You're a pawn of the store, helping to create redundancies /job losses.

 

[Robbo3006]

Extra Fly buy or reward points, would ensure you return. They are not very smart.

But after a while the company will erode that away also.

 

[Phyll]

The advent of self-service checkouts in supermarkets has been a game-changer for many shoppers, offering a quick and convenient way to breeze through grocery shopping.

However, for some Australians, these machines have become a source of frustration and confusion.

A recent online debate has shed light on the struggles some people face with these checkouts, sparking a discussion on whether the problem lies with the user or the technology itself.

The debate was ignited by a shopper who expressed his bafflement on social media, saying he ‘can’t imagine’ why so many people struggle with self-service checkouts.

He argued that the system is ‘not a super complicated thing to use’ and suggested that those encountering issues are ‘just doing something wrong’.

View attachment 39393

A man shared online his confusion as to why people are having problems with self-service checkouts. Credit: Shutterstock

‘I know I'm beating a dead horse with this subject, but do people REALLY have trouble at self-service checkouts?’ the shopper asked online.

‘I'm not even sure when the last time I had an issue with this was, and the scarce few times I can recall having a problem (in the distant past when I first started using them) was when I was doing genuinely silly stuff, like brain-farting and not weighing my fruit.’

The man said he’s been using self-service checkouts ‘almost daily’, and he found scanning or weighing an item and putting it in the bagging area relatively easy.

‘Some people make it sound like they're just constantly throwing errors at them. I can't help but assume it's user error, but at the same time, I can't even imagine what that might be (it's not a super complicated thing to use),' he said.

'I'm borderline fascinated by this subject whenever it comes up and would love to observe someone who struggles with these using one so I can just see what's actually happening.'

'Like when my grandma thinks her phone is broken, but she's actually just muted it,' the shopper jokingly said.

His comments sparked a flurry of responses, with many people sharing their experiences and perspectives.

While some agreed with the shopper, stating that they find self-service checkouts efficient and easy to use, others were quick to voice their frustrations.

Common complaints included the machines being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’, often not detecting items in the bagging area, and being overly sensitive to the weight of items.

Some users also reported being frequently accused of shoplifting by the system, leading to embarrassing and time-consuming interventions by store staff.

The debate also touched on the new anti-theft technology installed in many supermarkets.

While these measures are designed to prevent shoplifting, some shoppers argue that they make the self-service checkout process more complicated and time-consuming.

View attachment 39392

Most shoppers find self-service checkouts problematic for being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’. Credit: Shutterstock

For instance, one shopper shared her experience, saying: ‘'The last time I used it, the new anti-theft software stopped me three times and would not let me continue until the checkout chick confirmed that I had really scanned my stuff correctly...it added another 15 minutes to my shop.'

'Most of the issues with self-service stem from anti-theft measures. Overly sensitive scales, not giving customers the ability to fix mistakes by taking things off, etc,' another claimed.

'When my toddler is sitting in the trolley seat, the camera is convinced he's an unscanned item and won't let me proceed without a staff member,' a mum said.

Others also slammed the registers, with some saying they refused to use them.

'I have never, and I mean never, had a shop where at least one person at self-service has not had a problem which sucks,' one user said.

'The computer always has a problem with something and needs approval. They're painfully slow,' a second added.

'The machine doesn't trust you and asks the staff member to confirm that you have bags/fruit/lightweight items, and by the time you wait for them to be free, wave them down, get the machine unlocked and go back to scanning three or four times in one session, it really does start to feel like a lot bigger hassle than a regular checkout,' a third replied.

 

[mylittletibbies]

In some stores, there are no manned checkouts now.

In others, there may be one or two (most often one) who is also manning the Customer Service Counter/Smoke Shop.

Waiting for this one person can be frustrating in our time poor world.

I waited 10 minutes for information on an item because the one operative had 10 people in the line and 2 at the store front counter waiting and me waiting at the inside counter the last time I shopped.

Don't live under the misapprehension that the store with the one human operative is happy about this.

Store management will at some point in time be tasked with making this position redundant.

How?

