I am a paid customer and have to work? No, thank you!
By Michelle
@infatuatedbby (95001)
United States
October 5, 2017 10:26pm CST
What annoys me is that I am a paid customer and have to work.
I went to the post office to ship some packages and being 2nd in line, I have no problem waiting. Had the line been any longer, then I am willing to put in "work".
The manager asks everyone, what they're in line for. I have an item to be shipped and couple items to be scanned for a receipt.
She told me to go to the self service kiosk machine. I rather not because essentially I do not benefit or discount from it.
The employers are working, working toward a pension, employed and they want me to go use the machine. If the line is too much to handle, then hire more employees! Not to mention the postage for First Class went up last month from $2.67 to $3.00.
How do you feel about check out machines or kiosks? I will only go to them on my own will if the line is too long. But if not, I won't.
16 people like this
15 responses
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
6 Oct 17
Not everyone knows how to use those kiosks and they often still need an employee to help, anyway. Which defeats the whole purpose of self-service, in my opinion.
3 people like this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I am familiar with using the self service kiosk, but yes I know what you mean. There is usually an employee standing there, but it takes much longer to use the kiosk, then on their cashiers in line.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
6 Oct 17
@infatuatedbby Yeah, same thing in one IKEA store here. The self-checkout lane always takes much longer.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
@cahaya1983 My IKEA does not have a self check out lane yet.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 Oct 17
I would not like to use a Kiosk or a vending machine, if other alternatives are available. If there is no human interface, I will have no option but to use the kiosks/vending machine.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 Oct 17
@infatuatedbby To my mind also, it was unfair on their part to ask you to go to Kiosk.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
@dpk262006 Even after refusing, she said it would be faster. No it isn't faster because I have to do all the work. Had I been at the end of the line maybe 5th or 6th, and in a rush - yes, I'd see that as a good option. But I was just 2nd in line with 2 clerks working.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
Yes, I would not like using any alternatives either especially when I was second in line. They keep telling me too, it is so annoying!
1 person likes this
@much2say (53909)
• Los Angeles, California
17 Oct 17
I will sometimes go to self check out at Walmart or Target . . . very rarely any place else. If I'm at the grocery store, I might go through if they are easy scans . . . but if I have to weigh and find item codes for stuff, then I don't feel like bothering. They shouldn't make you use the kiosk machine just because it makes the line go faster . . . and if it's something like shipping, I want to make sure it was done absolutely correctly. We pay for these services, so yes, we expect to be serviced!
1 person likes this
@much2say (53909)
• Los Angeles, California
17 Oct 17
@infatuatedbby I don't mind if they kindly tell me I can go to the self service lines if I'd like to, but I'd be kinda mad if they told me to just go to the kiosk. It should be an option for the customers - but not cool to be sent over by an employee just to make life easier on them. If that's the case, then there should be some kind of discount for those who will use self service!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
17 Oct 17
I go to the post office quite often, and they always want me to use those darn machines. The older folks never do so because they don't want to be bothered with reading / pressing buttons / numbers / using debit or credit card and etc. I rather have someone do it for me especially if I'm paying for the service and going to be called up next soon!
I do use self check out if the lines are really long, but if I have a coupon or know I'm getting a gift card back or price matching ~ I'd have to stay in line :)
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
17 Oct 17
@much2say
If they said, the self service kiosk is available if you'd like to. But they tell me go to the self service line. I told them, no thanks. They go why? I am almost next in line and its much faster.
Speaking of, I am going to the post office later today! Lol
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
6 Oct 17
We don't have that here to send off a parcel. So they have no choice but to entertain us and not direct us to a machine.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
7 Oct 17
@infatuatedbby We can even schedule a pick up in our home. So no long lines at all.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
8 Oct 17
@toniganzon That's awesome. We have that here too but I am unsure how it works. I have never tried it, it only works specifically for pre-paid labels and Priority Shipping
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
7 Oct 17
I like that method, unless the line is way too long!
1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I tend to use self checkout lines to get out of stores faster...but I agree at the post office, you should not be doing their job. Seems like another way for employers to cut costs and not have to hire more workers.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I do not mind using self service kiosks on my own decision. I do use it occasionally when lines are long, but places like the post office especially postage increasing, they should have enough employees.
They have 5 lanes, but only 2 cashiers are working 
They certainly want to cut down costs. I go to the post office frequently, if not on a daily basis.
They certainly want to cut down costs. I go to the post office frequently, if not on a daily basis.1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
@Srbageldog
Exactly, if we are putting in work - we should get a discount. First class shipping went from $2.67 to $3.00 last month.
