Self Checkouts -- Do they work???

So, it has been awhile since I have posted a blog, but I have been busy trying to make a buck. I guess that you could say today's post is not so much of a blog but a bitch session... haha.

I happen to use the self checkout lanes whenever possible. I regularly shop at Wal-Mart, Albertson’s, Smith’s, Home Depot, etc. I think the concept is absolutely awesome and for those of us who only need one or two items, they save time. As more of the larger chains cut back on expenses, such as manpower, they also help control labor costs.

One of my biggest complaints however is this, ( and pay attention here Albertson’s and Home Depot ) that the majority of people, unless directed to a certain register via a regular lane, such as the type that Wal-Mart uses, ( kudos to Wal-Mart ) do not have the decency to recognize the fact that Joe Homeowner had already been waiting patiently in line for a register only to be rudely cut in front of by someone that is just walking up to them. Not being one to give in to the rudeness of other people, I have reclaimed my rights at an open register more than once and it has led to some harsh words and close to an altercation on more than one occasion. But right is right, right?

What is wrong with people today? Where is the common sense that is built into each and every one of us that would stop you and say hey, “this poor person has been waiting here since I walked up, he should be the next one to an open register, not me.” Is it just me, or has the world gone totally crazy and grown that insensitive to their fellow man?

The “Bullpen” type of system that Albertson’s and Home Depot use could be improved 100% with the addition of a line on the floor accompanied by a sign that reads, “please wait here for the next available register.” I almost always try to stand in the center when I am waiting, fairness and courtesy would rule that I should be the next person to use the very next available register, right?? Since it seems that people cannot be courteous on their own and don’t have the common sense to do the RIGHT thing, they need to be directed like sheep by the use of a visual aid like a sign and a line on the floor posted at the head of the bullpen.

One of my second biggest complaints is that if you are going to use these self checkouts and we are saving the management all of this labor by operating 4 or more self checkouts with one cashier, then maybe a 2-3% discount would be a nice incentive to use the self checkout. Maybe I would continue to use them now despite the fact that I am dealing with a person’s rudeness once in awhile, but no thanks… I am gonna go right back to waiting in a regular checkout line from now on. Maybe Albertson’s and Home Depot could use the money they are saving to follow my suggestion above. But hey, who am I, right? Just my two cents on what I think is a bad problem, one that wouldn’t even have to be addressed if people had a little bit of a conscience.