Even now, the maintaining of only one staff member in this position is a planned strategy to frustrate people into using the self serve checkouts.

Next time you're in your local store, focus on the line up at the manned checkout and see how many people opt for self serve because the line is long with only one staff member serving.

Management are and will be counting and creating stats too.

Over time, the stats that are a product of planned limited Customer service will be used to justify the removal of the one last human checkout operator.

CLEVER HUH?

THIS IS WHAT THE BIG BANKS HAVE BEEN DOING SINCE THE EARLY1980s with the introduction of ATMs.

Self serve checkout arguments about difficulty or ease of use are a smokescreen.

The problem is the gradual depletion of jobs. When everyone is using the self serve, the store doesn't need staff in Customer Service positions (or if humans are needed, then the store will maintain a skeleton staff).

So do you call that REAL CHOICE?

I've never been in a supermarket that only had one manned checkout, except early in the morning.
Most times there are more people queued at the self serve.
Last week when I shopped there were about ten or so people queued at the self serve, no more than two or three st the manned checkouts.
When passing thru a large country town about a month ago Coles had four manned checkouts open.

 

[Wayneo]

You don’t get a reduction in price

you don’t get a reduction in price and you are treated like a criminal with multiple cameras checking everything you do. Many Coles stores are putting gates at the exit and if they think you have done something wrong, innocently or intentionally, the gates lock and you cannot escape!
If the only option is self serve I make the person standing around do it for me!
In Kmart I make the staff do it for me then refuse to show my docket.
I ask the person at the door: “are you accusing me of theft”, they answer “no” and I reply ”then you don’t need to see my docket” and I keep walki

 

[Wayneo]

You don’t get a reduction in price

you don’t get a reduction in price and you are treated like a criminal with multiple cameras checking everything you do. Many Coles stores are putting gates at the exit and if they think you have done something wrong, innocently or intentionally, the gates lock and you cannot escape!
If the only option is self serve I make the person standing around do it for me!
In Kmart I make the staff do it for me then refuse to show my docket.
I ask the person at the door: “are you accusing me of theft”, they answer “no” and I reply ”then you don’t need to see my docket” and I keep walking!

The poor kid usually is just doing a job they are told to do it’s not their fault let’s just be courteous to one another, I don’t find it that difficult to show them your docket on the way out. What I do think is bring check outs to the front of store.

 

[Annna]

I've never been in a supermarket that only had one manned checkout, except early in the morning.
Most times there are more people queued at the self serve.
Last week when I shopped there were about ten or so people queued at the self serve, no more than two or three st the manned checkouts.
When passing thru a large country town about a month ago Coles had four manned checkouts open.

The stores I've been to are in Brisbane southside suburbs. Many have only one manned checkout person.

I hope what you've experienced is a trend that will continue but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[MariaG]

The advent of self-service checkouts in supermarkets has been a game-changer for many shoppers, offering a quick and convenient way to breeze through grocery shopping.

However, for some Australians, these machines have become a source of frustration and confusion.

A recent online debate has shed light on the struggles some people face with these checkouts, sparking a discussion on whether the problem lies with the user or the technology itself.

The debate was ignited by a shopper who expressed his bafflement on social media, saying he ‘can’t imagine’ why so many people struggle with self-service checkouts.

He argued that the system is ‘not a super complicated thing to use’ and suggested that those encountering issues are ‘just doing something wrong’.

View attachment 39393

A man shared online his confusion as to why people are having problems with self-service checkouts. Credit: Shutterstock

‘I know I'm beating a dead horse with this subject, but do people REALLY have trouble at self-service checkouts?’ the shopper asked online.

‘I'm not even sure when the last time I had an issue with this was, and the scarce few times I can recall having a problem (in the distant past when I first started using them) was when I was doing genuinely silly stuff, like brain-farting and not weighing my fruit.’

The man said he’s been using self-service checkouts ‘almost daily’, and he found scanning or weighing an item and putting it in the bagging area relatively easy.

‘Some people make it sound like they're just constantly throwing errors at them. I can't help but assume it's user error, but at the same time, I can't even imagine what that might be (it's not a super complicated thing to use),' he said.

