Self Checkouts Remain Hot Topic Locally and Nationally

JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – Lauded by some as the wave of the future, and detested by others who prefer cashiers, self checkouts remain a hot topic both locally and on a national scale.

(Photo by Gunnar Rathbun/Invision for Walmart/AP Images.)

While a report from RBR, the London-based firm which tracks the global self-checkout penetration rate, said self-checkout sales continue to reach new highs, consumer reactions to the trend remain mixed.

One of the primary complaints about self checkouts is the fear that they are taking away jobs.

“I think it’s just one more way for companies to do away with the need for employees,” Joni Tartalone said.

“Self checkouts are taking jobs away from taxpayers. It might seem like a good idea now but eventually they will be everywhere! Who’s gonna pay their share of taxes?” asked Beth Rankin.

Others also feel like they are doing some of the work of the business by checking themselves out.

“If I want a job as a cashier I would get one. When using self check out there should be an automatic 5% discount for being the cashier and bagger,” Lea Murray Masisak stated.

“I would need an employee discount. I pay for the service of cashier and packer,” Mary Simbeck Carlson said.

“We pay to be waited on not to do for ourselves,” noted Bea Williams.

“Who wants to work all day, tramp around a grocery sore, then have to check themselves out? If I wanted to work there, I would apply for a job.” Denise Passmore said.

However, the other side of the coin is the claim that self checkouts do not eliminate jobs, and actually provide for more jobs in the long run.

“No one is going to be out of work. They’re offering online shopping now, which means more jobs are available, Tina Verdill said.

Some people also noted they take away the element of social interaction, which can be a plus for some individuals, but a minus to others.

“I love them. As someone who has significant social anxiety, it’s decreases the stress by being able to get in and out with little human contact,” Karen Kec stated.

“I would rather go in a line to get checked out. I like the personal service and that I help people keep their jobs,” April London said.

One of the other major problems some individuals noted with self checkouts are issues with malfunctions or having to have employee assistance for certain items.

“Almost every time someone uses the self check out, something goes wrong &andthey end up having to call someone over to correct it,” Sherry Sweitzer noted.

“I have a love/hate relationship with them. Should be quick and easy but the machines don’t always work properly,” Molly Gnan stated.

“I like buying things like permanent markers. Getting the ‘wait for assistance’ messages because of the severe threat they impose and waiting several minutes for approval makes my evening,” said Daniel Mitchell.

The issue of thefts at self checkouts is also a concern.

“I always wonder how many people sneak things out without checking them out at self checkouts,” April London noted.

“The reason I don’t like them is every time you read about someone stealing from Wal-Mart, it almost always have something to do with the self checkout,” Matthew Pyne stated.

“Just an easy way to let the dishonest people steal easier and more,” noted Rose Marie.

Whatever issues there may be, there are still many people who find the self checkouts a handy option for various reasons.

“I prefer self checkouts only because we rarely have very many items. I don’t feel the need to stand in a line waiting for any amount of time when I can do it myself and bag my items the way I want them. The only time I use a cashier is when I have a gift card or phone card that needs activated,” stated Marci Buffington.

“I love them. I get in and out much faster, and I bag my groceries the way I like it,” Kristy Boston Anthony said.

“I love them! I think it is a quicker option, where I am responsible for my speed and efficiency. There are no awkward conversations or judgmental glances. I bag things how I see fit, so I dont have to worry about employee mishandling,” noted Kyle Yates.

One thing seems to be for certain, love them or hate them, self checkouts are probably here to stay.

“In this day and age everything is expected to be done electronically. Robots are already being used. shopping online and picking it up is becoming more popular. I say to each his own – let people checkout the way they prefer,” Brenda Kennis said.