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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?
If a customer has to check out themselves then why bother GOING TO THE STORE?! Stay home n shop online and have it delivered! You are going to lose alot of impulse sales and customers. I think its stupid, what if there is a price inquiry required? People need one on one at a register. I feel this is a major mistake on your part. Very bad decision!
Wal mart is in for the money who really does not care about the associate or customer
I will go anywhere I can have a cashier…..if I have to pay a little more….so be it.
I don’t mind self checkout if I have a few things but if I am buying 200.00 to 300.00 groceries, I prefer cashiers. Also, Walmart put all the small stores out of business becoming one of the largest companies in USA now they want to get rid of most of their employees and ask customers to do their jobs.
I think it is ashame you have put do many people out of work, especially the older ones
I agree ☝️ with the negative side for self checkout. I’d rather go to a cashier. Not everyone is tech savvy. And the lines could get longer and slower. I dislike the self checkout.
Bad idea period ! ! !
If Wal-Mart goes to all self checkout I will stop shopping there. Do not like the self check out, I want a cashier.
Agreed and of course the corporation makes a lot of extra money and WILL NOT increase workers wages. Corporate greed is what I smell.
I’m a Walmart cashier and I don’t want to lose my job. There is not much to choose from in my town as far as work goes. Leave the cashier’s in place for the ones that want it
Because you are not paying as much for check out personnel, will that reflect in reduced prices for your customers? It definitely should!
I am older poor eye sight I do not like self check out we only have 1 to 2 checkers at our store now the lines with cashiers is always long and full your getting rid of people’s jobs I’m a no on self check out