'Self-checkout is doomed’: Major supermarkets to scrap technology in huge overhaul

[Cyber Liberty]

I meant in my local area ... sorry!

Sounds like it's a lot of local areas.

Side story:  I went to Taco Bell today where I found I had to input my order via large touch-screen pads.  Took me way long to figure out where every was, took me a lot of minutes to do.  Then they "forgot" my order.

 

[Wingnut]

Sounds like it's a lot of local areas.

Side story:  I went to Taco Bell today where I found I had to input my order via large touch-screen pads.  Took me way long to figure out where every was, took me a lot of minutes to do.  Then they "forgot" my order.

 

Side note and off topic.  I went to a new restaurant the other week. When the hostess seated us she said our waiter would be with us shortly and handed us a piece of paper with a QR code on it.  Waiter came over and asked us for our order.  I said I wanted to see a menu.  The Zoomer said I needed to scan the code.  I said no, I want to see a menu. The little pr(i)ck told me to download an app to see the menu.  We left.

[libertybele]

Side note and off topic.  I went to a new restaurant the other week. When the hostess seated us she said our waiter would be with us shortly and handed us a piece of paper with a QR code on it.  Waiter came over and asked us for our order.  I said I wanted to see a menu.  The Zoomer said I needed to scan the code.  I said no, I want to see a menu. The little pr(i)ck told me to download an app to see the menu.  We left.

??? WTH??? I would have left too.

[Smokin Joe]

Side note and off topic.  I went to a new restaurant the other week. When the hostess seated us she said our waiter would be with us shortly and handed us a piece of paper with a QR code on it.  Waiter came over and asked us for our order.  I said I wanted to see a menu.  The Zoomer said I needed to scan the code.  I said no, I want to see a menu. The little pr(i)ck told me to download an app to see the menu.  We left.

I would have, too. Last thing I need is a bunch of aps on my phone to clutter it up.

[Wingnut]

??? WTH??? I would have left too.

Never piss off a Boomer who doesn't GAF.   

[bigheadfred]

I don't have a phone. My wife does. It is all we need.

[roamer_1]

I would have, too. Last thing I need is a bunch of aps on my phone to clutter it up.

I don't need no stinkin menu. But I DO need a sassy-ass waitress who speaks redneck and knows what's good to eat.

[roamer_1]

and they sure as hell better have sweet tea.

[DCPatriot]

Sounds like it's a lot of local areas.

Side story:  I went to Taco Bell today where I found I had to input my order via large touch-screen pads.  Took me way long to figure out where every was, took me a lot of minutes to do.  Then they "forgot" my order.

 

@Cyber Liberty

I simply walk up the counter and look somebody in the eye...somebody will manually take your order.

[Cyber Liberty]

Side note and off topic.  I went to a new restaurant the other week. When the hostess seated us she said our waiter would be with us shortly and handed us a piece of paper with a QR code on it.  Waiter came over and asked us for our order.  I said I wanted to see a menu.  The Zoomer said I needed to scan the code.  I said no, I want to see a menu. The little pr(i)ck told me to download an app to see the menu.  We left.

{Nodding my head}

[Cyber Liberty]

@Cyber Liberty

I simply walk up the counter and look somebody in the eye...somebody will manually take your order.

Today I saw people waiting for 10 minutes before anybody would come to the counter, trying to do just that.  Fail.

[GtHawk]

I don't need no stinkin menu. But I DO need a sassy-ass waitress who speaks redneck and knows what's good to eat.

And calls you Sugar, Honey, Hun, Darlin, etc., and I do mean waitress, not some Tiny Tim ugly dude that calls himself Donella!

[GtHawk]

Today I saw people waiting for 10 minutes before anybody would come to the counter, trying to do just that.  Fail.

That's all part of the customer training now going on at fastfood outlets that have put in the lobby order kiosks and cut employees, they don't want to staff counter registers and they insure that by forcing you to use the kiosk or not be served. If I walk into someplace and they don't at least acknowledge me in less than two minutes they don't get my business, especially at todays obscene prices. After twenty five years of making sure people got the best service possible I guarantee that I will absolutely morph into the customer from hell if I am treated badly.

