BOB wrote:
> In ,
> Andy <q> typed:
> > Saw a spot on Food-TV about high tech shopping. I don't know how old
> > the
> > show was.
> >
> > Anyway, you walk into the market and swipe your shopping card at a
> > machine which "logs you in" then unlocks a hand-held wireless
> > barcode
> > scanner for you to use.
> >
> > You get shopping bags for your cart. When you pick an item off the
> > shelf
> > you want to buy, you scan the bar code and it will enter the item
> > and
> > price, keeping a running total of your groceries, so you're
> > basically
> > bagging AND checking out as you shop. When you're finished shopping,
> > you
> > scan an "end of shopping" barcode at a payment machine and pay. It
> > prints
> > out the list you created.
> >
> > That's more convenient than the self-checkout lane.
> >
> > I'm going to have to dial around and see if any markets have this
> > system.
> > I'd easily change markets for this ultra convenience.
> >
> > Has anyone used this system to shop?
> >
> > Andy
>
> Are you getting a discount for doing their work? You are eliminating
> a job, so are you getting the financial benefit from this lost job?
> Or is the store just making more profit from you, like in the "self
> serve check out" (which never works correctly).
>
> BOB

I've seen this system in one of the newer stores in the Pittsburgh, PA
area from the local Giant Eagle chain called "Market District".
Actually, I ran into a friend using it in the store. She had a couple
of bags in the cart, and would scan and put the item in to the bag.
The new store format is supposed to compete with the Whole Foods down
the street. I wondered how it works and the next time I'm in the
store, I'll take a closer look. Yes, you are definitely doing
someone's work but you will also get to leave the store quicker and,
you don't have to wait to consume something you intend to purchase.

Heidi