I noticed Coles have changed the software this week. One cent transactions aren't allowed now. A heads up for those looking to tap for their accounts.
Coles Self-Checkout (One Cent Transactions Aren't Allowed Anymore)
[Deactivated] on 30/11/2017 - 12:51
Last edited 01/12/2017 - 09:58 by 1 other user
Last edited 01/12/2017 - 09:58 by 1 other user
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Easy fix.
Use a human checkout so you can interact with any queries/questions and also save jobs!
Done!
Difficult fix.
Every time you go there, there are lines and lines of human checkouts which are not used.
The Managers of Coles are busy decreasing staff/staff hours, and have them do other tasks.
Customers are expected to Self-Serve checkout, on 8 available machines, with only one staff overwatching everything.The Managers of Coles are busy decreasing staff/staff hours,
Wait what?! You mean they were lying about self-serve checkouts not leading to job losses?
I understand your rationale however I would like to give you my view of your point.
"Every time you go there, there are lines and lines of human checkouts which are not used."
1 - That is because that people are like sheep and queuing up to use Auto-checkouts. I have shopped many times at Coles and always use a manned checkout and thus far experienced when the queue starts to build up at the "manned" checkouts, they open another manned checkout to offset.
"The Managers of Coles are busy decreasing staff/staff hours, and have them do other tasks."
2 - That is because of point 1 and also is their core business model; is to reduce staff, save cost and get more "DIY" shopping at your expense.
"Customers are expected to Self-Serve checkout, on 8 available machines, with only one staff over watching everything."
That is because of Point 1 & 2
Use Case Scenario:
A friend of mine wanted to buy a few Chocolate Bars and he proceeded to checkouts however the manned checkout was full and had a long queue. So he thought he would use the auto-checkout due to convenience. He had no card however purchased the item with cash. The computer opted if he wanted a receipt (less than $20) and he selected no.
He walked out with the items & about ~15 meters away, the security guard approached him and asked for the receipt as he (obviously) thought he stole the items.
He said he paid by cash and didn't get the receipt .. by the guard didn't believe him and referred to him as a criminal.
So he had to go back and prove by video that he purchased the items. Obviously he was exonerated.The moral of the story is:
You're saving the company money by not hiring an employee, paper at your expense and get called a criminal.
Cheers
I see where you are coming from, but it is factually not-correct.
When the Self-Serve check outs came, a lot of people went to use it to see what the fuss was about.
However, eventually people went to the manned checkout queues instead.
Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Big W, etc etc… they realised they couldn't have people using the Self Serve system to make a meaningful impact for the business (profit-wise). So instead, they removed the manned check outs, essentially forcing the public to use the Self Serve systems.While that sucks about your friends chocolate, the companies will more likelihood continue with what they are doing.
Its better for them, overall, to mess up certain things in order to keep more of the profits.
Just like how car companies skip safety features in certain cars, because, they know even if they get sued and lose millions of dollars they will still be saving hundreds of millions of dollars so they knowingly take the hit.This is bad for us consumers. But we deserve it, because the vast majority are blithering idiots. We brought it on ourselves.
I would like to re-iterate your points.
"When the Self-Serve check outs came, a lot of people went to use it to see what the fuss was about.
However, eventually people went to the manned checkout queues instead"People generally don't like change or initially get used to it. At inception, it could not have been user friendly, bugs etc. (Tbh I don't know and never use them)
"……..So instead, they removed the manned check outs, essentially forcing the public to use the Self Serve systems."
My Previous post - Point 2. .
2 - That is because of point 1 and also is their core business model; is to reduce staff, save cost and get more "DIY" shopping at your expense.
"While that sucks about your friends chocolate, the companies will more likelihood continue with what they are doing."
Agree!
"Its better for them, overall, to mess up certain things in order to keep more of the profits."
As per my point 2. Profits outweigh compensation
"This is bad for us consumers. But we deserve it, because the vast majority are blithering idiots. We brought it on ourselves."
Totally Agree! Btw … I like the word "Blithering" LOL … so UK-ish … ! Verbatim as per Richard Hammond from Top Gear lol
Consider this.
Why do you think the retailer is going to invest in heaps of time & money for the following?
- Purchasing of the self-checkout machine. (Purchasing, Engineering etc)
- Infrastructure for the self-checkout. (Re-design of layout, electrical connections/utilities, compliance, OHS)
- Programming of the scanning, recognising items.. etc (Groceries)
- Scanning an automatic payment system ..
- Servicing for the self-checkout machine (Update Software, repairs etc)
I'm sure each unit would cost more than $200K+ each. (Guessing here)
… I can succinctly tell you it's not about customer's curiosity!
It's all about cost cutting, lean retailing and generating more money for their shareholders.
Typical Capitalism!
That is fact IMO.Cheers
He wouldn't have had to prove it by video, the staff can bring up previous sales on each machine
Thanks for the clarification.
I thought my friend was referring to a video. It could be what you have stated. Obviously I don't use them.
However, my point is that you have to provide evidence to be exonerated for a DIY to ultimately save them paper, refrain from employing more workers hence money and time.Cheers
Good idea.
Me: "Hi, I'd like to pay for this over 20 transactions using Android Pay with 2 different phones, and wait 31-seconds in between each purchase"
coles have hired more staff since the introduction of self-service machines. businesses and roles change. having people sorting and delivering stock/orders is more important today. otherwise we'd still have kids selling newspapers at every street corner or lamplighters at dusk.
i don't miss the human interaction of people grumbling in line because it's moving too slow to their liking. especially if i choose to split payment between cards.
coles have hired more staff since the introduction of self-service machines.
And what is the source of this seemingly improbable situation where Coles spent a lot of money on automation and then hired even more workers than before?
Please don't say Coles.
The Logistical process such as Warehousing are becoming more and more Automated. Furthermore, the current employees who work @ FMCG are getting smashed with more workloads to satisfy unrealistic KPI's
who does one cent transactions, surely you can afford $1 if all your trying to do is use your card
What are you trying to prove here? If you want to check your accounts why not go to an ATM?
What sort of transaction are you doing for 1c?
Android Pay competition. 10 taps / day.
Woolworths also updated theirs in my area
potential, oh no. i hope their e-gift cards work the same as previously.
they don't accept e-gift cards anymore.
Kidding. My wife hasn't complained (about that part) so think it's fine. She didn't like the new interface but it seems quicker to me.
They also have added extra options to the "Card only" machines for gift cards. :/