Self-Scan Etiquette

I think the widespread use of cell phones has taught us that etiquette doesn’t always keep pace with technology. Who hasn't experienced being trapped in a waiting room listening to another patient’s cell phone conversation, the details of which often include "too much information?"

Now a new problem has reared its ugly head in the form of premature scanning behavior at the grocery store. If all the conditions are right, the self-checkout can be a real time saver. Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong, from a head of lettuce whose bar code refuses to be read, to the item that inexplicably reverses the belt. It takes a strong constitution to wait sheepishly for help as the light blinks above your aisle.

The most distressing experience, however, has to be when the person in line behind you prematurely begins their transaction. While it seems improbable that someone could accidentally start scanning before you are finished, I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. When I’m feeling less generous, however, I attribute their behavior to a childish impatience. Whatever their intent, this type of thing happens all too often, as several friends of mine recently confirmed. 

I think we need some sort of awareness program to combat this trend. I'm not sure many people know that the store provides a physical barrier that can be placed across the belt just in front of the bagging area. The sight of their groceries quickly piling up against this barrier usually gets the attention of the overly zealous shopper. Perhaps the store could provide signs at each station saying "I’M NOT DONE YET!" Or, as a last resort, one could let all the groceries mix together, effectively cancelling out any time saved as a result of the self-checkout tailgating. 

I think we are lucky that this kind of thing hasn’t led to a grocery store version of road rage, but isn’t it only a matter of time? I can see the headline now,  “two patrons of local supermarket held for arraignment in premature scanning incident.”