Stuck in a seemingly endless queue, hoping to pay for groceries and be on your way—it’s a situation that would make anyone frustrated.

But for one Melbourne shopper, their recent grocery purchase resulted in something far worse than mere annoyance.

Sharing on social media, the shopper revealed he had been scolded by a ‘power tripping’ Coles staff member while trying to use the self-serve checkout. Why? The customer had apparently committed a mistake.

'Self-checkout at Coles Karingal,' the customer wrote. 'Just got told off by a staff member that I was scanning my items in the wrong order.’

‘There is no sign saying what order, and the only reason she could give was so I wasn’t stealing. How does the order help with that?’

‘Feel free to have normal checkouts with people if you have a certain order!'

The Coles staff scolded a shopper as the heavy items of his purchase should be scanned first. Image: Reddit

According to the customer, he was told off for failing to put his heavy items through first.

When asked to elaborate, he responded: 'Weight apparently. I was meant to do my soda water cans first.'

‘Why are customers at self-service checkouts being asked to scan items in a particular order?’ asked by a shopper in another post.

He clarifies that there was no signage or advice on the correct order to scan items.

The customer’s story led to a huge outcry online, with several other shoppers saying they’d never heard of a correct order to scan groceries.

'I would have well and truly mounted my high horse,' said one.

Another responded: ‘How does one scan things in the wrong order?’

‘Never heard of that!’ one wrote.

Another joked: 'Did you not do the self-check out course online so that you know what order to scan them in?'

One expressed: ‘Should have just left the whole lot there and walked out.’

When asked to comment, a Coles spokesperson told a news source that checkout staff are always on hand to assist customers with 'bulky or heavy' products.

'Coles is always looking for ways to improve how we serve our customers and provide exceptional customer service,' they said.

'Our team members are always encouraged to help our customers where possible.’

‘Where a customer has certain items, this may include bulky or heavy items, our team will attempt to assist them in scanning the items when checking out.’

‘This is all about providing great service to our customers and helping them get through the checkouts quickly and efficiently.'

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne shopper claims he was reprimanded by a Coles worker for scanning his groceries 'in the wrong order'.
• The customer addressed his concerns on social media about the lack of clear guidance on scanning orders at self-checkout aisles.
• Coles responded by stating that their checkout staff were there to assist customers with 'bulky or heavy' products.
• This incident prompted surprise and confusion from several social media users who were unaware there was a 'correct order' to scan groceries.

What do you think of this shopper’s experience? Have you ever undergone something similar? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Roscoe44]

It's quite easy to fix this situation. Just use a staffed checkout and bypass the self serve checkouts, yes the lines will be long and yes it will initially take longer to do your shopping, but eventually if no one uses the self serve checkouts, then more staff will have a job and the waiting times will get shorter as management will wake up to the fact that people want to get served by a human and not a machine while being watched by a supervisor and numerous cameras !!!!! Until everyone does this and complains to management, nothing will change. We need a customer revolt to get change and save jobs, after all how many millions in profit do the supermarkets make each year by customers doing unpaid work for them. Think about it.

 

[EdwardsEJ]

Stuck in a seemingly endless queue, hoping to pay for groceries and be on your way—it’s a situation that would make anyone frustrated.

But for one Melbourne shopper, their recent grocery purchase resulted in something far worse than mere annoyance.

Sharing on social media, the shopper revealed he had been scolded by a ‘power tripping’ Coles staff member while trying to use the self-serve checkout. Why? The customer had apparently committed a mistake.

'Self-checkout at Coles Karingal,' the customer wrote. 'Just got told off by a staff member that I was scanning my items in the wrong order.’

‘There is no sign saying what order, and the only reason she could give was so I wasn’t stealing. How does the order help with that?’

‘Feel free to have normal checkouts with people if you have a certain order!'

View attachment 36646

The Coles staff scolded a shopper as the heavy items of his purchase should be scanned first. Image: Reddit

According to the customer, he was told off for failing to put his heavy items through first.

When asked to elaborate, he responded: 'Weight apparently. I was meant to do my soda water cans first.'

