Scan and Go Trolleys Disaster at Woolworths: Why Furious Shoppers Are Demanding Discounts Now
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In the ever-evolving landscape of retail technology, Woolworths has taken a bold step forward with the introduction of their new 'Scan&Go' Trolley system. This innovation, which has been trialed in selected Sydney stores, is designed to streamline the shopping experience by allowing customers to scan their items using a tablet as they shop. However, the rollout has been met with significant backlash from customers who are finding the system to be anything but convenient.
The Scan&Go Trolley, which requires shoppers to unlock a tablet with their Everyday Rewards card before placing it on the trolley, promises an easy track of groceries and a seamless one-transaction payment without the need to unload items at the checkout. While this sounds like a time-saver on paper, the reality has been quite different for some.
Jenny, a shopper who tried the new technology, expressed her frustration to 7NEWS, saying, 'It wasn't as easy as just doing my normal shop. I don't know where to scan it. It took much longer than I thought it would. It was finding the products, and then also scanning and leaning over and just checking it all the time.'
Social media has been ablaze with comments from disgruntled customers. One person described the technology as 'dehumanising', lamenting the reduction in social interaction that comes with traditional shopping. Concerns have also been raised about the elderly and those less tech-savvy, who may struggle with the new system.
The sentiment that customers should receive a discount for essentially taking on the role of cashier has been echoed across platforms. 'Nope, I want my human cashiers scanning and bagging my items. I believe we should be discounted for scanning and bagging our own groceries,' one customer stated on Facebook.
Despite these complaints, there are those who welcome the change, citing the potential to reduce queues during busy periods like Christmas and Easter. Some have been using the Scan&Go feature on their phones for a while and are pleased with the transition to trolleys.
Woolworths Group's Faye Ilhan has defended the innovation, stating, 'Our customers are looking for us to deliver both value and convenience. Scan&Go Trolley is a market-leading innovation that will help them both save time and balance the budget on their supermarket shop.'
A Woolworths spokesperson further added that the new trolleys are saving customers time and helping them manage their budgets by providing a running total of their shop. They also mentioned that the feedback from those who have used the trolleys multiple times has been positive, especially for those doing larger shops.
Despite these assurances, the question remains: Should customers be rewarded for adapting to and adopting new technology that essentially has them doing part of the job traditionally performed by store employees? The debate is ongoing, with many calling for discounts as compensation for their additional efforts.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that change can be challenging, especially when it comes to technology. We encourage our members to share their experiences with the 'Scan&Go' Trolleys. Have you found them to be a help or a hindrance? Do you think a discount is warranted for using this self-service technology? Your feedback is not only valuable to us but could also help shape the future of shopping at Woolworths and other retailers.
As we navigate these new developments, let's remember that our voices as consumers are powerful. By providing constructive feedback, we can help ensure that the shopping experience remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or tech proficiency. So, let's keep the conversation going and make sure our needs and concerns are heard loud and clear in the aisles of our supermarkets.
The Scan&Go Trolley, which requires shoppers to unlock a tablet with their Everyday Rewards card before placing it on the trolley, promises an easy track of groceries and a seamless one-transaction payment without the need to unload items at the checkout. While this sounds like a time-saver on paper, the reality has been quite different for some.
Woolworths' Scan and Go services have earned mixed reviews from shoppers since launch. Image Credits: TikTok/Woolworths Australia, Woolworths Group
Jenny, a shopper who tried the new technology, expressed her frustration to 7NEWS, saying, 'It wasn't as easy as just doing my normal shop. I don't know where to scan it. It took much longer than I thought it would. It was finding the products, and then also scanning and leaning over and just checking it all the time.'
Social media has been ablaze with comments from disgruntled customers. One person described the technology as 'dehumanising', lamenting the reduction in social interaction that comes with traditional shopping. Concerns have also been raised about the elderly and those less tech-savvy, who may struggle with the new system.
The sentiment that customers should receive a discount for essentially taking on the role of cashier has been echoed across platforms. 'Nope, I want my human cashiers scanning and bagging my items. I believe we should be discounted for scanning and bagging our own groceries,' one customer stated on Facebook.
Despite these complaints, there are those who welcome the change, citing the potential to reduce queues during busy periods like Christmas and Easter. Some have been using the Scan&Go feature on their phones for a while and are pleased with the transition to trolleys.
Woolworths Group's Faye Ilhan has defended the innovation, stating, 'Our customers are looking for us to deliver both value and convenience. Scan&Go Trolley is a market-leading innovation that will help them both save time and balance the budget on their supermarket shop.'
A Woolworths spokesperson further added that the new trolleys are saving customers time and helping them manage their budgets by providing a running total of their shop. They also mentioned that the feedback from those who have used the trolleys multiple times has been positive, especially for those doing larger shops.
Despite these assurances, the question remains: Should customers be rewarded for adapting to and adopting new technology that essentially has them doing part of the job traditionally performed by store employees? The debate is ongoing, with many calling for discounts as compensation for their additional efforts.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that change can be challenging, especially when it comes to technology. We encourage our members to share their experiences with the 'Scan&Go' Trolleys. Have you found them to be a help or a hindrance? Do you think a discount is warranted for using this self-service technology? Your feedback is not only valuable to us but could also help shape the future of shopping at Woolworths and other retailers.
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