If you were standing at a self-checkout kiosk and realized no one was watching closely, would the temptation feel different than taking something directly from a cashier’s line? Over the past decade, retailers across the United States have installed thousands of self-service checkout stations to streamline operations and reduce labor expenses. While these machines offer convenience and shorter lines, they have also introduced a new challenge: increased opportunity for unpaid merchandise. Without direct employee oversight, some shoppers exploit system gaps—sometimes through well-known tactics like entering the code for a low-cost item instead of scanning a higher-priced one.
One commonly discussed method involves inputting the product code for an inexpensive item—such as bananas—while placing a more expensive product in the bagging area. Other tactics include skipping the scan entirely or swapping barcodes between items of different value. Studies analyzing large volumes of self-checkout transactions have shown that these practices can result in significant financial losses for retailers. When multiplied across thousands of stores and millions of purchases, even small discrepancies can add up to substantial revenue gaps.
Experts suggest that psychology plays a major role in these behaviors. The perceived anonymity of self-checkout machines can reduce the social pressure that typically discourages theft. Some individuals rationalize the act by convincing themselves that no specific person is harmed—only a large corporation. Others may view the system itself as flawed and therefore easier to justify exploiting. Researchers also note that convenience lowers barriers; when the opportunity appears effortless and low-risk, impulse decisions become more likely, even among people who might not otherwise consider dishonest behavior.
Despite these challenges, retailers continue expanding self-checkout options because many customers value speed and autonomy. Advances in technology are also helping address losses. Modern systems increasingly use camera monitoring, AI-assisted item recognition, and transaction analysis to flag inconsistencies in real time. As these tools improve, the balance between convenience and accountability becomes stronger. For shoppers, the takeaway is simple: integrity matters—even when interacting with a machine. Retail innovation may change how we pay, but personal responsibility remains a timeless part of the checkout process.