'I'm borderline fascinated by this subject whenever it comes up and would love to observe someone who struggles with these using one so I can just see what's actually happening.'

'Like when my grandma thinks her phone is broken, but she's actually just muted it,' the shopper jokingly said.

His comments sparked a flurry of responses, with many people sharing their experiences and perspectives.

While some agreed with the shopper, stating that they find self-service checkouts efficient and easy to use, others were quick to voice their frustrations.

Common complaints included the machines being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’, often not detecting items in the bagging area, and being overly sensitive to the weight of items.

Some users also reported being frequently accused of shoplifting by the system, leading to embarrassing and time-consuming interventions by store staff.

The debate also touched on the new anti-theft technology installed in many supermarkets.

While these measures are designed to prevent shoplifting, some shoppers argue that they make the self-service checkout process more complicated and time-consuming.

View attachment 39392

Most shoppers find self-service checkouts problematic for being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’. Credit: Shutterstock

For instance, one shopper shared her experience, saying: ‘'The last time I used it, the new anti-theft software stopped me three times and would not let me continue until the checkout chick confirmed that I had really scanned my stuff correctly...it added another 15 minutes to my shop.'

'Most of the issues with self-service stem from anti-theft measures. Overly sensitive scales, not giving customers the ability to fix mistakes by taking things off, etc,' another claimed.

'When my toddler is sitting in the trolley seat, the camera is convinced he's an unscanned item and won't let me proceed without a staff member,' a mum said.

Others also slammed the registers, with some saying they refused to use them.

'I have never, and I mean never, had a shop where at least one person at self-service has not had a problem which sucks,' one user said.

'The computer always has a problem with something and needs approval. They're painfully slow,' a second added.

'The machine doesn't trust you and asks the staff member to confirm that you have bags/fruit/lightweight items, and by the time you wait for them to be free, wave them down, get the machine unlocked and go back to scanning three or four times in one session, it really does start to feel like a lot bigger hassle than a regular checkout,' a third replied.

However, many said they rarely encounter issues with self-service checkouts, which has become a prevalent problem in most Australian supermarkets.

A social media poll revealed that more than 5,400 Aussies are in favour of stores removing their self-service checkouts, compared to 840 people who wanted these to stay.

'Having worked on checkouts for years (prior to self-service being installed), I almost never have an issue unless I'm getting something that weighs next to nothing (like a card),' one replied.

'I love them. It's way faster, regardless of the quantity of groceries. I hate going to the checkout and waiting, waiting, waiting. I don't have issues regardless of whether it's Woolies, BIG W or Coles. I dread the day they are killed off,' another commented.

'People just like to whinge. If they took away the self-service checkouts, there would be just as much complaining. You can't please everyone,' a third added.

Key Takeaways

• A shopper expressed confusion over Australians' difficulties with self-service checkouts, sparking debate online.
• Critics argue that self-service machines can be slow, glitchy, and prone to false accusations of shoplifting.
• Proponents find self-service checkouts faster and more convenient than traditional checkouts.
• The discourse extended to introducing new anti-theft technologies, which some claimed increased shopping time.

What's your take on self-service checkouts? Do you find them convenient or confusing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

I am Ok to try different things, but as soon as they spit in my eye, I stop.
The last time I attempted to use self serve was at Big W. I was Xmas shopping and included in the shop was some gift cards. The self serve did a giant dummy spit and froze. I had to ask for help, and the attendant also had issues. The problem was that I had a discount available against my Rewards card. The system would not allow this because there were gift cards included in the shop. As a result, I did not get the discount. Stupid system...I like people better.
Further to that, I had no option than to put a good size shop through self serve because there was no operator. I had my own bags. The bleedin.. thing refused to recognise my bags. I cannot count the number of times the assistant had to come over and do her numbers thing.
Now, I'll stand in a queue as long as it takes. People are much nicer to talk to.

 

[Mishy57]

On the self serve checkouts - agree they are more efficient for very small shops - just a few items which is what they are designed for, when a trolley full of goods comes through - well thats more likely to cause issues and holdups. These should be going thru the registers and really they are just as quick if not quicker than trying to juggle a large trolley load of goods through the self serve area -

 

[Singomate]

The advent of self-service checkouts in supermarkets has been a game-changer for many shoppers, offering a quick and convenient way to breeze through grocery shopping.

