Self-Checkout lanes question...

[trixmix]

We just got a brand new Safeway in our town, and finally it has some Self-checkout lanes (Yeah!!). Since we haven't had them in our stores before, I was wondering how they handle coupons. So here are some questions:

1) Is there a limit to how many coupons you may use at a self-check?

2) What about free coupons, such as when the coupon prompts for the amount to be entered by the cashier, do those work, or will they beep and have to be checked by the cashier assistent.

3) Has anyone used the sprite b1g1 free's from the safeway olympic booklet through the self-check, does it work without assistance from the cashier?

Any and all info that might be handy to know when using the self-check would be appreciated. Thanks!!

I have used the self-checks at other stores, but not a safeway store, so I don't know if they have any particular "rules".

[noyoupayme...]

OOhh I just did this tonight with the Sprite and it was a-ok. My trick is to total everything then when you go to pay it will prompt you for q's- scan 'em, then i do the club card and then pay. i did the vive the other day and the cashier does need to enter the amount but they just hit a button and no problem. i learned one trick tonight and that is the computer will freeze if it doesn't feel you insert the q- with the in store q's sometimes they are too light so if you blow on the slot it will feel it and let you keep going. also i always find great catalinas left behind-- tonight alone i score several inlcuding 1 free pellegrino, 1 free life water, 2/1 mom to mom (any)! amazing!

[noyoupayme...]

i don't know about limits on q's but since you are in a 15 item lane i have never used more than that.

[trixmix]

Thanks, that is a great tip about blowing on the coupon slot. :) Thanks for the tips!!

Update: I actually had to do this today. Thanks so much for the tip!!! (The cashier noticed me doing it, and thought it was really clever)

[trixmix]

Originally Posted by noyoupayme... i don't know about limits on q's but since you are in a 15 item lane i have never used more than that.

I went and checked our safeway today and there was no item limit for the self-check lane. We had over 15 items and it wasn't an issue (nor for the people in front of us who also had 15+ items), maybe they are in certain stores? I was a little scared at first, but the cashier in charge was actually cheering me on with my coupons, so yeah!!!

[greatpph]

Thanks for the tip! I have 3 Safeway around me, but only 1 that has self check out lane. I can't wait to try this out on Monday!

[ama4889]

At Dominick's in Chicago, they seem to beep if you take off too much in q's - ie. when we did that olympic deal...however, we did one self checkout, and one with a cashier, and the machine beeped every other q for the cashier. We've been lucky enough to have excellent cashiers every time we go in there (many cheer us on) so we still use self checkout. 99% of the time, it isnt a problem