Self checkout machines in Supermarkets.

System

My friend that works for one if the big 4 had a nasty customer. This customer ignored my friend's tips of not to pack until he paid - had 6 items. Because he ignored her advice - loads of UIIBA prompts. He then threw the bag of stuff at my friend, hurled abuse and subsequently got banned from the store. No need to act like that!!

Another customer's beige coat got damaged from the jar of beetroot that flew out of the bag and smashed by her feet.

geordie_joe

lovingtescoforever wrote: »

whereas the older generation don't like change and struggle to cope

I said this when my local Tesco first installed SS checkouts, and I'll say it again because it's still true.

The reason why so many older people struggle is because when the ask to be shown how to do it the assistant NEVER shows them. Instead they just barge in and put the items through at lightening speed without the older person seeing what they are doing.

It is a standing joke with me and the assistants in my local Morrisons and Tescos. I usually use the express checkouts, but sometimes use the SS ones if there is a queue at the express and a free SS. whenever I do I always ask the assistant to SHOW me how to do it . They never do, just whizz through it themselves then ask me to insert the money. I always remark that they didn't actually show me, and they always smile and say "It's quicker if I do it for you".

I think they just don't want to show people because if everyone knew how to do it without problems they might lose their jobs.

I can actually use the SS checkout, but believe they are putting people out of work, so always ask for help, knowing they will do it for me.

It may just be my local stores that do this, but as an experiment, next time you are going to use one ask the assistant to show you how, and see if they actually show you, or just do it themselves.

Helix

geordie_joe wrote: »

I think they just don't want to show people because if everyone knew how to do it without problems they might lose their jobs.

I can actually use the SS checkout, but believe they are putting people out of work, so always ask for help, knowing they will do it for me.

It may just be my local stores that do this, but as an experiment, next time you are going to use one ask the assistant to show you how, and see if they actually show you, or just do it themselves.

Even if everyone knew how to do it they would still need a member of staff their for security reasons and age restricted purchases. They probably just quickly run the items through because you are not the only customer that needs their attention.

I would get annoyed if I needed something approved and I could see the assistant was leisurely showing someone how to use it.

geordie_joe

Helix wrote: »

Even if everyone knew how to do it they would still need a member of staff their for security reasons and age restricted purchases.

Yes but they may not ned a person there full time. My local Tesco used to have one person helping out at the tills, checking prices, swapping items etc. and one person looking after the SS checkouts. Now one person does both jobs except at peak times.

Helix wrote: »

They probably just quickly run the items through because you are not the only customer that needs their attention.

No, they do it when nobody but me needs their attention.

Helix wrote: »

I would get annoyed if I needed something approved and I could see the assistant was leisurely showing someone how to use it.

Why, have you got no patience? Are you one of those people who's time suddenly becomes so precious when they enter a supermarket that they can't wait a few seconds for the person in front of them to complete their shopping?

Anyway, I didn't say they don't "leisurely" show you how to do it, I said they do it them selves and don't show you at all. It was you who introduced the word "leisurely", probably because you knew you were in the wrong and wanted to get other people on your side by taking the argument to the other extreme. Trying to turn the argument from them not showing people how to do it, to them not "leisurely" showing them and holding up other people.

My post wasn't about how fast, or how "leisurely" they show people, it was about them deliberately NOT showing them.

System

The Sainsburys 5 mins walk from my work always has a supervisor at the checkout captain area so if any assistants - both on self scan and manned tills can swap items if a customer picked a damaged item or the wrong item, check offers, put back chilled or frozen goods back if changed mind etc.

Some customers do not understand that the assistant on the self scans is not allowed to move from the area.

PenguinOfDeath

After this morning I'd like the machines to be able to be operated using touchscreen gloves. Most irritating running in for your morning pint of milk and the new having to wrestle your gloves off before the machine will move to the payment screen

mumonashoestring

I use the SS checkouts at the local Sainsbury every time (unless putting through the big monthly stockup shop) and I think my only real gripe is that they've set the bagging area scales/camera/thingy to reject anything that isn't one of their crummy flimsy carrier bags - including their own reusable bags!

DCFC79

Id like the machine to just ask once have I scanned my clubcard/nectar card, " yes I have a nectar/club card you silly machine but I need to remove it frm my wallet so shut up ".

1 thing I dont like about using the machines in Tesco the assistants aren't always prompt at verifying say alcohol approval (whether its the assistant or the visual display approval is needed I dont know) whereas in Sainsbury's/Asda the assistants are prompt.

lovingtescoforever

DCFC79 wrote: »

Id like the machine to just ask once have I scanned my clubcard/nectar card, " yes I have a nectar/club card you silly machine but I need to remove it frm my wallet so shut up ".

1 thing I dont like about using the machines in Tesco the assistants aren't always prompt at verifying say alcohol approval (whether its the assistant or the visual display approval is needed I dont know) whereas in Sainsbury's/Asda the assistants are prompt.

Completely agree with the last point. I like to be prompt. And surprise people especially when they start shouting at a supervisor who clearly is busy and I'm right behind them and say hello. Approved, there we go. BOOM. Done.
Surprising them is kinda good fun

However I do wish people would have more patience especially when I'm dealing with a customer who doesn't know how to use them and is struggling.

There has been occasions when customers have argued with one another and resulted in full out swearing :eek: over queue jumping, being slow at using machines and pushing people out the way when they clearly haven't finished paying.. All unnecessary! :mad:

However it is rare but when it does happen, part of me wants to tell people to have some manners!! Obviously I can't or else I'll get a complaint. But I do my best to stop queue jumpers though! I'm not afraid about that too much as 99% of the time customers back me up and the customer apologises as it's often a honest mistake.

lovingtescoforever

geordie_joe wrote: »

I said this when my local Tesco first installed SS checkouts, and I'll say it again because it's still true.

The reason why so many older people struggle is because when the ask to be shown how to do it the assistant NEVER shows them. Instead they just barge in and put the items through at lightening speed without the older person seeing what they are doing.

It is a standing joke with me and the assistants in my local Morrisons and Tescos. I usually use the express checkouts, but sometimes use the SS ones if there is a queue at the express and a free SS. whenever I do I always ask the assistant to SHOW me how to do it . They never do, just whizz through it themselves then ask me to insert the money. I always remark that they didn't actually show me, and they always smile and say "It's quicker if I do it for you".

I think they just don't want to show people because if everyone knew how to do it without problems they might lose their jobs.

I can actually use the SS checkout, but believe they are putting people out of work, so always ask for help, knowing they will do it for me.

It may just be my local stores that do this, but as an experiment, next time you are going to use one ask the assistant to show you how, and see if they actually show you, or just do it themselves.

Ok I admit I do often put items through like that quickly. But most of the time I will explain that you search for the barcode. (2 scanners. So it unusually picks the barcode up quickly etc..) notes go here, coupons here, got a nectar card? Card reader etc..

It really isn't too hard to pick up after you've done it a few times tbh.