Speaking of Mickey D's....

[Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967]

Spent last weekend in Reno, for a "Celebration of Life" for my Uncle Frankie; a terrific guy who will be and is missed.

 

But that's why I was in Reno.  And while there, Ms Helen Brimstone thought we'd pop into a McD's for a quick breakfast before dropping in on my aunt.  

 

So we walked in.  And waited.  And waited.  And waited even more, then figgered we might as well use the self-service kiosk.  What a pain in the a$$ that was!  I s'pose for a kid, it would be intuitive.  For us - not so much.  You could order a meal; you could order individual items; but you could not order more than one individual item.  I wanted two Sausage Burritos and a large coffee; no way.  I could get a Sausage Burrito meal with one burrito, a small coffee, and a hash brown.  But no way would it let me order what I wanted.   

 

Finally, in frustration, we managed to flag down a random young lady working behind the counter.  Sorta.

 

"Uh... Miss?  Can you take our order?"

 

She gave us a surprised look, then replied "Well, technically, no.  We're not allowed to take orders anymore.  You gotta use the kiosk!  But I can help you if you need help!"

 

We did.  *Grump!*

 

"Here!  I'll show you!" she said, and keyed in our order, with her fingers flying across the screen so fast we'd never be able to repeat what she did.  But I did learn that the key to MY order was to first order a coffee, select "Large," then order an individual burrito and then order a second individual burrito.  Ms Brimstone's order was much simpler; a Sausage McMuffin Combination meal.  Our order number was 6-4-3.

 

We sat and waited.  And waited.  And waited some more.  Finally, an announcement was made for "Order Number 1-4-3."  Hm.  Better go check.  Yup... that was ours.

 

Now, this is odd... Ms Helen's Sausage McMuffin was shrunk!  Literally about a third small than they were just a few weeks ago.  And then, after two bites, Helen lifted the lid off and revealed that it was actually a Sausage-less McMuffin.  Even though the order was for Sausage and the wrapper declared it to be a Sausage McMuffin.

 

Sadly, this was not an isolated incident.  I will take advantage of the $1 drink while we can, but otherwise, done with those clowns.  

 

 

[Rye Miles #13621]

3 hours ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said:

Spent last weekend in Reno, for a "Celebration of Life" for my Uncle Frankie; a terrific guy who will be and is missed.

 

But that's why I was in Reno.  And while there, Ms Helen Brimstone thought we'd pop into a McD's for a quick breakfast before dropping in on my aunt.  

 

So we walked in.  And waited.  And waited.  And waited even more, then figgered we might as well use the self-service kiosk.  What a pain in the a$$ that was!  I s'pose for a kid, it would be intuitive.  For us - not so much.  You could order a meal; you could order individual items; but you could not order more than one individual item.  I wanted two Sausage Burritos and a large coffee; no way.  I could get a Sausage Burrito meal with one burrito, a small coffee, and a hash brown.  But no way would it let me order what I wanted.   

 

Finally, in frustration, we managed to flag down a random young lady working behind the counter.  Sorta.

 

"Uh... Miss?  Can you take our order?"

 

She gave us a surprised look, then replied "Well, technically, no.  We're not allowed to take orders anymore.  You gotta use the kiosk!  But I can help you if you need help!"

 

We did.  *Grump!*

 

"Here!  I'll show you!" she said, and keyed in our order, with her fingers flying across the screen so fast we'd never be able to repeat what she did.  But I did learn that the key to MY order was to first order a coffee, select "Large," then order an individual burrito and then order a second individual burrito.  Ms Brimstone's order was much simpler; a Sausage McMuffin Combination meal.  Our order number was 6-4-3.

 

We sat and waited.  And waited.  And waited some more.  Finally, an announcement was made for "Order Number 1-4-3."  Hm.  Better go check.  Yup... that was ours.

 

Now, this is odd... Ms Helen's Sausage McMuffin was shrunk!  Literally about a third small than they were just a few weeks ago.  And then, after two bites, Helen lifted the lid off and revealed that it was actually a Sausage-less McMuffin.  Even though the order was for Sausage and the wrapper declared it to be a Sausage McMuffin.

 

Sadly, this was not an isolated incident.  I will take advantage of the $1 drink while we can, but otherwise, done with those clowns.  

 

 

Does Nevada have $20.00 min wage? I don’t blame McDonalds at all! 
All the ones around here have the kiosks too but there’s also at least one person to take your order. I’ve seen young people ordering from the human also!! No one likes those kiosks.

[Ozark Huckleberry]

3 hours ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said:

"Well, technically, no.  We're not allowed to take orders anymore.  You gotta use the kiosk!  But I can help you if you need help!"

 

3 hours ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said:

Ms Helen's Sausage McMuffin was shrunk!  Literally about a third small than they were just a few weeks ago. 

 

 

How's that $20/hour minimum wage working out for you?

