I LOVE self checkout at King Soopers. In fact I'd rather make a couple of small trips for groceries per week than one big one just so I can use those things.
The only problem is you're not really exempt from stupidity over there. Seems like there's always someone who doesn't know you may still have to stand in line... not just butt in and take the first one available. Worse yet... there's often someone standing in front of one of the machines acting deeply confused and seeking the help of the guy in the middle who is there for produce, cigarettes, stamps, etc. Fortunately there are three other machines so it doesn't hold you up too much.

As far as the U-Scan (it's official name), it has a scale to make sure you scan every item, but it is not fool proof. The grocery store that I have worked at since high school does not have it because it is in a high risk neighborhood. But I will have to agree with the rest of the comments, it is a lot faster and you don't have to deal with stupid BS at the check out.

I hope it makes its way out to California! They had this at Kroger's in Indiana when I lived there (1998-99ish), and I *loved* it! So easy for those quick trips... just as APhi said, I'd make a few small trips just to use this option! :)

Where are you in California? They have U-Scans at Ralphs, which is a dominant grocery player in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.

Steeltrap - I have a Ralphs right down the street from me... I'm in OC. But I haven't noticed the UScan thing. I'll have to ask. Thanks for the tip!!! :)

The one on 17th Street and Tustin Avenue in Costa Mesa has one, for sure. I've used the UScan there.
:cool:

Actually...
 

We talked about these in my cnsumer behavior class last year, and studies show that it takes longer to complete a transaction on average. However, because the customer is in control, it FEELS shorter. I love usig them, There are some Winn-Dixies hat allow you to feed your cash to a mschine and it spits out your change - coins and bills. Pretty spiffy!

Eh? I live in Long Beach, CA and I have never seen one of those new-fangled devices. :) I also go to San Diego frequently and I've never seen one there either. Someone remind me to shop at the Costa Mesa Ralphs! :)

......Kelly :)