I tried the new Scan&Go feature at Woolies and here's what you need to know

The new way of shopping has caused all kinds of debate. So, I put it to the test myself to see what all the fuss is about.

In August last year, Woolworths began rolling out the Scan&Go scheme in Sydney.

The method has been popping up in newer stores around Australia in trial form since back in 2018. But, it’s just now that the debate has popped up again - is it really faster, or is it just an added inconvenience for shoppers?

So, we thought it was finally time we checked it out for ourselves - and we have plenty of thoughts.

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Image: Supplied / Cassidy Pearce.

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Scan&Go? Huh?

If you’re not familiar with Woolies’ new Scan&Go system, there are a few things you need to know.

The system, based in only a small number of stores across the country so far and only recently in Sydney, is intended to allow shoppers to essentially skip the checkout process, instead scanning and bagging your groceries as you walk through the store.

As many supermarkets transition to a more self service-centric approach, this was something that intrigued me. Would it be a smart way to speed up your shopping without the struggle of scanning and bagging everything at the little kiosk at the end, or would it just be another thing that would have boomers joking about how we should get paid now, ‘since we’re doing all the work’?

These kinds of debates have been endless since the system was first introduced; on Reddit, TikTok, and Facebook comments.

Being based outside of central Sydney, I thought I had no stake in the matter - there’s no way we’d get anything new here.

But, I recently found out I was mistaken, and headed out to my nearest store that day.

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How it all works

I’m not going to lie, I did have to set up an Everyday Rewards account in the car on the way to the shops for this. And, if you don’t have one yet, you’ll need to do it too - it’s an important part of the process.

Once you walk into the store, you’re immediately met with a row of trolleys with caddies on them, followed by a wall of Scan&Go tablets.

All you need to do to activate this is scan your Everyday Rewards card via the app underneath. It will then connect to your account, so you can connect it to your trolley and start shopping.

The shopping process itself is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is scan the items on the tablet as you grab them, then put them straight into your trolley. If you’re organised enough (unlike me) you can even put them into your bags as you go.

I will say, I didn’t buy any fruit or veg on my trip, but the process for this also seems fairly simple, with instructions accessible via the tablet itself if you’re not sure.

Once you’re finished with your shop, you can head to the self checkouts to finish up.

Since everything’s already been scanned and loaded, all you need to do is scan the barcode on the screen with the scanner on your tablet. A staff member will come over and check five items at random (just in case you’ve forgotten anything). Then, you can return the tablet and be on your way.

My final thoughts

Overall, I am quite a fan of the Scan&Go method.

I wouldn’t use it for a quick shop, however for a large number of groceries, it’s truly a game-changer.

I understand the argument that it makes your trip feel longer - walking around the store certainly does take a little more time. However, particularly if your local Woolies primarily uses self serve as opposed to staffed check outs, you have to think about the long game.

No one likes pulling up to the self-serve kiosk and unloading 100 items individually in and out of your trolley. NO ONE.

This saves you the trouble entirely - you literally bag your groceries as you go, so the check out process itself is quicker than ever.

My only gripe with this, perhaps just because of how forgetful I can be, is that it’s incredibly easy to forget that you’re supposed to be scanning things along the way. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I bagged a few things, then had to take them out and scan them after because I’d totally forgotten I wouldn’t be checking out normally at the end.

However, I imagine that with regular use, this would become a non-issue as Scan&Go becomes the norm.

I can also see the benefits for those with kids, being able to involve them in the process as well as limiting waiting around, and anyone with a strict budget - you can see exactly how much you’re spending as you go.

If you've got a location which offers Scan&Go near you, and you’ve had your doubts, I highly recommend giving it a go - it might change your life!

Originally published as I tried the new Scan&Go feature at Woolies and here's what you need to know