‘Why are customers at self-service checkouts being asked to scan items in a particular order?’ asked by a shopper in another post.

He clarifies that there was no signage or advice on the correct order to scan items.

The customer’s story led to a huge outcry online, with several other shoppers saying they’d never heard of a correct order to scan groceries.

'I would have well and truly mounted my high horse,' said one.

Another responded: ‘How does one scan things in the wrong order?’

‘Never heard of that!’ one wrote.

Another joked: 'Did you not do the self-check out course online so that you know what order to scan them in?'

One expressed: ‘Should have just left the whole lot there and walked out.’

When asked to comment, a Coles spokesperson told a news source that checkout staff are always on hand to assist customers with 'bulky or heavy' products.

'Coles is always looking for ways to improve how we serve our customers and provide exceptional customer service,' they said.

'Our team members are always encouraged to help our customers where possible.’

‘Where a customer has certain items, this may include bulky or heavy items, our team will attempt to assist them in scanning the items when checking out.’

‘This is all about providing great service to our customers and helping them get through the checkouts quickly and efficiently.'

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne shopper claims he was reprimanded by a Coles worker for scanning his groceries 'in the wrong order'.
• The customer addressed his concerns on social media about the lack of clear guidance on scanning orders at self-checkout aisles.
• Coles responded by stating that their checkout staff were there to assist customers with 'bulky or heavy' products.
• This incident prompted surprise and confusion from several social media users who were unaware there was a 'correct order' to scan groceries.

What do you think of this shopper’s experience? Have you ever undergone something similar? Let us know in the comments below!

I had a similar experience at a Pearl energy fuel outlet last Friday. In 60 years of buying fuel , I usually fill my DIESEL vehicle first then fill my Mower drums with Petrol. In this instance I did it the opposite way. I waited 10 minutes for the attendant to switch fuels @ the terminal , It was not done, then the operator BELLOWED @ me over the PA system that I had to Pay for the Petrol first then she would initiate the Diesel. I had my Caree & his Companion dog sitting in the hot vehicle for 15 minutes. The stony faced attendant wasn't pleasant to me & naturally I swore at It, she snatched my C Card, scanned it & CLOSED her terminal & told me to Go , she wasn't serving me any more. GRAND Performance by her . I have made a complaint & hope she looses her job. She is Not Fit for Checkout DUTIES.

 

[Isis]

Stuck in a seemingly endless queue, hoping to pay for groceries and be on your way—it’s a situation that would make anyone frustrated.

But for one Melbourne shopper, their recent grocery purchase resulted in something far worse than mere annoyance.

Sharing on social media, the shopper revealed he had been scolded by a ‘power tripping’ Coles staff member while trying to use the self-serve checkout. Why? The customer had apparently committed a mistake.

'Self-checkout at Coles Karingal,' the customer wrote. 'Just got told off by a staff member that I was scanning my items in the wrong order.’

‘There is no sign saying what order, and the only reason she could give was so I wasn’t stealing. How does the order help with that?’

‘Feel free to have normal checkouts with people if you have a certain order!'

View attachment 36646

The Coles staff scolded a shopper as the heavy items of his purchase should be scanned first. Image: Reddit

According to the customer, he was told off for failing to put his heavy items through first.

When asked to elaborate, he responded: 'Weight apparently. I was meant to do my soda water cans first.'

‘Why are customers at self-service checkouts being asked to scan items in a particular order?’ asked by a shopper in another post.

He clarifies that there was no signage or advice on the correct order to scan items.

The customer’s story led to a huge outcry online, with several other shoppers saying they’d never heard of a correct order to scan groceries.

'I would have well and truly mounted my high horse,' said one.

Another responded: ‘How does one scan things in the wrong order?’

‘Never heard of that!’ one wrote.

Another joked: 'Did you not do the self-check out course online so that you know what order to scan them in?'

One expressed: ‘Should have just left the whole lot there and walked out.’

When asked to comment, a Coles spokesperson told a news source that checkout staff are always on hand to assist customers with 'bulky or heavy' products.