I certainly will not step out of line, to go use the kiosk. Plus after using the kiosks the package is delayed because it’s being tossed in a mail box, not directly toward the back to get processed. Someone has to open the locked mail box and bring it to the processing (well the location I was at). Whereas if I’m in line, I don’t have to do anything but pay , then my package gets straight to processing and on its way!
So delay in processing and my time to work for them.. nope! I’m not an idiot 
I certainly will not step out of line, to go use the kiosk. Plus after using the kiosks the package is delayed because it’s being tossed in a mail box, not directly toward the back to get processed. Someone has to open the locked mail box and bring it to the processing (well the location I was at). Whereas if I’m in line, I don’t have to do anything but pay , then my package gets straight to processing and on its way!
So delay in processing and my time to work for them.. nope! I’m not an idiot 1 person likes this
@Srbageldog (7716)
• United States
6 Oct 17
@infatuatedbby Right, it's one thing when you choose to use the self-service lane, it's another thing entirely when they MAKE you do it. You should at least get a discount for doing their employees' work!
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
6 Oct 17
Nope not me, they have those in Walmart and I never use them. I totally agree with you.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I do sometimes use them at Walmart if the lines are ridiculously long, but I prefer not o have to work when I am making a purchase for the employees to have a job!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
9 Oct 17
@fishtiger58 Exactly! I am on the same thinking process.
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
8 Oct 17
@infatuatedbby That's how I feel why should I do their work. Nope not gonna do that.
1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I agree and couldn´t agree more with you Michelle..it is incredulous to expect you to do their job.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
Yes it certainly is. And, I won't do their job if it's faster to go in line. If it isn't and I'm out the door , certainly I will choose to go to the kiosk if its not long. :)
1 person likes this
@sabtraversa (12851)
• Italy
6 Oct 17
With the employment crisis we have in most areas over here, it breaks my heart to see automatic stuff everywhere, and very few humans working. 
Most customers still prefer the human contact anyway, the machines don't seem helping much. 
Robots are the future, eh? 
Most customers still prefer the human contact anyway, the machines don't seem helping much.
Robots are the future, eh? 1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
7 Oct 17
Yep, you're right! They want to replace humans with technology. I prefer interacting with a human, its much faster than using the kiosk and after all, I am paying!
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (48263)
• Canada
6 Oct 17
Maybe they didn't know if you knew that you could use the self serve station and since you were next in line offered it to you first. I think that it shows that they value your time, and since they asked you and didn't tell you about it, I wouldn't worry. I don't always like those either and would have gladly waited my turn.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I am a frequent customer. I go almost everyday and they remember me, but I don't feel that I should have to go to the kiosks or be told all the time. No one else wants to go because they're older and prefer not to have to follow the machine and do things manually.
It is quite annoying, but I have a theory if I start something or say anything further than rejecting, then they may misplace my packages or something.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (48263)
• Canada
6 Oct 17
@infatuatedbby That doesn't sound very professional, everyone should be treated equally. I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you were there often and that they knew you.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
@Juliaacv Oh no need to apologize. I didn't want to make the post longer But yes, I am a regular customer and they always ask the same thing. She knows what services I need, yet always tells me use the self service machine because they're only limited to two staffs working which I don't get why it's only just two! When there are 5 cashier lanes..
But yes, I am a regular customer and they always ask the same thing. She knows what services I need, yet always tells me use the self service machine because they're only limited to two staffs working which I don't get why it's only just two! When there are 5 cashier lanes..1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
Yes, if I am further in the line, I will definitely find a better solution and take advantage of the machines if no one is in line also. Time is money, that's how my fiancé thinks of it too!
1 person likes this
@IvySaysHi (4467)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I go to self check out lines in grocery stores if i don't have a lot of stuff. But thats about it.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
7 Oct 17
I don't mind if it's going to be a quick transaction as well.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
6 Oct 17
I agree. I am not going to do their job.
However I will use the walmart self check outs to get out of that place faster.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
6 Oct 17
I am willing to use self check out/kiosks on my free will but being forced to just to help reduce the line and I'm in the top next 3, no way!
At Walmart, I venture to the self check out too. It's a disaster in there sometimes!
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
7 Oct 17
There is sometimes someone watching over, but they'll only help you if you request it. Otherwise, they just let you be. I don't like using the kiosk unless I have to (as in the line is way too long to wait), and I don't prefer it. After doing using the kiosk at the branch I go to, you toss it in the blue mail box that doesn't connect to the processing area. So, once the box gets full, it'll be collected (or a certain time) whereas when I go in the line at the clerk, my items will be processed sooner.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58438)
• Philippines
7 Oct 17
Agree with you. Banks have notoriously long lines here in Manila and that is the only time I'd use a machine. Otherwise, i want to transact at the counter.