However, for some Australians, these machines have become a source of frustration and confusion.

A recent online debate has shed light on the struggles some people face with these checkouts, sparking a discussion on whether the problem lies with the user or the technology itself.

The debate was ignited by a shopper who expressed his bafflement on social media, saying he ‘can’t imagine’ why so many people struggle with self-service checkouts.

He argued that the system is ‘not a super complicated thing to use’ and suggested that those encountering issues are ‘just doing something wrong’.

View attachment 39393

A man shared online his confusion as to why people are having problems with self-service checkouts. Credit: Shutterstock

‘I know I'm beating a dead horse with this subject, but do people REALLY have trouble at self-service checkouts?’ the shopper asked online.

‘I'm not even sure when the last time I had an issue with this was, and the scarce few times I can recall having a problem (in the distant past when I first started using them) was when I was doing genuinely silly stuff, like brain-farting and not weighing my fruit.’

The man said he’s been using self-service checkouts ‘almost daily’, and he found scanning or weighing an item and putting it in the bagging area relatively easy.

‘Some people make it sound like they're just constantly throwing errors at them. I can't help but assume it's user error, but at the same time, I can't even imagine what that might be (it's not a super complicated thing to use),' he said.

'I'm borderline fascinated by this subject whenever it comes up and would love to observe someone who struggles with these using one so I can just see what's actually happening.'

'Like when my grandma thinks her phone is broken, but she's actually just muted it,' the shopper jokingly said.

His comments sparked a flurry of responses, with many people sharing their experiences and perspectives.

While some agreed with the shopper, stating that they find self-service checkouts efficient and easy to use, others were quick to voice their frustrations.

Common complaints included the machines being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’, often not detecting items in the bagging area, and being overly sensitive to the weight of items.

Some users also reported being frequently accused of shoplifting by the system, leading to embarrassing and time-consuming interventions by store staff.

The debate also touched on the new anti-theft technology installed in many supermarkets.

While these measures are designed to prevent shoplifting, some shoppers argue that they make the self-service checkout process more complicated and time-consuming.

View attachment 39392

Most shoppers find self-service checkouts problematic for being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’. Credit: Shutterstock

For instance, one shopper shared her experience, saying: ‘'The last time I used it, the new anti-theft software stopped me three times and would not let me continue until the checkout chick confirmed that I had really scanned my stuff correctly...it added another 15 minutes to my shop.'

'Most of the issues with self-service stem from anti-theft measures. Overly sensitive scales, not giving customers the ability to fix mistakes by taking things off, etc,' another claimed.

'When my toddler is sitting in the trolley seat, the camera is convinced he's an unscanned item and won't let me proceed without a staff member,' a mum said.

Others also slammed the registers, with some saying they refused to use them.

'I have never, and I mean never, had a shop where at least one person at self-service has not had a problem which sucks,' one user said.

'The computer always has a problem with something and needs approval. They're painfully slow,' a second added.

'The machine doesn't trust you and asks the staff member to confirm that you have bags/fruit/lightweight items, and by the time you wait for them to be free, wave them down, get the machine unlocked and go back to scanning three or four times in one session, it really does start to feel like a lot bigger hassle than a regular checkout,' a third replied.

However, many said they rarely encounter issues with self-service checkouts, which has become a prevalent problem in most Australian supermarkets.

A social media poll revealed that more than 5,400 Aussies are in favour of stores removing their self-service checkouts, compared to 840 people who wanted these to stay.

'Having worked on checkouts for years (prior to self-service being installed), I almost never have an issue unless I'm getting something that weighs next to nothing (like a card),' one replied.

'I love them. It's way faster, regardless of the quantity of groceries. I hate going to the checkout and waiting, waiting, waiting. I don't have issues regardless of whether it's Woolies, BIG W or Coles. I dread the day they are killed off,' another commented.

'People just like to whinge. If they took away the self-service checkouts, there would be just as much complaining. You can't please everyone,' a third added.