'Coles is always looking for ways to improve how we serve our customers and provide exceptional customer service,' they said.

'Our team members are always encouraged to help our customers where possible.’

‘Where a customer has certain items, this may include bulky or heavy items, our team will attempt to assist them in scanning the items when checking out.’

‘This is all about providing great service to our customers and helping them get through the checkouts quickly and efficiently.'

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne shopper claims he was reprimanded by a Coles worker for scanning his groceries 'in the wrong order'.
• The customer addressed his concerns on social media about the lack of clear guidance on scanning orders at self-checkout aisles.
• Coles responded by stating that their checkout staff were there to assist customers with 'bulky or heavy' products.
• This incident prompted surprise and confusion from several social media users who were unaware there was a 'correct order' to scan groceries.

What do you think of this shopper’s experience? Have you ever undergone something similar? Let us know in the comments below!

Would report this person immediately. I am elderly and my Cole’s narre warren don’t care how I put my goods through and always help me. One helper actually put them through for me . I would tell this person to pick another supermarket

 

[Ezzy]

In 1972 training to open a new Woolworths store included instructions on packing the big brown paper bags then being used. Cans & the like were always packed first & lighter items on top. You would not for example place cans on-top of eggs.

lf Coles or Woolies want to cut down on the number of bags a customer uses at a Self Checkout by packing their bags according to "protocol" or "common sense" then shoppers need to have a diagram to follow.

ln reality though, why does it matter how a customer packs their shopping on a Self Checkout if they are doing the job of a staff member?

 

[Ezzy]

I had a similar experience at a Pearl energy fuel outlet last Friday. In 60 years of buying fuel , I usually fill my DIESEL vehicle first then fill my Mower drums with Petrol. In this instance I did it the opposite way. I waited 10 minutes for the attendant to switch fuels @ the terminal , It was not done, then the operator BELLOWED @ me over the PA system that I had to Pay for the Petrol first then she would initiate the Diesel. I had my Caree & his Companion dog sitting in the hot vehicle for 15 minutes. The stony faced attendant wasn't pleasant to me & naturally I swore at It, she snatched my C Card, scanned it & CLOSED her terminal & told me to Go , she wasn't serving me any more. GRAND Performance by her . I have made a complaint & hope she looses her job. She is Not Fit for Checkout DUTIES.

Definitely not acceptable customer service. Had she forgotten it is people buying the fuel who pay her wages? As long as she can see you using both Bowser's, haven't driven away without paying & she hasn't closed off that terminal, where is the problem?

 

[DLHM]

There are some issues that are worth a mention for raising awareness, but the way so many people piss and moan about the most petty things makes me wonder if they’ve ever had to deal with real life issues. Maybe I’m just jealous that I’ve never had life that simple?
I apologise for being such a sad sack. Just not in a good place right now. I’ll keep quiet.

 

[Wendy]

The supermarkets wonder why there has been a stark increase in abuse by staff by disgruntled customers! This is a case where staff are trying to exert undue and unwarranted authority over the customer. All due to some imaginary "rule" concocted by the staff member themselves. Lucky I wasn't the customer. The outcome would have been immensely worse for the staff member.

And yes....I still have a dose of the shits after last week.

What about customers who abuse the staff ? My daughter works at Coles, she has been called every name under the sun, shouted at, spat on and shoved by customers. She's not on check out she's a picker. This happens a lot to all members of staff, and you wonder why they get grumpy. It's a two way street folks, give and take and a have a bit of patience with your fellow human beings, it works both ways. It makes me so mad when she comes over and says what has been happening at work, wish we could all expect a bit of tolerance from others, especially at this time of year when everyone seems to get more stressed.

 

[Ronloby]

No I don’t use self serve I use the checkout and talk to him or her about whatever.is going on there day.

Me too!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Next the supermarkets will want items placed in strict alphabetical order on the conveyor belt at manned checkouts....by brand name.

