SHOPPERS have branded Tesco’s new self-checkout tills “bonkers” – and even claim the system encourages shoplifting.
The supermarket giant is trialling new tech which means customers don’t have to scan items at the tills.
AlamyTesco hope the system will spell the end of the headache-inducing ‘unexpected item in the bagging area’ warnings[/caption]
Instead, shoppers take items off shelves fitted with weight sensors.
As products drop into baskets a camera scans and then tots up what they’ve got.
By the time they’re at the checkout the customer is presented with a list which is checked and goods are then paid for without the need for scanning.
Tesco hope the system will spell the end of the headache-inducing “unexpected item in the bagging area” warnings.
But it’s not been plain sailing – as one shopper said they “hate” the move and another said it was “bonker”.
One fumed on X: “So they walk in the shop, pull out their phone, scan the items using their phone and then pay on their phone – this is literally a gift for shoplifters.
“Bonkers.”
Another chimed:”I hate self service checkouts myself but understand why for a few items some people prefer them.
“After not needing as many staff do these companies Tesco Et al actually pass on savings to their customers?”
Store staff must ensure they restock the shelves but mistakes can be fixed at the checkout.
Sarah Quiggin, head of store customer experience at Tesco, said: “This is about cutting out some of the challenges around scanning.
“Sometimes there can be issues with certain barcodes and products.
“The alert for an ‘unexpected item in the bagging area’ is a classic one that customers get frustrated about, understandably.
“With the ‘no-scan’ tills, you turn up to the checkout and you pay.”
The system has been introduced in a branch in Hammersmith, London, The Sunday Times reported.