A row of self-checkout machines.
Grocery Store Self-Checkout Etiquette Rules You Should Know

NEWS

By SARAH MOORE
Hand picking out a beer bottle from a store shelf.
Booze
Each state has unique regulations for alcohol sales, such as varying age requirements for checking ID and restrictions on where alcohol can be purchased.
Various wine bottles.
Ideally, you should leave alcohol behind at the self-checkout stand; even if you know the rules, you'll still need to be carded, which can hold up the line.
Self-checkout scanner and scale.
Clean Up
If you end up using a self-checkout lane, make sure to maintain a clean and orderly self-checkout area to enhance customer experience.
Hands wringing a rag.
Many stores have rags or paper towels on hand to wipe up any accidental mess. Additionally, leave the bags tidy and toss out any receipts you don't want.
Person scanning package of strawberries.
Barcodes
Since scanners read barcodes from different angles, some shoppers spend too much time getting the barcode angle “right.” But this can hold up the line.
Person scanning a product at a kiosk.
Rather than trying to perfectly align your item with the reader, simply grab your object and wave it in front of the scanner. This can really save time.
Customer handing coupons.
Coupons
To avoid holding up the self-checkout line, clip paper coupons ahead of time or keep them on your phone, rather than bringing an entire pamphlet and flipping through it.
Hand using a self-checkout screen.
Loyalty Number
Scan your loyalty card or input your number at the start of self-checkout. Doing so ensures a smoother transaction and the kiosk may remember your shopping history.
Hand using a self-checkout screen.
Additionally, by initiating the loyalty input early, you'll receive your receipt via email, eliminating the need to wait. This can save you time and keep the line moving quickly.