We’ve all been there – standing in front of a glitchy self-checkout machine, desperately scanning an item that won’t register, while the line behind us grows longer. These machines were marketed as a faster, easier way to shop, but many of us have discovered they often create more headaches than they solve. Now, experts are revealing some troubling truths about why stores really want us to use them – and the risks we take every time we do.
The hard truth? Self-checkout lanes aren’t about customer convenience – they’re about corporate profits. Retailers like Walmart and Target can save up to two-thirds on labor costs by replacing human cashiers with machines. But studies show these systems frequently malfunction, ironically requiring more staff assistance than traditional lanes. Even worse, some stores are using these error-prone systems as an excuse to accuse innocent shoppers of theft.
Criminal defense attorney Carrie Jernigan recently sounded the alarm on social media about how aggressively big retailers pursue alleged “self-checkout thieves.” Forget an item in your cart? Miss scanning something buried under other groceries? You could find yourself facing serious shoplifting charges – even for honest mistakes. Stores will comb through surveillance footage and aren’t required to prove intent before pressing charges that could lead to fines or even jail time.
Your safest bet? Skip the self-checkout altogether. Opting for a staffed register eliminates these risks and supports jobs that machines are taking over. In our rush for convenience, we may be trading away something more valuable – our rights as consumers. Next time you’re tempted by that empty self-checkout lane, remember: sometimes the “convenient” choice comes with hidden costs.
