Using self-checkout instead of a cashier

[Alex]

Sometimes I prefer to use self-checkouts when I feel a little unsociable because I don't have to interact with the cashier. It's not them, but me and I don't want to appear rude to them, but I find it easier to use a self-checkout and not have to speak to anyone. The worse thing is if something happens and you have to call for assistance. Once the machine broke down and they had to call the manager over, but as I had paid the exact money I said I didn't need a receipt and left. If I hadn't that would have given me more of a headache.


At least these days we have that option, but cashiers are generally friendly, though some days I just want to pay and go.

 

[RichE8475]

The option to self checkout has helped with some of my anxiety about shopping at stores like Wal-Mart. A lot of my anxiety comes from control issues. If I do not feel I have that, then I start getting anxious. There are many times when I have left full carts of items because I started to panic, and it causes me to just leave. My friends and family get upset with me. Having this option of self checkout, as I have stated, really has lessened those attacks. The only time it does make me nervous, like you stated Alex, is when an error occurs. I have been lucky so far, but I think if something like that does happen I would just politely ask them to void the whole thing. I hate when an issue like that happens because people stare at you. It runs through my mind that other customers are getting mad at me because I am holding up the line. I wish there was a way that individuals with these types of disorders could have separate checkouts. For example, if i have the option of paying for my items when it is not that busy at the pharmacy.

 

[Laneorexorcist]

Where I live we don't really have self check out, only in a few stores and they usually are on the other part of the city, so it's not really an option to me, but I definitely understand you, I find the whole situation really awkward,


I am aware that they face with a lot of people during the day, and an awkward moment with one of those people won't really make a difference and probably they won't think about it at all, because they are used to it, but sometimes I don't feel like even making contact with someone, even if it's just the cashier.


We definitely need more self check outs.

 

[lexinonomous]

If the option of self check out is available, that is the line I will go to. I don't like dealing with people at the cash registers. I don't like being surrounded by people waiting in line. I would much rather go into self check out and deal with the products myself, to avoid any sort of contact with the cashier. Self check out is wonderful for those that have anxiety waiting in lines. I find that the self check out lines are usually short and people tend to avoid them because they can't figure out the machines. The only time I don't enjoy self check out is when a machine glitches and I have to call someone for help. There have been times where I have simply walked out because I had that "in trouble" feeling.

 

[amy88]

Oh yes - I basically always go down the self checkout route, because I get really anxious with small talk a lot of the time.


But, I totally hear you about what happens if it malfunctions - been there before - and you end up having to engage in even more conversation, and then you feel like you're holding up the queue, and all manners of stuff...for the most part I don't have any issues but when something doesn't scan properly or it doesn't register that you've placed it in the bagging area...ugh!

 

[Alex]

I think one of the worst things is the packing and not being able to pack fast enough or if someone helps they don't pack how I would, (as in flat heavy first) and I have to do it all again. Then not being able to get my cash out fast enough as people behind me stare and watch. That's why I try to shop when it's very quiet or if there is a long line I won't check out unless I have to. I have often put back basket fulls of food and items to avoid checking out.

 

[pwarbi]

Ever since the self checkout machines have become available in most stores, I've always tended to use them but just because they are quicker and more convenient than having to queue up and pay at the usual checkouts. For those who suffer with social anxiety though, they can help because you don't have to interact with anybody, and it's another way that technology can help those who are struggling.


These days it seems that if we don't want to actually talk to anyone, then we don't have to. Social media, instant messaging, self service checkouts all let us go about our daily lives without meaning that we have to speak to anybody face to face, and while it can make life a lot simpler, it can also be a bad thing because in theory we could go for day's and not have to come out of our own bubble that we cocoon ourselves in.

 

[Pandora]

I love self-check outs! I tend not to talk much in general when I am in a store. I just want to get the items I need and get out. I don't feel comfortable in big crowds and would like to get out as soon as possible. This self-check out allows me to get in and get out. Of course, once in a while the one I choose breaks down. But, most of the time the check outs cashier is friendly and doesn't say much to me. I just say thank you and get out.

 

[jaden11218]

I usually prefer self-checkouts just because it's so awkward to stand there in silence while the cashier is scanning everything. I work as a cashier and I always feel like I should be making conversation, but I don't and it's just so quiet. Even when I'm the shopper, I feel like I should make conversation, but I really don't want to. The only place around here that has self-checkout is Walmart, and I don't usually shop there anyway. When I do, I always feel like the employee watching the self-checkouts thinks I'm trying to steal by going through that line. Either way causes me anxiety, whether I have to face a human cashier or I feel as though I'm being watched like a hawk.

