Self-Checkout at ALDI
ALDI stores in the U.S. are moving towards self-checkout, many with only a single cashier and multiple self-checkouts now -- what do you think of the change to self-checkout machines at ALDI, and what do you need to know?
I've been hearing for some time now that ALDI stores across the country have been gradually rolling in self-checkout machines, and both of my closest local stores have finally added self-checkouts. Each ALDI I have been to now sports a number of self-checkouts, with only one manned register open. I tried them out today on a couple of small orders, and while I'm nowhere near as fast as an ALDI cashier, the process went fairly smoothly and quickly.
Like them or hate them, self-checkouts are most likely coming to an ALDI store near you: These machines help reduce costs and give ALDI employees the time to tend to other duties, such as stocking shelves.
What to know about Self-Checkout at ALDI
Given this trend, what do you need to know about self-checkout at ALDI?
ALDI self-checkouts don't take cash
Well, for starters, these machines currently only take card payments: Credit, debit, EBT. If you're paying with cash, you'll need to go to a cashier. This is unfortunate if you keep track of your spending with a cash envelope system, make a habit of paying in cash, or like to use up your change on smaller self-checkout orders.
ALDI self-checkouts have you on camera
Smile, because you're on camera! Like all self-checkout stations, ALDI's machines have cameras to deter theft. You can spy with your little eye in the photo above, as I'm being filmed while taking my own picture.
Self-checkout at ALDI just has a teensy shelf
What you see is what you get here; you only get this fairly small shelf for bagging your ALDI groceries. If you tend to do larger stock-up trips, you may wish to go through the regular register. You can, however, put groceries right back into your cart after scanning: It doesn't yell at you for not placing items in the bagging area, and you'll also never hear "unexpected item in bagging area."
At least at ALDI, however, we're already used to bagging our own groceries -- so it's not as big a jump to self-checkout as at some other grocery stores!
What do you think about ALDI self-checkout?
Are you looking forward to using self-checkout at ALDI, or are you less than excited about this change?
And hey: If you think self-checkout is something; ALDI UK is trialing checkout-free stores!
I was so sad to see Aldi with self checkout. I miss the friendly smile and greeting from my SPEEDY checkout clerk. That is what stood out from any other grocery store.
I tried ALDI self checkout and I like it. I have been using self checkouts at other stores. I pay with debit card most of the time anyway.
So excited to be able to use the self-checkout and not be concerned about rude associates. Been praying for this technology to come to ALDI.
I went to the new store in Stevensvillle Mi. I had a few things in my cart and decided to do self checkout. Well I got all the things with a code on them and when I got to Bananas it wouldn't do anything. I set it on the scale and still nothing. Pressed the help ( for the first time ever) Some guy came by and hit a few things and it came on. I would have been nice had he showed be what he pressed. Then came the card trick. It didn't like it and some woman said come over here. By then I had enough. I left the cart and got in my truck and shopped at the Meijers across the road.
I bring my own bag, I scan all the items, I bag all the items, I bring back the cart from my car to the cart area. Am I an employee or a customer? This will only work if buying a few items, not the reason most people shop at Aldi. They lost me for a customer.
Thank You, thank you, thank you. Love the self checkout. No more disrespectful associates to deal with.
I think all stores should have a lane just for the handicap! You should also have to show your handicap license! I also think you should have to show your handicap license to ride around in one of the carts. All handicap people or senior citizens should be asked if they need help getting their groceries to their car!
Horrible idea. Seniors will go to other stores and Aldi will lose tons of business. Just a bad move!
No room to put your groceries. The checkout people have an extra cart for this. We get a very small table. Big pain. We need the extra cart too!
Stupid management not thinking.
I always go to self-checkout at Publix, Costco, Walmart, Aldi, etc. I love it. I don't have to deal with "unfriendly" cashiers. Sometime they say hello and sometime they don't. There are no "Thank You" after they gave you the receipts. Looking forward to more self-checkout in the future.