A summer job as a Wal-Mart cashier has taught me about 13 things. One is that most people don't know how to use the self-checkout lanes. Another is that most people do use them, even if they don't know how. The other 11? Why, I've made a nice little list that you can breeze over… and hopefully remember next time you're using a self-checkout lane.
The things in “quotes” are what you might hear the pleasant machine voice say.
“Please Wait for Assistance”
What to do: Just wait, don't take items out of the bag or try to push, throw, or pound items into the bag. Whoever's standing at that self-checkout stand will fix it by pressing a button. Just be patient.
“Unexpected Item in Bagging Area”
What to do: See #1. Don't take anything out of the bag. Just wait a sec.
“Please Put the Item in the Bag”
What to do: Nicely put the item in the bag or kindly press “skip bagging.”
“Item Not Found”
What to do: Sometimes big items like fans or DVD players (etc.) have about 4 different barcodes on them. Most of these are stickers. Find the barcode that is *not* a sticker, and scan that one. Chances are, that's the right one.
That Scanning *Beep*
No, not a bad word… I mean that one that's loud and kind of obnoxious. Make sure that when you run your item across the scanner, it makes that noise. If you just run it over and it doesn't beep and you put it in your bag… well, technically you've just “stolen” it. So be aware of it please.
Coupon Trouble
What to do: Like big items, coupons often have multiple barcodes. My strategy is to cover one up at a time and scan the other one until the scan goes through. If it still doesn't work, press “help” and your friendly associate will come work their magic.
The Bagging Area
What to do: This is often one of the most hated areas on self-check. I used to hate it too, until I worked with it some and figured it out. Yes, you should bag most of your small items. But don't bother trying to keep every bag on the scale until you're done ringing up. The scale just wants to weigh stuff once. When you fill up a bag, feel free to take it off the scale and put it in your cart.
Excess Items
What to do: Were you shopping hands bigger than your wallet? Don't worry. It's ok to leave those impulse buys on the top of the checkout machine. It's your friendly associate's job to pick those things up.
“Verify Signature”
What to do: Sometimes the machine will prompt you and your friendly associate to verify a signature. The machine usually requires this with a purchase total of $100 or more. Sometimes it does so randomly too. Don't get frustrated; this is for your financial safety, the machine is just checking to make sure you're the right person.
Personal Checks
What to do: I know I'm just biased, but please try not to use personal checks at the self-check machines. It's simpler for everyone involved and everyone in line if you use your checks elsewhere. If you like the paper credit, however, your friendly associate will come and suspend your transaction and take you up to their own little register to check you out. So… like I said. Just use checks at a regular checkout line.
Gift Cards
What to do: To use a gift card to make a purchase, choose “gift card/shopping card/credit” (depending on the store) when you're ready to pay and continue to pay as if you were using with a credit/debit card. Don't forget to look at the main screen as sometimes it will prompt you to “scan gift card,” which you can do on the scanner where you scanned your items.
Buying a gift card will give even an experienced cashier trouble. Scan the little barcode first, then swipe the gift card, then scan the big barcode, then enter the amount. I know… probably best not to try this at self-check. Also remember, you can't buy credit gift cards (like those newfangled VISA gift cards) with a credit card. Paying for credit with credit doesn't make much sense.
All in all, I think the best way to get through self-check is to be patient. It will go faster if you're not in a “hurry” and getting mad at the machine for everything. Also… try to stick to 20 items or less. There are big checkout lines with long conveyor belts for a reason. Self-check is generally for express use.
Hope this helped someone.
