Posted on 02/19/2023 6:48:55 PM PST by Rummyfan
I used to enjoy grocery check-out time. Not anymore.
For years, I'd put my groceries on the conveyor belt, a friendly cashier would say hello, we'd have a quick chit-chat, and she'd ring up my items. A bagger would then deftly slide my food into bags, and—when I was really stocking up—would even push the second cart out to the car so I didn't have to make two trips. Couple of jokes, couple of new acquaintances, fresh fish, beef, cheese, butter, eggs, a few other things, and that was it. All very easy—even enjoyable.
But now, as with so many other aspects of life, this pleasant little everyday experience is vanishing. And it's vanishing for two reasons: the computerized replacement of check-out cashiers altogether, and an increasingly grating experience with the cashiers who still remain.
Let's start with this: I'm against touchscreen check-out.
I used to enjoy grocery check-out time. Not anymore.
For years, I'd put my groceries on the conveyor belt, a friendly cashier would say hello, we'd have a quick chit-chat, and she'd ring up my items. A bagger would then deftly slide my food into bags, and—when I was really stocking up—would even push the second cart out to the car so I didn't have to make two trips. Couple of jokes, couple of new acquaintances, fresh fish, beef, cheese, butter, eggs, a few other things, and that was it. All very easy—even enjoyable.
But now, as with so many other aspects of life, this pleasant little everyday experience is vanishing. And it's vanishing for two reasons: the computerized replacement of check-out cashiers altogether, and an increasingly grating experience with the cashiers who still remain.
Let's start with this: I'm against touchscreen check-out.
No human interaction means no more friendly banter or jokes...
(Excerpt) Read more at steynonline.com ...
I love self check out. I’m not rushed and am able to make sure the right price rings up.
Self checkout any time I can.
Now going to the bank is the same as going to the Taco Bell "drive-thru".
Right...friendly banter with the purple hair and face metal who acts affronted she has to work...looking at you, Walmart.
Yes, there ARE still some checkers who are actually engaging..I know several. But it ain’t what it was when I was a bagger and checker.
I use self check mostly now.
I don’t mind the self-checkout. I am fast. I get the items placed in an orderly fashion and I pack the bags as any proper person would, meaning I use 4 or 5 plastic bags instead of 3 times that many.
i like packing my own bags because I am able to double the cheap, plastic bags. I just wish paper bags were easier to come by.
Yes, give me paper bags. They’re larger and have other uses.
I don’t buy half-gallons of ice cream but those insulated bags have long disappeared.
Wow, who knew store checkout was such a significant cultural experience?
The self checkout works great in the stores I go to. The cashiers are friendly and efficient when I don’t use self-checkout. Can’t say I see much difference between today and checking out 40 years ago, except of course self-checkout can speed things up, and using a debit card means I don’t have to wait on the cashier to break open a new roll of pennies in order to make change.
Next up, maybe someone can write a story on the horrors of putting ketchup on a hot dog!
Go to Publix in Florida. It’s wonderful and just like you described. If you are elderly they will even help you get your bags to the car.
Before I go both checkouts are offered. I used to do self checkout till all this legal eagle stuff started showing up on YouTube Etc ... and I had to rethink it so now after rethinking it I go to the cashiers for two reasons.
1. The angle that I have to stand to self check out nags my already cranky back.
2. When I use the cashier, the first screen on the card reader is a rating, and I use that and I usually give them a five star. Also, I figure by using the cashier and using the rating system maybe a few of the cashiers will remain employed, because people need to be employed.
Me too. Sometimes progress is good.
First world problem . . . for now.
I never use the self checkout things. Assume that was what this was a rant about?
The damn things are a nightmare for produce, which is something I get most every vist. Bar code stuff, no big deal.
Sounds like this whiner needs constant affirmation.
I do not GAS, just want to get done with it all.
“ketchup on a hot dog!”
Nah, let’s start with Cheez Whiz on a Cheesesteak! That really gets the conversation started.
At the grocery store I’ve shopped for many years, 2 of their check out ladies I’d consider friends.
I think we are watching a purposeful attempt to isolate us and make it easier to manipulate us.
When I was growing up, if I did something stupid 2-3 blocks away, jumped on my bike and pedaled home full speed, 99% of the time my Mom knew about it when I got there.
My neighborhood is full of kids. Rarely see a group playing outside.
Those days of socializing are unfortunately almost over.
Cashier, unless I have a handful or more of change. Self-checkout is cheaper than CoinStar.
“Wow, who knew store checkout was such a significant cultural experience?”
Urban big-city type I would guess.
I do it also.
I don’t have to interact with any idiots, and I’m not really
talking about the cashiers.
You have one person standing there with EBT (or whatever
the current name is) card, and they are trying to buy
something that is no allowed. This person who knows all
the rules backwards, forwards, up, down, and sideways,
stands there trying to win the argument that will allow
her to buy the items anyway. They won’t get to, but if
they can harass the staff, and piss off ten other
customers, it’s some sort of consolation prize.
Meanwhile, the line you chose because it was short and
she only had four items, goes nowhere while ten people
go by in the line on either side of you.
Honestly, this society is just literally brain dead
not tollerable any longer.
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