Frustration With Kiosks, Apps, Self-Checkout, and Tipping Prompts

[Kittykamper]

I know this is no big deal in the grand scheme of things, but I HATE the way things are now. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to grab a quick coffee (well, what used to be quick anyway). They want you to use the kiosk to place your order, or the app which I am not doing. Heaven forbid someone would have to actually face the public and receive a verbal order anymore. So after pecking around on the kiosk screen, I kept my fingers crossed that I would somehow receive my small coffee. Then I proceeded over to the herding area, where a bunch of other people stood waiting for their orders. There were several employees scurrying around behind the counter, like it was some kind of laboratory. It took forever. I just stood there thinking, “what the heck happened?” I used to walk in there, ask for a small coffee, hand them some cash, wait a minute or two, and someone would hand me the coffee.
To top it all off, the coffee today tasted awful and I ended up throwing it out when I got home. There are several more rants I could do about the way things are now - the self checkouts at the grocery store, the blaring music at the gas pump, trying to do ANYTHING on a government website etc…. But maybe some of you guys would like to chime in?

 

[Tom]

I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to grab a quick coffee (well, what used to be quick anyway). They want you to use the kiosk to place your order, or the app which I am not doing.

I had the same reaction the first time I saw a "kiosk" inside a Macdonalds a few years ago. Someone had to come help me when I couldn't complete my order.

 

[Domo]

I remember cash. Penny candies. No air conditioners - anywhere... High beam switch on the floor, clutch pedals, no seat belts, crank windows, lug nuts loosening in the opposite direction on the other side of the car, cigarette lighters in the dash... dimension lumber, manual hammers and straight-blade screws, getting spanked when bad, or when my sister said I was bad... not the same anymore... but we can certainly tip when we walk up to get our order at the counter!

 

[DonTom]

the first time I saw a "kiosk"

My KioskPhobia is not nearly as bad as my SmartphonePhobia. I never had any trouble using the kiosks. In fact, I have had orders get screwed up using real people to order, but I have not yet had it happen when I order from a kiosk.

But these days, many people order and pay via Smartphone. If you do not have a bad case of SmartphonePhobia perhaps you can use it instead of the Kiosk.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[John From Detroit]

My KioskPhobia is not nearly as bad as my SmartphonePhobia.

Kiosk techs are not always that good

I was standing near one one day and a customer complained her camera had stopped working.
Kiosk expert found her internal memory was full up.. In the very brief time he's paged through the first "Files" page I'd noticed she had a Micro SD card installed.... He'd not. .I pointed it out and tap, tap, Transfer photos to card and point camera to that folder. Worked again.

True. i'm both observant and ... Generally good with most tech.

had to "Fix" my new 3D printer (Said it could not pull back the filament.. Truth, filament had snapped)
Step one.. Nope. Step 2 Nope Stepp 3 BINGO Ste
stepp 4 Not needed.

 

[Arch Hoagland]

AI Overview




There is currently no 10% discount for using self-checkout at major retailers. However, the idea is gaining traction in state legislatures. Lawmakers in states like New York have proposed bills to mandate 10% discounts for shoppers who scan and bag their own items, though these proposals have not yet been signed into law. [1, 2]

https://www.al.com/news/2026/07/10-...target-one-state-wants-to-make-it-happen.html

 

[tlmgcamp1]

I know this is no big deal in the grand scheme of things, but I HATE the way things are now. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to grab a quick coffee (well, what used to be quick anyway). They want you to use the kiosk to place your order, or the app which I am not doing. Heaven forbid someone would have to actually face the public and receive a verbal order anymore. So after pecking around on the kiosk screen, I kept my fingers crossed that I would somehow receive my small coffee. Then I proceeded over to the herding area, where a bunch of other people stood waiting for their orders. There were several employees scurrying around behind the counter, like it was some kind of laboratory. It took forever. I just stood there thinking, “what the heck happened?” I used to walk in there, ask for a small coffee, hand them some cash, wait a minute or two, and someone would hand me the coffee.
To top it all off, the coffee today tasted awful and I ended up throwing it out when I got home. There are several more rants I could do about the way things are now - the self checkouts at the grocery store, the blaring music at the gas pump, trying to do ANYTHING on a government website etc…. But maybe some of you guys would like to chime in?

And the receipt encourages a tip?

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

I'm not technology averse but find it curious how businesses go all in on 'apps' or kiosks and believe that their customer base will just embrace it. Had a layover at the Dallas airport and a place I stopped for a bite had no menus. You were to scan a QR code on the table and the site it went to was a menu and order form. Only problem with that is my phone at the time didn't do that and by default I wouldn't anyway. The waitress was no help, there were no paper menus and implied no way for them to take a manual order. So basically sucked to be me. A guy next to me pointed to a counter next door I could order off a menu. I thought it fascinating it was a deliberate process plan to send a sitting customer away. Guessing it's just an acceptable casualty.

Just the other day I got some tires for my truck and the first thing I heard walking in the door was to click on the link they sent me to review documents. A fail on two levels - they assumed the number I gave them was a cell phone and not a landline, and they had no local means to handle it. The guy had to redirect it to his own phone.

When I started a new job last year I was continuously asked for my cell phone number for two factor authentication, email and web stuff. I said I don't have a phone. It was fairly amusing to see their process crumble. It's my opinion that it's not so much a case that this is an enabling technology, my identity has been compromised more in the last couple years than ever. I think it's just a consequence of taking the path of least resistance, consequences be damned.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[jymbee]

Our local Lowes often has self check only aisles open. Me? No thank you. Never have, never will use self check at Lowes.

