It's no secret that technology and our modern way of life have changed a lot of things for the better. From our smartphones to faster and more efficient transport systems, there's no denying that life in the 21st century has become much more convenient in many ways.

One such modern convenience we're all too familiar with is self-service checkouts.

It's no secret that ALDI was far from the first in line to hop onto the self-service checkout bandwagon.

Known for its unique checkout process, the German supermarket chain's previous installations had employees scan items at a fast pace, with customers doing their own bagging in a specialised area on the other side of the register.

ALDI's self-service checkouts were trialled in 2021 after the company claimed that they had no plans to bring the option to Australian supermarkets. At the time, ALDI described the cash registers as an 'enhanced customer convenience'.

Customers complain that ALDI's new self-service checkout machines are too 'noisy'. Credit: Reddit.

However, it appears that many customers are now having second thoughts about the store's decision to add self-service checkouts…

These checkouts have been a hot issue for many customers for some time now, some saying they find them slower than staffed checkouts and that they're taking away jobs from people.

And that's not to mention other issues people have been having.

Recently, ALDI customers have been taking to social media to voice their concerns over the noise level of their new self-serve checkouts.

One Reddit user said: 'I love self-checkouts, but the ALDI ones are LOUD, and I don't need to be immediately told to bag every item... If they don't offer volume control, I'm going back to real human checkouts.'

What's more, things may actually be made more complicated by the new checkouts, with reports of a particular sequencing difference when it comes to pressing the button for your own bags versus putting the bag in the bagging area!

ALDI recently tested self-service checkout in their stores and is working to bring it to more locations across the country. Credit: Facebook/ALDI Australia.

As self-service checkout systems are being introduced into more and more supermarkets, customers can experience greater convenience and faster service without the need for human input.

However, this technology can also have a negative impact on customers' experience.

As mentioned above, some customers feel that the noise level from self-service checkouts is too loud, and the machines can often be difficult to use.

There is also an underlying fear that automation is taking away jobs from people, and many customers feel that personal interaction should still be a key part of their shopping experience.

Furthermore, there are reports of security and privacy risks associated with self-service checkout systems, as customers wondered if these machines might gather details like name and credit card details while using them. These risks may cause customers to be uncomfortable and wary when using the service, leading to a less-than-ideal customer experience.

Key Takeaways

• The new self-checkouts at ALDI are getting a lot of complaints for being too loud for customers.
• Even though self-checkouts are supposed to make shopping more convenient, more and more people are complaining about the decrease in staffed registers.

Overall, automation technology in supermarkets carries both opportunities and risks.

While self-service checkout systems can bring more convenience and speed to customers, many people express that these must not be seen as a replacement for personalised service.

Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that customers have the best possible experience while shopping.

Members, what do you make of this? Have you experienced any difficulties with ALDI's (or any store's) self-serve checkouts? Share your experiences in the comments below, and hopefully, this will encourage other stores to consider the satisfaction of their customers above all else.

 

[Linwar]

I will never use a self-serve if my Aldi ever gets one. I know you have to pack your own bags at Aldi, but I don't work for them. I expect service when I shop & yes I am one of the very full trolly people because as a pensioner I buy for a fortnight at a time. Also as a frail old lady, I sometimes need a hand at loading onto the belt & if my s-i-law is late getting back to the shop I need help. Sorry to inconvenience you who only buy 5 items.

Some of the self-serve checkouts are so small people in wheelchairs can't get to them because they overlap into the one next door. Obviously, ALDI only wants to cater to the majority, and, not to the elderly or disabled who spend a lot less than the mid years workers.

 

[Glen44]

It's no secret that technology and our modern way of life have changed a lot of things for the better. From our smartphones to faster and more efficient transport systems, there's no denying that life in the 21st century has become much more convenient in many ways.

One such modern convenience we're all too familiar with is self-service checkouts.

It's no secret that ALDI was far from the first in line to hop onto the self-service checkout bandwagon.

Known for its unique checkout process, the German supermarket chain's previous installations had employees scan items at a fast pace, with customers doing their own bagging in a specialised area on the other side of the register.

ALDI's self-service checkouts were trialled in 2021 after the company claimed that they had no plans to bring the option to Australian supermarkets. At the time, ALDI described the cash registers as an 'enhanced customer convenience'.

View attachment 11634

Customers complain that ALDI's new self-service checkout machines are too 'noisy'. Credit: Reddit.

However, it appears that many customers are now having second thoughts about the store's decision to add self-service checkouts…

These checkouts have been a hot issue for many customers for some time now, some saying they find them slower than staffed checkouts and that they're taking away jobs from people.

And that's not to mention other issues people have been having.

Recently, ALDI customers have been taking to social media to voice their concerns over the noise level of their new self-serve checkouts.

