Save a job...refuse to use the "self checkout" at the grocery store...

**MRAHoffman** · 01-09-2009, 07:26 PM

I just got back from getting groceries and 2 things got my attention:

1. I shop at the Cascade Meijers in Grand Rapids Michigan (for those of you who are familiar and for those of you who don't, it is an "upscale" Walmart, but I buy almost exclusively store brand). This is Meijers "premier" grocery store that they just remodeled a cooking demo area, 101 balsamic vinegrettes, gourmet food galore as well as outdoor items, clothes, RX, etc. I told my mom, watch the "other areas" (non grocery) are going to go away and even the grocery is going to be pared down. I couldn't believe it but Friday 6pm, ALL areas of the store were slow AND 1/4 of the store was bare...even their spring clothes only had maybe 1/2 doz. of each style. I wonder what they are going to do with all that "unused" space?

2. I was watching as people were using the self checkout and cashiers were standing around...come on people, put these cashiers to work...have THEM check out your groceries, not a machine...SAVE that job!!!! There! Take care and God bless.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-09-2009, 07:38 PM

You are so right!!

**writtenonmybody** · 01-09-2009, 07:40 PM

The only time I use a self check out is if a store is VERY VERY busy. Then I'll use it if the line is shorter there. I totally agree with you though, Save those jobs!

**Missy** · 01-09-2009, 07:48 PM

i dont use the self check outs because i can't ever get the things to work anyhow! LOL

**lmbaker520** · 01-09-2009, 07:50 PM

Wow I have never thought about that. I use the self checkout lanes but it is only when I have 3-4 items and the lines are really long. This will make me think twice in the future.

**YankeeMom** · 01-09-2009, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Missy

i dont use the self check outs because i can't ever get the things to work anyhow! LOL

Me either! I'd rather wait in line for a real person than deal with those stupid things

**momof2joys** · 01-09-2009, 07:54 PM

I never really thought about it that way!! I have to say that I am just as gulity as the next by using the self-checkouts, but now I will wait in line to be checked out by a cashier!! Thanks for turning my attention to this!!!

**dcompton** · 01-09-2009, 08:04 PM

Nope, don't use 'em. Something always causes a problem - I think I'm cursed - and then I have to wait for the cashier watching it to come rescue me. I just wait in line and let a real person do it.

Besides, it's a luxury to be waited on once in a while instead of always doing it yourself!

**MandiDawn** · 01-09-2009, 08:07 PM

I always use a person when at Meijers, but I admit I don't at Krogers.

Twice in 3 weeks a person at Kroger forgot to give me a bag of my groceries. I was quite upset. I boycotted them for a month, but they are just so close!! So know I ONLY use the self-checkout. Petty I know, but it gives me a little satisfaction deep inside.

**IntlMom** · 01-09-2009, 08:08 PM

ok, so I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum....I LOVE the self checkouts. I always have ton of coupons and I shop sales almost exclusively. I always have a hard time paying close enough attention to the checkout when a checker is doing it and I almost always am overcharged or double charged for something......I lvoe the self checkout, I can totally keep track of if I am getting charged right, and can make sure I get credit correctly for all my coupons. I love it and always use, no matter how full my cart is.

But, the OP makes a good point about keeping the checkers employed.

**freebs** · 01-09-2009, 08:18 PM

I figure it wont be long and more stores will be almost 100% self check out, they will save money that way as they only have to have 1 checker for 4 lanes.

**Ilovesewing** · 01-09-2009, 09:36 PM

I've never used a self-checkout for a slightly different reason: I figure I'm paying the store good money for my goods and part of that cost is for their service. Now if they wanted to give me a discount for doing it myself I would have thought about it. But I'm not an employee so I'll let one of theirs handle the job

**Sara Noel** · 01-09-2009, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by MandiDawn

I always use a person when at Meijers, but I admit I don't at Krogers.

Twice in 3 weeks a person at Kroger forgot to give me a bag of my groceries. I was quite upset. I boycotted them for a month, but they are just so close!! So know I ONLY use the self-checkout. Petty I know, but it gives me a little satisfaction deep inside.

You mean your cashiers actually load the carts? LOL Since getting the carousel bag holders, cashiers here don't even reach to put them into carts. You pay and they don't even look at you as they hand you your receipt. They're already shoving you off for the next person in line. Often times, I don't even have my own bags off the carousel and they're already loading the next person's stuff.

**Megareader** · 01-09-2009, 10:30 PM

I have never used a self-checker and never will. I have had store managers say to me "the self check is open" and I reply "I'll wait in line for a real cashier. I refuse to take part in eliminating anyone's job."

**MamaTreadler** · 01-09-2009, 10:47 PM

Ooohhh, I hate those things. They never work right around here. I think they are a big pain in the patooty. And I agree with the person that said part of what we are paying for is service.

I just hate those things...