Key Takeaways

• A shopper expressed confusion over Australians' difficulties with self-service checkouts, sparking debate online.
• Critics argue that self-service machines can be slow, glitchy, and prone to false accusations of shoplifting.
• Proponents find self-service checkouts faster and more convenient than traditional checkouts.
• The discourse extended to introducing new anti-theft technologies, which some claimed increased shopping time.

What's your take on self-service checkouts? Do you find them convenient or confusing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

I found this one fact ,I was making it hard on myself, just slow down and embrace the technology, it's a great innovation don't worry about the people behind you, just scan away and a little hint just put items in trolley don't try and pack your grocery bag I'm sure you will find it a calming fact .

 

[margaretritchie48]

Personally, I just HATE them. Would rather wait in line to use a staffed teller any day. I'm only 62 and have no problems with new technology, but I prefer the human touch.

I have never used self service, never will. A previous comment said they like to pack themselves so they pack as they want it. I put a bag then what I want in that bag, then another bag and then what I want in that bag. Packed how you like it.

 

[mylittletibbies]

The stores I've been to are in Brisbane southside suburbs. Many have only one manned checkout person.

I hope what you've experienced is a trend that will continue but I'm not holding my breath.

I'm in WA

 

[Mala Conway]

The advent of self-service checkouts in supermarkets has been a game-changer for many shoppers, offering a quick and convenient way to breeze through grocery shopping.

However, for some Australians, these machines have become a source of frustration and confusion.

A recent online debate has shed light on the struggles some people face with these checkouts, sparking a discussion on whether the problem lies with the user or the technology itself.

The debate was ignited by a shopper who expressed his bafflement on social media, saying he ‘can’t imagine’ why so many people struggle with self-service checkouts.

He argued that the system is ‘not a super complicated thing to use’ and suggested that those encountering issues are ‘just doing something wrong’.

View attachment 39393

A man shared online his confusion as to why people are having problems with self-service checkouts. Credit: Shutterstock

‘I know I'm beating a dead horse with this subject, but do people REALLY have trouble at self-service checkouts?’ the shopper asked online.

‘I'm not even sure when the last time I had an issue with this was, and the scarce few times I can recall having a problem (in the distant past when I first started using them) was when I was doing genuinely silly stuff, like brain-farting and not weighing my fruit.’

The man said he’s been using self-service checkouts ‘almost daily’, and he found scanning or weighing an item and putting it in the bagging area relatively easy.

‘Some people make it sound like they're just constantly throwing errors at them. I can't help but assume it's user error, but at the same time, I can't even imagine what that might be (it's not a super complicated thing to use),' he said.

'I'm borderline fascinated by this subject whenever it comes up and would love to observe someone who struggles with these using one so I can just see what's actually happening.'

'Like when my grandma thinks her phone is broken, but she's actually just muted it,' the shopper jokingly said.

His comments sparked a flurry of responses, with many people sharing their experiences and perspectives.

While some agreed with the shopper, stating that they find self-service checkouts efficient and easy to use, others were quick to voice their frustrations.

Common complaints included the machines being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’, often not detecting items in the bagging area, and being overly sensitive to the weight of items.

Some users also reported being frequently accused of shoplifting by the system, leading to embarrassing and time-consuming interventions by store staff.

The debate also touched on the new anti-theft technology installed in many supermarkets.

While these measures are designed to prevent shoplifting, some shoppers argue that they make the self-service checkout process more complicated and time-consuming.

View attachment 39392

Most shoppers find self-service checkouts problematic for being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’. Credit: Shutterstock

For instance, one shopper shared her experience, saying: ‘'The last time I used it, the new anti-theft software stopped me three times and would not let me continue until the checkout chick confirmed that I had really scanned my stuff correctly...it added another 15 minutes to my shop.'

'Most of the issues with self-service stem from anti-theft measures. Overly sensitive scales, not giving customers the ability to fix mistakes by taking things off, etc,' another claimed.

'When my toddler is sitting in the trolley seat, the camera is convinced he's an unscanned item and won't let me proceed without a staff member,' a mum said.

