Coles shopper told off for not scanning groceries in 'proper order'

Apparently, there's a little-known self-checkout rule you need to follow...

Image: Supplied

Ever thought you were a pro at scanning your groceries at self-checkout?

Well, think again!

Apparently, there is an unspoken 'right' way to do it - and one Melbourne shopper recently found that out the hard way. 

Taking to Facebook, the Aussie claimed he got a talking-to from a Coles staff member - all because he scanned his groceries "in the wrong order." 

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Image: Supplied

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"There is no sign saying what order"

He said that he was approached by a "power tripping" staff member while he was attempting to scan his items at the register. 

The shopper explained, "Self-checkout at Coles Karingal. Just got told off by a staff member that said I was scanning my items in the wrong order.

"There is no sign saying what order, and the only reason she could give was so I wasn’t stealing.

"How does the order help with that? Feel free to have normal checkouts with people if you have a certain order!"

When someone asked in the comments why he got pulled up, he replied, "Weight apparently. I was meant to do my soda water cans first."

This story then hit X (formerly known as Twitter), and another customer chimed in with a similar story. "Why are customers at self-service checkouts being asked to scan items in a particular order?" they wrote. 

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"Should have just left the whole lot there and walked out"

Then the internet was quick to jump in.

One user said, "I would have well and truly mounted my high horse," while another was just plain confused: "How does one scan things in the wrong order?"

"I’ve never heard of that!" exclaimed a third, clearly as baffled as the rest of us.

And then came the sarcasm. "Did you not do the self-checkout course online so that you know what order to scan them in?" one quipped.

Another suggested: "Should have just left the whole lot there and walked out."

Is there really a correct way to scan groceries? Coles responds

So, what's the deal with this seemingly new scanning rule? Is Coles trying to dictate how we scan our groceries, or was this just a case of a staff member taking their role a tad too seriously?

A Coles spokesperson told Kidspot: "Coles is always looking for ways to improve how we serve our customers and provide exceptional customer service.

"Our team members are always encouraged to help our customers where possible. Where a customer has certain items, which may include bulky or heavy items, our team will offer to assist them in scanning the items when checking out.

"This is all about providing great service to our customers and helping them get through the checkouts quickly and efficiently."

Originally published as Coles shopper told off for not scanning groceries in 'proper order'