I was browsing through Consumer Reports Money Adviser this morning and came across this interesting tidbit: Using the self-checkout lanes in stores can save impulse buyers money.
Consumer Reports cited an industry study stating only 12 percent of customers who use the self checkout bought anything in checkout displays (gum, candy, magazines, etc.)
On the other hand, 17 percent of customers who used express lanes and 20 percent using the regular checkout lanes did the same.
Personally, I love scanning and bagging my own groceries. It saves so much time, and I undoubtedly use fewer bags than the cashier does. Saves me money and helps the environment. Sounds like a great combo to me.
What are your thoughts or experiences with the self-checkout lanes? Do you love them as much as I do?
I bet that most of the difference in those numbers is because you have something to do when using self-checkout. Instead of being bored waiting for someone else to scan your items and reading a magazine, you actually have to scan and bag yourself. And instead of the kids clamoring for candy-bars, they are helping with the bagging process.
I like the self-scanner as well. A huge part of it is probably my childhood fantasy of being a check-out girl. Yes, that's right, I wanted to scan groceries and make change for customers. Granted, this was at the age of five. Hey, in my defense, for a five-year-old, there are lazers and fun beeps, and it just seems like unlimited fun.
I also rather like the self-scanners though, that being said, I rarely scan my own groceries. I believe scanning our own groceries must make at least a small contribution to unemployment. As far as bagging goes I do that myself unless a store clerk is bagging. I prefer also to bag my own because I tend to pay more attention to weight then keeping colds together.