Coles supermarket addresses ‘terrible’ experience at a self-serve checkout

Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.


This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

PXYSvZNaHaLnsF7E1a2xcO8g25ThRZ-onbX38-W8eyKuwGHV-KT6HPbpj4kOg7UaTEZjAXvsrQIfS_vtyZrPAyZkxlq2j9KQOmSRgQWbO11NYWkSsrXVhGgGRLy-3bWiLIuB5GVp43RXrMGTIo-_F0s

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’


Source: @monosylabik_


Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’


The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

CBQ6gHFD932TrR_BLp7cI3RqyB1GmZl6aqK_guhd3YHESqET9bPtQJb3owWEEegWfhFcUpfQKGgxJmOxFK3A-Eq05kUBNbU7SSddgmEU_MbZF3Egr6ZvcznQ68TYeqgI3PgcF6RBqav2yOCMVerSLFw

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’


The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!
 

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I too will not use selfserve checkouts - I have at times advised that unless a check out is open I will leave the trolley full of goods and walk out - I was told I could not - I said "watch me" that soon brought someone to man the checkout.
 
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Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.


This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

PXYSvZNaHaLnsF7E1a2xcO8g25ThRZ-onbX38-W8eyKuwGHV-KT6HPbpj4kOg7UaTEZjAXvsrQIfS_vtyZrPAyZkxlq2j9KQOmSRgQWbO11NYWkSsrXVhGgGRLy-3bWiLIuB5GVp43RXrMGTIo-_F0s

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’


Source: @monosylabik_


Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’


The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

CBQ6gHFD932TrR_BLp7cI3RqyB1GmZl6aqK_guhd3YHESqET9bPtQJb3owWEEegWfhFcUpfQKGgxJmOxFK3A-Eq05kUBNbU7SSddgmEU_MbZF3Egr6ZvcznQ68TYeqgI3PgcF6RBqav2yOCMVerSLFw

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’


The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

I HATE self service. Its always telling me to scan this or that or choose something on the screen, I feel stupid and slow, and my anxiety levels escalate. If Im forced to use this option, then I want an EXTRA 10% off my bill...Dont get me started on the packing!!
 
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A bit weird ( but that’s me) I use self serve checkouts on pension day after drawing money from ATM I just scan and pay for a couple of things at a time and get change from $50 to use to put in my envelopes so when my bills are due the money is there .As not all things are direct debit .mm the comments are gonna be interesting
 
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I wouldn't say I liked it at first but now I prefer self-check-out. I shop at 6 am every Friday, Not many people in the store can get through quickly. One observation though I wonder if people go home with more items than they scanned.
I know that there are many people who take more home from self-serve. They have told me that if they are not being watched what's the harm? When I point out that it is stealing . They laugh at me for being a whimp. The reason I won't use the self-serve is I object to doing someone else's job!
 
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Self service does not work for older people as well as parents with children. Need more aisles with 15 items or less.
I have no problem using them! All my friends use them as well! We can’t stand in line for for 15-30 minutes listening to everyone’s problems etc.. I have enough of my own! Plus checkout chick goes slower listener to the customer.. SELF SERVE FOR ME!
Plus in USA you go to Walmart they are all self service!
 
"Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate."

That's because they close the aisles and force people through the self-serve and get you to do what they used to pay an EMPLOYEE to do.

When the self-serve units first appeared they where all Cash n Card, now you get cash on one side and card ONLY on the other. This is ridiculous. I pay cash because I refuse to use credit cards (they cost money), sometimes while waiting for a cash machine I can be staring at half a dozen empty CARD ONLY machines.

Stupid arrangement ...
 
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"self-checkout technologies accelerate" if you don't have manned checkouts of course this will happen!
 
I have no problem using them! All my friends use them as well! We can’t stand in line for for 15-30 minutes listening to everyone’s problems etc.. I have enough of my own! Plus checkout chick goes slower listener to the customer.. SELF SERVE FOR ME!
Plus in USA you go to Walmart they are all self service!
well go live in USA then
 
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I well recall many years ago when we had Personal Service when getting Petrol . No need to get out of the Car the Attendant did the lot. Petrol, Tyres, under the bonnet for Oil and Water check and wipe the Windscreen. How did we allow this to cease? Next! There was the Roll Out of ATMs. We were told that Public Surveys indicated there was a huge Customer demand “ for convenience”. What rot. Did YOU get surveyed. I think not. All that happened was Bank Branches were closed and jobs lost.
 
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Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.


