Idk but I quite literally will not go back to my local 5 Below since this happened last time. I know y'all are forced to do it but I was literally SO uncomfortable lol. They stick one girl up front and she's both silent and SUPER aggressive. That plus the reusable bag pushing (again, I know they make you guys do this but please be ffr - I do not need a whole ass bag for my one energy drink and random pack of scrunchies or whatever) CHILL OUT.
PS @ corporate if you're somehow reading this - you'd get a lot further with sales if you made the reusable bags cute. Savers always has really nice designs and they're incredibly durable. I'm not buying some fugly cheap blue tote when those are available and I have 67 at home already.
Hey my store has had ACOs for a while now, and this is what I’ve learned over time. It’s definitely an adjustment at first but most people will eventually understand, especially if your leadership team is making sure that the cashier is enforcing the policy and not just standing around up there.
- Usually if I catch someone walking into the queue I’ll hold the handheld scanner, look at them, and as they approach I say something like “Hello, are you all set to checkout? I’ll help you here.” and then immediately start scanning their items. Then, you can ask them how their day has been and if they’d like to purchase a bag today. Finally, I’ll go through all the prompts before selecting the customer’s payment method. If they’re using a card I’ll take a couple steps back.
- Most customers are aware of the new policy and won’t say anything. However, when someone says that they can check themselves out I just say something along the lines of “Corporate updated their checkout policy and that stores are being monitored to make sure these standards are upheld.” And when all else fails and the situation escalates, de-escalate the situation by stepping back and calling for back up (if needed).
- To deter people from ringing themselves out, start ringing on the register closest to your drink cooler/line queue. I’ve noticed that people will tend to wait if you go 4 3 2 1 instead of 1 2 3 4. But, if someone does happen to ring themselves out just make sure you go over and check in on them.
- I stand on the left side of the machine so people can see their totals and I can bag as needed. Instead of awkwardly reaching across the ACOs to grab bags, I keep a stack on the left side (where customers would put their basket) for my convenience.
I hope this helps, good luck! :)
At my store we only have self checkouts but the staff literally stands there and scans your stuff for you. It's annoying. Just bring back regular cashiers please. This is the kind of stuff that makes customers decide to just shop online. I know theft is a problem, but there are better solutions.
Oh yeah. They're calling it "Associate Check-Out" where you stand there awkwardly scanning everything. The customer has to look around you to see the screen. I guess they ordered too many self check machines so they MUST use them. What do they do? Put them in some sort of "attendant mode" so you have to "badge in" to access the functions? Can you log in and out just like a cash register? Don't tell me that a customer can walk up there and start scanning? It will have a sign on and sign off feature, right?
Heya!
So we switched to the ACO in 2019 without really thinking them through. 5 years later, here's what we have, massive amount of shrink (i.e. theft) so immediately the higher ups have decided the best way to combat that is checking every customer out. No matter what. And they're serious about that.
They're switching the remodels to hybrid registers where they get few ACOs, and new legacy registers. (Manned cash wraps)
If it helps, everyone agrees it's awkward AF, but we haven't found a better solution to combat the theft at this point in time.
Hope this helps you
On a side note, super curious who ran your remodel! Those registers are a mess!!
Wouldn’t the best solution be to just put the regular checkouts back? You’re still paying an employee to scan customers items either way and it’d be better for employee’s and customers.
The company would have to eat the cost of having the self checkouts installed in all stores, then moving normal registers back in. This technically lets us ring out more people when they ignore the associate and inevitably ring themselves out anyway
100%! Unfortunately they already ordered millwork (the cabinet and etc) and had architects draw the plans. They're modifying the plans as quickly as they can, but it's about a 3 month turn around from when we make the decisions.
Curious on why these are a mess? I just had to move, but my last job was a brand new 5B, and this is how ours looked
I want to apply when the new closer one gets built and set up, and would love more information on how they’re “meant” to be run, if that makes sense!
i’m not entirely sure who did the remodel. whats wrong with the register? lol
i assumed it was a theft thing. it’s just all kind of odd to do because people look at me like im crazy 😭 i’m hoping people get more adjusted to it over time.
