Aldi customers left raging over little-known rule for who can use self-checkouts

26 February 2024 , 12:57

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The little-known rule has shocked some (Stock Image) (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Using the self-checkout at Aldi can take a layer of stress away from the shopping experience, as shop workers seem to scan at 1,000 miles per hour.

Knowing you can scan at your own pace may make you feel a little less pent up as you approach the till area - but did you know that there's a little-known self-checkout rule that people are only just realising?

People have been left concerned that the self-checkout rule isn't well publicised, and they're now concerned they may get caught out when popping items through themselves - especially if you've not been keeping track of how many things are in your basket.

One woman was so miffed by the rule, she took to X, formerly Twitter, to ask Aldi "Since when." She raged: "Since when did you have 20 items or less on your self-service checkouts? There is no sign saying so. Be nice to know in advance which self-service checkout I can go to."

A customer service representative from Aldi was quick to clear up any confusion, however, explaining: "All stores currently have a 20-item limit on self-checkouts. This change is designed to make it simpler and more efficient for you to shop with us. All customers can still use checkouts managed by our amazing colleagues!"

'I don't want children staying up late at weekends - I really need adult time'

While the checkout rule has been in place for quite some time, many other customers are only just realising it's in place. One man fumed that he was "stopped" in his local branch for having "over 20 items" when he actually only had 19. "Doubt I'll use this branch again, as waiting for usual till queue takes ages!", he fumed.

Others, however, just aren't fans of self-checkouts, saying they "refuse" to do "the shops' job" for them, saying that they want to use "staff discount cards" if they're scanning things through the till.

An Aldi spokesperson said: "This change will make shopping at Aldi even simpler and more efficient for our customers and has been designed to further improve their experience in-store. All customers can still use checkouts managed by our amazing colleagues."

Aldi fans have also demanded a 'permanent change' in stores, as they're really struggling to find things they've seen on social media, in-store. Thanks to the huge buzz on social media, Aldi is known for their affordable makeup and skincare "dupes", but people are left frustrated when they try and scout out the popular ranges, only to find they're already sold out and discontinued.

Aldi recently launched their skincare range which people have likened to the expensive La Mer products, but shoppers were left disgruntled when it had already gone from the shelves, so customers are asking to make the skincare permanent.

Danielle Kate Wroe