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Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
Thu May 17, 2018, 01:49 PM May 2018

Walmart Gives Up Replacing Store Cashiers With Machines

Walmart Gives Up Replacing Store Cashiers With Machines

That’s according to a recent Bloomberg report, which reveals that the retail giant is getting rid of “Mobile Scan & Go” technology, which allowed customers to ring up their own purchases.

Apparently, the technology didn’t work for Walmart's customers. "It took Walmart almost a year to figure out what the rest of us already know: you can't convince customers to do the job of a cashier just because you don't want to pay for the work, especially when eliminating cashiers doesn't result in more convenient shopping,” says Making Change at Walmart (MCAW) director, Randy Parraz.

Meanwhile, the new technology hasn’t helped Walmart’s operating margins—see tables.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/panosmourdoukoutas/2018/05/16/walmart-gives-up-replacing-store-cashiers-with-machines/#71f7b0982f91

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Walmart Gives Up Replacing Store Cashiers With Machines (Original Post) Sherman A1 May 2018 OP
Our local supermarket chain has these too. I hate em. TeamPooka May 2018 #1
Albertsons stopped using them because too many people were stealing stuff. Initech May 2018 #20
My pruis key fob sets off when i go marlakay May 2018 #2
I'm not so sure about this. One local Wal-Mart recently increased the number of scan & go lanes. Arkansas Granny May 2018 #3
I think folks here are talking about apples and oranges GusBob May 2018 #19
This is what I found on using your phone to pay. You still have to scan your items at a register Arkansas Granny May 2018 #21
Good gravy that is confusing! GusBob May 2018 #24
Most of the times I've tried to use these sort of things mythology May 2018 #4
For me, the Walmart self-help is very user friendly compared to other stores i have used wishstar May 2018 #5
If you want customers to use something it needs to be easier, faster or cheaper. PoliticAverse May 2018 #6
I will stand on a line if it is twenty deep. Zoonart May 2018 #7
I do as well Bettie May 2018 #27
Right there with you. Zoonart May 2018 #29
Plus... Crutchez_CuiBono May 2018 #31
I agree easttexaslefty May 2018 #42
Do you use ATMs? former9thward May 2018 #33
I do not use ATMs Zoonart May 2018 #43
Banking online and by phone knocked out jobs. former9thward May 2018 #44
As. Non driver I do what I can do. Zoonart May 2018 #45
THIS is my attitude. This is how we help to keep people employed. NT jrthin May 2018 #51
I refuse to scan and bag my own purchases HAB911 May 2018 #8
ESPECIALLY Crutchez_CuiBono May 2018 #47
I REFUSE to use any of the "self-check out" options anywhere... Moostache May 2018 #9
I hate them. I always go to a cashier unless there is a huge line and I'm in smirkymonkey May 2018 #10
Those things are good only when you only have a few small items standingtall May 2018 #11
There's a Walmart grocery store on my way home I don't go into very often. tanyev May 2018 #12
The medical testing lab I use just installed marybourg May 2018 #13
self checkout is great if you just have a few items. Mosby May 2018 #14
Same here. With a full weeks shopping it madinmaryland May 2018 #34
No wonder. They only keep two fucking registers open at a time. Their policy-Minimum 3 deep per line TheBlackAdder May 2018 #15
I tried it once at Lowe's lpbk2713 May 2018 #16
I try to avoid Walmart at all costs, but when I go to Target, I never use their self-checkouts. Tommy_Carcetti May 2018 #17
I don't think "mobile scan and go" is the same thing as self check out guys GusBob May 2018 #18
You are correct; this is different JenniferJuniper May 2018 #22
Well it is confusing see post 21 GusBob May 2018 #25
Yes, Walmart's version doesn't sound very advanced JenniferJuniper May 2018 #28
I always chat up Sheila or Ed or someone who's there Le Gaucher May 2018 #23
the only time I use any self checkout is at Costco OriginalGeek May 2018 #26
Huh... shanti May 2018 #35
they added two lanes to ours within the last year or so OriginalGeek May 2018 #36
My experience is that the general population is too dumb to operate them BannonsLiver May 2018 #30
Just saw snowybirdie May 2018 #32
I no longer go to Walmart. nancy1942 May 2018 #37
Their salary demands were too high? brooklynite May 2018 #38
From what I have understood in the past Sherman A1 May 2018 #40
At Home Depot today buying a $50 refrigerator water filter XRubicon May 2018 #39
It's the best thing that ever happened to McDonalds oberliner May 2018 #41
Not too long ago, I asked a checkout clerk DeminPennswoods May 2018 #46
Short answer is of course the companies are not saving. Sherman A1 May 2018 #48
One attendent can monitor 8-10 self checkout lanes Mosby May 2018 #56
self-checkout for me - I prefer it DrDan May 2018 #49
Kroger has both self-checkout and cashier lines. roamer65 May 2018 #50
Had the self-check out fresh produce experience DeminPennswoods May 2018 #55
Sam's Club has self checkouts Ohiogal May 2018 #52
I prefer self checkouts too MichMan May 2018 #53
Every human-to-human transaction is disappearing. We now "interact" virtually and/or mechanically. VOX May 2018 #54
Yup. And people wonder why they feel lonely. roamer65 May 2018 #57