Others also slammed the registers, with some saying they refused to use them.

'I have never, and I mean never, had a shop where at least one person at self-service has not had a problem which sucks,' one user said.

'The computer always has a problem with something and needs approval. They're painfully slow,' a second added.

'The machine doesn't trust you and asks the staff member to confirm that you have bags/fruit/lightweight items, and by the time you wait for them to be free, wave them down, get the machine unlocked and go back to scanning three or four times in one session, it really does start to feel like a lot bigger hassle than a regular checkout,' a third replied.

However, many said they rarely encounter issues with self-service checkouts, which has become a prevalent problem in most Australian supermarkets.

A social media poll revealed that more than 5,400 Aussies are in favour of stores removing their self-service checkouts, compared to 840 people who wanted these to stay.

'Having worked on checkouts for years (prior to self-service being installed), I almost never have an issue unless I'm getting something that weighs next to nothing (like a card),' one replied.

'I love them. It's way faster, regardless of the quantity of groceries. I hate going to the checkout and waiting, waiting, waiting. I don't have issues regardless of whether it's Woolies, BIG W or Coles. I dread the day they are killed off,' another commented.

'People just like to whinge. If they took away the self-service checkouts, there would be just as much complaining. You can't please everyone,' a third added.

Key Takeaways

• A shopper expressed confusion over Australians' difficulties with self-service checkouts, sparking debate online.
• Critics argue that self-service machines can be slow, glitchy, and prone to false accusations of shoplifting.
• Proponents find self-service checkouts faster and more convenient than traditional checkouts.
• The discourse extended to introducing new anti-theft technologies, which some claimed increased shopping time.

What's your take on self-service checkouts? Do you find them convenient or confusing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

[Mala Conway]

Want live staff.. Not a machine.. People need employment. Too much mechanism already.

 

[elaine41]

If you consider yourself to be one of the ‘unpaid staff’ do you expect them to give you ‘further training’?

They need to give me further training & then pay me for the work I just did at the same rate they pay all the other checkout staff.

 

[Kaybee]

The advent of self-service checkouts in supermarkets has been a game-changer for many shoppers, offering a quick and convenient way to breeze through grocery shopping.

However, for some Australians, these machines have become a source of frustration and confusion.

A recent online debate has shed light on the struggles some people face with these checkouts, sparking a discussion on whether the problem lies with the user or the technology itself.

The debate was ignited by a shopper who expressed his bafflement on social media, saying he ‘can’t imagine’ why so many people struggle with self-service checkouts.

He argued that the system is ‘not a super complicated thing to use’ and suggested that those encountering issues are ‘just doing something wrong’.

View attachment 39393

A man shared online his confusion as to why people are having problems with self-service checkouts. Credit: Shutterstock

‘I know I'm beating a dead horse with this subject, but do people REALLY have trouble at self-service checkouts?’ the shopper asked online.

‘I'm not even sure when the last time I had an issue with this was, and the scarce few times I can recall having a problem (in the distant past when I first started using them) was when I was doing genuinely silly stuff, like brain-farting and not weighing my fruit.’

The man said he’s been using self-service checkouts ‘almost daily’, and he found scanning or weighing an item and putting it in the bagging area relatively easy.

‘Some people make it sound like they're just constantly throwing errors at them. I can't help but assume it's user error, but at the same time, I can't even imagine what that might be (it's not a super complicated thing to use),' he said.

'I'm borderline fascinated by this subject whenever it comes up and would love to observe someone who struggles with these using one so I can just see what's actually happening.'

'Like when my grandma thinks her phone is broken, but she's actually just muted it,' the shopper jokingly said.

His comments sparked a flurry of responses, with many people sharing their experiences and perspectives.

While some agreed with the shopper, stating that they find self-service checkouts efficient and easy to use, others were quick to voice their frustrations.

Common complaints included the machines being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’, often not detecting items in the bagging area, and being overly sensitive to the weight of items.

Some users also reported being frequently accused of shoplifting by the system, leading to embarrassing and time-consuming interventions by store staff.

The debate also touched on the new anti-theft technology installed in many supermarkets.

