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”
No to self-checkouts puts people out of work!! Doesn’t reflex lower prices. Self checkout should give customer 10percent discount for acting as a employee for Walmart when checking themselves out. Leads to more their..
I totally agree.
I will shop somewhere else.I do not like self checkout. Walmart are some of the richest people around.Do they really feel it’s ok to put people out of jobs just to make more money .selfish bas tards
It’s about the greed of money on Walmarts part.They save money and customers keep paying the high prices .Then it’s bring your own bag.Just showing they don’t care if cashiers lose their job or not .All about their pockets getting filled
I would stop going to Walmart if they switch to self check out only. If I needed something from them, I would probably just order it online
I do not want to checkout my purchases. If you all decide to change, I will do all my shopping at Target or Dollar tree. I do not want you to change. I do not like self check.
I am not for the Self-Check Only simply because you will be putting people out of jobs that need & depend on that income.
Yes, I’m don’t use the new system,,I don’t going to Walmart no more,is they remove the register.
If I have to check myself out I will be going elsewhere to shop. You need to think about the Seniors and Disabled customers that come to your store. I have no one to help me and I shop once a month since I have to travel to go to the store. I’m sure there are alot more then just me that feel this way. There is another store so I will be doing my shopping there instead of WalMart.
I am against the self checkout.I am 78 years old and went to walmart to grocery shop about a month ago and became extremely tired after shopping and checking myself out. It took me several days to feel normal. It was too much.
Keep it like it is. I like self checkout and I am 72 years old but occasionally I need help and I’m definitely slower than a cashier so when I have a lot of items I go to the cashier. Much faster!