Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site brl-sem.ARPA Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!mit-eddie!think!harvard!seismo!brl-tgr!brl-sem!ron From: ron@brl-sem.ARPA (Ron Natalie ) Newsgroups: net.consumers Subject: Re: UPC Scanners (and how to deal with them and their owners) Message-ID: <600@brl-sem.ARPA> Date: Mon, 30-Dec-85 09:33:04 EST Article-I.D.: brl-sem.600 Posted: Mon Dec 30 09:33:04 1985 Date-Received: Wed, 1-Jan-86 00:42:06 EST References: <300@opus.UUCP> <942@terak.UUCP> <1482@wanginst.UUCP> <2743@ut-ngp.UUCP> Distribution: net Organization: Ballistic Research Lab Lines: 82 > FLAME-ON (woooosh) > > 1) My experience is, that there is nearly *ALWAYS* a mistaken charge with > scanners and NEVER lower, always HIGHER. I used to track my budget against the scanner generated reciepts. I actually did a lot of checking becuase the store was offering rewards for any errors found. They even gave out free grease pencils to customers so they could mark the price with the shelf labels on the can (Giant never labeled items that had UPC codes on them). Never caught much, did get quite a collection of grease pencils though. > > 2) Without the vocal feed-back from the scanner, it is nearly impossible > to catch those errors. I watch what they are doing and am probably as in tune the the different types of beeps that this particular register makes. Enough feedback for me. The only thing I am careful, is sometimes they get items to scan too many times (especially when cheating by using the same item when you've bought lots of the same thing, rather than picking up and scanning each item individually). Actually, they've got clever about the quantity key now). You are also probably from an area which the normal register clerks call the prices while ringing things up. They've never done that here so I guess we don't miss it. > 4) While you are busy unloading onto the scanner counter, which you have > to in many stores around here, it is nearly impossible to follow > the processing of the merchandise and catch the errors. We've almost universally got conveyor belts here which I have loaded while they are doing the preceding customer. I know out west it is more common to either have just a counter, or have the cashier actually reach into the buggies themselves. > SO WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS? > > a) try to remember the prices you should be charged and watch like a hawk, > slowing down the checker if necessary. Actually, the stores here are fairly good about paying off on mistakes even when I've brought the ticket back to the store on my next trip. I suppose it is this piece of public relations is why scanners were so well received here, even with the skeptics. There were more comments about bitching to district supervisors, et al, about problems to get action. Evidentally, the Boston area Safeways you mention have a real problem. I've never had anything but satisfaction from the on-duty personnel at any of the Giant Foods I shop at. > c) make a (mental) list of what you would like to see your store doing: > 1) marked shelves > 2) unit-pricing We've had both of these even before the scanners hit. Nearly every other grocery in the area has followed suit to compete with Giant. > 3) marked individual items > 4) marked specials (whichever flavor) Marking the individual items seems senseless to me. You can always check your itemized receipt against the newspapers at your liesure if you are that paranoid. > 5) checker emptying the carts > 6) register LCD display for the customer, showing weight, unit-price, > and total price. I suspect the PLASMA panels used on the IBM registers would be sufficient? > 7) synthesized voice announcing item, price, weight, etc. > > d) convince yourself that paying attention and making an effort in time > and unpleasantness is worthwhile, we'll all benefit in the long > run. Consumer Activism FOREVER !!! (raised fist here) > > AND A CHRISTMAS HORROR-STORY to boot: > Sounds like the groceries down their really suck. -Ron