Most of the stores are starting to push self-checkouts now. BJ's usually has only one register open that isn't self-checkout, although they'll open another if the line gets too long. Even our local Hannaford is adding self checkout registers. I hate them. Invariably, I will have at least one thing in my cart that won't scan, or I'll get some other error, such as something about an item in the checkout area or some such thing. So, every time I have tried to use a self-checkout, I have had to call someone over to help, and that doesn't amount to time savings to me; rather, it's simply a way for the stores to eliminate another job by making us do the work.
We hate those, too, and they seem to take longer, even if there is no problems. I would rather stand in line (which is not fun either) and only use the self-checkout when oneof the cashiers is there to help with it. It does seem like this is what it is going towards, and sometimes there will only be one lane open with a cashier, even at Walmart. Sam'sClub has a new option where you can scan your items as you buy them, and then you just pay with your credit/debit card, or maybe with cash at the cashier counter. I read about it, and that does not seem like it would be as bad as trying to do the self-checkout; but we have not tried scanning our own items at Sam's either.
Yes in some of our supermarket chains we've had those scanning guns for a few years now...you have to go to the customer service desk and register your Credit or debit card first...then you take a gun and scan every item that you put in your trolley and then it's all ostensibly paid for as you go around...but you can't just walk out , you still have to go through a dedicated lane for it to be checked out. I find they take much longer to do than the traditional method of just throwing stuff in the trolley and going through the tills...despite the horrendous self scanning tills...
Please don't take a thread off-topic for it, though. Let me know in Conversation or in the spammed thread. Yeah, that's what led me to start this thread.
If I only have a few items (which is normal for me) then I go straight for the self-check lane when available. Usually a lot quicker. But if I'm buying wine or some other adult beverage (which is also normal for me ) then its a no go. Trader Joe's is becoming my "go to" grocery store, and they do not have self check. Hoot the Poodle
Safeway was my favorite store when I was in California. I liked Albertson's too, mostly because they were always open. Pretty much the only chains we have here are Hannafords, Shaws, and Market Basket, and the Market Baskets are all in southern Maine. I will avoid self-checkouts for as long as I can.
Good topic. I have to say I like self checkout. I swear, the last time I went through regular checkout at Safeway, I had some dad with an older kid behind me and the kid was coughing and snorting with cold symptoms and I wanted to freak out. Not that these germy people aren't everywhere and touching everything. They could have been in front of my at the self check out! Trader Joe's has no self checkout. WINCO, Safeway. Raley's all do. Usually they close at 11pm I have heard. I like going through them. I can then bag myself and if there isn't a line, it's a good way to get rid of a bunch of change. I have heard some people state they won't use them because they feel they take jobs away. Valid argument. But I'm grumpy and I prefer to deal with less people and have less people handle my items when I shop. I have rarely had problems with scanning or imputing produce. Oh yes, Walmart has self check also now in my area.
You are right, no alcohol at self checkout. Also certain cold medications like liquid cough syrup. I learned this the hard way stopping on my way to work.
I do not mind bagging my own groceries. Because I am better at that than they are.But if I have a lot then I want them to check it out, so if there are issues they can deal with the isuue. However I can tell you the wave of the future is less clerks more self check outs and robots will replace people where needed.
Albertsons left Fresno a few years ago. It was never very close to me so seldom shopped there. I know that by my daughter Albertsons became Savemart but have don't know what the Albertsons here has become...probably Savemart also.
I refuse to check out my items! I spent my hard earned money at their store and they can damn well check them out for me.
Mostly the really large supermarkets (and Walmart) have Self Checkouts here. I dislike them and won't use them as they don't seem to work for me. Some issues when processing your order requires intervention by the "monitoring" cashier and if they are too busy helping others or simply disappear for awhile then you are left there standing until help does arrive.... finally.