Why some retail stores are removing self-checkouts

Some big-box stores that previously embraced the self-checkout have recently ditched their machines and returned to an all-cashier format to help fight theft and to serve their customers better.
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[@terrylynn9984]

I find this hilarious as a former cashier. Want to know the actual motivation, THEFT in huge numbers. Bottom line

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

Yep. Large corporations only care about the bottom line.

[@iamzuckerburger]

lol. Consumer theft is not an issue. Have you heard of WAGE THEFT?

[@robertfoerster566]

Yup!

[@CikisHelyzet]

Wanna know what causes many ppl to steal... extortion prices and record profits for corporations. They’re also deliberately making it difficult to handle cash. I’m looking at you Canadian Tire.

[@sonytoor542]

As they should. It's a business, not a charity.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

It's nice to have a few self-checkouts available if you're only grabbing one or two things, but most of the time I'll avoid them and deal with a person.

[@WJCTechyman]

Most of the time you cannot pay with cash at a self checkout. Yes, it sounds very old fashioned but some people still like to use physical currency whenever possible. At least one of my more expensive purchases was done in cash in the last three years.

[@lambo2655]

When you have a grocery cart full of items self-checkout becomes a big burden, they never give you enough space to temporarily store your scanned items.

[@Max-nt7ho]

I find self-checkout is a way stores saving money by having customers do a job that should be performed by paid employees. As a customer, I always go to the checkout aisle manned with a cashier.

[@EddieLeal]

Some stores have all self checkout. They still have employees standing by to assist people if they should have any problems.

[@richardselfridge2926]

Max....do you still have a person deliver your newspaper? Or do you read if online. Do you your bank and let a teller transact your business? Or do you go online? That's the problem. People like you use the employee thing as an excuse only when it suits you.

[@kevinpacheco8169]

⁠@@richardselfridge2926False equivalence fallacy nice try.

[@cjhoward409]

@@EddieLeal Then they should just be a cashier instead of watching the customer ring up their own things. Lol. I’m not getting an employee discount or a paycheck to do THEIR work

[@marih3286]

Me too.

[@Haircut474]

Savings money on cashiers But losing more than you saved by theft.

[@GaudyMarko]

I like to think the increase in theft is just the cost of not paying employees.

[@flatbedladyv2191]

Customers became employees when they were forced ring up their own grocery

[@sonytoor542]

Yet, you have an option to stand in line and have have an employee check you out. Keep making excuses.

[@craven5328]

Also...I'm totally skeptical of the numbers. Two weeks ago, south of the border, the National Retail Federation admitted they made a HUGE analysis error on shrink. Earlier in the year, they said about 50% of shrink was theft perpetrated by organized retail crime - two weeks ago, they said "oopsie - looks like it's more like 5%". Also, overall shrink since 2015 has very minimally risen from 1.4%, to 1.6%.

[@eattherich9215]

@@sonytoor542: you have the option to queue for ONE or TWO lanes that are staffed. Stop giving the corporations a pass.

[@sonytoor542]

@@eattherich9215 it's still an option. Keep making your excuses

[@jaylove9844]

The problem is not having enough checkers, there should always be more cashiers on duty. Machine asking for a tip.......that should be considered theft and robbery.

[@jaylove9844]

@@Viewpoint11 Do you give your boss a tip after working for them? Let's move on

[@dawnelder9046]

Been in a situation where there was no option to not tip. Never went back.

[@jaylove9844]

@@Viewpoint11 let's move on

[@jaylove9844]

@@Viewpoint11 Far from it

[@smokescreenFromThe6ix]

​@@dawnelder9046tip at self checkout?? 😂😂

[@mrs.sherry]

I refuse to use self checkout. I would just leave and go elsewhere. The prices we gotta pay, we deserve to have someone doing that job.

[@EddieLeal]

At bear minimum. I agree.

[@timothyhandl2223]

Along with full serve gas.

[@chrthewrestler2301]

don't blame when there is a long line up. :)

[@Ultimate-Guardian.]

Entitled much. 😂😂😂

[@lunaazul1569]

@@chrthewrestler2301 I don't care if I have to wait an hour in line, I want a cashier.

[@TC-cd5sm]

I actually like self checkouts. However, there are times when, not gonna lie, some folks already in self checkout are simply too slow. There are times when one person using the kiosk would take so long, a regular cashier could have checked out 2-3 customers by then. I'm happy to see many chain stores here are limiting self checkout to 10 items or less.

[@garymorris1856]

When I do the self-checkout, I walk past and ignore the employee asking to see my receipt on the way out EVERY time.

[@user-rh2tq1xe1i]

Too many people need help using it, common sense does not exist in reality

[@garymorris1856]

@@capta1nmark Iam retired, having worked more than 50 years.

[@EddieLeal]

I agree. The learning curb is different with everyone. However, even when you have a store employee ringing you out one will still tend to experience delays. A perfect example is the typical social butterfly cashier wanting to engage every other customer or a colleague next to them in long winded conversations when they have a long line of people waiting to be checked out. I don't mind when employees are simply being courteous. "Good morning, good afternoon, or did you find everything ok?" Short/to point. It's expected. However, to go off on a rant about politics, or who is getting married/recent gossip?? C'mon now. You have job to do. Save the personal conversations for when you are OFF the clock or when there is not a mile long cue of people waiting to be rung out.

[@Optimistprime.]

I'd rather not deal with chatty cashiers and little old ladies.

