Self checkout is almost mandatory in many UK shops.
Wait in a long slow line for a regular checkout, or short-to-no line for self-checkout? Easy choice. Very fast once you get the hang of them, and no chit-chat!
The only time I sometimes prefer the human checkout is when buying alcohol as you need to call over an attendant to approve your purchase, which is a little annoying.
The problem with lines could be solved instead by re-instituting the original meaning of express lanes. It used to be under ten items, then 10-11 items. Now the store I shop at says "about 15 items" to avoid doing any actual counting. Today I was buying a single item and all the self-checkout machines were in use. So I go into the express lane with two people ahead of me. Not only was one of the customers buying more than 15 items, they BOTH paid with a personal check!
Limit the express lane to strictly 11 items or less and only accept cards and cash (or even cards only) and it will move quicker than the self-service machines.
Wait in a long slow line for a regular checkout, or short-to-no line for self-checkout? Easy choice. Very fast once you get the hang of them, and no chit-chat!
The only time I sometimes prefer the human checkout is when buying alcohol as you need to call over an attendant to approve your purchase, which is a little annoying.