11 Suspicious Or Rude Behaviors You Should Reconsider While At The Self-Checkout

Our shopping experiences have changed dramatically in the past decade. Online shopping and self-checkouts replaced well-established experiences, and the new reality brings numerous mistakes that most of us are guilty of. These new shopping ways are often isolating, and people are following their instincts. But, to be on the safe side, here are some behaviors that should be avoided at self-checkouts, including those that might make you look suspicious. 

Leaving unwanted items behind

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Things will not magically reappear on shelves because you had second thoughts. It is considered impolite and even dubious because, in most cases, all you have to do is notify the attendant supervising the self-checkout lane. Act like you were in front of a cashier, and give the unwanted items to the staff. 

Scanning too quickly

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One of the main things that will make you appear suspicious is scanning articles too fast. This is because you are more likely to skip scanning smaller items, or the system won’t have enough time to register them. Many legal experts urged people to make sure they correctly scanned each item. Otherwise, you could be stopped, and even if you accidentally miss an item, you will get in trouble. 

Texting or calling someone 

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We spend hours and hours on our phones, but if you’re at a self-checkout, your focus should be on using it properly. If you’re distracted, you may be stopped over a small item, just like you would if you scanned too fast. It can look suspicious, and with the rise of theft, stores are not taking chances on losing more profits. 

Getting mad at the machine

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If you’re struggling to navigate the technology, you are not alone. However, aggressive or ill-mannered behavior might trigger suspicions. It will make others uncomfortable and raise eyebrows from the security. Keep your temper under control regardless of how you feel about the machine, or you could be asked to leave without groceries. 

Trying to buy alcohol

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Some stores do not allow alcohol purchases at checkouts, and the system will notify them about attempted purchases. Others make it possible to buy alcohol, but a staff member must be dispatched to check your ID. This will slow down the line, and while it might not raise suspicions, the etiquette rule implies that any action that requires an attendant should not be taken. 

Getting too many things at once

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Some stores limit the number of items you can scan at a self-checkout. In others, you might be able to scan all items, but you are more likely to appear suspicious. Self-checkouts are commonly used similarly to express lanes so that any out-of-the-norm behavior may alert the staff.

Hiding the cameras

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Cameras at self-checkouts are used to prevent theft, track people who repeatedly don’t ring up items or don’t scan them correctly, and more. If you accidentally cover the camera, you might find yourself stopped, and that video could exonerate you from any possible allegations. 

Self-scanning when you only have cash

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Most self-checkouts do not accept cash, so it might make someone wonder why you even tried using it if you did not have a credit card. It is also inconsiderable to other shoppers, as well as the attendant, who will have to cancel your order. Then you will have to wait in the regular checkout aisle, which you should’ve done in the first place.

Letting children play with the machine

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The self-checkout counter is not a toy. Many children like pressing buttons, so they may end up making a mistake that will bring the attention of the staffers or even security. Apart from holding the line, children could distract your scanning process and get you in trouble, despite your best intentions, like trying to teach them about the self-checkout systems. 

Fresh produce challenges 

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Most fresh produce doesn’t have barcodes, so it comes with a number of challenges. Compared to shopping for items with barcodes, the process is lengthy because you must weigh your fruits and veggies and know the right apple variety you took. Taking a picture of the produce code eliminates the need to scroll through the images—that is if you remember to take that photo. 

Interrupting workers

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It is common for a self-checkout lane to have one person working to make things go smoothly. If they are helping someone else, they need to be focused because that will make solving issues easier. However, interpreting them will create unnecessary delays in the process and make you appear obnoxious. 

In conclusion 

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Self-checkouts are not going anywhere, regardless of how you feel about these systems. They are not perfect, and there are still many reasons to prefer human cashiers over automated systems. But, if you have to use self-checkouts, knowing which behaviors are acceptable is good to avoid looking suspicious or rude. 

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