[@BeccaHetrick]

There's only one reason to get rid of self checkouts.... THIEVES!!

[@christinaedwards5084]

The annoyance is bigger issue for me ‘puts item in bag’ “unsuspected item in bagging area” wait for members of staff to okay machine so i can scan next item. It’s faster to just queue for the cashier

[@Mike-or3ry]

Canadians don't steal do they ?

[@huhujojo1968]

Remember , you are watching the CBC.

[@pamwalmsley1865]

No…the main reason is it takes jobs away from

[@irkhanbasc]

@@Mike-or3ry No, of course not, not at all, never. Hey, would you like some potato chips? I bought 3 bags but I only scanned one of them.

[@navpreethundal7393]

As a retail worker i welcome this decision made by some stores. I don’t mind self checkouts but they must be limited for scanning 1-10 items . Not more than that. Number of self checkouts must be limited as well.

[@ajs11201]

Agreed--and it needs to work correctly the first time and every time... I can't tell you the problems I've had a self-checkout--things like items not scanning or the machine not recognizing/honoring a posted sale price. And then I've got to find the sergeant-at-arms and explain the problem and wait while he/she finds the person who knows the answer. Those things tend to get resolved more efficiently and more pleasantly with a cashier.

[@TVluver2]

Okay, I can maybe understand limiting it to 10 items or less, although I disagree, but what reason would there be for limiting the number of self-checkouts?

[@navpreethundal7393]

@@TVluver2 If you just want to purchase 1 or 2 or may be 3 items why would someone wait in the cashier lane. Somebody could be sick, someone could be on break to buy quick item, etc etc. that’s why I said self checkouts are ok for limited item purchase.

[@TVluver2]

@@navpreethundal7393 I get that point. I was questioning why you think the number of self-checkouts should be limited? Personally, I don't care whether I have one item or a cart full, I use the self-checkout and the more the store has, the quicker the service. I simply won't shop anywhere that does not self-checkouts or limits their usage.

[@navpreethundal7393]

@@TVluver2 because I support humans over the machines. Basic cashier job brings the bread and butter to there table to feed the family and all….

[@lindawisner3525]

I rarely use self checkout. More problems AND every self checkout station means someone doesn't have a job.

[@smokescreenFromThe6ix]

That's not true, those cashiers have moved onto picking orders for pickup and mobile grocery service.

[@surfmunki]

A lot of times I go to Home Depot there are employees just standing around talking. They don’t even acknowledge that customers right beside need help. Instead they walk away. Another thing, there stores should look into their employees stealing…..especially out the back door.

[@impyrobot]

@@surfmunki did you try asking for help or did you just assume they'd help you if you stood near them and looked confused? If its the former that is very poor customer service but if it's the latter you gotta ask.

[@surfmunki]

@@impyrobot I don’t ask as most don’t know much.

[@nikkifoster9943]

​@@surfmunkiMost stores have the online apps that tell you where to locate an item within the specific store you are in. I use it all the time and it's what the employees use too. They basically don't want you speaking to an employee anymore unless it's to unlock a case.

[@Shocksdell]

Keep people employed!

[@mmm91911]

This is such a ridiculous argument. Let's keep people employed for: phone operators, printers, typists, map distributors, cash counters, phone booth service, etc, etc.

[@irkhanbasc]

Automation is a reality and has been for decades. Nobody is entitled to a job that a machine can do better or cheaper. What planet have you been living on? However, in the case of self-checkout, maybe human cashiers are better from the standpoint of theft prevention.

[@dm-jf5uu]

Then machines can shop instead of a human 😺

[@Matt-fl8uy]

@@mmm91911 It costs more in theft than to keep cashiers. You decide.

[@mmm91911]

@@Matt-fl8uy What I said was that keeping people employed is not an argument to withhold adopting technology that increases productivity, convenience and drives down costs. If in some places theft will be a barrier of this, then people in that area will have more expensive groceries, and will wait more. I hope, as i said elsewhere, that they will find a good solution to deter theft.

[@susanb4816]

This is because they do not want to police theft. Stores are allowing shoplifting by not having enough staff and by police not responding to calls for shoplifting

[@adamsteele6148]

Cost benefit analysis says you are correct

[@LinhLe-cc9of]

Can’t blame the police , they have better things to do than responding to petty theft . Stores should have more staff so they can do better customer service.

[@adamsteele6148]

@@LinhLe-cc9of more staff are you crazy that cuts into their agriegious profits

[@marywong4819]

A security guard or a self checkout monitoring station should be added to keep the self checkouts open. As a frequent self checkout user, I would be alright with be monitored if that means keeping the self checkouts open.

[@Hippy2021]

​@@marywong4819not a good idea. I opt to close the self checkout. In the future, shop grocery online

[@garymorris1856]

I did a self-checkout at Walmart this morning, and I ignored the employee asking to see my receipt on the way out, and I do this every time, if they have an employee for this, he or she can work at a register.

[@vmobile890]

As soon as you pay the items no longer belong to Walmart . I like to politely ask and wait for explanation then supervisor comes over not that’s 2 people enjoying talking to while customers walk by . Just enjoying in conversation with employees Walmart does not like that .🤣

[@garymorris1856]

@@vmobile890 That's a pretty good approach.

[@EddieLeal]

@@vmobile890 Well that's the problem isn't it. The employee at the door has no way of knowing you actually paid for ALL of the products in your cart without verifying the purchase with your receipt. The many pay for the fault of a few.

[@marvawright4874]

Unless you agree to membership terms to show your receipt on the way out of a store, they have no legal right to ask you for one. They can cordially ask all day, and you can go on about your business. Customers run in and out of stores freely all day. We will not be treated like criminals after spending our hard earned money.

[@garymorris1856]

@@marvawright4874 You make some very good points, and I agree with your observations.

[@dkarras]

It’s a better solution than stalking your customers throughout the store or accusing paying customers of steal / demanding to see receipts on the way out the door. I generally prefer a self checkout but I don’t prefer the hostile environment that some retailers have adopted upon implementing it. My local Shoppers is an awful place to go now & I was typically in there a few or more times a week. And yet Walmart, no issue except once I had somebody stand over my shoulder to watch me scan several of the same item. Hey retailers, if this is how you think you need to treat your customers I’ve got a proven solution for you… cashiers 🤦‍♂️.

[@eattherich9215]

The self-checkout machines in many of the shops where I live, ask if you want a receipt. You had better make sure you say yes just in case you are challenged at the exit.

[@EddieLeal]

@@eattherich9215 It's a must at the Wal-Mart. They have cameras all over that store with the exception of the bathrooms...that we know of anyway.

[@Laz3rCat95]

This is the biggest reason I prefer the traditional way. I've heard of far too many issues of people getting falsely accused of theft or treated with hostility/suspicion while using self-checkout. Some people have even been unjustly charged with crimes. Sure, most of the time it doesn't end up becoming a conviction, but it still causes a lot of undue stress and monetary/time burden on the people affected. And harm to their reputation, too.

[@spartuz71]

Personally I prefer dealing with a real person then a damn machine!!!

[@veganforever9703]

Not where I live , especially at coop the cashiers are so slow

[@Elijah1916_myhighway]

Other way around for me. Most cashiers act like I'm bothering them by going up to their line to get checked out.

[@WHISTLEPEG]

I refuse to use them and no long shop at places forcing customers to use self checkout machines.

[@TheDarkPorkins]

Some customers enjoy using them...

[@MrRiodiamond]

love them, haven't waited in a line and wasted 15-20 minutes in ages.

[@janechoy2073]

I love self checkouts, so much faster for me anyways especially when my purchases are small.

[@crlaw75]

Value Village is one of them. If I see there's no cashiers, I walk out (what I did at Value Village).

[@PaulYason]

It really depends on the situation, if you have tons of items, self checkout just makes it slower and harder. If it's only a few then its checkout speed outweighs long lineup time compared to usual checkout lines. I haven't used staff checkout at shoppers for ages, but I prefer staff checkout when I do large amount of grocery items even with long lineup time.

[@-Muhammad_Ali-]

I intentionally stay in line and go through a cashier even if six damn checkout kiosks are available. I like to give job to keep the cashier in demand and let her know her job is valued by thanking her. F self checkout craps.

[@-Muhammad_Ali-]

@@6079_SMITH_W I am kind to them no matter what and usually they return it. But tbh I wouldn't even care if they reacted to my cart )))

[@vinapatel8265]

I don't like self checkout. Specially Walmart theirs machine don't work, one have to call the cashier to help. Stores are saving money by not hiring cashiers. We, consumers, have to work for the stores. I am happy to hear that those machines would be reduced.

[@Elizabeth-vw1vb]

It's an invitation to shoplift. Plus rather talk to a live person than press a bunch of buttons.

[@user-wh5gm3qk7w]

On the other side, I’ve caught incorrect pricing many times by checking out myself. I check the monitor if something isn’t right and get assistance to correct the issue. Meanwhile countless customers were paying above what’s advertised.

[@donnawilson559]

You can also catch incorrect pricing at a checkout staffed by a person. It all comes down to being an observant shopper.

[@NickChemist-yf6oj]

How can you not catch that by watching an employee scan the things and look at the screen though ? 🤷‍♂️ I swear some people are so dumb…. Smh

[@lisaluvsmusic2603]

I enjoy self checkout. I get out of the store much faster than i ever have with a cashier and i bag my things the way i want

[@E0O2X314FT]

More importantly, if you only have a few items, it's a lost faster than regular checkout because the cashiers always take their time. If they are going to get rid of self-checkout, then there needs to be more checkouts open at a time. I'm tired of standing 30 minutes in line.

[@michaelsabados3829]

💵 They wanted us to go to their store to shop & do the checkout work ourselves (to save them money & fire workers) when we’re not employees at their store! 🔥

[@jeanetteh.9240]

You are so right! There's even a sociological term for it: transfer of labor.

[@dianamayfield5615]

I refuse to use self-check. I'm not taking someone else's job. Though I don't condone thievery, if that's what it takes to make the retailers hire a few more people, then tough... I had a clerk get after me for standing in the cashier line. She actually got pretty rude, so I pushed my cart over to her and said. "Great, now you can put this stuff away. I'm not shopping here!"

[@chrthewrestler2301]

taking other's job? you are just lazy. hahaha but yes. whatever. don't blame and yell when there is a long line up. :)

[@dianamayfield5615]

First I am not lazy. Far from it. I am, however, conscientious. & no, I don't yell and blame the cashiers when the line is long. In fact, I always thank them. I'm just doing my part to keep people employed. @@chrthewrestler2301

[@E0O2X314FT]

Okay, Karen.

[@dianamayfield5615]

@@chrthewrestler2301 nope, I'm not lazy. Retired. Worked for 60 years, from 12 til 72. Still do volunteer work. I just don't think that people should be put out of work to satisfy corporate greed...

