Before self-scan kiosks, there were and still are express lanes in stores. These lanes are dedicated to customers who have a smaller number of items (between 8-16, depending on the store) and enable them to get through the line quickly to make their purchase. Dirty confession time: Alright, so sometimes I will sneak in a couple of items so it may be more than the required amount, but who doesn’t do that?? There’s a BIG difference between one or two extra items versus ten, so please don’t be that jerk in the express line, who claims to have not read the sign as the cashier is ringing in your purchases.
Before I delve into the setbacks that self-scan kiosks have, I will emphasize its benefits. The wait time can be pretty short IF people know how to use them and are efficient. I almost always go to the self-scan kiosks if there isn’t much of a line. There tends to be no line or shorter lines for the kiosks.
The downsides to these kiosks, especially when it comes to grocery stores is that if you have discounted produce, you need an attendant to key in the discount. Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of self-scanning if you need an employee to help you out? I don’t recall ever seeing an option to use coupons either for the kiosks. Sometimes it doesn’t scan properly or scan right away and then you end up scanning the item three times. Thus, you need the attendant’s help again.
Imagine that situation happened simultaneously at the 4-8 self-scan kiosks and there is only one kiosk attendant to help resolve the issue. The wait time at the self-scan kiosks just got longer.
I am NOT encouraging this practice in any way, but it makes it easier to not scan an item at all. Since there is only one attendant to so many kiosks, not scanning an item or scanning only one item of three of the same item can easily go undetected. The attendant isn’t always watching and their attention can be shifted to someone else who needs help, who are often (but not always) elderly people.
Self -scan Checkouts At Ikea and Home Depot
All of a sudden I am thinking of that lady in the Ikea commercial running out of the store and screaming to her husband, “START THE CAR!! START THE CAR!!” Does anybody remember that? The only difference is that she paid for all her items. They just happened to all be on sale, rather than a five-finger discount.
While improper scanning practices may seem trivial at grocery stores because most food items aren’t too expensive, I can’t help but wonder about improper scanning practices at stores such as Ikea and Home Depot in which there are larger items and items with a larger price tag. Large awkward items make it hard to find that bar code and scan it.
I’ve noticed that in the grocery stores I shop at, the self-scan checkout has a sign that actually says how many items you should have. As far I know, Ikea and Home Depot don’t have a limit for the self-scan checkout. People often scan a shopping cart full of stuff at these two stores. There isn’t any room on the self-scan checkout to place the item so you have no choice but to leave the item in the cart. Some of them scan so fast, it can be hard to tell whether or not the person has scanned absolutely everything. I have yet to see an attendant watch a customer like a hawk.
Possible solutions?
At least two attendants. While one is assisting a customer, the other attendant can watch over the rest of the kiosks.
Security cameras specifically focused in the self-checkout area or maybe within the machines themselves. The store would have solid proof of who didn’t scan all their items.
Maybe items should have security tags embedded in them, (similar to the idea of security tags on clothing) so that when you leave the store the alarm would go off and then everyone would be shocked to find out you stole or accidentally stole a box of crackers.
Clearly stores like Home Depot and Ikea aren’t hurting financially, but it’s not fair for them to take a hit on their profits due to some people trying to beat the system. It’s not fair to us honest people who use the self-scan checkout and actually pay for the item. One store that doesn’t have self-scan checkout, at least the ones I’ve been to is Wal-Mart. Every time I go, it seems their express lane is just as long as their regular lanes. Perhaps Wal-Mart values human interaction more than efficiency. To be honest, I am perfectly fine if someone doesn’t greet me when I enter the store, but I know it’s their job to acknowledge your presence.
We never use them either. When we shop, we are looking to price match sale items, so the self check is worthless. Plus, they always seem to mess up like you mentioned… Not worth the hassle…
I tend to price match items a lot as well. It almost seems that while the self scan kiosks intention was to save you time, it doesn’t really save you money, which is what most people try to do when shopping.
I never even thought about stealing using those things, but I guess it could be done. I have a love/hate relationship with them. Sometimes it’s super quick, but I’ve had issues with produce or when they get all weird about the bag you’re using. In most instances, I still choose the line with a cashier.
Produce seems to be the worse when using self scan checkouts. You have to determine what type of produce and that takes forever. I’d rather the cashier look it up and punch in the produce code instead.
I’ve never really thought about how easy it would be to steal by using self scans, either. I have seen two to three attendants watching over four self scans during busy times, but it’s usually just one person. I tend to stay away from them unless I have a handful of things. Last time I tried to use a coupon and it wouldn’t scan at all. I was pretty upset. Having worked at a grocery store I also know how much of a hassle they are for the other side.
I’ve never seen more than one attendant at the kiosks. There have been a few instances where there was no attendant to be found.
We don’t have them yet in our place and I don’t think they will become available for a number of reasons. Just in case they do, I might not be encouraged to use them.
You’re definitely not missing much. 😉
I guess it would be easy to steal and not scan it at all but it isn’t worth a criminal record to do it.
I agree with you on that one 100%.
I certainly fancy the idea of a self-checkout kiosk…it sounds faster and more convenient and plus, the attendant won’t give you the eye for some purchases!
Still, I sure hope they can develop more efficient and intelligent check out systems. To an extent I have a feeling this might be something that picks up in the near future as technology advances.
Efficiency seems to be the biggest problem when it comes to these check out systems. I’m sure they already have it or are working on a more efficient prototype somewhere in South Korea or Japan.
I have had some pretty annoying experiences at self-scan kiosks. They only work for me about 50% of the time, because the other 50% it malfunctions in some way (ie “there is something in your bagging area” or “please wait for an attendant”), which makes it take much longer than it really should have.
I hate the “Please wait for an attendant” message!
I generally like them, though I’ve hard a couple instances where I was in line behind someone who had no idea how to use them and it took forever. Otherwise, I think it’s a quick way to get through checkout.
I find the self scan pretty straightforward, however I can see how people can be confused or intimidated by it.
I bet that companies that offer self checkout have a higher level of shoplifting. I imagine it’s much easier to steal things in self checkout.
U scan at our local grocery story is not for me. I went to scan my bonus savings card and not paying attention I accidentally put my milk in the bag- the machine pointed out my error, I scanned it and put it back in the bag. Then I had an individual watch over me like a hawk, I felt like a total loser but I wasn’t trying to steal!!