This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

PXYSvZNaHaLnsF7E1a2xcO8g25ThRZ-onbX38-W8eyKuwGHV-KT6HPbpj4kOg7UaTEZjAXvsrQIfS_vtyZrPAyZkxlq2j9KQOmSRgQWbO11NYWkSsrXVhGgGRLy-3bWiLIuB5GVp43RXrMGTIo-_F0s

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’


Source: @monosylabik_


Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’


The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

CBQ6gHFD932TrR_BLp7cI3RqyB1GmZl6aqK_guhd3YHESqET9bPtQJb3owWEEegWfhFcUpfQKGgxJmOxFK3A-Eq05kUBNbU7SSddgmEU_MbZF3Egr6ZvcznQ68TYeqgI3PgcF6RBqav2yOCMVerSLFw

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’


The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

The gentleman has my sympathy. So many times you have to go into the self-service 'pound' to scan items before they let you go free! There should always be a lane where you can put your goods on a belt and pay when you have loaded them into your 'borrowed or hired' trolley. If you pause to think about it we are all back to the mantra that "Greed is Good and if you don't like it go somewhere else. We can't afford to pay staff to cope with your lack of appreciation of progress in us taking your money for a service not supplied." It is enough to make you cry at the cynicism and greed of retailers these days.
 
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Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.


This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

PXYSvZNaHaLnsF7E1a2xcO8g25ThRZ-onbX38-W8eyKuwGHV-KT6HPbpj4kOg7UaTEZjAXvsrQIfS_vtyZrPAyZkxlq2j9KQOmSRgQWbO11NYWkSsrXVhGgGRLy-3bWiLIuB5GVp43RXrMGTIo-_F0s

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’


Source: @monosylabik_


Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’


The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

CBQ6gHFD932TrR_BLp7cI3RqyB1GmZl6aqK_guhd3YHESqET9bPtQJb3owWEEegWfhFcUpfQKGgxJmOxFK3A-Eq05kUBNbU7SSddgmEU_MbZF3Egr6ZvcznQ68TYeqgI3PgcF6RBqav2yOCMVerSLFw

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’


The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

No I am not in favour of self serve checkouts and wonder how many jobs have been or will be lost because of them. I also think all these replies should be passed on to all the major supermarkets ! They are constantly upping prices and getting the public to do the work, it’s not on especially for older folk who don’t want to learn to be our own checkout chicks/guys.
 
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One child......wow, what an experience he must have had!!!! Wait till he has about 4 children and see how he goes!!!!
 
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I refuse to use self service.I am 79 and to old to let supermarkets turn me into a checkout chick. I also walk out and leave full trolley for for the store to find where it is.
 
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Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.


This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

PXYSvZNaHaLnsF7E1a2xcO8g25ThRZ-onbX38-W8eyKuwGHV-KT6HPbpj4kOg7UaTEZjAXvsrQIfS_vtyZrPAyZkxlq2j9KQOmSRgQWbO11NYWkSsrXVhGgGRLy-3bWiLIuB5GVp43RXrMGTIo-_F0s

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’


Source: @monosylabik_


Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’


The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

CBQ6gHFD932TrR_BLp7cI3RqyB1GmZl6aqK_guhd3YHESqET9bPtQJb3owWEEegWfhFcUpfQKGgxJmOxFK3A-Eq05kUBNbU7SSddgmEU_MbZF3Egr6ZvcznQ68TYeqgI3PgcF6RBqav2yOCMVerSLFw

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’


The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

Not what l would have expected. If these stores are going to introduce checkouts where customers scan the products themselves are they going to give those customers a discount for doing so? I don't think so! Isn't the cost of having an Employee do this for us built in to the cost of the products for their wages? If these stores have enough people scanning & packing their own purchases will this mean less people need to be employed? If prices remain the same a bigger profit will be seen too.
 
"Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate."

That's because they close the aisles and force people through the self-serve and get you to do what they used to pay an EMPLOYEE to do.

When the self-serve units first appeared they where all Cash n Card, now you get cash on one side and card ONLY on the other. This is ridiculous. I pay cash because I refuse to use credit cards (they cost money), sometimes while waiting for a cash machine I can be staring at half a dozen empty CARD ONLY machines.

Stupid arrangement ...
Why not use a debit card? They cost nothing. I can't get a credit card (not rich enough!) so my debit card pays for everything over $15-ish.
 
Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.