[@kevinmanning4880]

Self checkouts don't pay income tax. Don't contribute to Canada's economy, nor donate money or do volunteer work. Less people with jobs, less tax dollars in the system and the way our governments are spending money, we need people working and paying taxes.

[@irkhanbasc]

But maybe cashiers could get better jobs, and therefore contribute more in taxes and so forth. Automation is an unavoidable reality. Nobody is entitled to a job that a machine can do.

[@kevinmanning4880]

@@irkhanbasc it's not about entitlement. Even a Surgeon can be replaced by a robot. Remember Henry Ford decided to give his employees a raise to a dollar a day. Now those employees could afford to buy the cars they were building. Ford sales increased exponentially. Our Economic system is that like an ecosystem. You need rich and poor to allow currency to flow. If everyone is Rich on the planet it's the same as everyone is poor on the planet. Robots don't pay taxes and robots don't donate money to charities. Disrupting the economic system is like messing with the ecosystem. All living life, great and small are effected. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will be a revolution for machines not humans.

[@aryan0111]

Shops must ensure they prevent shoplifting. Removing self checkout option seems like one of many things they need to do. Otherwise, rest of the consumers are going to bear the consequences of ever increasing retail theft.

[@jk-sd6qc]

Or they find a way to reduce the theft. Random checks, closed-off spaces where customers need the receipt to exit, employee on watch, cameras, customer registrations and account bans, limited number of items, weighing of items - things like that. Random checks are a must in my opinion.

[@cannibalholiday]

The prices have nothing to do with retail theft. They're going to go up no matter what. They make up the losses to retail theft in the money they take from employees by paying partial hours, wage deductions, etc. They blamed rising grocery prices on transportation shortages due to covid, and then didn't lower them when supply returned to normal, because they got to declare massive profits. It's all about feeding the stockholders.

[@getoutsideseniors7480]

keep the jobs , these days it is most important .

[@clickrick]

"15% of those polled said they'd stolen from a self checkout at least once". I'm absolutely astonished that it's that low!

[@JJUnohu]

Most people won't admit to being a thief

[@carultch]

Plus, there's also the risk of accidental shoplifting. Like you think you scanned an item, but didn't really get it scanned.

[@elquesoyyo_6407]

It's not gaming the systems, it's obligating the shoppers to do the cashiers job for them, that's a total turn off.

[@burgb.7853]

I go to work and make the money now I must work once again for my groceries in the process of making life decisions cause things are extremely high, self-checkout is foolish. Give people their jobs back. The struggle is real..

[@mihaeladog7187]

When these self check outs came in I was thinking … why would someone scan ALL the groceries ?😂

[@EddieLeal]

Big brother is always watching. 😉🧐They may not catch 100% of retail thieves but you roll the dice with your freedom/future by trying to cheat the system at these stores. Not worth it in my opinion.

[@lonniemcclure4538]

Because they are honest (shocking, I know), or because they don't want to risk getting arrested for shoplifting.

[@Mech-cp8nr]

@@EddieLeallol yes they'll really spend resources trying to catch you pulling off a massive $20 heist 🥴

[@irkhanbasc]

My thoughts exactly. Reminds me of the cashier in the grocery store where I used to work many years ago. Scanned EVERY OTHER item in a cart pushed by an accomplice. Almost got away with it, except for the sharp-eyed person watching the security camera.

[@kristinab9680]

@@EddieLeal $110 billion

[@nativestacker4185]

This is a good thing , it will create more jobs , and maybe help the anti-social behavior that seems to be spreading .

[@kenmore01]

I'm sorry, would you please repeat that? I was looking at my phone.

[@williamclark1244]

I agree with you. As a society we're already isolated because of technology. Human interaction is essential to mental health for most people.

[@2painful2watch]

@@williamclark1244 I dislike interaction with ppl myself and I don't have a smart phone to be gawking into either. I am just fine being a lone wolf.

[@PikaChu_O.o]

warehouse managers, cleaners, and shelf managers also are jobs position, not only cashier

[@andysims4906]

I’m in England and I refuse to use them . I few weeks ago I was in a store and that’s all they had. One of the staff said he would help me . I politely said I don’t use these as they are doing people out of jobs . Left all my shopping and walked out .

[@ShawnHCorey]

I use them if I'm buying 1 or 2 items. It's faster. But most of the time I use the cashier.

[@deborahconkle6822]

Here in California self checkout has proven to be problematic because people self scan and simply push their cart out the door. Lol,not scanning their payment method if you know what I mean. (And yes I know it’s not funny). The funny part is that in talking with multiple store employees,it’s clear they are told to just let people walk out…..I will also say this is encouraged by our governor. I refuse to use self checkout. If it’s all the store provides,I leave my cart and walk out.

[@karphin1]

About time. A lot of us shoppers have felt that the stores wanted to cut back on staff, and we were doing their job! And not really getting a benefit from it. Am No surprised that theft has changed this game, too.

[@smokescreenFromThe6ix]

I'll stop using self checkout when the cashiers stop having long conversations with customers in front of me. 🙄

[@monacophotographyevents2384]

They cashiers have to stand in America?

[@hughjass1044]

Lots of people hate these things apparently. but not me. I love 'em and use them whenever I can. Mind you, line-ups are still often the decider. It doesn't happen often but I've occasionally seen a big line-up for the self checkouts but a short line at a cashier so that's where I'll go. Kinda like drive-thrus. I always laugh when I can park, walk in, order, walk back out and drive away faster than some dude in a drive-thru.

