Aldi receives harsh response from shoppers over checkout update

A change to Aldi’s signature checkout system has been met with a mixed response from shoppers, many of which preferred the way it was before.

Disgruntled shoppers have slammed Aldi over a change to the bargain supermarket chain’s checkout system following the rollout of a new feature in recent months.

While some have celebrated the introduction of self service checkout machines – which bring the German retailer in line with Coles and Woolworths – the move has left others furious.

In response to a Facebook post about one of nine Aldi stores in NSW currently trialling self-serve check-outs, hundreds rushed to explain why they didn’t support them.

Many shoppers in the thread were upset at what they believed would rob Australians of much-needed work.

“Yea nah mate. The more people that use this cr*p like they have at Coles and Woolies the more Australian jobs that are gone. Save Australian jobs and not use self serve,” one wrote in a comment.

Aldi shoppers have mixed reaction to the introduction of self-service machines. Picture: Facebook

“I’d rather use a human being thanks and keep someone in a job,” another said.

A third said they “refused” to use a self serve checkout unless they had to.

“I refuse to use these unless absolutely necessary. We need to keep jobs,” they wrote.

“Not using them ever. People need jobs,” someone else said.

“Great stuff, put more people out of jobs. Customer service is very important. It’s part of social structure,” another said.

Others weren’t a fan of the machines because they often had issues with the computer system.

“I hate these machines, they always yell at me when I do something wrong. Also, most days I never get to see or speak to a human being so I prefer to be served by someone who says hello, how are you etc,” one person wrote.

Not everyone was so critical however, with many suggesting the machines might actually create jobs rather than destroy them.

“Machines will complement existing check-outs not close them. Ideal for those with only a few items no more queue jumpers. These self check out machines will actually create jobs with an army of installers and service techs to maintain them,” one comment read.

A change to Aldi’s signature checkout system has been met with a mixed response from shoppers. Picture: Daniel Harvey Gonzalez/In Pictures via Getty Images

Some weren’t the least bit concerned about what impact self-serve machines would have on Aldi’s workforce, expressing excitement at no longer having groceries rapidly fired at them.

“Now we can scan at our own pace instead of having our groceries launched at us and catching them in our trolleys,” one wrote.

“Good. I’m sick of waiting in long queues. I rather a self-serve then how they scan your items at checkout. I’m so sick of that crap. I will not have my groceries scanned fast and they don’t even wait till you put your items away,” another said.

Some joked they soon would have no choice but to throw groceries at themselves to get a full Aldi experience.

“Do you have to throw your own items at yourself?” a popular comment read.

Aldi has yet to announce whether the machines, which only accept cards, will be rolled out in all stores.