[Pat Riot]

I refuse to order food on a kiosk.
I won’t use self checkout. 

 

It’s not because of technology. It’s because it removes the human element. Also, it costs jobs. No jobs means more government control over people. More gov’t manipulation. 
 

Also, I have yet to see a discount or monetary incentive for using a self checkout or a kiosk. 
 

I went to Lowe’s to buy some hardware that Menards doesn’t carry (or that I can find).

When I got to the checkout there were 2 young ladies standing in the center of the aisle of the self checkout kiosks. No registers were manned.  
I debated tossing the hardware on a shelf and leaving. 
One of the ladies approached me and asked if I needed help. I started to complain about the self checkout but decided not to. 
I normally do not request a Veteran discount on small purchases, but this time, as I was checking out I asked the lady “How do I do a Veteran’s Discount?”

She said “Oh, that’s not available on these kiosks.”

I finished paying then turned to both ladies and said “No veteran’s discount, no future business!” and left. 
 

Just one more thing, it seems that every time I use a self checkout there is a glitch or a malfunction. I’m not kidding. I must have a static charge or I generate EMI that affects these things. The Lowe’s kiosk locked up on me and had to be cleared and reset by the lady that was kind of hovering nearby. 
I think she also sensed the dark power of mine and was standing ready to aid her fellow electronic worker. 
 

There are 3 fast food joints near me that have gone full kiosk:

McDonald’s

Wendy’s

Panda Express

 

I don’t think their drive thru service is automated and I will never no unless someone tells me. 
 

Here is an interesting article on self checkouts that outlines that they actually may cost stores more money. 
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/10/24/self-checkout-good-bad/71219910007/

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

5 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

I refuse to order food on a kiosk.
I won’t use self checkout. 

 

It’s not because of technology. It’s because it removes the human element. Also, it costs jobs. No jobs means more government control over people. More gov’t manipulation. 
 

Also, I have yet to see a discount or monetary incentive for using a self checkout or a kiosk. 
 

I went to Lowe’s to buy some hardware.

. No registers were manned.  

I normally do not request a Veteran discount on small purchases, but this time, as I was checking out I asked the lady “How do I do a Veteran’s Discount?”

She said “Oh, that’s not available on these kiosks.”

I was just at our local Lowes. There were no manned checkouts, but a very helpful guy did most of the work for me. And the veterans discount was able to be used there. 

So far, around here, I haven't had trouble getting somebody to run the self checkout for me. Well, except for one old biddy at Walmart. But that might just be personal. 

[Major Hazzard, SASS #23254]

Lowes veterans discount is a mysterious thing here in Missouri and Kansas.  Here today, gone tomorrow.  You never know.  Menards simply does not have one.  Home Depot's, on the other hand, is alive and well every day.  If you set up your customer account correctly, it's automatically applied to every purchase.  I think they have an annual limit, but it's generous.  

[Rye Miles #13621]

29 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

It’s not because of technology. It’s because it removes the human element. Also, it costs jobs. No jobs means more government control over people. More gov’t manipulation. 

What about the people that actually design, produce and maintain these machines? I bet they make a helluva lot more than a cashier who knows absolutely nothing but how to ring up a sale.

I'm a big fan of self serves, I use them whenever I can!

[Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646]

Anybody notice that the remaining workers dont seem to give a #$%^&?

 

Imis

[Rye Miles #13621]

Just now, Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646 said:

Anybody notice that the remaining workers dont seem to give a #$%^&?

 

Imis

Exactly and they don't know %^$#

[Marshal Dan Troop 70448]

What's more frustrating especially at WalMart is they don't open till 8AM by us. Workers and merchandisers stocking shelves and blocking aisle. Especially bad are the order people that fill their bins and block aisles and expect you to get out of their way while they fill orders.

Oh, and more then half the carts are a struggle to push because of bad wheels, etc. that need repairs. Then you have to stop before leaving and a person checks your receipts and bags of items even though you went through a check-out done by an employee.

As to restaraunts that use kiosk around here, they hardly as in the past have any cars in their parking lots. In other words, people aren't eating there as they use to.

[Chantry]

It's going to get worse.  Pay someone $15-$20 an hour to look at their smartphones and barely work or a kiosk that costs very little once it is installed?

 

Walmart learned from Amazon and is probably making more money from delivery and pickups than they are from the people who come in the store.

 

There is very little that can't be ordered online and delivered directly to your door.  

[Pat Riot]

36 minutes ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

What about the people that actually design, produce and maintain these machines? I bet they make a helluva lot more than a cashier who knows absolutely nothing but how to ring up a sale.

I'm a big fan of self serves, I use them whenever I can!

