A Simple Walmart Self-Checkout Malfunction Could Actually Wreak Havoc on Your Life

You might think the worst consequence of self-checkout is mild frustration with perpetually glitchy machines, but those glitches now lead to arrests of innocent shoppers.

A faulty self-checkout machine totaled former Olympic athlete Meaggan Pettipiece's bill incorrectly, so Walmart had her arrested.

The police then piled on additional outlandish charges of their own, accusing her of multiple drug possession charges.

From March through September of 2024, Pettipiece's life was a nightmare despite the self-checkout machine being found faulty and the lab results confirming she was not carrying any illegal substances while shopping at Walmart.

So much for innocent until proven guilty.

Here are some more reasons shoppers are ditching the smart shopping hacks that self-checkouts supposedly offer but fail to deliver.

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Not enough bag space

Self-checkouts started as a place for 10 items or fewer, but now everyone thinks they know how to be a savvy shopper by using them.

The area for placing your bags is usually pretty small, with space for just a couple of bags. Standard checkouts have plenty of room for all of your items, however.

Glitches slow you down

How many times have you used a self-checkout, and it’s glitched for seemingly no reason?

These machines seem finicky, and even the slightest error can stop your process. Usually, it’s something you haven’t done wrong, so you have to wait for an employee to help.

This can actually make your experience take longer than you expect or than just going through the regular line. That was bad enough, but now it can also lead to your arrest and processing through the legal system. If you can't afford to hire a lawyer, then it's better to spend a few extra minutes in a line with a human cashier.

Requires more labor

With self-checkouts, you’re doing all the work yourself. This is great for the store but you might not enjoy it.

You have to scan each item and bag them, even though there are employees who get paid for this work and can help out in the regular lines. You don't even get a discount for replacing paid labor and doing it yourself, but you do get all the legal liability if the machine is faulty.

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More cluttered

Sometimes, self-checkout areas are cluttered from past customers, making it difficult to set your things down, especially if you don’t have a cart or basket.

And when you want to just make things quick, you often have to wait for employees to clear the area.

Conveyor belts with regular checkouts also make it easy to fit more of your things, even when you’re behind another customer.

Difficult to use

While self-checkouts are supposed to be user-friendly, they may not always be.

For example, if you’re buying a lot of fruits and vegetables, you have to search for the exact name and weigh each item on the scanner before bagging.

And if you have coupons or want to split your payment between cash and card, that can be extra work — if you can even figure out how to do it.

Security is disruptive

You may be trying to mind your own business during self-checkouts, but store security could have other ideas.

Depending on where you go, there could be a camera plastered with your face or someone coming by and watching you. If there’s an honest error with bagging, the security cameras will think you’ve done something wrong - which can and does lead to criminal charges and arrests.

Long lines

These days, it seems everyone is trying to go to self-checkouts.

This usually means just as long a wait as a regular checkout area, but with the added risk of being liable for faulty machines. Scope out the checkout lines to see which is faster; it may surprise you.

Many don’t take cash

If you’re carrying cash for your grocery run, you might be out of luck at a self-checkout.

Many have signs that say they don’t accept cash, and some won’t give cash back. You’ll likely be better off using a regular checkout if you’ve got cash only.

Can’t buy certain products

Any product that requires an ID, like alcohol and certain medicines, is difficult to get through a self-checkout. Some stores will actually tell you to go through a normal line if you have these items.

Other items, like stamps or cigarettes, are sold only through a cashier. Take your shopping list into consideration before trying the self-checkout.

Some items are hard to scan

Certain items can cause errors in scanning or need an employee to help.

If a product has a special clearance sticker or you have a coupon that needs entering, it can take up even more of your time to have these individually punched in.

Consider skipping the clearance section if you plan on doing self-checkout.

Have to lift heavy items

Forget buying those bulk products or even a pack of water bottles at your local grocery store if there’s no hand-held scanner at the self-checkout.

These heavy items will require some assistance, so it’s probably best to go through a regular checkout to be safe.

Can be ageist

Many older customers may not be accustomed to the self-checkout technology and practices. These areas also require heavy lifting and labor without the normal interactions of a traditional checkout.

This makes self-checkouts somewhat ageist against a target demographic just wanting to get their weekly groceries.

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Less space for items

A self-checkout might seem like a good idea when you only have a few items. But those items better be small because the space they leave for your groceries is minimal.

And if you have a cart full of things, then you’re having to haul each product out individually.

Still need help from employees

Even the most minor glitches or errors during your checkout experience can often require an employee’s assistance.

If you have to wait for their help, why not just go through a regular checkout? These employees are clocked in and ready to work, so go through their line to save you both time.

Don’t save time

If you like to get in and out during grocery shopping, a self-checkout should be easier, right? Unfortunately, these glitches and hassles can actually cost you more time.

And if you’re trying to make your membership worth it by using the self-checkout at Costco, for instance, you’ll likely have to visit customer service to get it resolved.

Bottom line

A self-checkout has some advantages, but the technology still has a long way to go. Couponers, for instance, still need a cashier’s assistance to save money shopping .

For many shoppers, using a traditional checkout lane is more beneficial in saving time and energy, but for others, it can result in an even more stressful shopping experience.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).