 

[Ashbeare]

Stuck in a seemingly endless queue, hoping to pay for groceries and be on your way—it’s a situation that would make anyone frustrated.

But for one Melbourne shopper, their recent grocery purchase resulted in something far worse than mere annoyance.

Sharing on social media, the shopper revealed he had been scolded by a ‘power tripping’ Coles staff member while trying to use the self-serve checkout. Why? The customer had apparently committed a mistake.

'Self-checkout at Coles Karingal,' the customer wrote. 'Just got told off by a staff member that I was scanning my items in the wrong order.’

‘There is no sign saying what order, and the only reason she could give was so I wasn’t stealing. How does the order help with that?’

‘Feel free to have normal checkouts with people if you have a certain order!'

View attachment 36646

The Coles staff scolded a shopper as the heavy items of his purchase should be scanned first. Image: Reddit

According to the customer, he was told off for failing to put his heavy items through first.

When asked to elaborate, he responded: 'Weight apparently. I was meant to do my soda water cans first.'

‘Why are customers at self-service checkouts being asked to scan items in a particular order?’ asked by a shopper in another post.

He clarifies that there was no signage or advice on the correct order to scan items.

The customer’s story led to a huge outcry online, with several other shoppers saying they’d never heard of a correct order to scan groceries.

'I would have well and truly mounted my high horse,' said one.

Another responded: ‘How does one scan things in the wrong order?’

‘Never heard of that!’ one wrote.

Another joked: 'Did you not do the self-check out course online so that you know what order to scan them in?'

One expressed: ‘Should have just left the whole lot there and walked out.’

When asked to comment, a Coles spokesperson told a news source that checkout staff are always on hand to assist customers with 'bulky or heavy' products.

'Coles is always looking for ways to improve how we serve our customers and provide exceptional customer service,' they said.

'Our team members are always encouraged to help our customers where possible.’

‘Where a customer has certain items, this may include bulky or heavy items, our team will attempt to assist them in scanning the items when checking out.’

‘This is all about providing great service to our customers and helping them get through the checkouts quickly and efficiently.'

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne shopper claims he was reprimanded by a Coles worker for scanning his groceries 'in the wrong order'.
• The customer addressed his concerns on social media about the lack of clear guidance on scanning orders at self-checkout aisles.
• Coles responded by stating that their checkout staff were there to assist customers with 'bulky or heavy' products.
• This incident prompted surprise and confusion from several social media users who were unaware there was a 'correct order' to scan groceries.

What do you think of this shopper’s experience? Have you ever undergone something similar? Let us know in the comments below!

If, like me the heavy items have been placed in the BOTTOM of my basket or trolly.
Am I expected to shuffle through the purchases to get to the bottom just to satisfy a snotty nosed assistant's fantasies?
I will always scan lite things first, if they don't like it they can double the number of operatives on manned registered. Even then the lite things will go first.
Come to think about it manned registers are better anyway.

 

[Jennylolo]

apologise for my rant as its rather long.

heavy items stay in trolley and go thru the manned checkout!. Scanned in wrong order really. Yet what they do at manned is annoying too- all fridge together, with a bag, all freezer together, packets, tins together, chemical- laundry etc together and so on.

And what they do is take all the bags and begin randomly taking objects to "fit the space" in the bag regardless of product and proceed to fill the bag to the brim. I ask them how do you expect me to lift that. .

One wants to be able to lift the bag into first the trolley, then car and again to get inside the house. One generally unloads fridge items and freezer items which may not be one unit, rest can wait if have difficulties with body for whatever reason. Bottles end up in light bags instead of sturdy bags, products get tipped on their sides when they shouldn't be- meat trays/eggs/glass etc. And then leave the extra bags which I tell them why do you think I have so many bags? I could go on and on.

Yesterday a teenage boy at my checkout. I put everything in categories with a bag. He was brilliant. Didn't have to tell him anything, he packed as I set up and only put in what I put the bag with. I complimented him.

But I won't swap to self checkout- even more handling by me needed, and if doing a decent size shop, you have to get everything out or its considered stealing yet there is no room for everything unless it goes on the floor.