[@ostkkfmhtsh012345678]

I like self-checkouts but the current forms outside of UNIQLO's needs to change. Depending on the store, if they have ways where customers don't need to scan/input every individual item (e.g. UNIQLO with RFID and letting customers place pile of clothes or whole basket into specific checkout container area) exactly and c, then self-checkouts (Japanese: セルフレジ) can be worth it. Otherwise, to ensure item entries are precise and customers don't easily steal checkout bags that are not free, セミセルフレジ should become the new standard for at least stores who don't have RFID or other means of not having to scan/input every item.

[@flickgeek830]

When people got it in their heads that "if it doesn't scan, it's free" was store policy.

[@Cookieboy70]

Thats hilarious because back in 2002 when I worked as a cashier, when I had an item that just wouldn’t scan, that is exactly what the customer would say to me. I thought they were just poking fun, but I bet you that is exactly the type of person that stole at self checkout these fays.

[@user-ml1mj9lt7d]

I always say I am not employed by the store to scan and bag the items I am buying from them.. I refuse to do the job for them....

[@backwoodssawyer1]

Bet you pump your own gas though... Is that any different...

[@andrewjohns2858]

​@@backwoodssawyer1Exactly, good luck finding a full service gas station this day and age. Although, curious as to how much fuel has been stolen since self serve, similar to self checkout?

[@backwoodssawyer1]

@@andrewjohns2858 well since 48.5 states require you to pump your own gas you may have a challenge to find full service... However those of us who live in the 1.5 states can find full service at the corner station and every other station in our states... (.5=optional)

[@impyrobot]

Same here that's why I usually have my servant or chef shop for me 😉

[@user-ml1mj9lt7d]

​@impyrobot lucky you to have hired help.. those of us who can't afford hired help do not want the extra work of scanning and bagging my purchases...

[@tinlunlau1]

The walmart in my area just blocked off the self checkout. Now the cashier lineups are cluttered.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Looks like self-checkouts taught some chains a valuable lesson. Installing these was like bringing in a fox to guard the henhouse.

[@drtyboy]

I can’t stand those things. Not only than the fact that self checkouts take jobs away from people, for some reason there are always some that aren’t even available. It’s almost as if the machines needed a break after a hard days work😒.

[@EddieLeal]

Cashiers at Wal-Mart are still there. At least they are at our particular Wal-Mart. Standing by should a customer have a problem.

[@Beingme111]

I hate self checkouts

[@ronm6585]

I don't get paid by these stores to self-checkout.

[@acanarynamedrobyn4543]

exactly. if I happen to be next to the self checkout I always ask the cashier in a very loud voice if I get a discount if I check myself out. 😂

[@ronm6585]

@@acanarynamedrobyn4543 Lol.

[@thunderlol99]

@@ronm6585 By that logic, you also don't get paid to walk through the aisles and pick your products.

[@Travman60]

Didn't you hear the part about "many ways to game the system"? People make $10-20 doing their own checkout pretty easily.

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

Self checkout machines often don’t work properly. Plus, the person staffing them is usually condescending, unavailable or useless.

[@dawnelder9046]

The other problems with self checkout is the tiny tables. Useless if you have any amount of stuff.

[@shannonluna3231]

Yessss and so close together if you have a lot of things it's a pain in the butt

[@dyllanweich]

I shop at Costco, so theft really isnt an issue, there only 6 Self Checkout stands at the far end from the exit, and Costco employees and supervisors everywhere to help people, checking costco memberships, and helping people ring things through, the majority is still normal checkouts (which are faster than most other stores somehow), and receipts are checked by door checkers on the way out to prevent theft.

[@koda3967]

So, they have the staff to oversee that you, a #customer, are charging yourself correctly, but not the funds to *PAY* #cashiers and baggers to get you through the till faster? Just because they have people at the doors checking your purchases does, in no way, mean no theft. According to the law, we can ignore those 'overseers'. 🤷‍♀️

[@dyllanweich]

@@koda3967 What the hell are you talking about lmao, the minimum wage in the province here is $15, and the base people get 18.50/hr, and supervisors $30/hour and everyone gets 2 bonuses a year plus stock options in the company, friend who works there made 43/hr after 10 years plus got bonuses of around 30k twice a year. I dont know what information you are going off of, but i work inside of costco as a vendor. They look after all their employees very very well. Also according to the law, its a private business, and membership requires you to sign a waiver, they have full right to check peoples personal bags, purses, handbags and vehicles on their premises, and its completely legal.

[@LinhLe-cc9of]

I have never shopped at Walmart or Costco , and I refuse to pay membership to shop at certain places , there are a lot of independent businesses out there who would be so happy to have my patronage . It’s insulting to have your purchases checked at the door as well , thankfully there is delivery service these days .

[@dyllanweich]

@@LinhLe-cc9of how is checking receipts at a door insulting, it's been a Costco thing since its founding lmao. Also I pay $60 for a membership, and save 50 times that amount compared to other stores, I go to smaller stores and they want $18 for one small pack of Dip, for $10 I get 2 large of the same kind of dip. I actually am pretty happy with prices as the membership fees also keep food at the food court dirt cheap and most prices really low. We have seen a 70% increase in people coming to Costco since last year. Small business unfortunately isn't family budget or single person friendly anymore, those prices are outrageous as inflation makes people less than $200 away from not being able to even afford food. So I find your comment quite disengaged from reality of most Canadians currently, just seems you brag you make more money than the rest of us all and just want to gloat.

