Do you use self checkout?

United States
March 25, 2009 7:17pm CST
I LOVE self checkout. I'm not sure why, but when I am shopping at a store with self checkout, I always use it, even if I have to wait in line! I feel like I'm moving faster and am more in charge, and scanning coupons myself always makes me a bit excited :) It used to be tricky to have to check out and then bag on my own, but now I use the program where you can scan and bag while you shop and then just pay at self checkout when you're finished. It's great! Do you like to use self checkout when you shop?
3 people like this
22 responses
• United States
26 Mar 09
I think they are great. Especially when I only have a few items. Where I shop the lines are usually shorter for self checkout. I don't like to do them when I have produce items, I wish there was an easier way to get those through. I agree about scanning the coupons, I love to see my savings after I scan them. Another reason they are great if I am buying personal items, like sanitary pads I don't have to feel embarrassed by a guy cashier...lol. I am currently in Egypt...and there is no such thing as self checkout, I doubt that technology will come here until the year 2020. I just love reminiscing about my American life.
2 people like this
• United States
26 Mar 09
I totally agree with you - especially on the personal items! It's embarrassing to have a cashier and a bagger and people in line behind you checking out your personal things! How long are you in Egypt for? Hopefully they get a self checkout or two down there for you soon!
1 person likes this
• United States
27 Mar 09
I have been here for 3 years. Thankfully my time is up! I am moving back to the US in about month. I was there for Christmas and New Years and I am already missing my home.
1 person likes this
@user_786 (1338)
26 Mar 09
self-checkouts are great, very easy to use , saves your time and is good for everyone. i always prefer to use self-checkouts wherever they are available
2 people like this
@busyB4 (874)
• United States
6 Apr 09
I tend to use them more for a few items as when you have a lot it is a pain for the machine to keep hollering at you about bagging the products, etc... It is much quicker if you just have a few things most of the time.
@ladygator (3465)
• United States
26 Mar 09
I will use it at times and others wont. If I am really tired out from my day I will go to let them do it. Some stores thow I prefer to use the self check out.
2 people like this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
26 Mar 09
I do like it as long as I don't have a ton of groceries. It does seem that I can get in and out of there so much quicker when I use it.
2 people like this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
26 Mar 09
Occasionally I do. Usually not because I have my daughter with me most of the time and it tends to take too long. The only place I have to use the self checkout is at Fresh & Easy because all they have is self checkout kiosks. I don't buy very much there though, just a few specific gourmet items or specials when I get a flyer from them. The employees will sometimes come by and bag up your items while you are paying if you didn't get them already.
2 people like this
@mikeysmom (2088)
• United States
26 Mar 09
i use it but it really depends on the store. the one at the A&P works fine and if there is ever a problem someone is right there to help but walmart is another story altogether. i used it once and there was a problem and it took 20 minutes for someone to come and help me. if i did not really need what i was buying i would have left it and walked out. the prices in that store are great but the customer service stinks in plain english.
2 people like this
• Canada
26 Mar 09
Self checkouts are not that popular yet where I live. I first used them when I was in NY on vacation... and I thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread LOL I think that so many people are comfortable with computers, ATMs and other technology that it's not that difficult to use the self checkout process. I do use them wherever I see them, here, and I actually hope they will become more widespread. I love the idea of the "scan and bag" process that was mentioned. That definitely doesn't exist here yet. I'd like to give it a try though.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
26 Mar 09
If I just have a few items with me and if the lines are long on the cashiers, I use the self-checkout counter. It is easier and faster. But when I have a lot in my cart, I feel lazy and just let the cashiers do it.
@mermaidivy (15395)
• United States
26 Mar 09
It depends. If there was not any lines, I would go to the cashier with people. If the chasier was very busy and long line, I would do self check out. i think scanning coupons is interesting too! hehe
2 people like this
• United States
26 Mar 09
Self Checkout rocks.... lines are usually shorter, if any at all. I'm one of those shoppers who has the following luck with regular lines: 1. Get in line 2. Immediately after I get in line next person the checker helps has... 3. A price check 4. Food Stamps 5. 4 million coupons 6. To write a check... self checkout sorta "works" for me... hehe
2 people like this
@emilie2300 (1882)
• United States
26 Mar 09
I use self check out sometime. I like it when I am in a hurry or if there is no one standing in line and I can just go to it. I taught my mom how to use it because she didn't know how my dad usually dose the shopping for her. She liked it.
2 people like this
@luvmysons (497)
• United States
26 Mar 09
If I dont have to many items I will always use the self checkout.. i like it so much better.. I just hate it when there is a line and someone doesnt know how to use it and every 2 seconds it says..Please wait for assistance... UGGGHHHH that gets me so annoyed.. I am not sure why but it does.LOL
26 Mar 09
I love self checkout too! All major stores in UK have them now, Tesco is the store i use, its so fun! So loud! But it gets soo mean if u dont do what it says! Its very clever how they came up with the machines aswel, with the weight of the products so they know if your trying to steal. But its also lazy, however I LOVE IT! lol
2 people like this
26 Mar 09
I don't like them at all. It's nice to speak to someone when you go shopping, even if it's only to smile and say hello as they start putting the items through. The other point is that it won't be long before they people on the checkouts vanish completely and that will be another bunch of people unemployed. I don't think it is progress; I'd love to be able to walk into a supermarket and have someone say hello and actually mean it. Years ago I worked part time for a large supermarket beginning with "Te---" I was stacking shelves; I was told that I wasn't allowed to speak to any of the customers. What kind of customer service is that? Serve as quick as you can - Smile until you get the money - Next customer! What a dreadful society this has become; the big supermarkets have destroyed our way of life; what's wrong with good old fashioned customer service? I open a business 10 years ago, and if I didn't converse with my customers and give them a good service, then I would go bust! (no pun intended). I think the supermarkets should forget the self checkouts and just employ more people to serve on the real checkouts. They cut back and cut back on staff until it got to a stage where you would stand in a line with only 2 out of 15 checkouts working. Yes people want quick service, but wouldn't they be happier with quick, personal service?
2 people like this
26 Mar 09
Ever since the self-checkouts came into the UK I ONLY ever use them. So easy, so quick, and done in no time. I'm not in charge of the main shop, which I would use the main tills for of course, but self checkouts are awesome.
• United States
27 Mar 09
We often use a self checkout when we are in a store with one. We definitely don't have any stores near by where you can scan and bag while you shop and then check out at the self checkout. This would make it easier and faster. But it is often easier and faster to use the self checkout any way. We don't use it as our only means of checking out though. If we only have a few items and the express lane is open we will use that or if there is a really short line somewhere (though there rarely is).
@peedielyn (1207)
• United States
26 Mar 09
I think self checkout is the greatest invention since sliced bread. i get in and out and no hassle. I just had a root canal yesterday and had to go to the store with 3 kids in tow. I was not a happy camper to say the least. I got out in time to come home and pop a pain pill. This makes things easier for me. Don't get me wrong I like to chat with people but when you are hurting and need to go--this is great!
@lilcee (2703)
• United States
26 Mar 09
I always use the self checkout when I can. I love it. I like to be able to bag the groceries the way I want them. I think it goes faster too.
• Canada
26 Mar 09
Self-Checkouts are great! I don't know why it took so long for them to become more mainstream. I like the short amount of time it takes. This gives me memories of lining up for like 1 item. The future is friendly :)
• United States
26 Mar 09
I love it i dont really like talking to people i dont know so going thought it is a lot better for me and it is so much faster and you dont have an OLD people in it because it is to high tech for them lol