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Self serve tills

(72 Posts)
Cambsnan Thu 30-Jan-25 09:03:20

I often buy just a couple of items and am happy to use self-serve tills. However, I often struggle to tap the screen hard enough. Am I alone in this?

tanith Thu 30-Jan-25 09:05:54

It might be you sometimes screens are slow to respond depending on sensitivity settings possibly.

tanith Thu 30-Jan-25 09:06:44

Sorry I meant to say that it might NOT be you.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 30-Jan-25 09:08:07

Sorry I can’t help Cambsnan as I avoid them as much as possible. If there’s a choice I always go to a till to be served. I’m retired of course so there’s no rush if there’s a queue. I like to think I’m helping keep somebody in a job. Hopefully!

TerriBull Thu 30-Jan-25 09:12:04

Sometimes I have to have a few taps until the screen finally behaves itself and gives me the right to pay, for which I'm always truly grateful. I really wouldn't blame yourself OP, it's not you it's them, they lay in wait to add another layer of frustration to our daygrin

TerriBull Thu 30-Jan-25 09:26:27

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Sorry I can’t help Cambsnan as I avoid them as much as possible. If there’s a choice I always go to a till to be served. I’m retired of course so there’s no rush if there’s a queue. I like to think I’m helping keep somebody in a job. Hopefully!

There have to be more than a couple of people in Sainsburys to oversee their self service tills, it can get very busy at peak times, random spot checks at the Smart tills, checks to work out if you're over 18 when buying Paracetamol, alcohol and of course there are wilful and badly behaved screens that can bring out the inner Basil Fawlty and need a bit of a kicking cajoling from members of staff. .

Witzend Thu 30-Jan-25 09:32:27

Self serve checkouts never like my (heavy cotton) bags - they always think there’s something inside I’m trying to nick. So I never pack until after I’ve paid, which means a delay for anyone else waiting, but I just CBA with the inevitable ‘a colleague is coming to help’….😩

Astitchintime Thu 30-Jan-25 09:37:44

I much prefer to 'scan and shop' for the main grocery shop and if I have a few items I will use self-scan tills. On many occasions in the past when I have used a traditional checkout I have noticed that some staff were rather heavy handed with things like apples, which bruise very easily, and eggs.

Jewelle Thu 30-Jan-25 09:53:02

I love self scan tills. I usually find them quite responsive although sometimes the red light goes off for whatever reason I’m not sure.

However, I don’t mind using the normal checkouts, but sometimes it’s a race between the cashier and I as to whether they can get all the items down the trolley before I can pack anything so all my shopping builds up on the trolley. Even when there’s no-one behind me waiting. That’s really annoying.

Oopsadaisy1 Thu 30-Jan-25 09:57:20

Until their prices are cheaper if you do it yourself I’ll wait at a checkout.

I’m not paid to do their work for them.

Claremont Thu 30-Jan-25 09:58:14

Exactly, I will not work for them, and then not even be trusted.

Claremont Thu 30-Jan-25 09:59:34

At our local Sainsbury's they have taken out all served tills but 3 - I go when it is not busy. If they take them all out, I will just have to change and go elsewhere.

kittylester Thu 30-Jan-25 10:01:51

I don't do a 'big' shop nowadays preferring a delivery but I am more than happy to do a self service checkout for a few things.

I have found the self service bits always have enough staff to help if needed. I do have trouble convincing them that I am over 18!!

Indigo8 Thu 30-Jan-25 10:15:30

My treat used to be to have a KFC when I went into town. No longer.

There was only one person behind the counter and he was doing the cooking.

I couldn't get the screen thing to work and the person behind the counter appeared not to be able to hear my plea for help, probably because he was too busy.

I had no alternative but to give up.

BigBertha1 Thu 30-Jan-25 10:22:19

I'm with you kittylester although the till has trouble with the jute bags.

Rainbow1235 Thu 30-Jan-25 11:22:25

I can’t get on with them so I’m happy to queue up I always end up doin something wrong 🤔😂

dragonfly46 Thu 30-Jan-25 11:25:43

I agree kitty I too have a weekly delivery and if I need to pop into the shop I use the self service.
I was recently in our large revamped M&S recently and most of the desks to pay are self service.
On an aside they also have unisex changing rooms which I do hate.

RosieandherMaw Thu 30-Jan-25 11:54:34

On an aside they also have unisex changing rooms which I do hate

I tend to bring things home with fingers crossed they’ll be OK as I hate changing rooms anyway (the mirrors are much too honest) but I wonder what would happen if one refused to use a unisex changing room?
Must try it- I’ll let you know how I get on.

maddyone Thu 30-Jan-25 11:58:09

I prefer self scan tills, but my husband doesn’t. If shopping alone I always use self scan tills, but if with my husband, we always have to use the assistant tills.

nanna8 Thu 30-Jan-25 12:02:19

The self service is quicker so I tend to use it if I don’t have a lot of stuff. Some are better than others. I think Aldi ones are the best, they rarely go wrong. The worst are KMart - I don’t think you have that there,though.

hollysteers Thu 30-Jan-25 12:28:10

Occasionally use them for a few things, but prefer an assistant for a ‘big’ shop.
When they first appeared, I was guided to them by an assistant, but replied “Sorry, I don’t work here”😁

My doctor has a sign in screen which needs the strength of an ox in my fingers to use..l

Elowen33 Thu 30-Jan-25 12:54:35

Maybe you are pressing too hard, they only need a light touch, the same as with iPads , if you press too hard they do not work.

Oldbat1 Thu 30-Jan-25 13:28:34

Hate self scan! Sains and I have a running battle regarding manning tills. I have to ask for a till cashier even though staff are standing around “chatting”.

Cossy Thu 30-Jan-25 13:50:53

Astitchintime

I much prefer to 'scan and shop' for the main grocery shop and if I have a few items I will use self-scan tills. On many occasions in the past when I have used a traditional checkout I have noticed that some staff were rather heavy handed with things like apples, which bruise very easily, and eggs.

Scan and shop is great, self serve tile don’t seem to like me haha

Anyway I have our main shopped delivered and buy the fresh stuff as needed.

sodapop Thu 30-Jan-25 15:05:51

Mr Soda read on Google that Tesco are opening stores where you need an app to get in.
Is this really happening?