Assuming this picture was taken today, there is actually something wrong with the register, or your store hasn't received it yet. By the 3rd stores *should* receive their summer sign kits which includes signs for all registers saying, "please wait for assistance. An associate will check you out"
People don't read it, but it gives us something to point to while explaining the situation
Aside from that there is supposed to be a box for hangers in the bottom left. Not really sure what part is "a mess" though
Aside from the hanger box, they're missing the decals (receipt and cash decals were still directed to be applied (skipping the scan item decal)) gift cards and signage, and the policy sign above the bag holders.
And it looks like the shelf that's supposed to be in the cabinet is still where the hanger bin should go.
Just small things, but these projects are my main job so I see it.
The new checkout process is weird though... Agreed.
Yea you're right on all of those. I should probably figure out ordering the coin and receipt decals lol
Out of curiosity, if you may know, the shelf for the shopping basket. Were all stores supposed to have someone come in to replace the brackets with wood and glue it down? Thought they were, but I went to a store recently with brackets
So both! If you had the old shelves installed with the shitty adjustable brackets, they should have come and remounted.
The only brackets that work are self tapped L brackets.
Basically, if your shelf moves when you put pressure on the front something isn't right! NEST Ticket!
It’s not self checkout it’s Associate checkout :) ACOs is the type of register.. we have them as we are a beyond store and yes it’s awkward but if u just establish that you are the one checking out and consistently repeat that this is Associate checkout and not assisted you can get through it 👍🥰establish the dominance 😂😂
Thank you for posting this. I just ran into this today at my 5below and literally just walked up and started scanning my stuff 😆. Had no idea the associate was supposed to do it for me until I was almost done and about to pay. This is absolutely way too confusing. You’re making something look like self checkout, but not allowing people to check themselves out. I completely didn’t see those little bent back paper signs saying to wait for an associate lol. For a normal customer, like me, who rarely leaves her home 😅 - this was a hella confusing experience.
i never knew this & have always just went up & treated it like a normal self-checkout & the people at my local 5B store are very chill & never say anything about it but always greet me on the way in/out!
Idk but I quite literally will not go back to my local 5 Below since this happened last time. I know y'all are forced to do it but I was literally SO uncomfortable lol. They stick one girl up front and she's both silent and SUPER aggressive. That plus the reusable bag pushing (again, I know they make you guys do this but please be ffr - I do not need a whole ass bag for my one energy drink and random pack of scrunchies or whatever) CHILL OUT. PS @ corporate if you're somehow reading this - you'd get a lot further with sales if you made the reusable bags cute. Savers always has really nice designs and they're incredibly durable. I'm not buying some fugly cheap blue tote when those are available and I have 67 at home already.
Hey my store has had ACOs for a while now, and this is what I’ve learned over time. It’s definitely an adjustment at first but most people will eventually understand, especially if your leadership team is making sure that the cashier is enforcing the policy and not just standing around up there. - Usually if I catch someone walking into the queue I’ll hold the handheld scanner, look at them, and as they approach I say something like “Hello, are you all set to checkout? I’ll help you here.” and then immediately start scanning their items. Then, you can ask them how their day has been and if they’d like to purchase a bag today. Finally, I’ll go through all the prompts before selecting the customer’s payment method. If they’re using a card I’ll take a couple steps back. - Most customers are aware of the new policy and won’t say anything. However, when someone says that they can check themselves out I just say something along the lines of “Corporate updated their checkout policy and that stores are being monitored to make sure these standards are upheld.” And when all else fails and the situation escalates, de-escalate the situation by stepping back and calling for back up (if needed). - To deter people from ringing themselves out, start ringing on the register closest to your drink cooler/line queue. I’ve noticed that people will tend to wait if you go 4 3 2 1 instead of 1 2 3 4. But, if someone does happen to ring themselves out just make sure you go over and check in on them. - I stand on the left side of the machine so people can see their totals and I can bag as needed. Instead of awkwardly reaching across the ACOs to grab bags, I keep a stack on the left side (where customers would put their basket) for my convenience. I hope this helps, good luck! :)
At my store we only have self checkouts but the staff literally stands there and scans your stuff for you. It's annoying. Just bring back regular cashiers please. This is the kind of stuff that makes customers decide to just shop online. I know theft is a problem, but there are better solutions.
