The only thing more exhausting than doing grocery every month is waiting in long queues to get to the cashier and clear payments. Right? Well, this isn’t something to worry about anymore because store with self checkout lanes are here to save your day! You can use store app to scan the products, see the bill and pay online without any employee help.
Are There Stores With Self Checkout Lanes?
Not all stores, local and big retailers, in the US have introduced self checkout lanes yet but it can be said that the technology is now found at more outlets than it was a couple of years back. Those who want to experience it themselves should visit the following stores:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Target
- Fred Meyer
- Amazon Go
- Lowe’s
- Meijer
- Publix
- 7-Eleven
- Costco
- Food Lion
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- The Home Depot
- IKEA
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Dollar General
- Hy-Vee
- Giant Eagle
- Winn-Dixie
- Hannaford
- Sam’s Club
- HEB
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- ShopRite
- Mariano’s
- Raley’s Shoppers
- Whole Foods
- Shoppers
- Lagerhaus
- Take&Go
Please note that Whole Foods, Costco, 7-Eleven and Dollar General offer self checkout lane in limited locations only. Sam’s Club, Public, HEB, Kroger, Giant Eagle and Meijer have self checkout service in apps as well.
Why Are Some Stores Avoiding Self Checkout Service?
I was personally excited to try out Target self checkout lanes when they were first introduced. Well, at least until the service started bombarding me with errors like “wait for assistance”, “items in the bags are invalid” etc.
These errors are not common but they do occur and, ultimately, you have to seek guidance from the staff to complete payment at the checkout.
The reason why most stores avoid self checkout service is because it presents a challenge to customers as well as to the company. The machines are costly, often break down or have software issues and clients are not used to this mode of payment yet making it more time-consumers than traditional checkout lanes.
Inappropriate self checkout service has also been linked with increased number of walkaways. Imagine someone getting only a couple of snacks and then checkout through these lanes. If there are any issues with the payment, the buyer would prefer to leave the items instead of getting back in the cashier-operated lane especially if it’s crowded.
Another issue is often presented with products that have faulty barcodes. The cashier would still need to walk in and enter the code manually. No point of getting in self checkout out after all?
Is Self Checkout Useful?
If this technology is so unloved, why are big retailers endorsing it, one after the other?
The truth is that, despite its shortcomings, self checkout has a lot to offer. The minor glitches in the system can be overlooked when considering the bigger picture i.e. reduction in crowding over traditional checkout lanes, quicker payments for clients, and automated shopping overall.
There is limited data to support that self checkout actually paces up the process.
The stores who have not yet opted for it, however, are concerned with the fear of missing out on something that may enhance buyer’s satisfaction.
Interaction-free checkout also became popular amidst Covid-19 pandemic years when the customers were glad to know that they could, somehow, avoid coming in contact with the cashier and employees.
Before You Go!
Businesses thrive over customer satisfaction. Why do you think BNPL instant approval websites became so popular? They provide clients a sense of control and “win” over contemporary method of shopping. The same can be said about self checkout lanes!
Some stores give most cash backs in addition to providing self checkout service. Don’t forget to read about these before you leave! You can also explore how to shop online and pay with checking account if you are not in the mood to do in-store grocery this month.
Miriam Caldwell is a dedicated & expert freelance writer to educate people about personal finance management and budgeting. She shared her knowledge and published the articles at TheBalance.com, GOBankingRates, and BlissfullyDomestic.com. Many financial institutes pick Caldwell as the brilliant source for educational personal finance content.