[libertybele]

That's all part of the customer training now going on at fastfood outlets that have put in the lobby order kiosks and cut employees, they don't want to staff counter registers and they insure that by forcing you to use the kiosk or not be served. If I walk into someplace and they don't at least acknowledge me in less than two minutes they don't get my business, especially at todays obscene prices. After twenty five years of making sure people got the best service possible I guarantee that I will absolutely morph into the customer from hell if I am treated badly.

I agree.  Prices are obscene. We walked into a local Mom & Pop restaurant today for a burger, fries and milkshake. We were absolutely stunned at the prices ... We left a 20% tip and walked out paying a little over $50.00.

So....I guess we'll continue to stay home and order a submarine sandwich to go every now and then and only eat out on special occasions. 

[roamer_1]

And calls you Sugar, Honey, Hun, Darlin, etc., and I do mean waitress, not some Tiny Tim ugly dude that calls himself Donella!

I have a story to tell...

I was back east for something or another, and I'd had my fill. Left in the dark, haulin ass for the mountains. Went the low route, heading for Denver, where you make a hard right to head north...

Anyhow, somewhere in Podunk KS, some little whistle stop along the interstate, I pulled off to fuel up, and went looking for a diner... A guy at the truck stop told me where it was, so I come boiling up in my lifted pickup and swing on in.

There's this little cutie of a waitress, *exactly* what you think of, and she greets me... she's about to sit me down, and I ask if she has a big jug of sweet tea... whereupon she rolls her eyes like they do, and said of course they do, to which I replied, "Good! I'm back among my people!"

Quick as that, she comes up against me, knocks my Bailey back on it's strings, gives me this big ol squirmy hug and whispers "Honey hush... we've missed you so much!"

She got a great tip. 

[mountaineer]

When we're at a restaurant where the customer is expected to scan a QR code to see the menu, we tell them we don't have a smart phone, and would like a paper menu. Technically,  I do have a cheap TracFone smart phone, but it's turned off 99.9% of the time, and I have never scanned anything.

[GtHawk]

In the Austin area there are no menus, it's that stupid QR code to access it.

I stopped at a McDonalds on my way to Austin and inside I stood in front of one of those touch screen minutes for 10 minutes trying to figure it out and it still didn't take my order.  I hadn't been to McDonalds in years and that was the worst hamburger I've ever had.

Having worked MickeyD's from before the BS made to order process and after I can tell you that as far as I'm concerned their quality and taste went in the toilet the day we stopped cooking, assembling and staging food in the large warming bin for the cashiers to pick up. There was just something about the burgers/sandwiches 'marinating for a few minutes that improved the flavor. I know almost, if not anyone will agree with me but I had a lot of years eating that food The simple fact is that pre cooking everything and then storing it as individual ingredients in steam cabinets until it is 'made to order'/assembled for you results in look warm crappy tasting food. Unfortunately MickyD's is not alone in this, Carl's, Jack and others use the same crappy model. You should always demand freshly cooked food and order your frys with no salt and they have to be fresh too.

[DCPatriot]

That's all part of the customer training now going on at fastfood outlets that have put in the lobby order kiosks and cut employees, they don't want to staff counter registers and they insure that by forcing you to use the kiosk or not be served. If I walk into someplace and they don't at least acknowledge me in less than two minutes they don't get my business, especially at todays obscene prices. After twenty five years of making sure people got the best service possible I guarantee that I will absolutely morph into the customer from hell if I am treated badly.

Totally agree with you @GtHawk  But only 25 years???  "Those are rookie numbers..."   

I'm at 65 years and counting.

Entire life since age of twelve when I had a paper route...was self-employed running my own companies.

[GtHawk]

Totally agree with you @GtHawk  But only 25 years???  "Those are rookie numbers..."   