[@paulpaul5098]

Costco workers think their gestapo

[@pathall9924]

I find the checkouts frustrating

[@crlaw75]

This is a step in the right direction.

[@lonniemcclure4538]

One thing I've observed is that no one that likes self-checkout is asking for all checkouts to be converted by that, and most are fine with people preferring to go to a cashier. Meanwhile, there are a certain percentage of people that want to deny self-checkout to everyone.

[@freemagicfun]

@@lonniemcclure4538 A choice is fine, but many stores have no cashiers, or one if we are lucky. I have abandoned my cart many times and gone elsewhere. 😎

[@mickeyhead9770]

I can’t imagine the number of people trying to steal from the store with self checkout.

[@stevenrburgoyne]

Makes sense, although I think some places need to upgrade from barcodes. I was in a store in Japan recently and all of their products had tiny RFID tags on the item. You put the item into a bag, shopped, then when you came to the checkout all you had to do was place the bag down, the computer scanned all the RFID tags, calculated it, you paid and walked out with the bag without ever having to take anything out. It was great.

[@jamiezhou5049]

What japan you are talking about. There are more people been to Japan than you thought. only very few shop in japan doing that just like the self-service shop amazon opened. The Japan I visit still can't top up transport IC card with a credit card

[@FlakAttack0]

In the Netherlands, you pick up a scanner on the way in and scan every item as you put it into your bags. You pay the total at the end and give back the scanner. No workers wasted scanning goods at all.

[@christinaedwards5084]

@@FlakAttack0and you did a paid job for free in the process. 😂

[@stitcher4729]

My supermarket in New Jersey has that but I don't use it in case I change my mind on something. Also, when I use the self checkout I can see that I'm getting the sale prices and digital coupons and get a paper receipt with the code to enter the contest to win $500.@@FlakAttack0

[@FlakAttack0]

@@christinaedwards5084 That's one way of looking at it. Another is that you don't have to wait in line, you just grab what you need and then leave. Those cashiers are then available to work more meaningful jobs in your country's economy.

[@aliciacarmona5004]

I personally don’t use self checkout you have to use cashiers checkout so they can have a job most of these people are college students trying to pay for their bills.

[@Zer0Linux0]

I use them because I have social anxiety and it's much better for me. Interacting with people is often uncomfortable for me.

[@deadaccount2048]

Same!!! So much less stressful going to self checkout than interacting with someone. ESPECIALLY if u have to make small talk or ur parents leave u to grab something and u have to awkwardly stand there. Plus you get to pack your own stuff how u want and aren’t in a big rush, less queues, and there isnt a massive queue of people watching you.

[@RadicalAngel]

Grow up.

[@lovelydolltime8006]

Unfortunately, if you ever want to reduce your anxiety, you're gonna have to expose yourself to some of the things you dread most. I say this as a lifelong anxiety sufferer myself, albeit with general anxiety. Your brain wants you to avoid things (oftentimes irrationally) even when you know that doing so is going to hold you back from experiencing life, which in turn may fuel more anxiety.

[@myriamgareau8316]

Theft is costing more. Seriously I don't work for free. I don't use them. Stores need to pay their employees. Prices keep going up even with self check outs.

[@BartBVanBockstaele]

I have always refused to use the self-checkout. I am not going to work for free and having a machine barking orders at me while taking away someone else's job. It seems a lose-lose situation for everyone.

[@lonniemcclure4538]

So would I be correct in assuming you've never used an ATM and always went to teller at the bank?

[@BartBVanBockstaele]

​@@lonniemcclure4538 That would be a correct assumption.

[@mistiinseattle]

If a store has only self checkouts i will shop elsewhere and go there only if necessary. And i am far from the only one. I dont go unload the trucks either. Besides, they are becoming obsolete. Many stores now have scanners on the shopping carts or an app. At our Sam's Club i just scan items with my phone, slide to pay, and a person at the door looks it over and verifies. I bypass the checkout stands completely. My main grocery store tried almost all self checkouts and the lines were empty while the line to the one checker would be way backed up. People simply refused to use them. It was not long before the checkers were back.

[@AlexRocks24-7]

Thank God.

[@rckkeller9437]

England lets their cashier’s sit on stools while they check us out. So more humane.

[@freemagicfun]

They let them sit here in the Philippines too. I cannot believe the US does not (nah, as an American I can believe it) 😎

[@urbanfrog8466]

I had to laugh when she said "full service checkout". Where I live in NZ, our local supermarket has 10 self checkouts, and about 12 cashier checkouts - but only 2 of them are ever operational at one time. If you are lucky, on a really, really, really, really, really busy day a third might be put into opperation... maybe. They say that people prefer the self checkout... ummm... what people prefer is being able to checkout in a reasonable time, rather than spending up to 3 hrs waiting in line for one of the two cashier checkouts. Duh!

[@lonniemcclure4538]

One item people overlook here in the US is that in some areas, companies have a problem fully staffing these lower paying jobs. Before one worries about "saving jobs", look around for any "help wanted" signs in the store.

[@fauna3989]

I like to use them so I can watch the pricing. Whenever I use a cashier we get blabbing. When I get home and check my receipt I see items I paid way too much for as it rang in at full price.

