Woolworths has introduced one more offering for customers to pay for their groceries, but is it convenience or just another way not to pay staff?
I was tasked with trying out the new Scan&Go option. If you haven’t heard of it, that’s okay, neither have I. It’s not been rolled out across every store, and Woolworths hasn’t exactly been shouting from the rooftops about it. However, we thought we’d check it out so you don’t have to.
It’s a pretty simple premise. You use your phone to scan as you shop and then pay also via your phone at a dedicated checkout.
The longer story goes like this. Your first step will be to set yourself up to scan. Download the Woolworths app and tap those three little dots in the bottom right corner. This will take you to a few options including Scan&Go. Click on that option and you will then be prompted to add your Everyday Rewards membership number and payment method. And then you are ready to shop. I needed the help of a very unwilling teenager to do this – ‘urgh, can’t you do it yourself mum’ – but a good basic knowledge of tech should see you through.
In the beginning
I’m not going to lie, I was a bit hesitant before I started. I asked the attendant at the service desk, not once but three times how it worked, and she waved me vaguely in the direction of the self-service checkouts, saying the checkout was ‘over there’. I was clearly struggling with the concept, but no help was offered.
My advice, when in doubt, read the instructions on the website before you set off. I went in blind for research purposes to see how difficult it was, but the online guide makes it much clearer.
So you have yourself set up, click on the Start Shop in the Scan&Go option. A screen will open up and all you have to do is pass it over the barcode on each item, and drop it into your trolley.
For loose items such as fruit and veg, there is a dedicated Scan&Go scale somewhere in the shop, just ask one of the staff members.
Woolworths with Scan&Go also have a dedicated checkout. It’s usually at the end of the self-checkouts, once again, just ask a staff member if you can’t find it. All you do then is click the checkout option on your phone, pay via the payment method you have set up previously, and pass your phone over the scanning tool. Presto bingo, you are good to go.
What we liked about it.
For people who don’t like dealing with people, this is ideal. You don’t have to deal with one single staff member. It was an introvert’s heaven.
It’s also an excellent tool for budgeting as you can see the running total as you go.
Kids would love this, at least for the first time. Playing ‘checkouts’ would hold a certain fascination.
The scanning on the phone was quick and easy. It picked up the barcodes without any trouble.
Checkout was ridiculously simple. I sailed out of there in seconds.
What we didn’t like about it
I was obviously struggling when I kept asking the person at the service centre for help, but not a lot was offered. If you are unsure about using the technology, maybe take a friend to help.
As mentioned the scanning was good, a bit too good. While I was trying to scan an item in my hand my phone randomly scanned a $17 container of protein powder on the shelf. I do not need a $17 container of protein powder. It was easy to remove it from my online ‘basket’, but it’s worth noting to keep your eye out.
Scanning small items was easy, but bigger, bulkier or hard-to-hold items, were more of a struggle. If you have mobility issues with your hands, once again, you might need to take a friend.
Our tip
Pack as you go. I did not think this through and simply tossed them into my trolley and then had to pack once I was past the checkout. It was annoying and I was annoyed at myself for not having the brains to work this out.
Our verdict
This seems to be a very niche option. Plenty of people like self-scanning, but plenty of people don’t too. I’m not sure it saved too much time, apart from the smooth checkout step, however people who like to take a bit more control of their shopping may enjoy it.
The running cost tally in the app is certainly a good option for those on a tight budget who want to stick to a dollar amount for their shop.
I’m glad I gave it a go, but as it’s only in a few shops, and meant a drive to another suburb, I probably won’t use it again.
Find out more of the technical stuff and a list of the stores using Scan&Go here.
Do you think you would like this option? Why not share your opinion in the comments section below?
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Most of my grocery shopping is online. I suppose I could get used to this, but I tend to use cash instore if possible.
I love it and wish all stores had it. You get your trolley, put your empty bags in the trolley, pop your phone in the holder on the trolley and go – you scan as you go. Your bags are packed as you go.when you’re done you go to the scan near the exit – click on your shopping cart icon, click for payment – scan the code and the gate opens and off you go.
I only had my phone in my hand for fruit and vegies – otherwise I kept it in the holder provided, so I’ve not experienced the issue of scanning something nearby. The best part is not having to load all your groceries on to the checkout, have them packed etc at usual checkouts.
Once again the supermarkets are getting the customer to do all the work – no financial benefit to the customer, we’re still paying the same price for our items with no staff help. Plus, we’re doing away with more staff. Not a good thing in my opinion.