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’m fine with it
Hopefully a Walmart will reposition many of their cashiers into stock and sales floor workers. Â It takes a lot of man power to keep a big store clean. Â More people to assist shoppers on the sales floor. Â The key to the self checkouts
Would be to have at least two people at the registers to assist guests with their needs.  I’m sure they will have such as price overrides,  receipt paper replacements, system crashes.  Selling cigarettes and tobacco products should be interesting without an actual cashier. Â
Our Walmart has stopped accepting cash at self checkouts, you have to go thru a cashier if you pay cash. what is that all about?
There is a coin shortage according to the government. Most are rounding up change given back to the customer.
I think it is a good idea!People do get thru them faster too and it is more private!I absolutely love it!
I love self checkouts. However I have cashiered at Walmart. But they will find that there will be more theft. They will switch back. They will also lose business. Older people will go somewhere else to shop. Â The company who keeps cashiers will make out in the long run. But as I said they will try and they will go back to cashiers.Â
I would prefer to have a cashier as I have a disability and cannot lift a large amount (1gallon) of weight. Â The cashier can sack the groceries much faster than I and keep the line moving.
I prefer self check out. Easier and Quicker for me however I was a trained cashier in one of my former jobs! So no problem for me!
It will never happen for those who still pay by cash unless Walmart changes the self checkouts to accept cash and coins.Â
I think it’s best to have both.
I didn’t sign up to be a cashier.
It’s to much to have to bag your purchases if you have a lot.
I prefer a choice of both.  The store should have plenty of check out preference  at their location.
I don’t mind if it’s a small order, but I also feel I should get at least 10% off (or more!) for doing the workÂ