Shopping for groceries is a part of the weekly routine of many Aussies.

However, the standard experience we’ve all become accustomed to is quickly changing, thanks to industry-leading technology designed to reduce errors in scanning products, improve the speed at the checkout, and of course, prevent theft.

A recent Reddit post posed the question: ‘Anyone else frustrated with the Woolies self-checkouts?’ It quickly sparked a lively discussion on the technology Woolworths has in place across their stores.

‘The last few times I've been to Woolies my self-checkout has been locked and required a staff member to come over and approve something I've entered because their AI algorithm has decided it doesn't look like it should,’ the original poster (OP) said.

‘If this happened occasionally I'd understand, but it seems to (happen) at least once every time I shop and I have to compete with a quarter of the other self-serve checkouts for the attention of the one busy staff member.’

Woolies has introduced weighing scales at self-checkouts as a means to ensure the estimated weight of products scanned at the counters matches what customers are taking away.

Woolworths’ self-checkouts have been the subject of many customer complaints. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/dongtranhuynh

Of course, there are also security cameras they’ve installed just to keep an extra eye on shoppers who might be tempted to cheat the self-checkout system Woolies has been hard at work to install.

While most shoppers do the right thing, there are a few who think they can get away with a sneaky shoplifting attempt.

But as Woolies tries its best to catch hot-handed shoppers, it unwittingly places strain on shoppers who just want their grocery errands done and over with.

‘I know (the self-checkout errors) will reduce as the software learns but I'm sick of training corporations’ AI algorithms for them,’ the poster added out of frustration.

Their sentiments struck a chord with many users who agreed.

‘The process could be a lot more streamlined and user-friendly,’ the top-rated comment read.

‘I think there are too many prompts. I don’t want to donate, and I don’t want a free toy. I just want to get out of there with my overpriced items ASAP.’

‘It’s also annoying when you’ve scanned correctly and placed the item in the bag, but the machine isn’t happy with the weight of it, so (Woolies staff) have to come over and approve of it.’

Many stores have introduced new technologies to improve the Aussie grocery shopping experience, but not all things have gone over smoothly. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Tara Clark

Another user emphatically shared their thoughts on Woolies’ security cameras.

‘There’s dystopian facial recognition cameras everywhere and if there’s actually an attendant, they’re standing 30cm behind you in case you don’t click the right bananas option,’ they said.

‘No Ms Attendant, I’m not purposefully trying to defraud Woolworths…17 cents…’

‘I’ve had it lock me out and make me wait for staff because I had the nerve to leave empty bags hanging off the back of my trolley,’ a third added.

And a fourth one voiced a slightly different but nonetheless relatable criticism of Woolies’ self-checkouts: ‘Not much room to operate. Also, I hate the camera that reflects my own image back to me on the screen. It’s horrible.’

Meanwhile, Woolworths has insisted that their Scan Assist technology does not lock customers out.

‘If (an error in scanning) occurs, a short video highlights the affected product and customers then have the opportunity to re-scan it,' they said.

'While most customers do the right thing at our self-serve checkouts, we’re all busy and mistakes can easily happen.'

Woolworths also said it will ‘listen closely’ to feedback about their self-service checkouts.

In related news, Woolworths introduced yet another new feature that has some concerned about their privacy — and some rethinking how we treat store workers.

So, what do you think of this story? Have you also been inconvenienced at a self-checkout in a similar way as the poster?

Tell us your thoughts and experiences below!

 

[RobD]

Unbelievable! This idiot would probably complain that her water is too wet!
Build a bridge fool!

 

[Capsam]

F/nightly shop at Woolies today. Only 1 checkout manned as usual. Spent 15 minutes waiting just to reach the checkout! If Woolworths wants to deal ONLY with online customers as evidenced by the number of staff running around filling online orders for collection or delivery then DO IT! If you want customers in store, then provide a PROPER checkout service for BIG shops alongside the self-serve section.

 

[Tripper]

This has been doing the Aussie internet circuit

Thumbs down to Coles

"I got kicked out of Coles Christmas party because some Karen said I don’t work there. Well Karen I’ve been using the self-serve checkout for the last 2 years…. I deserve to go to the staff Christmas party."

Maybe but would you want to? Too funny

 

[Roma]

I flatly refuse to use automated checkouts.
EvEry single time I have tried something goes wrong, it's just a glitch I am told it will improve, well I am not paid to be a machine tester for Eollworths, I now rarely go to Woolies, as the assisted original check out have maybe one open and a long

Shopping for groceries is a part of the weekly routine of many Aussies.

