ALDI shoppers shocked by little-known checkout policy that could change your grocery experience

As we navigate the bustling aisles of our local supermarkets, many of us have come to expect a certain rhythm to our shopping experience.

But for those who frequent ALDI, the checkout process can sometimes feel like a sport, with items being scanned at a pace that would make even a seasoned athlete sweat.

However, a recent revelation by an Aussie mum has brought to light a little-known ALDI checkout policy that might just change the game for shoppers everywhere.


The mum's simple request during her shopping trip has peeled back the curtain on a surprising aspect of ALDI's customer service.

The woman recounted she was finishing her grocery shopping at one of the chain's stores on Sunday, November 24, when she nervously approached the register.

‘I said to the guy working, “Hey, can you like, just go a bit slower for me today? I’m obviously not the in the mood to get my groceries kung fu flung at my f****** head,”’ she narrated on a video she posted online, alluding to ALDI’s well-known fast-paced checkout staff.


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An Australian mum revealed ALDI's little-known policy allowing checkout staff to adjust scanning speed upon request. Credit: Shutterstock and Tiktok / @fergiesdiary


To her astonishment, the employee complied without hesitation, explaining that if a customer asks for a slower pace, they are obliged to oblige.

The surprised shopper, who seems to be from NSW, shared, ‘He said, “Yeah, of course, we can go as slow or fast as you want. If you ask us to go slow, we have to go slow,”’ as she slowly took off her sunglasses and stared at the camera in disbelief.

‘Sorry. So, did anyone else know that? Like, why the f*** do they choose to go 100 miles an hour?’


This eye-opening encounter was shared in a video that quickly made the rounds, racking up views as shoppers across the country resonated with the sentiment.

The mum candidly expressed her ‘hate’ for the ‘pressure at the checkout’ and encouraged others who felt the same to simply speak up and ask for a slower scan speed.

‘Easy as that,’ she concluded, leaving viewers with a newfound sense of empowerment for their next ALDI visit.

In response to the video, an ALDI spokesperson confirmed that, indeed, workers are instructed to adjust their scanning speeds to accommodate customers' requests.

‘At ALDI, our commitment to quality doesn’t stop with our products—it’s our brilliant people who help make what we do possible,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Whether it’s expertly navigating shoppers to their must-have Special Buy or adjusting their scan speed based on how quickly or slowly each customer packs their shopping, our team members help make every grocery shop Good Different.’


The revelation has sparked a wave of reactions from Aussies, with many admitting that the speed of ALDI checkouts can be nerve-wracking.

While some shoppers ‘love’ the challenge, others have expressed a preference for self-serve checkouts to avoid the rush.

Unfortunately, not all ALDI stores are equipped with self-serve options, leaving some customers longing for a more leisurely pace.

Former and current ALDI employees have chimed in on the conversation, explaining that their scanning rates are indeed ‘monitored and timed’.

‘That’s why we do it fast generally,’ one commenter explained.

‘Husband works for them. They get warnings for going too slow. Only supposed to slow down for old/disabled or, when asked,’ another shared.


While one ALDI shopper's request for a slower checkout process highlighted the store's little-known policy, it also sheds light on a growing frustration among some customers who feel that the fast-paced environment can be overwhelming.

As more shoppers share their experiences, it’s clear that the rush at checkout isn’t the only aspect of ALDI shopping that’s causing stress.

Many are now voicing their concerns about the challenges of dealing with other customers, leading to some interesting discussions online about how the shopping experience could be improved.
Key Takeaways
  • An Australian mum revealed a little-known policy at ALDI where checkout staff will adjust scanning speed on request.
  • The shopper shared her experience in a video, indicating that customers can ask cashiers at ALDI to slow down if they find the checkout process too fast.
  • An ALDI spokesperson confirmed that employees are instructed to accommodate customers' scanning speed preferences.
  • Whilst some customers enjoy the challenge of ALDI's fast checkout, others feel pressured, and staff are monitored on their scanning performance, with adjustments mainly made for the elderly, disabled, or when specifically requested.
We'd love to hear from you, our Seniors Discount Club members, about your experiences at ALDI or any other supermarket checkouts. Have you ever felt the pressure of a fast-paced checkout? Would you consider asking the staff to slow down now that you know it's an option? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other make the most of our grocery shopping trips!
 

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Rather too fast than really too slow,nothing worse than watching a checkout person scan 3 to 4 times before price comes up. I go at my pace when returning them to the trolley before I pay. Stop whingeing it's not exactly life threatening !
 
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Reactions: mylittletibbies
Good news. I do find it disconcerting when my shop is ready n waiting, drumming its fingers, before I've retrieved my plastic or cash.

But what's this about brilliant staff helping people? I've been told by other shoppers that Aldi are "not allowed to help customers," and I can confirm this from experience. They also don't help you with heavy items like kitty litter [10 kg bags] or cubes of drink. Bit tough on little old cat people's!
 
I agree, people don't seem to be happy these days unless they have something to whinge about.
The only thing you achieve with an attitude like that is to make yourself miserable.
I look at my daughter and despite having been born with an intellectual disability, developing schizophrenia in her teens,both feet operated on, 3 bouts of oral cancer resulting in the loss of her tongue, all her food has to be blended and yet she is happy with the smallest pleasures and always says there are people worse off than her.
She puts most people to shame
With the many adversities your daughter has faced, there is no doubt the way you raised your daughter is the reason she is so appreciative. You are to be commended @mylittletibbies! 🌼
 

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