Initech

(99,914 posts)
20. Albertsons stopped using them because too many people were stealing stuff.
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:09 PM
May 2018

That's why even the best automation is prone to human error, and that human error usually involves not having a human present.

marlakay

(11,370 posts)
2. My pruis key fob sets off when i go
Thu May 17, 2018, 01:59 PM
May 2018

Into Walmart, just started with new things they have at doors.

It beeped as I walked in but no one was there as I walked out the guy was standing there so I started taking things out of my purse while laughing and putting in front of the posts my keys set it off.

I hate doing my own because paying is slower. And since I bring my own bag it gets confusing.

Arkansas Granny

(31,483 posts)
3. I'm not so sure about this. One local Wal-Mart recently increased the number of scan & go lanes.
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:01 PM
May 2018

I won't use the damned things.

GusBob

(7,286 posts)
19. I think folks here are talking about apples and oranges
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:06 PM
May 2018

Mobile scan and go is not the same thing as self check out. There are no lanes

I think mobile scan and go uses smart phone technology. You scan the item into your device and the money comes out of your account automatically

You just scan and take your stuff. No lines, no lanes

I could be wrong but I think that's what they are ditching

Arkansas Granny

(31,483 posts)
21. This is what I found on using your phone to pay. You still have to scan your items at a register
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:22 PM
May 2018

whether it is a self scan or one with a checker.

http://help.walmart.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/889/~/walmart-pay

wishstar

(5,267 posts)
5. For me, the Walmart self-help is very user friendly compared to other stores i have used
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:06 PM
May 2018

I have found their self check out to be fast and efficient and I have had better luck with price accuracy compared to other grocery stores nearby where almost every time items ring up too high. So I can't complain, but just hope if they eliminate self help that they will hire enough cashiers to not have to stand in line which was the case before they added all the self check stations at my store.

PoliticAverse

(26,366 posts)
6. If you want customers to use something it needs to be easier, faster or cheaper.
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:08 PM
May 2018

None of those is true for in general for the self-scanners.

Zoonart

(11,749 posts)
7. I will stand on a line if it is twenty deep.
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:15 PM
May 2018

I will never use a self-scanner. That is a job...people need jobs. PERIOD.

Bettie

(15,998 posts)
27. I do as well
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:33 PM
May 2018

people need jobs. I also make an effort to be pleasant and friendly, since too often, people treat checkers and clerks as if they are not human.

Crutchez_CuiBono

(7,725 posts)
31. Plus...
Thu May 17, 2018, 04:11 PM
May 2018

they pay some barker to yell at you to step up to the scanners as you go up and they only have 0ne lane open intentionally. I'll walk away from a cart full of groceries before someones going to shout me into swiping and bagging my own food.
I HAVENT SEEN A DECREASE IN FOOD PRICES HAVE YOU? AND the cost of gas is over 3.00 now. Fracking coast to coast...Pipelines everywhere...oil derricks and gas pumps in fields everywhere...but, our gas is going to 4.00 again. Fuck this corporate noise.
OPT OUT OF THE SELF HELP.
That especially includes kiosks at mcdonalds....I thought bush justified factories leaving bc we were going to a service economy? Now they're wiping out the service people.
Imagine the grout on those kiosks...then you go and try to eat your food...gross.

former9thward

(31,802 posts)
44. Banking online and by phone knocked out jobs.
Thu May 17, 2018, 06:49 PM
May 2018

Banks did not do those things for your convenience, they did it to cut jobs and save money.

Crutchez_CuiBono

(7,725 posts)
47. ESPECIALLY
Thu May 17, 2018, 07:52 PM
May 2018

when food prices are at an all time high. Like the Waltons can't afford three lines open 24/7 at every walmart they own. They did the market research before they built them.

