Sainsburys smart shop random checks

laiab

I've been using smart shop for a number of years without problem. Recently, when i go to pay, I've been "randomly" selected for a check. This now happens every other time I go shopping. The store manager says he can't help because it's smartshop that decides who gets selected.
I've contacted smartshop directly who've told me there's a problem with my security setting, they say they can't change it because their system is down and has been for a month at least.
Has anyone else had this issue?

MattMattMattUK

laiab said:

I've been using smart shop for a number of years without problem. Recently, when i go to pay, I've been "randomly" selected for a check. This now happens every other time I go shopping. The store manager says he can't help because it's smartshop that decides who gets selected.
I've contacted smartshop directly who've told me there's a problem with my security setting, they say they can't change it because their system is down and has been for a month at least.
Has anyone else had this issue?

There is a random element to the checks, but there is also an element of profiling based on buying patterns, time in store, time between scans etc., as well as if you have had discrepancies in your previous checks. You might find that you complaining about it is actually a red flag to them as well. 

Sainsburys is always fine for me, but I had an issue in Waitrose after during a scan the woman doing it scanned the same item twice during the check, which then meant I had to go for a full rescan, the woman refused to apologise. The guy who did the full rescan apologised profusely and said that she had done it 4-5 times already today, as well as warning me that I would get checked every time for the next month or two and then less frequently after that, but it did sort itself out after about six weeks.

My guess is that I get check every 5-6 shops at both now, usually for around 2-5 items which depends on how many items I have, although I have noticed that I do get a rescan on an unusual shop, large amounts of alcohol or meat etc. 

Pollie

Went shopping with partner who loaded my card onto his phone. First and only time I have used it, it was the week before Christmas and was randomly stopped. Cashier kept getting things wrong so was there for ages. Not impressed. Never again.

Manchesterlodger

That's happened to me at Sainsbury's enough times that I actually prefer not to shop there unless I absolutely have to. I go to Aldi now. Much quicker and easier. Plus the local Sainsbury's where I am always has queues for the scanning machines and never enough staff - so it's not a pleasant experience shopping there anyway. 

amanda1024

i get checked every time so i gave up using it because Sainsburys never have any staff - i went back to self checkout which is much faster plus you’re not forced to pay through google

Murphybear

amanda1024 said:

i get checked every time so i gave up using it because Sainsburys never have any staff - i went back to self checkout which is much faster plus you’re not forced to pay through google

It’s interesting how things are completely different in different parts of the country.  We have a small Sainsbury’s very close to where we live.  We’ve been there for 6 years and in all that time we’ve never had a rescan and there are plenty of staff who are helpful.  The nearest Aldi however always seems to have problems, lack of staff and no self scan.  I bought a small electrical item in Aldi and it exploded, I was lucky not to get hurt.  I took it back and although they refunded my money I didn’t get an apology and the item was still on sale.  

Katiehound

Murphybear said:

amanda1024 said:

i get checked every time so i gave up using it because Sainsburys never have any staff - i went back to self checkout which is much faster plus you’re not forced to pay through google

   I bought a small electrical item in Aldi and it exploded, I was lucky not to get hurt.  I took it back and although they refunded my money I didn’t get an apology and the item was still on sale.  

I would have phoned Aldi direct and made a complaint about the safety of the item. You might have had a better response

jon81uk

amanda1024 said:

i get checked every time so i gave up using it because Sainsburys never have any staff - i went back to self checkout which is much faster plus you’re not forced to pay through google

What do you mean "forced to pay through google"? When I use SmartShop I pay with contactless card at the till the same as normal.

MSE_James

There are two types of Smartshop - in smaller stores you have to pay through the app. I avoid using it in those shops, because I tend to pay with gift cards which you can only redeem at a till.

jon81uk

MSE_James said:

There are two types of Smartshop - in smaller stores you have to pay through the app. I avoid using it in those shops, because I tend to pay with gift cards which you can only redeem at a till.

Aha yes I only use it in a store where they provided the scanner, its not worth using the app and juggling my phone and everything else. Also in smaller stores I don't think there is as much of a time saving!

MSE_James

My usual branch is a medium-sized shop that doesn't have handsets, so you use the app to scan as you go, then pay at a normal till.