The controversial ALDI feature that has shoppers fuming
- Replies 38
We all know that technology can be a blessing and a curse, and it appears that retail giant ALDI has triggered quite a polarised reaction among their devoted Australian customers with their controversial new feature.
Self-serve checkouts have slowly been finding their way into ALDI stores across the country, beginning in 2021, which has left shoppers either delighted by the convenient addition or lamenting the loss of personal service.
One shopper from the Sunshine Coast was thrilled to discover self-serve checkouts at her local ALDI.
In a post on the Mums who Budget and Save Facebook group, she excitedly shared her discovery, writing, 'ALDI shoppers! So many times, I have heard people say, “Why don't they have self-checkouts?”... Well, look what has arrived at my local on the Sunshine Coast.'
Little did she know, her enthusiastic post would ignite a flurry of responses, with disgruntled shoppers arguing against the self-serve checkouts in favour of traditional manned registers.
'Many a time, I've left a full trolley and walked out. If they're not going to pay someone to serve me, they can pay someone to put everything back out of my trolley,' one frustrated customer replied.
'I don't use any self-checkout. I don't work there!' added another, whilst a third comment chimed in, 'I prefer human interaction and to help people keep their jobs.'
Others lamented the inconvenience of using self-serve checkouts during large shopping trips, and some voiced concerns about the checkouts not accepting cash payments or having volumes that are 'too loud'.
'I do a massive shop, and the last thing I need is to put it through myself!' complained one shopper, with another saying, 'Wrong. Just wrong.'
However, among the critics, there were also self-serve checkout fans who expressed their appreciation for the speed and flexibility that these checkouts offer.
'I absolutely love them. I now can go through with my basket of stuff and not have to wait in line,' praised one happy shopper.
Others mentioned how helpful self-serve checkouts are for small errands or for keeping children entertained during their grocery runs.
'My kids love using the self-serve checkouts, so they are happy to do it for me,' a parent shared.
ALDI has addressed these concerns several times since the introduction of self-serve checkouts. A spokesperson previously told a news source, 'Self-serve checkouts are a quick and convenient way for customers to shop, and all ALDI self-serve checkouts are card only to maximise efficiencies.'
Interestingly, some customers have also complained in the past about speedy ALDI staff scanning items too quickly at normal registers. One Facebook user wrote, 'At least now I can pack my groceries without it being thrown at my face! No offence to ALDI staff, but you guys are just too quick!'
One former ALDI employee addressed this concern, clarifying that workers' scan rates are monitored and encouraged customers to take advantage of the packing bench next to the registers for a more relaxed shopping experience.
Whether you embrace the convenience of self-serve checkouts or prefer the human touch of working with a cashier, we can all agree that being aware of these features will help us navigate the ever-evolving retail landscape better.
We would like to ask, however, which side are you on? Are you inclined towards the self-serve checkouts with their conveniences? Or do you lean towards manned checkouts, valuing the personal service of having someone check out your groceries for you? Kindly share your preference in the comments section below!
Self-serve checkouts have slowly been finding their way into ALDI stores across the country, beginning in 2021, which has left shoppers either delighted by the convenient addition or lamenting the loss of personal service.
One shopper from the Sunshine Coast was thrilled to discover self-serve checkouts at her local ALDI.
In a post on the Mums who Budget and Save Facebook group, she excitedly shared her discovery, writing, 'ALDI shoppers! So many times, I have heard people say, “Why don't they have self-checkouts?”... Well, look what has arrived at my local on the Sunshine Coast.'
Little did she know, her enthusiastic post would ignite a flurry of responses, with disgruntled shoppers arguing against the self-serve checkouts in favour of traditional manned registers.
'Many a time, I've left a full trolley and walked out. If they're not going to pay someone to serve me, they can pay someone to put everything back out of my trolley,' one frustrated customer replied.
'I don't use any self-checkout. I don't work there!' added another, whilst a third comment chimed in, 'I prefer human interaction and to help people keep their jobs.'
Others lamented the inconvenience of using self-serve checkouts during large shopping trips, and some voiced concerns about the checkouts not accepting cash payments or having volumes that are 'too loud'.
'I do a massive shop, and the last thing I need is to put it through myself!' complained one shopper, with another saying, 'Wrong. Just wrong.'
However, among the critics, there were also self-serve checkout fans who expressed their appreciation for the speed and flexibility that these checkouts offer.
'I absolutely love them. I now can go through with my basket of stuff and not have to wait in line,' praised one happy shopper.
Others mentioned how helpful self-serve checkouts are for small errands or for keeping children entertained during their grocery runs.
'My kids love using the self-serve checkouts, so they are happy to do it for me,' a parent shared.
ALDI has addressed these concerns several times since the introduction of self-serve checkouts. A spokesperson previously told a news source, 'Self-serve checkouts are a quick and convenient way for customers to shop, and all ALDI self-serve checkouts are card only to maximise efficiencies.'
Interestingly, some customers have also complained in the past about speedy ALDI staff scanning items too quickly at normal registers. One Facebook user wrote, 'At least now I can pack my groceries without it being thrown at my face! No offence to ALDI staff, but you guys are just too quick!'
One former ALDI employee addressed this concern, clarifying that workers' scan rates are monitored and encouraged customers to take advantage of the packing bench next to the registers for a more relaxed shopping experience.
Key Takeaways
- ALDI shoppers are venting their frustrations as the retailer installs self-serve checkouts in more stores across the country.
- Customers claim they prefer to put their groceries through at staffed tills and 'refuse to use' self-serve checkouts, especially as many are card-only. While some customers dislike the self-serve checkouts, others have praised the convenience they provide for those with smaller shopping loads.
- ALDI has addressed checkout concerns multiple times, stating that self-serve checkouts are a quick and convenient way for customers to shop and that they are card-only to maximise efficiencies.
Whether you embrace the convenience of self-serve checkouts or prefer the human touch of working with a cashier, we can all agree that being aware of these features will help us navigate the ever-evolving retail landscape better.
We would like to ask, however, which side are you on? Are you inclined towards the self-serve checkouts with their conveniences? Or do you lean towards manned checkouts, valuing the personal service of having someone check out your groceries for you? Kindly share your preference in the comments section below!