[@user-jg5ws9gr8n]

I take my sweet time and make sure the bill is correct Had an item the other day polarized at 1.75 shelf label scanning at 1.25 Told the lady in charge of SCO I’d bee rite back Went and got 10 more !!!!!! LOVE THE SELF CHEQUE OUT item too much - I PUT IT BACK BABEEEE

[@arpudli8962]

Self checkout is the best . 1: cashiers can do more useful activities in the shop 2: cashier job fucks up your hand joints for good 3: if people get used to them they are much faster 4: theyare much cheaper to opperate 5: it woud get better in time I must add it that i live in Sweden and here everything is online and autamoted people can behave and everyone is nice and i haven't seen cash for 4 years... 😅

[@lonniemcclure4538]

At my local Walmart and Kroger, the people that would have likely been employed as cashiers are now working as the people that pick and bring out orders for the online order and pickup services. Especially at Walmart, I see more of those people when I go into the store than I ever saw cashiers.

[@maxpayne7419]

I love self checkout when I have a small number of straightforward things.

[@brandondimopoulos9534]

It's 100% theft issues , people are intentionally stealing because "they have to do the companies job for them". A total B's excuse for people who just don't want to pay for a product. Use a different store. Criminals will be criminals and will always blame everyone for them stealing

[@bracebrooks967]

I occasionally use self check-outs at Jewel and Walmart, but as a former cashier myself, although I didn't enjoy cashiering one bit, it helped me remained employed till I finally got a new job somewhere else in late 2021. So I'm definitely for the idea of stores either getting rid of self check-outs or not installing self check-outs in the 1st place.

[@EddieLeal]

If you don't mind sharing, what do you do now for work?

[@bracebrooks967]

@@EddieLeal I unpack boxes early in the morning at a Menards

[@heatherjones9773]

I refuse to use them, as most do not accept CASH! Cash is king!

[@shauncameron8390]

Like Pharmaprix and Jean Coutu.

[@lonniemcclure4538]

I would be fine with all self-checkout lanes being card only. 😀 If cash is king, why do I get back 1.5 - 3% when I use my credit card (for in person transactions; 5% online for Amazon and Walmart)? Zero credit card debt, by the way, I pay my balance in full each month.

[@lobstermash]

At my supermarket the machines malfunctioned so much that they had a staff member on permanent duty anyway to keep clearing the machine.

[@CanuckRuby]

I never use self-checkout. There nothing but problems. I much prefer interacting with another human that knows how to handle stuff than a machine telling me what to do and still having to ask for help.

[@rettbutler1312]

Self checkouts are so efficient, though. Instead of waiting for a slow worker to type in a million different numbers for asparagus, bananas, kiwi, lettuce, and so forth, you just type in "4011" for "produce."

[@dougthomson5544]

I most likely HAVE NOT used self-checkout. In stores that no longer have a teller, I have an employee do the checkout for me, turning a self-checkout into a cashier checkout. I do this because I want the cashier jobs for people.

[@ruidadgmailcanada8508]

I ❤ how you think Doug…I’m adding this strategy to my repertoire of civil disobedience. 😊

[@orangepatterson]

Love self checkout

[@briandeschene8424]

I work on a computer looking at screens and pushing buttons (real and on screen) all workday long. The last thing I want to do when I go to a physical store is more of the same. I want (need?) to interact with people - those others in line and the cashier / bagger. I can do shopping on my iPhone if I want a self-checkout experience without human interaction.

[@indram5384]

I prefer to go to the cashier, the old way. Good to bring back the cashier, so people have choices to choose

[@scoobydoo_forever]

I want to cashier to ring up my stuff. Unless I'm getting a discount for ringing up my own groceries, I shouldn't have to ring up my groceries. Let there be cashiers give more jobs that is better. win win for everyone.

[@sunsetfoxx]

Good!!! I should be tipped or given 10% off for bagging my own groceries and bringing my own bags… I’m not doing free labour for the business. There’s a place for self checkouts, but it shouldn’t the only process, it should exist as an option!!

[@susanyoung6331]

Yes, I feel quite frazzled after a trip to the grocery store. The customers are doing all the work. Even when you get a cashier, your stuff is whipped through and you are left scrambling to bag it as the next customer is on your heels. It feels like going through security at the airport! 😅

[@lonniemcclure4538]

It has been years in my area since I saw a store where self-checkout was the ONLY option. The last time was years ago when Kroger was still open 24/7, and they only had the self-checkouts open during the 3rd shift. (Oddly, Walmart at the time had exactly the opposite policy, with only cashier checkout on the 3rd shift).

[@joeblowjo]

SELF CHECKOUT TAKES AWAY JOBS, INCREASES THEFT, TAKES OUT HUMAN INTERACTION

[@bethanne2227]

they can't find enough people to work though

[@patrickprovost7207]

Anything that heads us towards a cashless society creeps me out so I do prefer goin to the cashiers.

[@RS54321]

I went to Value Village recently. They had about six self-checkouts manned by two people, and almost every single person needed some form of help. The lineup was about 10 customers long. To the side was a single manned checkout with a couple more abandoned checkout counters. About four employees were standing around when they could've opened up all the tills and actually checked out people's items. It's insane.

[@jinglejazz7537]

i'VE heard the line I don't use them because they take away someones job. I tell them thats not true, they are used in high turnover industries, "retail", they just move the employee to another department. They actually create good high paying jobs, the units need to be built, installed, programmed, maintained and that creates tech jobs. I don't use them because I'm retired. I've got nothing but time. The good thing about them is they don't mouth you off or give you attitude like in the Real Canadian Superstore in Red Deer.

