You will get out of the grocery store more quickly if you use the self-checkout line. Or will you? Find out in this episode.
Slow dialog: 1:21
Explanations: 3:38
Fast dialog: 18:52
Claudia: We’re done, right? Let’s get in this cashier line.
Raul: No need. This store has self-checkout machines.
Claudia: I don’t know. I think it would be easier going through a cashier line.
Raul: Using the self-checkout will be much quicker. Let me show you. All you have to do is scan the barcodes on each grocery item.
Claudia: There are no barcodes on fruits and vegetables.
Raul: All you have to do is put them on the scale and find the product on the touch-screen.
Claudia: You look. I’ll start bagging.
Raul: Wait! You’re supposed to wait until everything is scanned before removing items from the bagging area to put in bags. Oh no, now there’s a “see attendant” message on the screen.
Claudia: What do we do now?
Raul: We wait for the attendant to clear the error and void the transaction. Then we start again.
Claudia: Great. You’re right. This is much faster.
Raul: It is if you know what you’re doing.
Claudia: I’ll tell you what. I’ll take half of our groceries and stand in line and you use the self-checkout. We’ll see which is faster.
Raul: That’s a sucker bet. I have no doubt that I’ll be done before you are.
Claudia: I’m not worried. The last one out the door makes dinner.
Raul: You’re on. Just remember that I like my steak well done.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse