Self-checkouts are nothing new, they have been around for a couple of years now. You can find them in grocery stores, hardware stores, even McDonald’s has the option to use a self-checkout instead of a traditional cashier. A Walmart store is starting to switch to a self-checkout store only.
via shutterstock
Walmart Self-Checkout
Fayetteville, Arkansas is doing a new test for its Walmart. They will only be having self-checkouts at their store, no cashiers. This is a new experiment for them to see what works better.
If all goes well and the test is successful, then Walmart will do the same thing in more locations and across the country.
While they did not have a set date in place for these to take effect, it could happen sooner rather than later. These new decisions will also depend on many different things.
One factor is feedback from their employees as well as the customers. The main concern is Walmart just wants to do things that are easiest for both their employees and their customers.
Why the Change
Some people wonder why the need for a change and if it will help employees or just make things worse.
One of the main reasons for this change is self-checkout is very cost-efficient. Having a customer do the same work you would normally pay an employee does save the company a lot of money.
One report found that checking someone into their flight at the airport with a cashier costs around $3 dollars. If the customer checks themselves in, it only costs about 14 cents, which is a significant difference.
Another positive is the privacy that customers get when they buy things. If someone gets a personal item or something they might be embarrassed to get, having the self-checkout allows them to keep their purchases private.
Negatives of Self-Checkouts
A lot of customers actually are against self-checkouts. They feel that they are doing all the work and not getting paid for it.
Others find the machine to be difficult to use and cause more problems and takes up more time. Especially the older people who don’t use technology too often may have more problems with the self-checkouts than others.
Oftentimes customers have to ask the employees for help, which is basically like having a cashier anyway. With there being only one or two employees around to help a dozen or more self-checkout stations, it could end up taking more time on customers to get the things they need.
One other negative is that it does put workers out of a job. With the way the economy is going, we need more jobs open for people to live in this world.
With the way things are going, Walmart may be the first to change out cashiers for a self-checkout only system. Which way do you prefer?
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377 comments on “Walmart Store Switches to Self-Checkout Only”
I prefer the self check out. It is faster and easier
I always use self check out.. I don’t like to wait in line. It’s faster.. if you make the self check outs long enough for a full carts worth it should be fine.. any issues there is a cashier there to help..
It sounds like a good thing. But with most good things you will run into problems. For me its buying produce. I have a problem with weighing the item. But all in all it sounds like a good thing. I use self check out all the time
I prefer cashier check out
I don’t mind self checkout for 10 items or less, but truly hate it when I’m doing my large shopping. I’m also a people person and enjoy the conversation with most of the cashiers. I would really be disappointed and probably use pick up even more often if this happens, which I guess saves me money (I don’t buy extras) and time in the long run.Â
I prefer the self check out! I actually was a checkout girl years ago  I would race to be the fastest checkout girl in the line. Never any errors! But now a days, it seems like it takes for ever to get your groceries checked out.  I still check out so fast my husband complains that he can’t keep up with me! I love that.
You should keep both. Sometimes I want to check out myself. Then there are times when I’m exhausted just from doing the shop and need the help to move quickly. When I check out myself, I always require help. I find that frustrating, so then I want to go to the teller!Â
I like having both. If I have very little I like to go in self check, but 95% of my time I use a cashier. I think self check takes away from the employees. If Walmart goes to all self check I will shop other places. I will order online. If you are embarrassed buy online. it comes to your home and no one knows what it is.
I usually do self checkout but my husband prefers having a checker.
Helpers are required for self check because the machines do jam up.
You could have a few check out lanes, maybe 2 or 3 and the rest self check.
Love self checkouts!  I’m in the senior age group and most of the time I have no issues.  I can group together items that go to different areas in my home and it’s fast.  The employees that usually cashier can certainly be utilized for stocking shelves and helping customers in the store!