[@bullcrap9409]

Hilarious. Self-checkout machines were installed precisely to cut down on staffing. The idea that all those cashiers have been moved to other jobs is risible.

[@jinglejazz7537]

@bullcrap9409 they need.staff to.monitor them. I went into a no frills. 2 tills open and.huge lineups. The robo tills were closed off. I asked.why...they said.they didn't have a staff.member to monitor them...

[@lonniemcclure4538]

@@bullcrap9409 - At my local Walmart, I see more people working as order pickers for the online order pickup than I ever saw working at the same place as cashiers. At my local Kroger, I would say it is close to the same. Those jobs didn't exist before self-checkout became widespread.

[@smkh2890]

Here in Australia the big 3 supermarkets, Coles, Aldi and Woolworth, all have both self-checkout machines and humans manning tills. I prefer the speed of doing it myself.

[@jonfreeman9682]

No lineups. I go to wherever is faster. Usually the full service is always lineup.

[@David-nu6kw]

Interesting how we cannot comment on certain CBC videos.

[@dawnelder9046]

Just the ones were you might say something against the propaganda narrative.

[@axemanguitarcovers]

Boycott all self checkouts. Use cash. Shop local. Buy Canadian

[@denisem6790]

Agree it is impractical at CDN Tire. I use self checkout at dollar store. Walmart now has larger place to set the items after scanning. Shoppers - very small space.

[@dougthomson5544]

Well, stop using it anywhere! It just cuts jobs and makes you their free labour! Stop it!

[@sjferguson]

I love the self checkouts. My local market always has 2 employees there to help customers. There are plenty of times when I use regular checkout lane but if I'm just picking up a few items then I will almost always go to the shelf check line. My local market even has a bigger self checkout where you can have more items. I think it's a 25 item limit through that one AND there's also an employee available to help. I think I've used that lane once but if I've got 25 items or more I usually just go through a line with a cashier. Still, I find them convenient and easy to use, especially when I'm in a hurry.

[@swaggery]

Also stores are way more likely to take legal action for honest mistakes involving self-checkouts. It's a great way to permanently lose customers that have a choice of where to shop.

[@jd2616]

Self checkouts save the business money, but the products walking out the door is eating up the savings, pick you poison big busness.

[@adamsons2890]

Theft is high

[@Mr7Niice]

It's a scam , I don't work there

[@ManL02]

I love self checkout, but of course there are those that take advantage. With the shortage of workers in my town it's great, no waiting for one cashier to service everyone.

[@chester5324]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I love self checkout, works perfect every time and the less I have to deal with people the better.

[@autolicious]

Nooooooo...ugh, I'm gonna have to speak to people again.

[@Tony11806]

Yes and get used to it. 😁😁😁

[@freemagicfun]

Most cashiers do not talk to customers, and I do not initiate a conversation - I still prefer a cashier over self checkout. 😎

[@autolicious]

@@freemagicfun That highly depends on where in the world you are.

[@freemagicfun]

@@autolicious I have lived in Dallas, San Diego, Honolulu, and Iloilo (Philippines), talking employees went away back in the 90s. 😎

[@beverleyderby1536]

Get over it.

[@johncasey5594]

VIVA LA RESISTANCE!!! I knew if we rejected using the self checkouts, eventually they would fail. Keep up the good fight people.

[@backwoodssawyer1]

Yet you pump your own gas without sniveling or whining about it...

[@johncasey5594]

@@backwoodssawyer1 Ha, gotcha, I don't have a license or own a car. Try again.

[@backwoodssawyer1]

​@@johncasey5594 Sorry

[@sonyadrake7843]

Food 4 Less is always busy and doesn't have self checkout.

[@mikebean.]

Yea right, home depot have big items too.

[@sommmeguy]

If the stores are going to ask us to wander the isles looking for our products while being confronted with dozens of impulse buying temptations and upsales, and If they are going to make us checkout our own groceries AND bag them ourselves, then why shop at their store? Go direct to the wholesalers or shop online.

[@createone100]

I hate self-checkouts. Their presence is just disrespectful to customers. I will never, ever use self-checkout. Pretty much stopped shopping at Shoppers Drug Mart because of their love of self-checkouts and the fact that they won’t hire and PAY for good help.

[@lonniemcclure4538]

Disrespectful? How is something I PREFER to use disrespectful to me?

[@TVluver2]

I love self-checkout! I love being in control of which items go together in a bag...freezer items in one bag, toiletries in another, etc. I also love that I can control the weight of the bags. No more having some bags overloaded and weighing a ton, while others have only one small item in them. Most of all, I love not having to make idle chit-chat with a store employee, or even worse, impatiently waiting for the cashier to finish their conversation with the customer in front of me. I don't consider using self-checkout to be "working". I consider it to be making sure the job gets done my way! I won't shop at a store that doesn't offer self-checkout.

[@hybridangel3403]

Your not in control though. They are thats why they get them in

[@TVluver2]

@@hybridangel3403 How am I not in control of how my items get bagged at self-checkout? I've never had a store clerk tell me I had to do it differently.

[@MEDUSHAA]

Its rather easy to take over $100 worth of items, but only ringing up $25.

[@flatbedladyv2191]

retailers goal was greed. Eliminate human cashiers , have customers do the job of cashiers to pocket money but it back fired.