I'm at 65 years and counting.

Entire life since age of twelve when I had a paper route...was self-employed running my own companies.

I didn't count the years in construction where we worked most of the time in live labs and treated everyone in them as a customer so really about forty years, still no where near your prodigious total, but then I became disabled and had no desire to be a smiling meat puppet at Walmart door  

[240B]

I agree.  Prices are obscene. We walked into a local Mom & Pop restaurant today for a burger, fries and milkshake. We were absolutely stunned at the prices ... We left a 20% tip and walked out paying a little over $50.00.

So....I guess we'll continue to stay home and order a submarine sandwich to go every now and then and only eat out on special occasions. 

It is getting worse by the week/month. Inflation is spiking again this month and is expected to continue until Biden and his gang of criminal anti-America idiots are forcibly fired and kicked out of government. (they should be thrown in jail, Mayorkas, Garland, Fauci, and dozens of others)

[GtHawk]

It is getting worse by the week/month. Inflation is spiking again this month and is expected to continue until Biden and his gang of criminal anti-America idiots are forcibly fired and kicked out of government. (they should be thrown in jail, Mayorkas, Garland, Fauci, and dozens of others)

Prison? I kind of like the idea of sentencing them to shovel shit off of SanFranshitco's streets or eliminating rats in New York or doing clean up in oh so many other American cities they helped turn to stinking hellholes and for a period not less then ten years. In the case of Brandon when he becomes incapable of shoveling more shit than oozes out of his depends, faux Dr can take over as punishment for her elder abuse which resulted in the abuse of the American way of life.

[Gefn]

I don't remember ever using self-check in my life 

It works if you go in and buy one or two items and have cash. The other day I bought milk and a box of cold cereal. Gave the machine a ten dollar bill and got change. 

But in truth, I would rather talk to the nice people at the registers. I enjoy talking to them, they know my name, and I always get a teenager who bags for me and even offers to put the groceries in my car (for a tip of course but its still nice)

[catfish1957]

It works if you go in and buy one or two items and have cash. The other day I bought milk and a box of cold cereal. Gave the machine a ten dollar bill and got change. 

But in truth, I would rather talk to the nice people at the registers. I enjoy talking to them, they know my name, and I always get a teenager who bags for me and even offers to put the groceries in my car (for a tip of course but its still nice)

That's another reason that if I have time, I go to the manned registers.  Those mostly ladies are nice ,hard working, and need their jobs.  The so called incremental savings by using self checkouts get lost in the round-up. 

It's also how I am able to help what appears to be a needy family.  Usually once or twice during the holidays I will fake dropping a $50 bill on the floor, and tell the family they must have dropped it

[Gefn]

@catfish1957

That's really nice. It is always nice to pay it forward.

[GrouchoTex]

One of the reasons I like my local H-E-B.
They have some self checkout lanes, but they also have most of their regular staffed checkout lanes with cashiers.
They also have an employee that will come and tell you which aisles are open.
It is hard to find a parking space sometimes and it is always crowded, but very easy to get out quick.

[roamer_1]

But in truth, I would rather talk to the nice people at the registers. I enjoy talking to them, they know my name, and I always get a teenager who bags for me and even offers to put the groceries in my car (for a tip of course but its still nice)

THIS 

I have never considered denying that service, if not nearing friendship, and find it a bit of an insult that a business would provide otherwise. As a matter of fact, I still patronize a full-service gas station for the very same reason. The very fabric of society hinges upon such things, I do believe.

[LadyLiberty]

I don't need no stinkin menu. But I DO need a sassy-ass waitress who speaks redneck and knows what's good to eat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-FX_7SFSsM

[libertybele]

It works if you go in and buy one or two items and have cash. The other day I bought milk and a box of cold cereal. Gave the machine a ten dollar bill and got change. 

