‘They suck!’ Aussie shoppers fire up over the trend towards self-serve checkouts

Self-serve checkouts – the way of the future or a technological abomination? See what our readers have been saying on this hot-button issue.

When you’re stocking up on basic grocery staples, do you appreciate being able to whip through the self-serve check without having to speak to another living soul?

Or are you the kind of person who enjoys having a friendly chat with the checkout operator as they scan your lamb chops and Tim Tams?

As Rebecca Whitfield-Baker reported earlier this week, a new study by a national consumer trends group found that many shoppers still crave face-to-face contact and are pushing back against grocery giants who have been replacing human operators with self-serve kiosks.

The issue sparked a robust discussion on Advertiser.com.au and our social media pages and, despite the findings of the survey, reader opinion was divided.

Here’s a look at what you’ve been saying about self-serve checkouts.

If you’d like to join the conversation, vote in the poll, post a comment below or head to our Facebook page to tell us what you think.

DON’T FEAR TECHNOLOGY

ANDREW
It’s just technology. It can speed things up, avoid queues. I don’t like making small talk either, I’d rather just get in, get it done and get out.

PERCY
Strange how years ago, self self petrol stations were accepted without any fanfare, why the upheaval now?

BRENDAN

The self serve checkouts serve a purpose. The truth of the matter is more and more people do little shops, rather than the old days when we would line up for hours on a Thursday night to get the weekly groceries. So more and more people fit into the category of being comfortable and able to use self serve.

I’VE GOT AN IDEA

STEPHEN
Time to upgrade to an app on your phone so you can scan the product as you go and pay before you even leave, avoiding the checkout process entirely.

BEN
Why can’t we have both?

SELF-SERVE IS THE WAY TO GO

JOHN
Just make the self serves larger because at the moment there is very limited space to place your goods once scanned. I’m more than happy to use self serve as I have no desire to make small talk with some stranger at the check out.

G
I like quick self-service check out option. I don’t need to line up behind several people with a full trolley while they unload and have each item checked through reload their items one by one back into their take way bags or trolly, then fumble around to find their payment card or cash to pay. Not to mention the full-on self-consultancy on why their swipe card won’t work.

Makes me wonder if these people delight in trying to look important by holding up people behind them.

MICHAEL
People do realise that the point of a grocery store is to get groceries right? It’s not a social outlet.

ELLA
I was horrified the other day when I was forced to use the self service as I had too many things for the one, and only six items or less check out open. It took a lot longer for me to do it myself than it would have if there had been a manned checkout open. Bring them back.

LOIS
For small purchases at the supermarket I am happy to go through the automated checkout, but not for the weekly shop. I point blank refuse.

ROB
My elderly mother cannot use these, so what does she do… starve???? Thanks a bunch Woolworths and Coles.

SELF-SERVICE? WHAT’S IN IT FOR US?

WHY BOTHER
Customers should receive a financial incentive for using self service checkouts. After all, we’re saving the retailers money.

ROB
Where is my discount for scanning my own groceries as there’s no wages to be paid for staff to man checkouts?

MEDLOW ROAD MANIACS
If the shops want me to use self serve they’d have to offer me a 15 per cent discount!

ROSE
I’m not on the payroll so (I) REFUSE to use selfserve checkouts!

STEVEN
They (self checkouts) suck, give us a discount for doing their job.

ANNE
I asked a woolies girl for her discount card and she asked ‘why?’ I replied ‘If I’m doing your job I expect the same benefits like a staff discount’. She refused, so I hope she had fun putting all the groceries back. There were no manned checkouts.

NORM
Self service checkouts with a trolley full of (expensive) groceries. What a crock.

Aussie shoppers are divided on the trend towards using self-service checkouts in supermarkets and other retail businesses. What do you think? Art Steve Grice/ News Corp.

FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE

BRENDAN
Does anyone really think the big supermarkets will take any notice of what their customers think?

FACE-TO-FACE IS BEST

YOBBO BRIAN
Yep…..I just love holding up the queue for self serve checkouts, because I have to find all the right buttons, etc, and still stuff it up, and a team member has to come and reset the stupid thing. Be quicker thru a manned checkout.

MAKE CREATE EDUCATE
The videos are an invasion of privacy while you scan. The money saved on wages has not been passed onto customers. When you have a trolley full and there is no one to help scan it makes me abandon the trolley. I hate Target now. There are no staff, just one supervisor while I scan my shopping.

CATHERINE
Love the interaction between people and for the opportunity to say thank you.

STEPHEN COOPER
I refuse to use the self checkouts. To make a point against the machine.

It works. I get to go through the proper checkouts. I win. My crusade against progress really sucks when I fill up with fuel at the ‘servo. Take me hours before someone comes out to ask what I’m doing and take my cash.

LYN
The stupid self serve checkouts never work properly! It’s as clear as mud as to how to use them without problems. And I don’t care what is, or is not, in the wretched bagging area!!! If I am forced to use them, I will do it my way! I would much rather wait in a queue to be served at a proper checkout. ️

JANET
I refuse to use self checkout. The more we do it, more staff put off the job.

JOSIE
Typical case of the big mob supermarkets making billions in profit while cost cutting on staff!Shop foodland and IGA as much as possible, At least they still have checkouts open that are actually staffed and keeping people in jobs!

SERVICE COMES AT A PRICE

PORT AFL PREMIERS 2023/24/25
Everyone using a checkout operator should be required to pay five per cent more for the privilege.

ORACLE
The right question is whether you prefer self service or are you happy to pay say 10% more and get served.