However, the standard experience we’ve all become accustomed to is quickly changing, thanks to industry-leading technology designed to reduce errors in scanning products, improve the speed at the checkout, and of course, prevent theft.

A recent Reddit post posed the question: ‘Anyone else frustrated with the Woolies self-checkouts?’ It quickly sparked a lively discussion on the technology Woolworths has in place across their stores.

‘The last few times I've been to Woolies my self-checkout has been locked and required a staff member to come over and approve something I've entered because their AI algorithm has decided it doesn't look like it should,’ the original poster (OP) said.

‘If this happened occasionally I'd understand, but it seems to (happen) at least once every time I shop and I have to compete with a quarter of the other self-serve checkouts for the attention of the one busy staff member.’

Woolies has introduced weighing scales at self-checkouts as a means to ensure the estimated weight of products scanned at the counters matches what customers are taking away.

View attachment 11209

Woolworths’ self-checkouts have been the subject of many customer complaints. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/dongtranhuynh

Of course, there are also security cameras they’ve installed just to keep an extra eye on shoppers who might be tempted to cheat the self-checkout system Woolies has been hard at work to install.

While most shoppers do the right thing, there are a few who think they can get away with a sneaky shoplifting attempt.

But as Woolies tries its best to catch hot-handed shoppers, it unwittingly places strain on shoppers who just want their grocery errands done and over with.

‘I know (the self-checkout errors) will reduce as the software learns but I'm sick of training corporations’ AI algorithms for them,’ the poster added out of frustration.

Their sentiments struck a chord with many users who agreed.

‘The process could be a lot more streamlined and user-friendly,’ the top-rated comment read.

‘I think there are too many prompts. I don’t want to donate, and I don’t want a free toy. I just want to get out of there with my overpriced items ASAP.’

‘It’s also annoying when you’ve scanned correctly and placed the item in the bag, but the machine isn’t happy with the weight of it, so (Woolies staff) have to come over and approve of it.’

View attachment 11210

Many stores have introduced new technologies to improve the Aussie grocery shopping experience, but not all things have gone over smoothly. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Tara Clark

Another user emphatically shared their thoughts on Woolies’ security cameras.

‘There’s dystopian facial recognition cameras everywhere and if there’s actually an attendant, they’re standing 30cm behind you in case you don’t click the right bananas option,’ they said.

‘No Ms Attendant, I’m not purposefully trying to defraud Woolworths…17 cents…’

‘I’ve had it lock me out and make me wait for staff because I had the nerve to leave empty bags hanging off the back of my trolley,’ a third added.

And a fourth one voiced a slightly different but nonetheless relatable criticism of Woolies’ self-checkouts: ‘Not much room to operate. Also, I hate the camera that reflects my own image back to me on the screen. It’s horrible.’

Meanwhile, Woolworths has insisted that their Scan Assist technology does not lock customers out.

‘If (an error in scanning) occurs, a short video highlights the affected product and customers then have the opportunity to re-scan it,' they said.

'While most customers do the right thing at our self-serve checkouts, we’re all busy and mistakes can easily happen.'

Woolworths also said it will ‘listen closely’ to feedback about their self-service checkouts.

In related news, Woolworths introduced yet another new feature that has some concerned about their privacy — and some rethinking how we treat store workers.

So, what do you think of this story? Have you also been inconvenienced at a self-checkout in a similar way as the poster?

Tell us your thoughts and experiences below!

 

[Macarj]

I do not use these selfserve checkouts, they only do people out of jobs.
Take them out and put a few more staff operated checkouts in and give some people a job.
At least if there was an error the staff member is there to fix it, you don't have to wait for someone!

We don't have self serve checkouts at our Woolworths here YET

 

[Macarj]

Just a point: staff are trained so they can operated the checkouts, but they expect the general public to use them without being trained. Wait, what???
I refuse to use self checkouts too.
Re banks and using ATMs: Banks many years ago told customers to go outside and use the ATMs if they only want cash. Don't blame us for using the machines.

We the customers also didn't ask for credit cards I was quite happy using cash for along time before I got cards

 

[Lynjw]

Shopping for groceries is a part of the weekly routine of many Aussies.

However, the standard experience we’ve all become accustomed to is quickly changing, thanks to industry-leading technology designed to reduce errors in scanning products, improve the speed at the checkout, and of course, prevent theft.