While these measures are designed to prevent shoplifting, some shoppers argue that they make the self-service checkout process more complicated and time-consuming.

View attachment 39392

Most shoppers find self-service checkouts problematic for being ‘slow’ and ‘glitchy’. Credit: Shutterstock

For instance, one shopper shared her experience, saying: ‘'The last time I used it, the new anti-theft software stopped me three times and would not let me continue until the checkout chick confirmed that I had really scanned my stuff correctly...it added another 15 minutes to my shop.'

'Most of the issues with self-service stem from anti-theft measures. Overly sensitive scales, not giving customers the ability to fix mistakes by taking things off, etc,' another claimed.

'When my toddler is sitting in the trolley seat, the camera is convinced he's an unscanned item and won't let me proceed without a staff member,' a mum said.

Others also slammed the registers, with some saying they refused to use them.

'I have never, and I mean never, had a shop where at least one person at self-service has not had a problem which sucks,' one user said.

'The computer always has a problem with something and needs approval. They're painfully slow,' a second added.

'The machine doesn't trust you and asks the staff member to confirm that you have bags/fruit/lightweight items, and by the time you wait for them to be free, wave them down, get the machine unlocked and go back to scanning three or four times in one session, it really does start to feel like a lot bigger hassle than a regular checkout,' a third replied.

However, many said they rarely encounter issues with self-service checkouts, which has become a prevalent problem in most Australian supermarkets.

A social media poll revealed that more than 5,400 Aussies are in favour of stores removing their self-service checkouts, compared to 840 people who wanted these to stay.

'Having worked on checkouts for years (prior to self-service being installed), I almost never have an issue unless I'm getting something that weighs next to nothing (like a card),' one replied.

'I love them. It's way faster, regardless of the quantity of groceries. I hate going to the checkout and waiting, waiting, waiting. I don't have issues regardless of whether it's Woolies, BIG W or Coles. I dread the day they are killed off,' another commented.

'People just like to whinge. If they took away the self-service checkouts, there would be just as much complaining. You can't please everyone,' a third added.

Key Takeaways

• A shopper expressed confusion over Australians' difficulties with self-service checkouts, sparking debate online.
• Critics argue that self-service machines can be slow, glitchy, and prone to false accusations of shoplifting.
• Proponents find self-service checkouts faster and more convenient than traditional checkouts.
• The discourse extended to introducing new anti-theft technologies, which some claimed increased shopping time.

What's your take on self-service checkouts? Do you find them convenient or confusing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

I love them. I especially love the new ones where you scan and bag and don’t have to get the attendant when you start on your 4th bag.

 

[siameezer]

I am not a fan of self service check outs but due to there usually only being 2 staffed check outs with long queues there isn’t much option. Coles is worse than our local Woolies but I am less inclined to shop there due to their “woke” policies. The self service check outs are slow at times and glitchy, and I resent the fact that the retailers are using you to cut staff numbers, we will get to the stage where no one will have a job.

The actual meaning of "woke" ... doesn't fit at all with how you have used it.

 

[siameezer]

You don’t get a reduction in price

you don’t get a reduction in price and you are treated like a criminal with multiple cameras checking everything you do. Many Coles stores are putting gates at the exit and if they think you have done something wrong, innocently or intentionally, the gates lock and you cannot escape!
If the only option is self serve I make the person standing around do it for me!
In Kmart I make the staff do it for me then refuse to show my docket.
I ask the person at the door: “are you accusing me of theft”, they answer “no” and I reply ”then you don’t need to see my docket” and I keep walking!

So you abuse the poor staff member for doing what their employer has insisted they do? No wonder we now have ads highlighting the abuse workers are subjected to and asking us to be more aware!

 

[siameezer]

No, the scanning error is NOT YOUR ERROR .

It is the store's error in not reducing the scanning price (the price registered in the store's system) and if the store complies with the Scanning Code of Practice, then you're entitled to a refund if the erroneously charged price and the item for free.

I agree ... and I have NEVER had a supermarket refuse to honour that when self-serve has been used. The staff are happy to overturn the original scan and input the correct price.