Moostache

(9,895 posts)
9. I REFUSE to use any of the "self-check out" options anywhere...
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:21 PM
May 2018

My thought has always been, "why should I volunteer to do work for the owner so he/she can avoid hiring people?"

Profits are what the owners should get to keep and do with what they wish AFTER all expenses...I hate the concept of 'externalities' and 'corporate tax incentives' and 'self-check outs' all equally...society needs to fix our wealth worship addictions...they have to go!

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
10. I hate them. I always go to a cashier unless there is a huge line and I'm in
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:24 PM
May 2018

a hurry and even then, I still usually have to ask one of the attendants for help. They are so annoying.

standingtall

(2,785 posts)
11. Those things are good only when you only have a few small items
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:25 PM
May 2018

but if you have large items or you did all your grocery shopping it's better to go through the line.

tanyev

(42,360 posts)
12. There's a Walmart grocery store on my way home I don't go into very often.
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:27 PM
May 2018

Last time I was in I discovered they had put in a bunch of self-check lanes and those were the only ones open. I generally don’t mind using self-check, but for heaven’s sake they need to use bags that easily open and pull forward so you can access more than one bag. I don’t know how long I stood there fighting with those Walmart bags, getting more and more irritated. Mental note made that IF I ever go back in there again to only buy what can fit in one bag.

marybourg

(12,540 posts)
13. The medical testing lab I use just installed
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:27 PM
May 2018

scanners where you have to scan in your own insurance cards and drivers license, with no place to put down your handbag while you're searching for the cards. I made the employees do it for me, and will continue to do so as long as they keep these monstrosities.

Mosby

(16,168 posts)
14. self checkout is great if you just have a few items.
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:38 PM
May 2018

I find myself stopping more at grocery stores because I can get in and out faster.

lpbk2713

(42,696 posts)
16. I tried it once at Lowe's
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:51 PM
May 2018



Only because there were no human checkouts available. After several attempts the item would not identify. Took it to the courtesy desk. Same thing with the experienced Lowe's employee after several failing attempts with the bar code and manually with the UPC. She went to another courtesy desk terminal and it finally identified after a few more attempts. Now if I don't see a human available I put the item down and walk out.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,085 posts)
17. I try to avoid Walmart at all costs, but when I go to Target, I never use their self-checkouts.
Thu May 17, 2018, 02:53 PM
May 2018

Part of it is if course ideological, but the other part is practical.

The times I did try using it, there would always be a problem at the machine, an employee would always have to come over and assist for me, so what was the point? Eventually I noticed that they'd man employees by the self-checkouts to assist with customers in the self-checkouts, and that completely defeated the purpose of the self-checkout.

So I always use the employee manned checkout. Sometimes as I'm heading towards the checkout an employee will remind me of the self-checkout and I always politely decline.

GusBob

(7,286 posts)
18. I don't think "mobile scan and go" is the same thing as self check out guys
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:00 PM
May 2018

It's the app thing on smart devices.

They are not going to ditch self check out

JenniferJuniper

(4,496 posts)
22. You are correct; this is different
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:25 PM
May 2018

These aren't check out stations like the ones that have been in supermarkets for many years.

We have a company store that sells snacks and assorted sundries. It's not manned. You walk in scan and pay what you want on your phone and leave.

I don't know what happens if you just walk out without scanning, but there are cameras everywhere, and well, it's work and most people wouldn't want to risk getting fired over a diet coke.

GusBob

(7,286 posts)
25. Well it is confusing see post 21
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:30 PM
May 2018

You use the app at Wal Mart and you still have to scan your items

Sounds confusing for sure

JenniferJuniper

(4,496 posts)
28. Yes, Walmart's version doesn't sound very advanced
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:43 PM
May 2018

Here's what Amazon is doing now. More along the lines of what I experience at work.

They'll all be doing this eventually, even if they have to create a robot to watch over the activities.

https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/21/inside-amazons-surveillance-powered-no-checkout-convenience-store/

 

Le Gaucher

(1,547 posts)
23. I always chat up Sheila or Ed or someone who's there
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:28 PM
May 2018

Even if it is silly small talk ..I hope it gives them a minute of interaction with someone who values other humans

OriginalGeek

(12,132 posts)
26. the only time I use any self checkout is at Costco
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:32 PM
May 2018

and then it's ONLY when I have no more than 2 items and all the regular lanes are backed up to the granola bars and then I STILL make the kid with the scan gun come help me.

It's very very rare I leave Costco with only 1 or 2 items.

