Tried self-checkout at the Safeway on 5th and got flagged for 'unexpected item' 3 times in a row

I was buying just a bag of chips and a soda, right? So I hit the self-checkout lane (because who wants to wait). First scan went fine, second scan triggered the 'unexpected item in bagging area' error. After 3 times of this I had to call the attendant over and she just waved her little wand thing and it worked. My takeaway is that those machines are way too sensitive (my grocery bag itself set it off). Has anyone else had a similar problem where the system just fights you over nothing?

2 comments

2 Comments

cameron_chen2d ago

The Safeway on 5th is notorious for this, I've had the same issue there at least 4 times. @ivanjones, the thing is, the weight sensors are calibrated SUPER badly at that specific location because the floor is slightly uneven. I noticed the scale pad rocks a tiny bit if you put your bag down. The attendant told me once that their machines haven't been recalibrated in like 2 years because the store manager refuses to pay for it. So it's not really about you or your bag, it's the store letting their equipment fall apart. Next time just skip self-checkout and go to the register, the cashiers are faster anyway.

ivanjones2d ago

Nah, I kinda disagree. The sensors are actually picking up real weight inconsistencies most of the time. You probably had your bag sitting on the scale which threw off the reading.