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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375 comments on “Walmart Store Switches to Self-Checkout Only”
It’s Ok With Me… I’ve Worked As A Cashier For Many Years. & I Don’t Mind Ringing My Own.
I prefer to let people keep their jobs. We can live with less technology and allow individuals to be an active part of society.
Some cashier’s are needed.
I am 72 and prefer self check out. I don’t always lift things out I just scan them right in my cart. Much easier on my back, Also the cashier spins the bags tray and I miss a bag every now and then.
Self checkout is ok if you have a few items. I dont like it if I have a cart load of items and like fruit or vegetables you have to weigh and deal with. Plus itll put lots of people out of work which us not good
I want both
I do not mind checking myself out. What I do not like is the sign that says credit card only with no cash back. Not everybody has a credit card.
I Personally like the self checkouts, there is never a line up, easy to get my things and get out. I’d rather do my own check ex specially in times like now. Less people touching your stuff. In Toronto here there opening a new restaurant that dosent have staff it’s all done by machines. Only staff they have is in the back on the other side of the wall cooking, you don’t even seen them.Â
Go for it. I think it’s faster to do it my self
Makes no difference to me. I already do self checkout. But I think it will make more people order online. I may try that myself.
I have no problem with self checkouts. I use them all the time. I believe you’re always going to need a clerk to handle problems that arise. People are always going to complain.Â
I only use self checkout if I have only a few items and I am in a hurry. Otherwise I prefer a cashier.
I use self check outs all the time and don’t mind but their is a lot of ppl that just do not understand
The instructions and may not read very to understand instructions on self checkout so yes we still need cashiers
I would rather go to self check out with small amounts of products. But when I have food and house/ garden ware, I want to go to the check out. Besides I do not like using my card everywhere. Next you’ll will be wanting people to have numbers on their hands, just to by food. Like in Revalu
I use self check and the cashiers but there are drawbacks to self check, I would never do away with cashiers in a store.
I prefer the self checkout method as long as you can use cash and card. I find it quicker and easier to use. It’s a pretty self explanatory system and easy to use.Â
Im a rep in walmarts….this is not the only things coming up…soon your cart will check you out…it will know what you put into it and how much it is..then you swipe your card right on the cart or you sign up before and it will just know who you are. So you just walk in pick up what you want and walk out…it will charge your card…
I could accept that.Â
Ok sounds great, but what about the elderly who don’t know how to use self check outs and the disabled…hopefully you have thought of this.
THIS!! I’m only thirty nine but disabled. I will not go through the self-checkout for a cart and hurt myself and end up in bed for days just so that Walmart can save a few bucks. I am not above waiting in line at the cashier where EVERYONE is lined up because no one is using the self-checkout and loudly proclaim that having only one cashier is neither customer nor disabled friendly. Of course since I have a service dog I’m taken seriously and I usually get a line to open up nearly immediately when I do this. They take out the registers and I’ll shop elsewhere. If I’m going to have to bag my own groceries I’d rather go to Aldi’s where the bagging area isn’t down low.
I always use the self checkout. To me it is faster.
I’m not sure if the self-checkout only option is good for my community. We have so many older people who refuse to use the self-checkout lines. It’ll be interesting to see how it goes in Arkansas.