Despite how awesome that sounds, self-checkout has its haters.
Let me tell you why it’s great.
If you look around the internet, you might think everybody hates self-checkout.
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In fact, that’sliterally what some headlines claim.
Theannoyances with self-checkoutare well-documented.
I’m here to defend the humble self-checkout machine and maybe provide a viewpoint you haven’t heard.
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Related:Self-Checkouts: A Big Experiment Gone Wrong?
This issue has prevented the adoption of LED traffic lights in some areas.
The YouTube channelTechnology Connectionshas an excellent video on this topic.
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So, some people don’t think we should make the switch.
New problems introduced by new technology should not outweigh the existing problems of older technology.
Self-checkout machines are not perfect.
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I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences with them too.
I prefer it, and I often see more people in line for self-checkout than cashiers.
First of all, self-checkout is best when you don’t have a ton of items.
This is actually what self-checkout is intended for in most situations.
I love being able to grab a few items at Target and scan them myself.
It’s much quicker than waiting for a cashier to scan them for me.
Checking out at a grocery store is not like ordering a coffee.
In general, I prefer self-checkout because it feels like a more frictionless experience.
There are fewer obstacles and interactions between finding the items I need and leaving the store.
What About the Jobs?
We can’t talk about this topic without mentioning one of the biggest concerns—jobs.
Is it true in the case of self-checkout, and should we care?
Cashier jobs areexpected to decline around 10% in the next decade, but new jobs are being created.
First, someone needs to service those self-checkout machines when they inevitably misbehave.
However, those jobs are not a one-to-one replacement as they require a completely different set of skills.
A better comparison is curbside pick-up and delivery.
Nowadays, it’s common for grocery stores to have employees fulfilling curbside pickup orders.
Those jobs would have most likely been cashiers in the past.
One important thing to consider is the quality of cashier jobs.
Census Bureau, cashiers were among the lowest-paid members of the retail workforce.
Plus, they often have their hours limited so they’re not eligible for benefits.
Admittedly, it’s a bumpy road to get there.
People need money to survive, and sometimes you don’t have the luxury of finding a better job.
It’s a lose/lose situation, unfortunately.
Related:What Is the Gig Economy, and Why Is It So Controversial?
Self-Checkout Is Here to Stay
For better or worse, self-checkout is here to stay.
Some stores now have self-checkout machines with conveyor belts and handheld scanners.
Self-checkout machines are a modern convenience.
Sure, they’re not perfect, but neither is the smartphone in your pocket.
The future is never as clean and perfect as we imagine it to be.
Amazing advances in technology always come with their own new set of problems.
The humble self-checkout machine is no different.
Related:The U.S. Is Behind on Mobile Payments, But We’re Catching Up