One Reddit user said: 'I love self-checkouts, but the ALDI ones are LOUD, and I don't need to be immediately told to bag every item... If they don't offer volume control, I'm going back to real human checkouts.'

What's more, things may actually be made more complicated by the new checkouts, with reports of a particular sequencing difference when it comes to pressing the button for your own bags versus putting the bag in the bagging area!

View attachment 11635

ALDI recently tested self-service checkout in their stores and is working to bring it to more locations across the country. Credit: Facebook/ALDI Australia.

As self-service checkout systems are being introduced into more and more supermarkets, customers can experience greater convenience and faster service without the need for human input.

However, this technology can also have a negative impact on customers' experience.

As mentioned above, some customers feel that the noise level from self-service checkouts is too loud, and the machines can often be difficult to use.

There is also an underlying fear that automation is taking away jobs from people, and many customers feel that personal interaction should still be a key part of their shopping experience.

Furthermore, there are reports of security and privacy risks associated with self-service checkout systems, as customers wondered if these machines might gather details like name and credit card details while using them. These risks may cause customers to be uncomfortable and wary when using the service, leading to a less-than-ideal customer experience.

Key Takeaways

• The new self-checkouts at ALDI are getting a lot of complaints for being too loud for customers.
• Even though self-checkouts are supposed to make shopping more convenient, more and more people are complaining about the decrease in staffed registers.

Overall, automation technology in supermarkets carries both opportunities and risks.

While self-service checkout systems can bring more convenience and speed to customers, many people express that these must not be seen as a replacement for personalised service.

Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that customers have the best possible experience while shopping.

Members, what do you make of this? Have you experienced any difficulties with ALDI's (or any store's) self-serve checkouts? Share your experiences in the comments below, and hopefully, this will encourage other stores to consider the satisfaction of their customers above all else.

I hate self service in any store , but especially in grocery stores we pay enough for food , they can't afford staff to ring it up , I guess if they can get rid of 1 staff member per store they love it

 

[ElizabethL]

I will never use a self-serve if my Aldi ever gets one. I know you have to pack your own bags at Aldi, but I don't work for them. I expect service when I shop & yes I am one of the very full trolly people because as a pensioner I buy for a fortnight at a time. Also as a frail old lady, I sometimes need a hand at loading onto the belt & if my s-i-law is late getting back to the shop I need help. Sorry to inconvenience you who only buy 5 items.

If all Aldi stores have self checkouts for people with only a few items then it will be no inconvenience for anyone.
Nobody needs to be sorry for buying a trolley load of groceries. We all do what we need to do.

 

[spórol]

When I first experienced Aldi's ca 30y ago, the check out employees knew all the prices by heart. Was so impressed by this; the quality of the items and by how wonderfully smaller the stores were in comparison to other supermarkets.

Nowadays, IMHO, supermarkets are too large.

 

[mylittletibbies]

QUOTE="Nana Zorak, post: 132938, member: 30333"]
I will never use a self-serve if my Aldi ever gets one. I know you have to pack your own bags at Aldi, but I don't work for them. I expect service when I shop & yes I am one of the very full trolly people because as a pensioner I buy for a fortnight at a time. Also as a frail old lady, I sometimes need a hand at loading onto the belt & if my s-i-law is late getting back to the shop I need help. Sorry to inconvenience you who only buy 5 items.

I'm afraid if you want full service you will need to shop at Coles or Woolies, where you pay more and the service is provided.
This is how Aldi keep their prices down, you can't have it both ways.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Self service might be OK for some but if you only have 12 items or less our Woolies has a fast lane. I always use the manned checkouts. If you note the ages of the people they are usually young teenagers working while at school , or much older woman whose children have grown up. This is a large percentage of people who will be eliminated from the workforce. They always ask me if I want cash out at the time of paying, this is so convenient. Where are self service going to give you cash. There is a lot more to this than meets the eye, it is just big companies wanting to cash in on not having to pay wages for "checkout chics"

I don't know about Aldi, but you can get cash out at Coles and Woolies self serve checkouts.

 

[Nana Zorak]

So by the time you have paid for your groceries at Coles . You would be lucky to have any money left!

 

[mylittletibbies]

So by the time you have paid for your groceries at Coles . You would be lucky to have any money left!

Unfortunately that is so, old fashioned service no longer exists, "service" costs the shops money the cost of which they pass on to you.
You have to make a personal choice, either have your bags packed for you and pay the extra for the service, or shop at Aldi and do your own packing and pay less.
I am 76, have arthritis in my hands, wrists, knees, hips and back, so not so great myself, but still will shop at Aldi, with the minor inconvenience of having to do my own packing and save the money.

I live in the country, 69kms from the next reasonable sized town. I recently purchased a new lounge and had to pay $350 for the "service" of having it delivered and a whopping $1200 delivery for a load of pavers.
Now there's something worth complaining about.