But in truth, I would rather talk to the nice people at the registers. I enjoy talking to them, they know my name, and I always get a teenager who bags for me and even offers to put the groceries in my car (for a tip of course but its still nice)

Same here. Some know me by name; but wherever I go to get groceries, I prefer someone to bag the groceries. If it's only a couple of items, I do the self check out which is quick and easy. I seldom need help to the car, but the offer is nice.  The Publix that I go to for groceries always offers to help with putting them into the car, but they post that they do not accept tips.

[berdie]

Having worked MickeyD's from before the BS made to order process and after I can tell you that as far as I'm concerned their quality and taste went in the toilet the day we stopped cooking, assembling and staging food in the large warming bin for the cashiers to pick up. There was just something about the burgers/sandwiches 'marinating for a few minutes that improved the flavor. I know almost, if not anyone will agree with me but I had a lot of years eating that food The simple fact is that pre cooking everything and then storing it as individual ingredients in steam cabinets until it is 'made to order'/assembled for you results in look warm crappy tasting food. Unfortunately MickyD's is not alone in this, Carl's, Jack and others use the same crappy model. You should always demand freshly cooked food and order your frys with no salt and they have to be fresh too.

I appreciate that explanation.

I used to love Micky'Ds. Back in November, as a treat, I decided to go. After I got over the price (That will be $9.96, please drive thru to the second window) I was sorely disappointed with the flavor.

Truthfully, that could be because I'm used to cooking at home. Micky'ds is not the only place I find this to be the case. But I can't for the life of me understand how families eat out anymore.

When I was growing up, back in the old days going out to eat was a huge treat. I have to believe at some point that will once again be the norm. If it was close to $10 just for me....what would it have been for a family?

[sneakypete]

THIS 

I have never considered denying that service, if not nearing friendship, and find it a bit of an insult that a business would provide otherwise. As a matter of fact, I still patronize a full-service gas station for the very same reason. The very fabric of society hinges upon such things, I do believe.

@roamer_1

You and I are in total agreement on this issue.

Living ain't "ALL about me,me,ME,DAMMIT!"

Like it or not,but we share the planet with others,and there really is no excuse for being rude or aggressive to strangers or anyone else who has not even tried to harm you in any way.

Costs NOTHING to  be civil,and in most cases it makes the world more pleasant for all of us.

[roamer_1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-FX_7SFSsM

 

That's just right! 

[roamer_1]

Same here. Some know me by name; but wherever I go to get groceries, I prefer someone to bag the groceries. If it's only a couple of items, I do the self check out which is quick and easy. I seldom need help to the car, but the offer is nice.  The Publix that I go to for groceries always offers to help with putting them into the car, but they post that they do not accept tips.

Now see... I think it important to accept help packing to your car... gives youngins a chance to hone their social skills and responsibilities.

[GtHawk]

I appreciate that explanation.

I used to love Micky'Ds. Back in November, as a treat, I decided to go. After I got over the price (That will be $9.96, please drive thru to the second window) I was sorely disappointed with the flavor.

Truthfully, that could be because I'm used to cooking at home. Micky'ds is not the only place I find this to be the case. But I can't for the life of me understand how families eat out anymore.

When I was growing up, back in the old days going out to eat was a huge treat. I have to believe at some point that will once again be the norm. If it was close to $10 just for me....what would it have been for a family?

About the only thing left on their menu that actually still tastes the way it used to are McRibs when they have them and Filet-O-Fish, but again the price is just nuts. On rare(and I mean rare ) occasions we will get something quick, well I ordered two filet and a large fry, the fry was for the two of us and the dog, and it was almost 18 freakin dollars! Nope, no mas, made a rare In-N-Out but otherwise there is nothing that i can't make better and cheaper at home.

[roamer_1]

About the only thing left on their menu that actually still tastes the way it used to are McRibs when they have them and Filet-O-Fish, but again the price is just nuts. On rare(and I mean rare ) occasions we will get something quick, well I ordered two filet and a large fry, the fry was for the two of us and the dog, and it was almost 18 freakin dollars! Nope, no mas, made a rare In-N-Out but otherwise there is nothing that i can't make better and cheaper at home.