A recent Reddit post posed the question: ‘Anyone else frustrated with the Woolies self-checkouts?’ It quickly sparked a lively discussion on the technology Woolworths has in place across their stores.

‘The last few times I've been to Woolies my self-checkout has been locked and required a staff member to come over and approve something I've entered because their AI algorithm has decided it doesn't look like it should,’ the original poster (OP) said.

‘If this happened occasionally I'd understand, but it seems to (happen) at least once every time I shop and I have to compete with a quarter of the other self-serve checkouts for the attention of the one busy staff member.’

Woolies has introduced weighing scales at self-checkouts as a means to ensure the estimated weight of products scanned at the counters matches what customers are taking away.

View attachment 11209

Woolworths’ self-checkouts have been the subject of many customer complaints. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/dongtranhuynh

Of course, there are also security cameras they’ve installed just to keep an extra eye on shoppers who might be tempted to cheat the self-checkout system Woolies has been hard at work to install.

While most shoppers do the right thing, there are a few who think they can get away with a sneaky shoplifting attempt.

But as Woolies tries its best to catch hot-handed shoppers, it unwittingly places strain on shoppers who just want their grocery errands done and over with.

‘I know (the self-checkout errors) will reduce as the software learns but I'm sick of training corporations’ AI algorithms for them,’ the poster added out of frustration.

Their sentiments struck a chord with many users who agreed.

‘The process could be a lot more streamlined and user-friendly,’ the top-rated comment read.

‘I think there are too many prompts. I don’t want to donate, and I don’t want a free toy. I just want to get out of there with my overpriced items ASAP.’

‘It’s also annoying when you’ve scanned correctly and placed the item in the bag, but the machine isn’t happy with the weight of it, so (Woolies staff) have to come over and approve of it.’

View attachment 11210

Many stores have introduced new technologies to improve the Aussie grocery shopping experience, but not all things have gone over smoothly. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Tara Clark

Another user emphatically shared their thoughts on Woolies’ security cameras.

‘There’s dystopian facial recognition cameras everywhere and if there’s actually an attendant, they’re standing 30cm behind you in case you don’t click the right bananas option,’ they said.

‘No Ms Attendant, I’m not purposefully trying to defraud Woolworths…17 cents…’

‘I’ve had it lock me out and make me wait for staff because I had the nerve to leave empty bags hanging off the back of my trolley,’ a third added.

And a fourth one voiced a slightly different but nonetheless relatable criticism of Woolies’ self-checkouts: ‘Not much room to operate. Also, I hate the camera that reflects my own image back to me on the screen. It’s horrible.’

Meanwhile, Woolworths has insisted that their Scan Assist technology does not lock customers out.

‘If (an error in scanning) occurs, a short video highlights the affected product and customers then have the opportunity to re-scan it,' they said.

'While most customers do the right thing at our self-serve checkouts, we’re all busy and mistakes can easily happen.'

Woolworths also said it will ‘listen closely’ to feedback about their self-service checkouts.

In related news, Woolworths introduced yet another new feature that has some concerned about their privacy — and some rethinking how we treat store workers.

So, what do you think of this story? Have you also been inconvenienced at a self-checkout in a similar way as the poster?

Tell us your thoughts and experiences below!

I find scan and go fabulous at Woolies. I had a terrible self checkout at Cole’s last week. Every fruit I scanned had to go on the scales but also had barcode sticker on the fruit so ss I picked it up off the scales to bag it the barcode sticker scanned the item again so I was getting charged twice. After multi calls to the staff I said there’s a problem with ur scanner and she dismissed it as the way I was removing the item. If it’s such an issue then remove the stickers on fruit. Simple. I was furious with hassle. Fix the problem Coles. It’s no wonder I prefer Woolies. I only shop Coles for specials.

 

[freedy50]

We the customers also didn't ask for credit cards I was quite happy using cash for along time before I got cards

Just use cash then.

 

[Penny4]

I find scan and go fabulous at Woolies. I had a terrible self checkout at Cole’s last week. Every fruit I scanned had to go on the scales but also had barcode sticker on the fruit so ss I picked it up off the scales to bag it the barcode sticker scanned the item again so I was getting charged twice. After multi calls to the staff I said there’s a problem with ur scanner and she dismissed it as the way I was removing the item. If it’s such an issue then remove the stickers on fruit. Simple. I was furious with hassle. Fix the problem Coles. It’s no wonder I prefer Woolies. I only shop Coles for specials.

The woolies stores I shop at don't have scan and go yet. How would that work with people's honesty?