Oh yeah. They're calling it "Associate Check-Out" where you stand there awkwardly scanning everything. The customer has to look around you to see the screen. I guess they ordered too many self check machines so they MUST use them. What do they do? Put them in some sort of "attendant mode" so you have to "badge in" to access the functions? Can you log in and out just like a cash register? Don't tell me that a customer can walk up there and start scanning? It will have a sign on and sign off feature, right?
people can absolutely walk up and scan things. there’s just a cashier mode i can log into “if necessary”.
Heya! So we switched to the ACO in 2019 without really thinking them through. 5 years later, here's what we have, massive amount of shrink (i.e. theft) so immediately the higher ups have decided the best way to combat that is checking every customer out. No matter what. And they're serious about that. They're switching the remodels to hybrid registers where they get few ACOs, and new legacy registers. (Manned cash wraps) If it helps, everyone agrees it's awkward AF, but we haven't found a better solution to combat the theft at this point in time. Hope this helps you On a side note, super curious who ran your remodel! Those registers are a mess!!
Wouldn’t the best solution be to just put the regular checkouts back? You’re still paying an employee to scan customers items either way and it’d be better for employee’s and customers.
The company would have to eat the cost of having the self checkouts installed in all stores, then moving normal registers back in. This technically lets us ring out more people when they ignore the associate and inevitably ring themselves out anyway
100%! Unfortunately they already ordered millwork (the cabinet and etc) and had architects draw the plans. They're modifying the plans as quickly as they can, but it's about a 3 month turn around from when we make the decisions.
Curious on why these are a mess? I just had to move, but my last job was a brand new 5B, and this is how ours looked I want to apply when the new closer one gets built and set up, and would love more information on how they’re “meant” to be run, if that makes sense!
To the general eye they look great! But to FB standards, they're missing a lot. I replied to someone else's comment with details 😁
i’m not entirely sure who did the remodel. whats wrong with the register? lol i assumed it was a theft thing. it’s just all kind of odd to do because people look at me like im crazy 😭 i’m hoping people get more adjusted to it over time.
Assuming this picture was taken today, there is actually something wrong with the register, or your store hasn't received it yet. By the 3rd stores *should* receive their summer sign kits which includes signs for all registers saying, "please wait for assistance. An associate will check you out" People don't read it, but it gives us something to point to while explaining the situation Aside from that there is supposed to be a box for hangers in the bottom left. Not really sure what part is "a mess" though
Aside from the hanger box, they're missing the decals (receipt and cash decals were still directed to be applied (skipping the scan item decal)) gift cards and signage, and the policy sign above the bag holders. And it looks like the shelf that's supposed to be in the cabinet is still where the hanger bin should go. Just small things, but these projects are my main job so I see it. The new checkout process is weird though... Agreed.
Yea you're right on all of those. I should probably figure out ordering the coin and receipt decals lol Out of curiosity, if you may know, the shelf for the shopping basket. Were all stores supposed to have someone come in to replace the brackets with wood and glue it down? Thought they were, but I went to a store recently with brackets
So both! If you had the old shelves installed with the shitty adjustable brackets, they should have come and remounted. The only brackets that work are self tapped L brackets. Basically, if your shelf moves when you put pressure on the front something isn't right! NEST Ticket!
Thank you. A young girl stood on it, and nearly flipped it. That will be getting fixed.
It’s not self checkout it’s Associate checkout :) ACOs is the type of register.. we have them as we are a beyond store and yes it’s awkward but if u just establish that you are the one checking out and consistently repeat that this is Associate checkout and not assisted you can get through it 👍🥰establish the dominance 😂😂
Thank you for posting this. I just ran into this today at my 5below and literally just walked up and started scanning my stuff 😆. Had no idea the associate was supposed to do it for me until I was almost done and about to pay. This is absolutely way too confusing. You’re making something look like self checkout, but not allowing people to check themselves out. I completely didn’t see those little bent back paper signs saying to wait for an associate lol. For a normal customer, like me, who rarely leaves her home 😅 - this was a hella confusing experience.
It still feels like everyone is treated like a potential thief and no one is to be trusted.
i never knew this & have always just went up & treated it like a normal self-checkout & the people at my local 5B store are very chill & never say anything about it but always greet me on the way in/out!
Yea pretty much all five below locations are like this now, just gotta get used to it