Especially after going to the same store a couple times, you eventually memorize where the buttons are and the quirks of the system
But yeah I fall into the “less items” category most of the time, but even for larger loads I prefer self checkout
Maybe it’s just because it’s interactive, or maybe it’s because I don’t want to talk to a depressed cashier
Prophetic [0].
Personally, I'm indifferent, I will use which ever is fastest, sometimes that means using these machines other times it's going to the cashier because she is able to process faster than waiting in line for the machine. It's just a matter of speed and time for me.
It's primary purpose? Fast lane for a couple of items purchased.
If I buy a full cart of groceries, detergent, power tools and what else, I'll go to the human operated checkout. Also although not illegal, I think it's grossly morraly offensive and deep ashholeness when people go to self checkout. 100% of the times they'll fuck up something, require assistance and take 5 times as much time as if the experienced cashier would have operated checkout.
But when I storm in the mall and buy me a toothpaste and a can of soda, I use self checkout. Expecting it to be largely available and not all 10 desks blocked by idiots with full carts.