Have you ever gone shopping, picked your goods, and waited in line to check out only to have yourself personally confronted with a machine rather than a real cashier? Self-checkout systems are now somewhat ubiquitous in the automated environment of today. Many people find these gadgets to be a convenience as, when you simply have a few things in your cart, they expedite the transaction. Scan, swipe, pay, and you are leaving the door. It seems basic enough and may usually help to simplify life somewhat.
Not everyone, meantime, enjoys being their own cashier. For some, not a convenience but rather a bother is the obligation of scanning every item and finishing the purchase. To be honest, queues still appear to develop even at these self-checkout stations—especially when equipment break down or consumers find the procedure difficult. Not always the fast remedy it claims to be.
Responding to concerns and deteriorating satisfaction ratings, Walmart decided to reinstate cashiers in many outlets. The action is considered as an attempt to boost the shopping experience and rebuild consumer confidence. Walmart wants to allay some of the worries expressed over its poor customer service by bringing back human cashiers, hence perhaps enhancing its position in next ACSI ratings.
Although checkout lines have evolved greatly, this begs a fascinating issue: as technology develops are we losing human contact in favor of speed and efficiency? Some customers find the lack of a cheerful cashier to make their purchasing experience seem frigid and unpersonal. Furthermore, even if automation has benefits, a human touch is comforting, particularly in cases of technology failing or small help required.
Walmart’s attempt to rely mostly on self-checkout technology reminds us that not every invention comes out as planned. Right now, it appears the business is retreating and going back to the fundamentals of excellent customer service—something as basic as a cashier’s grin.
Regarding the retail move toward automation, what do you think? When Walmart instituted the “Scan and Go” method, did you ever buy anything there? Was the technology of your taste, or did it frustrate you? And how do you see Walmart’s choice to restore cashiers? Share your ideas below; for further information on why Walmart is changing its technology, see the video below!
Leave a Reply