And the shrinkage... The Big Mac of my twenties could hardly be held in one hand.. now it's hardly more than four decent bites.

For years now it's been a big mac super-sized meal and two hamburgers to make a decent lunch.
And they keep getting smaller... I am just shy of needing another hamburger.

Then I discovered Deluxe- one of a very few improvements in McDonald's log...

A Double Quarter Cheese Deluxe large meal... Now that'll do.

[roamer_1]

And they're still one of the best for fast-food sweet tea... Only Chik-Fil-A does better.

[mountaineer]

Gen Z loves self-checkout because it makes shoplifting easy—and retailers are flailing as they scramble to undo it
Sasha Rogelberg
Tue, January 23, 2024 at 4:04 PM EST

Gen Z’s habit of swiping extends past their phones. The young generation of shoppers also admit to swiping from retail stores, a habit that’s only become easier with the advent of self-checkout kiosks.

Young shoppers have a stronger affinity for self-checkout than older generations, a survey this week from Avery Dennison found. More than half of Gen Z and millennial respondents said that a self-checkout option would be a reason for them to switch retailers, compared 41%  of Gen X and 30% of Baby Boomer shoppers.

While Gen Z customers said that self checkout is faster, and they enjoy not having to wait in line or interact with others, there’s another reason why they may love self-service shopping: It’s easy to steal.

Almost one-third (31%) of Gen Z shoppers have admitted to shoplifting from self-checkout aisles compared to 15% of shoppers overall, according to a November LendingTree survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers. Almost half of Gen Z participants (46%) said they plan to lift the most expensive item in their cart, while 37% said they will loot the basics, such as food and water. ...

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-loves-self-checkout-210436520.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr

It's the strangest thing: not once, in the many times I used a self-checkout, did it occur to me to steal stuff. Maybe it was the way I was raised.  Go figure.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I don't remember ever using self-check in my life 

I vastly prefer. The less human interaction the better.

[Cyber Liberty]

Gen Z loves self-checkout because it makes shoplifting easy—and retailers are flailing as they scramble to undo it
Sasha Rogelberg
Tue, January 23, 2024 at 4:04 PM ESThttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-loves-self-checkout-210436520.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr

It's the strangest thing: not once, in the many times I used a self-checkout, did it occur to me to steal stuff. Maybe it was the way I was raised.  Go figure.

FTA:

Almost one-third (31%) of Gen Z shoppers have admitted to shoplifting from self-checkout aisles

This proves a third of one of my theories of life:

One-third of all people are honest and trustworthy when your back is turned.
One-third of all people would steal every chance they get, and lie through their teeth if caught.
The last third of all people will steal if they know they can get away with it. 

Our self-checkout grocery boosters fall in that last group.

[DB]

Gen Z loves self-checkout because it makes shoplifting easy—and retailers are flailing as they scramble to undo it
Sasha Rogelberg
Tue, January 23, 2024 at 4:04 PM ESThttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-loves-self-checkout-210436520.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr

It's the strangest thing: not once, in the many times I used a self-checkout, did it occur to me to steal stuff. Maybe it was the way I was raised.  Go figure.

This is why self governance is failing. Integrity/self control are disappearing.

[roamer_1]

I vastly prefer. The less human interaction the better.

I LOVE interaction with cashiers, waitresses, and the like... In an almost anthropological way... It tickles me to trip across the stereotypes, which I very often do.

It's weird, I know... And while I am still vastly introverted, at least in my real thought, there is a gregarious outer shell... And in some way, these meaningless incidental meetings do have meaning - a chance to stretch my old-timey charm and staid belief in genteel roles... A chance to enforce and improve human interaction.... Which is necessary at the root. As necessary as porch-sitting and sweet tea.

[Smokin Joe]

And calls you Sugar, Honey, Hun, Darlin, etc., and I do mean waitress, not some Tiny Tim ugly dude that calls himself Donella!

YES!!!