Bargain Quest

The time has come to put forth a code of Self-Checkout usage. Learn it, love it, live it.

1. DO NOT use the self-checkout system if you can’t check yourself out. I can’t believe I even have to make this a rule, but the concept is apparently too much for some folks to grasp. (I have to interject here that I realize new technology takes some folks longer to learn than others, so I’m not talking about the couple of runs through that it might take to figure it out, preferably with only a few items at a slow time of day.)

2. If there’s a line, use your time in line productively. Have your shopper card out, your credit card at the ready, and coupons in hand. (This applies to regular checkout too).

3. If there is an item number limit, abide by it! Even if there’s no limit, avoid having more than 15 items.

4. Handbaskets are best suited to self-checkout. If you must bring a shopping cart, make sure you have it pushed to the side so that it is not impeding traffic of those trying to reach other kiosks or exit the store.

5. Preferably, have the order of screens and position of buttons memorized so you can blaze right through them. OK, so this isn’t really a rule, but it’s nice.

6. Swipe an item once where you guess the bar code will be, then hold it over the bag and wait for it to register. If it doesn’t, do a quick check to make sure you’re right about the code location, and scan again, slightly slower. After scanning, immediately place it in the bag so that the weight registers.

7. Don’t remove bags until the transaction is over, and never lean on the bagging area! It throws off the sensors.

8. Ideally, don’t bring non-bar-coded fruits and veggies in the self-check line. But if you must, try only bring ones that have their numerical code printed on a sticker so you can punch them right in. If that isn’t possible, make sure you know how to use the code list to look them up.

9. Don’t use coupons. I break this one all the the time, but only use a couple at a time and avoid it during busy times of day. Buying alcohol is another issue that causes a delay because of the need to check ID.

10. Cash is good. Credit/debit is much much better. Do.not.write.checks (That’s its own tirade.)

11. Get your bags, your receipt, and go. Get out of the way ASAP. If you want to double check your receipt, do it beyond the checkout lanes so that the next person can check out.

Did I miss any?

Like the pirates’ code, these are more a set of guidelines than hard-and-fast rules. But please be aware of them out of consideration for fellow shoppers! The self-check option is supposed to be a speedy alternative to free up cashiers for more complicated transactions. If everyone abided by the preceding principles, the experience would be smooth and relatively hassle-free, instead of the disaster I frequently encounter.

This post is inspired by one such disastrous episode at Kroger a few days ago. The store wasn’t busy, but my checkout was seriously impeded by another customer breaking rules 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11 and especially 1! She had between 30 and 40 items in her cart, half of which were produce. Normally, I wouldn’t have cared since there were open kiosks, but for some reason this woman was unable or unwilling to complete the tasks herself. She stood back (blocking the aisle), while the designated self-check cashier handled her entire transaction, choosing all the options, keying every lousy vegetable, bagging the items, putting items in her cart, and waiting for her to write the check. Meanwhile, I had chosen to break rule #8 and had 3 coupons that needed to be scanned. I was left waiting for assistance for upwards of 10 minutes while this saga played out.

I do practice what I preach in self-checkout, especially when shopping with my husband. The two of us make a formidable self-check team. More than once, we’ve received comments from someone behind us in line about the speed with which we complete transactions. My husband handles the goods while I ready the appropriate cards (credit, shoppers, driver’s license, etc.). Then he positions the shopping basket while I get the transaction underway. I scan, he prepares bags. I swipe the credit card and grab the receipt, he picks up the merchandise. It’s a veritable ballet of efficiency. A little over the top to be sure, but someone has to compensate for the 90% of shoppers that just don’t get it.