You should never use self-checkout at the store – The hidden truth behind these annoying machines

1. Higher Risk of Errors and Overcharges

While it may seem simple to scan your items yourself, studies show that self-checkout machines are prone to mistakes. Bagging errors, missed discounts, and incorrect scanning can result in shoppers being charged more than they should.

A report by the National Retail Federation found that up to 4% of self-checkout transactions have discrepancies, compared to just 1% at traditional checkout lanes. That may not sound like much, but it can add up if you shop frequently.

2. Hidden Fees You Might Not Notice

Some stores charge a service fee for using self-checkout, especially in convenience stores or smaller chains. These fees are rarely advertised and often slip past shoppers who assume it’s “free.”

Even without explicit fees, failing to scan items correctly can trigger unintended purchases, which some customers only notice on their bank statements days later.

3. Privacy Concerns

Self-checkout machines often require you to scan loyalty cards, enter phone numbers, or swipe credit/debit cards, which can track your buying habits more closely than you realize. Unlike traditional cashiers who can’t record every transaction, these machines feed data directly into retailer databases, building a detailed profile of your shopping patterns.

4. Encourages Theft and Shrinks Profits

Stores rely on self-checkout to reduce labor costs, but the machines also make it easier for theft to occur, whether intentional or accidental. Studies suggest that self-checkout contributes to higher inventory shrinkage, which ultimately drives up prices for honest shoppers.

Retailers know this, which is why some stores are installing more cameras and AI monitoring, but shoppers rarely see how closely the machines track them.

5. The “Annoying” Factor Is Intentional

Ever notice how the machines beep excessively, slow down, or require repeated scans? Some experts say this is partly intentional: it encourages you to call an employee, justifying staffing cuts elsewhere and subtly pressuring shoppers to comply with store rules.

So, Should You Avoid Self-Checkout?

Not necessarily—but it’s wise to be cautious. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Always double-check your total before paying.
• Avoid scanning items too quickly; make sure every price is correct.
• Consider traditional checkout if buying more than a few items, or if you want to avoid mistakes and fees.
• Be aware of privacy risks if entering personal data.

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