I don't shop at Walmart on general principle.

OriginalGeek

(12,132 posts)
36. they added two lanes to ours within the last year or so
Thu May 17, 2018, 05:32 PM
May 2018

actually, i guess it's one wide lane with 4 self checkout stations and a guy in the middle to fix all the screw-ups we make trying to figure out how to use it lol.

BannonsLiver

(16,162 posts)
30. My experience is that the general population is too dumb to operate them
Thu May 17, 2018, 03:47 PM
May 2018

I don't know how many times i've stood waiting for someone who can't read a screen and follow instructions. In the end, i discovered it's often faster to go the human route. And certainly good for people who need those jobs.

snowybirdie

(5,191 posts)
32. Just saw
Thu May 17, 2018, 04:29 PM
May 2018

an automatic order taker and pay station in a McDonalds the other day. Also saw three of their places remodeling their lobbies. Looks they're giving it a try. What could go wrong?

nancy1942

(635 posts)
37. I no longer go to Walmart.
Thu May 17, 2018, 05:42 PM
May 2018

2 months ago they put the scan and go crap in the local hellhole which is Wal-Mart; I left and have not returned since. I hope they throw the entire concept into the trash where it belongs. I loathe everything about Wal-Mart.

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
40. From what I have understood in the past
Thu May 17, 2018, 06:04 PM
May 2018

their maintaince costs are rather high and so in some sense you are correct.

XRubicon

(2,212 posts)
39. At Home Depot today buying a $50 refrigerator water filter
Thu May 17, 2018, 06:00 PM
May 2018

I opted for the self check out, the scanner could not scan the barcode because it was too small, I tried to get the attendants attention as she walked away for a break or something. I kept trying to scan it, then finally I got someone to help and they scanned it at the attendants station using a hand held wand... she said the barcode is too small, happens all the time.

These systems are not there yet, I think they will be eventually but not now.

DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
46. Not too long ago, I asked a checkout clerk
Thu May 17, 2018, 07:01 PM
May 2018

at one of the big local grocers if they or the self-help scanners were faster. I wasn't surprised to learn clerks can do about 5 items in the same time it takes a customer to do 1 in the auto checkout line. So, the cashiers are actually faster (they know what they're doing) that customers checking themselves out who have to think about it.

In fact, I usually see help hanging around the self-checkout lanes to help customers who get stuck. So where really are the savings?

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
48. Short answer is of course the companies are not saving.
Thu May 17, 2018, 08:18 PM
May 2018

It is one of those things that looked good on paper to replace labor, but as you mentioned they do not really speed up the checkout process and as I understand they are difficult and costly to maintain.

Mosby

(16,168 posts)
56. One attendent can monitor 8-10 self checkout lanes
Thu May 17, 2018, 09:20 PM
May 2018

Even if customers are slower scanning and paying, its still way more efficient than having multiple check out lanes open at all times.

roamer65

(36,739 posts)
50. Kroger has both self-checkout and cashier lines.
Thu May 17, 2018, 08:26 PM
May 2018

Last edited Thu May 17, 2018, 09:29 PM - Edit history (1)

If I have 2 or 3 items, it is often quicker to self checkout. Otherwise I usually use a cashier line.

It’s a judgement call, based on how busy the store is at that time.

Their self checkout works ok, except doing fresh produce on it sucks.

DeminPennswoods

(15,246 posts)
55. Had the self-check out fresh produce experience
Thu May 17, 2018, 08:49 PM
May 2018

at the local WalMart. What a hassle! I am never doing that again.

Ohiogal

(31,660 posts)
52. Sam's Club has self checkouts
Thu May 17, 2018, 08:36 PM
May 2018

But you have to use your Sam's Club charge to pay! So they make money off of them! No way do I use those.

MichMan

(11,789 posts)
53. I prefer self checkouts too
Thu May 17, 2018, 08:47 PM
May 2018

I usually only buy a dozen items at most. Refuse to get in line behind someone with a overflowing cart just to use a cashier

VOX

(22,976 posts)
54. Every human-to-human transaction is disappearing. We now "interact" virtually and/or mechanically.
Thu May 17, 2018, 08:49 PM
May 2018

-Buy shit online, carrier leaves it at the door.
-Pump your own gas. (Been doing so since the 1970s)
-Refill prescriptions via touch-tone, pickup at drive-thru window.
-Self-checkout here and there.
-Your car's dash display tells you it needs service.
-Robocalls.
-Texting/messaging/email/social media.
-Security gate says aloud, "Access granted."


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