Why You Should Never Use Self-checkout
Self-checkout machines are a staple in many stores nowadays. They are often seen as a more efficient way to check out, as customers can do it themselves without having to wait in line for a cashier.
Their popularity has led to many stores replacing traditional cashiers with self-checkout machines, and it’s said that this trend will only continue in the future, with the goal of getting rid of cashiers altogether.
Convenience aside, however, there are many reasons why using self-checkout over traditional methods is not a good idea. In this article, we’ll explore why.
9 reasons why you shouldn’t use self-checkout
1. They’re often unreliable and more trouble than they’re worth
If you’ve ever used a self-checkout machine, you know that they’re often more trouble than they’re worth. They break down or have technical issues, and when this happens, there’s no one around to help you. You’re left struggling to figure it out on your own, which can be very frustrating.
2. They can be confusing and difficult to use
Sometimes, they’re not as intuitive as you think. The buttons and options can be confusing, and it can be difficult to figure out how to use them, especially for items that don’t have barcodes and require looking up in the product catalog.
3. Items don’t always scan properly
This is probably the most common issue with self-checkout machines. Items don’t always scan properly, and when this happens, you have to ask for help from a cashier.
In some cases, you could also end up putting something into your grocery bag that you didn’t pay for, causing errors in your order and the possibility that you’ll be accused of theft.
And then there’s the issue of “double scanning” where you accidentally scan an item twice because you didn’t think it worked the first time, and then you get charged for two of them.
4. They might not take coupons
If you use coupons, you’re sometimes out of luck with self-checkout machines. Many machines won’t recognize them, which means you’ll be paying full price for everything.
5. They can cause longer wait times
If everyone in the store is using the self-checkout machines, it can actually cause longer wait times. With all the issues associated with self-checkout, it might take people longer to check out than it would with a traditional cashier.
6. They might not take cash or card
Some machines don’t accept cash, which can be a problem if you don’t have a credit or debit card. This is especially frustrating when you make it right to the end of the checkout process only to realize that your machine doesn’t take cash or vice versa, and the one it doesn’t take is the only one you have!
7. They lead to job losses
As more and more stores adopt self-checkout machines, it’s leading to job losses for cashiers and other retail workers. As machines become more common, there will be less need for human workers, and this could have a ripple effect on the economy.
The retail industry employs a large number of young, vulnerable, and disadvantaged people, and as self-checkout machines become more prevalent, these people will have a harder time finding work.
8. You still require assistance to purchase certain items
Some items cannot be purchased through self-checkout such as alcohol, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. This still requires the assistance of a cashier or store employee, which kind of defeats the purpose of having self-checkout machines in the first place.
9. They lack the human element
There’s something to be said for the human touch when it comes to customer service. For some people, it’s nice to be able to have a brief conversation with the cashier as you’re checking out. This could be the only human interaction you have all day, and it can brighten your mood.
With self-checkout machines, there is no human interaction, it’s all very impersonal. A blessing for those who prefer not to talk to people, but a curse for those who appreciate the human connection.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, convenience will dictate whether or not people use self-checkout machines. For some people, the convenience is worth the hassle. But for others, it’s just not worth it.
There are too many potential problems that can arise, from items not scanning properly to longer wait times. And if you care about your fellow man, you won’t want to support the machines that seek to replace him.