 

[Jennylolo]

Of course, it's plain common sense to scan the heavier items first, and then the eggs, bread, fruit etc last, but I've never heard that it's a rule.
I only use manned checkouts but have always done this.

I dont take heavy item outs , they enter it with it in the trolley.

 

[Knell]

There are some issues that are worth a mention for raising awareness, but the way so many people piss and moan about the most petty things makes me wonder if they’ve ever had to deal with real life issues. Maybe I’m just jealous that I’ve never had life that simple?
I apologise for being such a sad sack. Just not in a good place right now. I’ll keep quiet.

Yes, best not to sweat the little stuff - we really do need to save ourselves for the real issues life can deal for sure! Sending you best wishes and resilience x you can chime in and be as grumpy you want - hell I do! lol

 

[Knell]

Yes, best not to sweat the little stuff - we really do need to save ourselves for the real issues life can deal for sure! Sending you best wishes and resilience x you can chime in and be as grumpy you want - hell I do! lol

Are you ok? If there is any topic that could help as a distraction or otherwise - I'm sure we are all happy to chat about whatever. Really care that this is not a good time for you.

 

[relljube]

I shop as infrequently as possible as seeing a row of checkouts with say only two open, really frustrates me. Why build so many but not use them? If there are lines and my load isn’t big, I use the self checkout. Being a little old lady with grey hair, I smile sweetly at the supervising employee and quietly say, ”I need some help please.” My items are scanned for me and I’m out of the shop in shorter time than if I’d stood in a queue.

Me too especially if I have a large trolley full of goods. Amazing how quickly they jump in to scan for you if you look helpless/hopeless - or just before they are ready to close!

 

[IAN3005]

Thay are stealing from us by not paying us to use these stupid machines since when does our time have no value, Coles , Woolworths , and Aldi Target , ect don't pay me for ringing up my purchases , IT'S TOTALLY WRONG what union would let you work for no pay . australians have turned into stupid sheep.

It's mainly the younger people that have been brainwashed....

 

[Ezzy]

What about customers who abuse the staff ? My daughter works at Coles, she has been called every name under the sun, shouted at, spat on and shoved by customers. She's not on check out she's a picker. This happens a lot to all members of staff, and you wonder why they get grumpy. It's a two way street folks, give and take and a have a bit of patience with your fellow human beings, it works both ways. It makes me so mad when she comes over and says what has been happening at work, wish we could all expect a bit of tolerance from others, especially at this time of year when everyone seems to get more stressed.

A good case for "walk a mile in my shoes before you pass judgement" or "do unto others".

At times, speaking from experience, this can be a difficult job to do due to different incidents including rude customers. Just be thankful the staff member you are abusing doesn't tell you where to go, at the cost of their job. You may have had a bad day but you are not the only one. Try patience not abuse, please.

 

[DLHM]

Are you ok? If there is any topic that could help as a distraction or otherwise - I'm sure we are all happy to chat about whatever. Really care that this is not a good time for you.

Your kindness has brought me to (appreciative) tears. Thank you Knell. Just going through a bit of a bad patch but I’ll be fine. I love reading all the banter and the funny things that people say. We have some very clever, quick witted comedians in SDC!

 

[magpie1]

I think it’s disgusting. It’s bad enough we are being forced into doing our own scanning. But to then be told we are not doing it right is an outrage. Who decided we should have to scan our own items of shopping. Did we ask? I can never remember being asked if I wanted to put my own shopping through the checkout. Where is costume service? I am lucky, most days I have the time to stand in a line to be served. Customer service .? What is that ????

Customer Service at Supermarket checkouts will end up like the DODO.....extinct, and it's not far off believe me.......it's an absolutely disgusting way to treat PAYING CUSTOMERS.

 

[magpie1]

Your kindness has brought me to (appreciative) tears. Thank you Knell. Just going through a bit of a bad patch but I’ll be fine. I love reading all the banter and the funny things that people say. We have some very clever, quick witted comedians in SDC!

Hope that things turn around for you quickly....take care.