Why the Decline in Price Check Machines and What's the Alternative?

Price check machines have been a familiar sight in many grocery stores for decades. However, in recent years, they have become less common. This article explores the reasons behind this trend and evaluates the alternatives that have emerged, such as smartphone apps.

Reasons for the Decline in Price Check Machines

The scarcity of price check machines in stores can be traced back to two main factors. Firstly, these machines have historically been unreliable, often breaking down or failing to function correctly. This unreliability has led to customer frustration and a decline in their popularity.

Secondly, the rise of smartphone technology and the availability of mobile apps have made price checking more convenient than ever. Many stores now offer apps that allow customers to scan and price check items from their smartphones. These apps are typically more accurate and faster compared to the traditional machines.

Decline in Usage of Price Check Machines

The pandemic has further contributed to the decline of price check machines. For instance, Walmart once provided these machines, enabling customers to check the price of items directly. However, following the pandemic, these machines have become a rarity in the stores.

Without a price check machine, customers often have to seek assistance from store associates to check prices. This process can be less convenient and time-consuming, especially if the customer doesn't intend to purchase the item and prefers to return it. Retail workers frequently deal with such situations, and the task of putting back unwanted items can be tedious and time-consuming, particularly when the items need to be stored properly.

Reliability Issues with Traditional Machines

One of the primary reasons for the decline in the use of price check machines is their unreliability. On average, 99% of the time, these machines were found to be broken or malfunctioning. This unreliability has led to customer frustration and a lack of trust in these devices.

Another approach some stores have adopted is to use this inconvenience to increase profits. For example, if a customer has to visit the register and is informed of the price, they may feel compelled to buy the item. This strategy, while manipulative, has been employed by some retailers to boost sales.

Volume Pricing Differences

Customers can also experience discrepancies when using price check machines. A recent incident at Walmart highlights this issue. A package of almonds was scannable online at 7.97, but at the self-checkout, it rang up over 10. The customer had to request an employee to rectify the transaction.

The employee's refusal to adjust the price based on the shelf tag led to a confrontation. The employee's attitude reflected the retailer's manipulation tactic of forcing customers to pay the higher price. This behavior can be off-putting for consumers, especially when the difference in price is significant.

The Rise of Mobile Apps and Online Resources

With the advancement of technology, mobile apps have become the go-to solution for price checking. Retailers like Walmart now have apps that allow customers to scan and check prices from their smartphones. These apps are not only more reliable but also offer the added benefit of convenience and speed.

Other online resources such as Amazon, eBay, Kelley Blue Book, and Zillow have also become popular for price checking. These platforms allow customers to search for the prices of almost anything within minutes, making the process much easier than it has ever been.

Large grocery chains like Walmart often have price check machines every few aisles. If these machines are not available, customers can seek help from stock clerks or managers.

Conclusion

The decline of price check machines is largely due to their unreliability and the convenience of mobile apps. While some stores may use this inconvenience to manipulate customer behavior, the proliferation of online resources provides a more reliable and efficient alternative. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that the use of price check machines will continue to decline, with mobile apps and other digital tools becoming the norm.