 

[freedy50]

And the solution is so bloody SIMPLE..... DONT BLOODY USE SELF CHECKOUT.... THEY DONT PAY YOU TO DO THE JOB.....These things are just to increase profits

Of course they want to increase profits. They're a business, not a charity!!!

Tell me one business that doesn't want to increase their profits? And to increase profits they have to cut down on expenses. The main expense in a business is staff costs!!!!!

 

[freedy50]

I won't use them

Ok then. I'm sure they'll be very disappointed!!?

 

[ShannyN]

Dont forget, if everyone on the forum refused to go to a self-checkout then Woolies and the other supermarkets would have to emply more people.

But the catch is that to vote no to self serve checkouts and refuse to shop at the big 2 where else do we go, I'm in Maryborough Qld there is only the big 2 and Aldi and sadly as a regional store Aldi doesn't have much stock that leaves Big Fresh (super IGA?) which is not that crash hot on some items

 

[PHILL CBSNSW]

Self serve counters should be outlawed, as they take away jobs for our kids and uni students, when they are on their holidays. These big corporations don't seem to care about the elderly, as they appreciate not just the help from the person on the register, but also the interaction with them. A lot the elderly, this person might be the only person they see and interact with.
Besides that, Woolies don't pay me to do this job, yet expect me to do it, without any training, then wants to check me out before I leave, making my shopping trip longer

 

[mummygoth]

Ok then. I'm sure they'll be very disappointed!!?

Nah they won't miss me at all

 

[Thecheesequeen]

Same old nonsense again

If all these people have these alleged problems, do they actually tell the company or just go on social media to show how clever they are?

There's nothing wrong with self service. Much quicker. Pack your own goods. Don't need to speak to any staff. And it's about time all their stores had Scan&Go so you can just scan everything as you buy it, pay for it then leave through a dedicated checkout. Much better

I haven't read the other comments, but I assume it's the usual stupid responses claiming they'll never use self check out as they're not paid by them, they don't work there and people will be out of a job. So what?

I couldn't care less how many staff a shop employs or wants to make redundant. It's absolutely nothing to do with me or anyone else. We're not in charge of the company finances or their HR departments so have no say in what they want to do. They're all in business to make a profit. They're not charities.

Lucky people on here don't run big businesses. They'll just employ loads more people then they need and just have them hanging around all day even on a quiet day. They'll soon go bust. I just want it so I can shop quicker.

 

[freedy50]

Angry about what? I've read it again and can't see anything to be angry about.

What is the biggest expense for companies? The costs involved in employing staff.
How do they cut down on their biggest expense? Make staff redundant or bring in cost saving measures, in this case self serve checkouts.

And as for people allegedly wanting to boycott the stores. If they did then that would be even less money for the stores and less money to pay for staff.

 

[margaretritchie48]

Same old nonsense again

If all these people have these alleged problems, do they actually tell the company or just go on social media to show how clever they are?

There's nothing wrong with self service. Much quicker. Pack your own goods. Don't need to speak to any staff. And it's about time all their stores had Scan&Go so you can just scan everything as you buy it, pay for it then leave through a dedicated checkout. Much better

I haven't read the other comments, but I assume it's the usual stupid responses claiming they'll never use self check out as they're not paid by them, they don't work there and people will be out of a job. So what?

I couldn't care less how many staff a shop employs or wants to make redundant. It's absolutely nothing to do with me or anyone else. We're not in charge of the company finances or their HR departments so have no say in what they want to do. They're all in business to make a profit. They're not charities.

Lucky people on here don't run big businesses. They'll just employ loads more people then they need and just have them hanging around all day even on a quiet day. They'll soon go bust. I just want it so I can shop quicker.

Have you ever thought of the older generation or people with disabilities. These people need help.

 

[Vinylted]

I notice that my local Woolies has had more manned registers open than usual, I even got through one today without queuing.. wow!.... but that said if there was a queue then I would have used a self service as is faster.

 

[rachtrex]

I absolutely REFUSE to use self-checkout. I am NOT their unpaid employee. Get rid of the dam thing and put more staff on.

an when is the party for the unpaid employees?

 

[Julier]

you all complain about self serve check outs (which i hate ) but I bet you all have a card or go to an ATM and not to the tell to get your money out that is why the banks are closing some of there branches just think about it

You talk about using an ATM instead of going in to the bank however some banks charge a fee for using the teller service. I don't use self serve checkouts anywhere but I refuse to pay for access to my own money.