[KoRn]

Those self checkout machines are TERRIBLE. I’ve used them many times, and they’re only useful to save time if you’re only buying 1-3 simple items. Even then, I always feel fortunate if the transaction isn’t interrupted by the machine requiring assistance from one of the employees that babysit them to come and clear it.

I wouldn’t dare try to use one if I had a cart full of items.

[driftdiver]

Normally there are about 5 clerks standing around watching you try to get the self-check out to work. Except at Walmart, there’s only 1 or 2 security people watching you there.

[MrsEmmaPeel]

I personally was in a position to see the source code to the Walmart self checkout machines in 2006-7. Back then, the header was dated "1992", and written by NCR. It was the most convoluted, torturous piece of code I ever had the misfortune to see. I suggested a re-write, which was opposed. I suggested, at the very minimal, a test environment, which was not accepted. At the very least, the code is "updated" then it is installed in 100 sites - if no major complaints, it is installed throughout all Walmart. Walmart is bizarre about money - they absolutely refuse to invest in software tools to improve the lives of their developers - preferring instead to give the task to contractors who are not allowed to talk to Walmart management. So you end up with a very disjointed product that does not reflect the needs of the consumer that is continually broken, is not tested and cannot be repaired.

I am uncertain if the situation has changed since 2006-7.

[catnipman]

“I wouldn’t dare try to use one if I had a cart full of items.”

The worst time for me when I was checking out a cart full of light bulbs right before the ban and missed a little bitty sign that said the machine I was using wouldn’t take cash and I didn’t find out until I tried to pay cash; had to go to another machine and do it again.

But I don’t have too many problems like that anymore at Walmart because I quit shopping there because the shelves are always empty.

[Hot Tabasco]

Those self checkout machines are TERRIBLE

I suspect you are over reacting and exaggerating......I find them very convenient.

[JoeProBono]