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The article “The Piggly Wiggly Way” regards the prevalence of “self-serving” checkout systems across a widespread of companies throughout the globe. Modern Self Serving checkout allows customers to scan the products they wish to purchase, without the aid of a cashier or employee. Various factors make this financially beneficial for companies, however this revolution can have a negative affect on a employees and the consumer.
The article depicts that with Self-Service, consumers may encounter shorter lines, yet confusion and frustration may be prevalent due to the fact that they are purchasing from an unreliable machine rather than an employee. In support of this, a survey depicted on daily.co.uk.com depicted how 60 percent of consumers prefer to visit a real life cashier(***). Another setback of Self Service checkout regarding the customers point of view is that they would limit customer loyalty. Being that these machines are emotionless, there would be no relationships formed throughout the experience of purchasing an item and, although this may seem insignificant, it is essential towards how retailers build their reputations.
The article also describes how employees would evidently not view Self service checkout as beneficial, due to the large sum of jobs they are likely to decrease. Many workers would likely be forced to vacate their jobs because of this much cheaper and arguably more efficient form of competition that takes a fraction of the real estate required for a cashier area. However, due to this reduction in labor costs, this would severely benefit the companies financially. An investment towards these machines, within companies, would potentially raise their profits significantly due to the few employees they would require but evidently would limit jobs.
Personally, I believe Self-service checkout systems should be limited in supermarkets and various other companies. Although they increase profit and are financially beneficial for companies, these machines cause a decrease in jobs and, although they decrease the companies expenses, they can potentially limit customer loyalty.
The fact that Self service checkout systems have already eliminated and abundance of potential jobs causes a significant negative impact on society and the economy. Due to this, consumers may potentially have a preference to support various supermarkets and other companies who hire genuine people as their employees, rather this alternative. Overall, Self-service checkout systems can be financially beneficial for businesses and companies that possess them, but are typically viewed in a negative manner by employees and consumers.
Work count: 407
Sources:
http://www.economist.com/news/business/21650554-businesses-should-think-carefully-about-continuing-heap-work-their-customers-piggly
*= http://www.economist.com/news/business/21650554-businesses-should-think-carefully-about-continuing-heap-work-their-customers-piggly
**=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3061155/Morrisons-scrap-self-service-tills-bring-staff-1-000-express-checkouts-instead-shoppers-scary.html
***=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3061155/Morrisons-scrap-self-service-tills-bring-staff-1-000-express-checkouts-instead-shoppers-scary.html