tjr wrote:A few more opinions and experiences with self checkout: Ron, I think your assessment of retailers' motivations is slightly off. If consumers like self checkout enough that it increases sales higher than the required investment, it's worthwhile to a business owner to install it. Or the flip side of the coin, if consumers avoid a store because it lacks self checkout, ditto. This is definitely true now that consumers seem eager to use self checkout. No different than installing anything that generates more revenue than its cost, a sushi station or fresh tortilla bar, whatever. The reduced labor cost is a bonus. It's also possible that consumers perceive the cost saving measure as lowering prices, much like Sam's or Costco not providing bags.
Please understand, I see nothing wrong with businesses implementing programs to increase their profitability and sustainability (directly or indirectly). Such is the nature of business and capitalism. What I see as deceitful is when such programs are characterized as being solely for the benefit of the consumer. They never are. That's just not how business works.
I remember when Tock first came on the scene. It was characterized as a great innovation for both operators and diners. Restaurants would be able to more accurately forecast their costs, manage their expenses, reduce waste and pass those savings onto consumers. Really?
Thinking about it now, are there
any consumers who really find an advantage in paying in advance for a non-refundable meal that's extremely difficult if not impossible to reschedule? If there are, I'm sure the list is quite short. There's no tangible upside for the consumer that making a simple reservation wouldn't accomplish. My point is, we're all better off understanding why businesses really do the things they do, even when we're fed ostensible reasons by the businesses.
=R=
Same planet, different world