Self service supermarket checkout.

I use the self-service tills by choice, and I also use self-service in libraries and buy train tickets online or via the self-service machine.
Just self-sufficient I guess

I hate them with a passion ! Those stupid flashing lights with a voice saying "approval needed" means I can't even slip my bottle of gin through without anyone noticing !

Definitely a health hazard as far as I'm concerned. My BP goes through the roof with annoyance and frustration. I would much rather wait I a queue and have a blether.

Might try the Waitrose handset affair out of curiosity.

I am normally ok with these things but today I tried to scan a pack of bananas which would not scan at all. By the time they eventually did I was charged 3x for the things. I also tried to scan two Kinder Eggs. I scanned the first one and it asked me how many I had - there was no 'button' to press to tell the machine so I tried to scan the second one and it wouldn't scan. I had to ask for help so the girl who had been chatting to another customer for about 10 minutes (reason why I chose the self-scanner) came to my assistance. She tried to scan the Kinder eggs but got the same response as me. We eventually managed to get the things scanned but what a palarver

I love them as I suffer from queue rage and find it easier to cope if I can DIY

I also hate these stupid self service things, but I do take delight in using them when I have about £40 in coins, chucked into an old tin when I sort my handbag out. Apparently, many people cheat when using them, particularly with fruit and veg. I am not advocating shoplifting, but the trick is, I've read, to choose items about the same weight, eg choose cheaper onions when scanning oranges.

We use the self scanner at Tesco or Asda usually its without problems and its so much quicker especially at busy times. We used to get checked by an assistant when we first used it too but now it rarely happens.

I use the self service scanner at Waitrose. When the system first started they were always rechecking my items and those of other customers and I was told it was purely random. However, in the last year I haven't been checked once, which suits me, but it does seem strange.

GA I feel the same! Must confess though I usually shop on line as I can't walk far.
Use ocado as I've found waitrose deliver useless here as it's all substitutions!

Ah right. I thought you could just continue and pay as on the diy tills.
Thanks

Lona my point is that Waitrose employ TWICE as many staff as other supermarkets of the same size - and even though I use the quick scan handsets I still have to go through a checkout with a real person serving me; it's just much quicker and easier.
www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Waitrose-confirms-opening-date-Teignmouth-store/story-20650105-detail/story.html

I think by the time they have a couple of staff hanging around to help customers they might as well open another checkout. Someone always comes rushing over of you have any alcohol as well, although I am disappointed that I have never been challenged about my age.

They won't be quiet when I tell them to shut up either.

"Unexpected item in the bagging area" – no, there isn't.

"Wait for help" – that's because I've scanned a bottle of wine and someone has to check that I am over 21.

As for trying to scan light items, such as a birthday card or packet of seeds, forget it.

I actually prefer the self service tills because I'm fairly anti social .

I scan & pack at my own pace and I've rarely experienced any problems.

There is also the added benefit of avoiding the children from the local dance school extorting money for squashing all my fruit & veg.

We have them too, and I hate them, but our supermarkets open 8.30/9.00am close 19.00/20.00; and the shops close on Sundays !!!!!!!

You have to be quick! with the Asda staff!! (Iv'e got it off to perfection now lol) I go to the normal till where there is a real person, and as I feel the Asda staff trying to catch up with me to "encourage" me to us the self service till" I quickly throw items on the belt and if I am stood in the queue at a "real" persons checkout, I just say a polite "NO THANKS" when they ask "would you like to use the self service till"? No!!

They make me feel flustered and I refuse to use them. Tesco seems to have removed the basket only till. Yesterday I was just buying a paper and a loaf. I was told to go and queue at the customer service desk to pay. They make you feel like a failure or a stupid old lady! Grrrr...

MamaCaz, I'm up for it.

Cari is a VERY important person at HQ, NanKate! She keeps us on the straight and narrow (usually), so her posts need to be more visible.

CariGransnet.

Why does your post have a green background please ?

I absolutely HATE this method of checkout. The conveyer is too small, half the time I can't properly see the pics of the fruit etc, that and having to cope with CC and loyalty card, and packing all at the same time, well it seems like it!!! You can keep them, nothing will induce me to use them, I'd sooner leave my shopping in the trolley and go elsewhere and start again!!!!

Shysal: We should get together an army of self-checkout-phobic Gransnetters to go along to your supermarket before 9am and bring things to a standstill with our slow checking out.

I reckon we could soon make them see the error of their ways!

I have no real practical problem using self service machines but I simply refuse to use them even if it means having to wait ages in a queue. These huge companies are making massive profits every year but they are still determined to cut costs and cut staff. There is usually one person manning several checkouts whereas they would need several members of staff to man proper checkout facilities. If we want jobs for our children and grandchildren then please, please stop using these machines. Complain to headquarters, tell them you do not want these machines, we want real people. If enough of us make a stand then they will re introduce manned checkouts again. If this trend continues then there will quite simply be no jobs whatsoever for people and then where will we be. Customers still have a lot of power so lets use it and stop being totally controlled by huge corporate businesses.