"Uh, excuse me?" " Would you please check this stuff out for me?" I asked the employee that was scurrying around to other checkouts "helping" some bewildered people pay for their purchases.

They always, so far at least if not grudgingly at times, check me out.

 

[SMR]

A few years ago we went to Panera Bread, the kiosk things were being used by a couple of guys so I went to the counter and ordered 2 large coffees and a bagel. They didn't have the registers ready, they had been open at least an hour, so they asked me to use the kiosk thing. I politely said no, she laughed and said I get that. She then said coffee and bagels are on me.
The coffee wasn't all that great.

 

[msw3113]

Then I proceeded over to the herding area...

I've never heard it called that. How apt, thank you. Although it leaves me feeling even more manipulated.

And the receipt encourages a tip?

For ever-diminishing service, you betcha.

Transactions have changed so much that I seldom enjoy them.

Visiting the local Ace Hardware is a standout exception. Staff are knowledgeable and seem genuine in their desire to help. The store does not allow tipping, however.

 

[Kittykamper]

And the receipt encourages a tip?

Yes, it did give an option for a tip, which I declined. I’ve had it with giving tips for no service or poor service. I used to tip because I felt sorry for employees, but now I feel sorry for ME, for getting a crappy cup of coffee. No more tips!

 

[John From Detroit]

I've never heard it called that. How apt, thank you. Although it leaves me feeling even more manipulated.


For ever-diminishing service, you betcha.

Transactions have changed so much that I seldom enjoy them.

Visiting the local Ace Hardware is a standout exception. Staff are knowledgeable and seem genuine in their desire to help. The store does not allow tipping, however.

I have 4 options for hardware here.
Mennards (Big lumber/hardware/other stuff including groceries) store about 3 blocks away, Home Depot about 3 miles. Gilroys About 2.5 miles and ACE my favorite about 4-5 miles.

Of course I know where most of the stuff I need is and I read signs super fast when I enter (The aisle ID signs)
Restaurants .. I have one I am, a regular at... I Get real good service, they call me by name and I tip well.

I've been to some where the "TIP" was to the manager (Fire that waiter) or to the if a chain store to corporate (Fire the manager) Those I do not return to.

 

[CamperAL]

Arch Hoagland Said:
There is currently no 10% discount for using self-checkout at major retailers. However, the idea is gaining traction in state legislatures.

AL says: I've thought for a long time there should be a discount for self check out because you are basically doing work for the store to check yourself out. You replaced a worker to do that job that they aren't paying.

With that said, I am sure that some people give themselves a discount by forgetting to scan all the items. Probably why they have cameras going when you self check out, and other security measures.

 

[Oldgator73]

In most cases I would rather use a kiosk at a fast food eatery than deal with the rude folks behind the counter. There was an exception at a Bojangles in Wythville, VA recently. They don’t have kiosks and the counter person couldn’t have been more pleasant. As for self checkout, I love them. When I’m at Aldi, Lowe’s, Costco or Walmart I always use the self checkout.
It sounds like there are a bunch of cranky senior citizens here that just don’t like change. I hear rumblings of going back to the “good ole days”.

 

[tlmgcamp1]

Arch Hoagland Said:
There is currently no 10% discount for using self-checkout at major retailers. However, the idea is gaining traction in state legislatures.

AL says: I've thought for a long time there should be a discount for self check out because you are basically doing work for the store to check yourself out. You replaced a worker to do that job that they aren't paying.

With that said, I am sure that some people give themselves a discount by forgetting to scan all the items. Probably why they have cameras going when you self check out, and other security measures.

It would be interesting to see how long it takes to recoup the cost of an electronic cashier v live cashier. Live cashier costs salary, a litany of taxes, workmans comp, a space in a parking lot, a seat in the break room, etc. An electronic cashier has the purchase price, the installation price, the maintenance cost, the associated with the higher rate of shoplifting, the cost of the employee who hovers in the checkout area to help shoppers, etc.

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

The only way to protest this is to take your business elsewhere.
I refuse to use a kiosk in a restaurant (I also never eat fast food) or use self checkout.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I have to admit, going to the local gas station where they have those machines that serve you a fresh brew of coffee, cup-by-cup is much better than coffee than going to Starbucks, McDonalds, or any other "fast food" place (If you can still call "it" -- "fast food.)

I had the choice just yesterday of getting a cup of coffee at a local "fast food". I drove right past it and pulled into the local Village Pantry (gas station). Machine grinds its own coffee beans, it's fresh, and has a variety of flavors. It was very, very good (and cheaper than the restaurants) .... Bah-Humbug on McDonalds, Wendy's, or Burger King! Don't waste your time with their stupid kiosk's and employees who really don't want to be there, and somehow, even if you are the only customer there, manage to get your order WRONG!

 

[whiteva]

I am a fan of self checkout. Faster, no need to be nice to the checkout person & if something will not scan, just use a cheaper item twice. I enjoy using "scan and go" on my phone, scan as I shop then click pay as I leave.

 

[ernieekberg]

We went to Ashley furniture. Nice store, nice merchandise. We bought a king mattress set and arranged delivery. Guys show- wrong mattress. Box spring damaged. Called their “help line” first mistake.
Everything from Ashley is in Bangladesh. They don’t savvy over there. Finally got box spring replaced. They denied the new mattress even though we paid for one that’s a grand more expensive.
More contacts with different people in Bangladesh. They now said their review board would look into it.
Bull+===
We went to the store and after 2 hours, they decided that the delivery guys gave ours to someone else. After another week of waiting and trying to sleep on a board, they delivered the correct one. 5 weeks of this fiasco. If you ever have a problem, go to the store manager face to face. We won’t be going back to Ashley, ever.