 

[Jemina]

I don't mind using a manned checkout or using self service checkouts. I think both have issues. I find that people using the self checkout line tend to be ruder and more pushy. I've even had people already placing their items on the shelf before I'm done scanning mine before on those and that's a real invasion of privacy to me. I'd rather be able to have a little space to get my shopping scanned before I'm shoved on. At least if I use a manned checkout the checkout operator can tell them to back off a bit if I'm still trying to pay and they're trying to move me along. I hate needing assistance with the self service machines too. They always say "unexpected item in bagging area" or try to make you pay for a bag when you used your own, or say you removed items when you didn't. But then manned checkouts also try to charge you for a bag now even if you've got your own or really don't need one for your single apple for example. Either way it causes me anxiety, as jaden11218 said.

 

[kgord]

Where I shop self checkouts are not available. It doesn't bother me to wait in the check out line. However, I have found that when using self check outs in other places, I always have to have one on one attention from a cashier or whoever is monitoring the line at the time. Something always doesn't get rung, up, they don't take my form of payment of some such thing like that happens. I would rather go through the line, than need extra attention. That is just my take on the whole process.

 

[Eva]

I only go to self-checkout lanes. I would much rather check out myself, rather than have to go up to a cashier. Plus, the self-checkout lanes are usually much shorter, which means I will not have to stand around as big of a crowd of people. I have had to call for assistance a couple of times as well though, from the machine not working properly or because something won't scan and it never feels good. I get nervous just from that and then having to stand there waiting for someone to help me and the line behind me could grow, causing me even more anxiety.

 

[shcoo]

Luckily I don't get anxiety with cashiers but I think self-checkout is a helpful invention for small grocery trips. I would use it if the lines were shorter there but usually they aren't. I suppose that is a testament to how many people want to avoid interaction now! As others have mentioned though, it's definitely embarrassing when the self-checkout malfunctions and you must ask a cashier for help.

 

[justsayyes]

I don't exactly have issues with the cashiers but i always try to make the interaction short as possible if they attempt a quick conversation, but some cashiers don't even interact which i hope applies to everyone. lol. I haven't tried self checkout option only because we don't have that from where i live. If it's around, i'll most likely opt for that instead of the cashiers.

 

[ineedmystrength]

If self-checkout is an option for me, I definitely make use of it. On days when my anxiety seems to be running rampant, the lack of interaction helps me not experience as much of a sensory overload. If, for whatever reason, self-checkout isn't an option, I usually shop near the registers and "scan", if you will, to see who seems the least threatening before I check out. A little dramatic, maybe, but that's the way my brain seems to cope with potentially forced public interactions.

 

[simonsaysdifferent]

Self checkout is a life-saver. I was never able to just go into Walmart and buy cheap junk food without feeling the the cashier would judge every one of my purchases and how they related to each other. Forget buying lube and condoms.

 

[SirJoe]

There are places here that they will deliver your groceries to your house, but then again you still have to make contact with the person that is making the delivery. The fact that you are going into the store is already good, you might not be interacting directly with the people around you but at least you have visual contact. The last thing that you should do is isolate yourself completely. Like you say fortunately there is self-checkout now to make life easier.

 

[iri282]

I love the self-checkout option, but sometimes when the store is busy, I still get a little anxious when I have a lot of stuff and I can feel the people behind me are humming and hawing from impatience. I only use it now if the machines are relatively empty, otherwise I just brave the cashiers. At least then I can't be blamed for the speed of the items being scanned.

 

[Quirah]

Don't feel bad, I think a lot of people do this. I know that I certainly do. Some days, I just cant deal with talking to people or even being by them. I love the self-checkout counter. I use it even when I don't feel anxious. And most of the time it's even quicker. When I'm depressed, if I use a cashier I usually come off a bit rude because my tone is dry and it's obvious I don't want to be there.

 

[Joel7050]

I actually suffer from the same problem. Even eye contact with the cashier or a simple "Good day huh?", small talk like that gets me all nervous and unstable. I start to act very awkwardly and think of all the situations that might happen. "Would you like a bag or not?" I would start to formulate how I would reply to such a question and more. I prefer self checkouts. More work on my part but it's definitely worth it to me. A lifeless machine that won't force me to reply to their words. I would have a much lower chance of creating an awkward incident that would return to my mind at all the wrong times such as while lying in bed.