Shopper 'told off' for scanning groceries 'in wrong order' at supermarket self-checkout

A shopper has claimed they were ‘told off’ for scanning groceries ‘in the wrong order’ at a supermarket self-checkout, leaving others questioning how they’re supposed to be doing it.

There’s no denying that self-service tills are a blessing and a curse, offering up a chance to whizz past those doing their big, weekly shop – only to leave you stuck as soon as there’s an unexpected item in the bagging area.

But one customer in Australia was left feeling particularly frustrated by the seemingly simple DIY approach, having been told they were doing it all wrong.

Taking to Facebook, they explained that they’d been using the self-checkout machines at Coles supermarket in Karingal, Melbourne, when they were ‘told off’ by a ‘power tripping' employee.

“Just got told off by staff member that I was scanning my items in the wrong order,” they said.

“There is no sign saying what order, and only reason she could give was so I wasn't stealing. How does the order help with that??

“Feel free to have normal checkouts with people if you have a certain order!! Power tripping rude old lady.”

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Many other social media users felt equally stunned, admitting they were equally in the dark about any apparent correct order to scan goods through.

“I would have well and truly mounted my high horse haha,” one commented.

Someone else said: “I'd have told her to do it herself then or just walked out and gone somewhat else...”

Another asked: “Lol what f**king order.”

A fourth said they simply ‘hated self service’, while a fifth added sarcastically: “Did you not do the self check out course online so that you know what order to scan them in.”

When people pressed the shopper for more details, they said it was apparently something to do with ‘weight’.

“I was meant to do my soda water cans first,” they replied.

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Sharing their own similar story, one person wrote: “I was told off by staff for packing my groceries too high on conveyor belt.

“He said they could fall and hit a baby. WtF. Not happy with the whole process. Coles hierarchy need to pull up their socks and stop stating that they give great customer service.”

In a statement to Tyla, a spokesperson for Coles said checkout staff are always available to help customers with ‘bulky or heavy’ items.

“Coles is always looking for ways to improve how we serve our customers and provide exceptional customer service," they said.

"Our team members are always encouraged to help our customers where possible.

"Where a customer has certain items, this may include bulky or heavy items, our team will attempt to assist them in scanning the items when checking out.

"This is all about providing great service to our customers and helping them get through the checkouts quickly and efficiently.”