This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

PXYSvZNaHaLnsF7E1a2xcO8g25ThRZ-onbX38-W8eyKuwGHV-KT6HPbpj4kOg7UaTEZjAXvsrQIfS_vtyZrPAyZkxlq2j9KQOmSRgQWbO11NYWkSsrXVhGgGRLy-3bWiLIuB5GVp43RXrMGTIo-_F0s

A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’


Source: @monosylabik_


Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’


The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

CBQ6gHFD932TrR_BLp7cI3RqyB1GmZl6aqK_guhd3YHESqET9bPtQJb3owWEEegWfhFcUpfQKGgxJmOxFK3A-Eq05kUBNbU7SSddgmEU_MbZF3Egr6ZvcznQ68TYeqgI3PgcF6RBqav2yOCMVerSLFw

Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’


The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

Most major supermarkets launched self-serve checkouts in their stores for added convenience. However, one disgruntled dad begged to differ after having a ‘terrible’ experience with the feature at his local Coles store.

Sharing his frustration on Twitter, the Perth shopper said that he was disappointed to discover that no manned checkouts were open to customers as he was about to purchase a week’s worth of groceries which cost him just under $350.


This left the dad with no choice but to manually scan the trolley packed with items at a self-serve checkout while simultaneously trying to look after his child.

In his post, the shopper deemed his experience, which happened on the evening of July 18, ‘terrible’.

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A self-serve checkout in Coles. Source: NBN News

‘We just moved here. It’s our first shop for our new home,’ he wrote.

‘But there were no manned tills, so I asked why. I was told ‘not my idea’ and to scan $350 worth of groceries myself (with a child) while being laughed at.’

The customer included a picture of his grocery receipt, along with a handwritten note that read: ‘Tell Coles.’

In a separate tweet, he added: ‘If that’s how Coles treats new families, we won’t be back.’


Source: @monosylabik_


Several users sided with the dad, slamming Coles after finding out about his horrible shopping experience.

'This is f***ed…' one user wrote.

‘There is only a small percentage of shoppers that are in favour of self-serve checkouts. The reason there is more demand for it is because you close all the manned counters and force people to use self-serve checkouts, which is horrible.’ the user continued.

'I also had this experience. As long as the store is open, there should always be at least one manned till!’ pointed out another.

A third sneered: ‘The next thing they'll be asking is for customers heading that way to take a mop and clean up the spill in aisle 5.’


The incident caught the attention of the supermarket giant, prompting a spokesperson to address the situation.

'At Coles we want every customer interaction with our team members to be safe, quick, and friendly,' the spokesperson said.

'In the past two years, Coles has seen a demand for self-checkout technologies accelerate. We are investing heavily into this service and are rolling out a range of new options to help customers check out more quickly, including our popular belted self-checkouts and packing benches.

'These are being installed nationally as part of our refurbishment program and were recently installed at our Warwick Grove store in WA.

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Self-serve checkouts with belted lanes. Source: Yahoo! News NZ

'The new format combines two experiences that customers are already familiar with – belted lanes where customers are served by team members and our existing self-checkouts.

'On the self-service trolley checkout, customers are able to scan their purchases more easily when they have a trolley or a bigger basket and pack their bags the way they like.

'Customers who would still like to be served on a traditional checkout can ask a team member to assist if they wish.’


The spokesperson went on to admit that the customer’s needs were not met in this particular case, saying: ‘In this instance, we acknowledge that we could’ve worked harder to ensure the customer had a better shopping experience and we will take this opportunity to speak to the store team members to ensure that they continue to support customers however they choose to shop.'

What are your thoughts on this shopper’s experience with self-serve checkouts? Are you in favour of the feature? Let us know in the comments below!

I've not had too many issues with the newer belted self serve checkouts as they give you plenty of space and are at a decent height - the ones many stores have been using over the years are never big enough to put a reasonable shop on the "place" they insist you put them to control the weight of the item scanned and also do not understand why these places are so low - they are suitable for children and not adults, especially not adults with back problems. There is also never enough space around these to access your trolley and the scanner etc without twisting your body which only works well for the able bodied. I welcome the newer style type but agree there should be a proportionate amount of manned tills open for those who need assistance and not force everybody onto self service mode. There are still many times when assistants are needed and they are rarely handy or available when you do need one.
 
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A bit weird ( but that’s me) I use self serve checkouts on pension day after drawing money from ATM I just scan and pay for a couple of things at a time and get change from $50 to use to put in my envelopes so when my bills are due the money is there .As not all things are direct debit .mm the comments are gonna be interesting
Clever idea l believe Janet g. Makes sense to me.
 
They tried the same with me. I stood at the regular checkout place until someone came & said I could put my shopping through the self-checkout. She was told, politely, that I do not work for Woolies & do not use self-checkouts. She took the trolley & put them through the self-checkout herself. I did not spend years honing the skills needed for my job to be demoted to being a checkout chick. Some people enjoy this as a job but not me.
 

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