Here are the companies that make kiosks in North America - pass over the “give your email portion or you will receive tons of tech related emails. 

https://lucep.com/blog/top-25-self-service-kiosk-manufacturers-and-management-systems

 

How kiosks are made

https://redyref.com/kiosk-system-parts/

 

These companies do have employees. Lots of them. I wonder how many are former aerospace workers?

 

Regarding of the jobs created in this field, I really don’t care. We have a burgeoning society of introverts and socially inept morons. Ever hang out in the IT department of a large agency or corporation? If so, you would encounter some of the people I mentioned above. Introverted, suspicious, sometimes hostile. Many or most are tech savvy and interpersonal relationship ignorant. 
If this offends anyone I apologize. Not all techies are like this. I sure wasn’t but one would have to admit the people attracted to these jobs are a bit different for sure. 
 

The entire kiosk business does create lots of jobs, but at what cost in the end?

 

 

[Pat Riot]

57 minutes ago, Major Hazzard, SASS #23254 said:

Lowes veterans discount is a mysterious thing here in Missouri and Kansas.  Here today, gone tomorrow.  You never know.  Menards simply does not have one.  Home Depot's, on the other hand, is alive and well every day.  If you set up your customer account correctly, it's automatically applied to every purchase.  I think they have an annual limit, but it's generous.  

My nearest Home Depot is 25 miles away in Pennsylvania.  I don’t spend money in PA unless I have to. 
The next nearest in WV is 35 miles away. Maybe I will make plans to go there in conjunction with my gun range trips. Thanks. 
 

[Ozark Huckleberry]

1 hour ago, Major Hazzard, SASS #23254 said:

Lowes veterans discount is a mysterious thing here in Missouri and Kansas.  Here today, gone tomorrow.  You never know.  Menards simply does not have one.  Home Depot's, on the other hand, is alive and well every day.  If you set up your customer account correctly, it's automatically applied to every purchase.  I think they have an annual limit, but it's generous.  

A number of years ago (about 30 or so, IIRC) our local Home Depot started switched from discounts for service members/vets and spouses to only the service members/vets. Mrs H. took up the issue and pursued it all the way up to Atlanta. Wrote them a letter explaining that when the service member was on deployment was the time the families needed the discount the most. 
 

The policy of including spouses was brought back in short order, and if I’m not mistaken continues now. 
 

ETA: I’m not saying it was all due to her, but I do know she was aggressive in making her case. 

[Rye Miles #13621]

29 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

Here are the companies that make kiosks in North America - pass over the “give your email portion or you will receive tons of tech related emails. 

https://lucep.com/blog/top-25-self-service-kiosk-manufacturers-and-management-systems

 

How kiosks are made

https://redyref.com/kiosk-system-parts/

 

These companies do have employees. Lots of them. I wonder how many are former aerospace workers?

 

Regarding of the jobs created in this field, I really don’t care. We have a burgeoning society of introverts and socially inept morons. Ever hang out in the IT department of a large agency or corporation? If so, you would encounter some of the people I mentioned above. Introverted, suspicious, sometimes hostile. Many or most are tech savvy and interpersonal relationship ignorant. 
If this offends anyone I apologize. Not all techies are like this. I sure wasn’t but one would have to admit the people attracted to these jobs are a bit different for sure. 
 

The entire kiosk business does create lots of jobs, but at what cost in the end?

 

 

It’s kinda like when the horseless carriage came along and the wagon and buggy makers were being slowly edged out of their jobs. Oh well, time marches on!

[Subdeacon Joe]

1 hour ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

So far, around here, I haven't had trouble getting somebody to run the self checkout for me. Well, except for one old biddy at Walmart. But that might just be personal. 

 

Hmmm...so you self-identify as an old biddy?  
(Hey, someone had to say it!)

[Pat Riot]

10 minutes ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

Hmmm...so you self-identify as an old biddy?  
(Hey, someone had to say it!)

Ever met a young biddy? 

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

1 minute ago, Pat Riot said:

Ever met a young biddy? 

I remember a few that I thought, “she’s going to be an old biddy.”

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

46 minutes ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

Hmmm...so you self-identify as an old biddy?  
(Hey, someone had to say it!)

[Alpo]

2 hours ago, Major Hazzard, SASS #23254 said:

Lowes veterans discount is a mysterious thing here in Missouri and Kansas.  Here today, gone tomorrow.  You never know

This has been several years, because mama's been dead almost 20.

 

I was with her and we went into Lowe's to buy a new flag. It was some flag flying holiday - memorial Day or 4th of July. Something like that and they had a big display of flags because of it. And Mama's flag was getting kind of shabby so she was going to get a new one.

 

And as she opens for wallet to get out the credit card, the cashier sees her ID card. And she announces that military gets a 10% discount. I asked if that was just because of the holiday, and the clerk said no, that applied all the time. I said "last week Mama bought a $300 lawn mower". Cashier asked if she remembered how she paid for it and mama pulled out one credit card and said "that one". And the lady checked, and sure enough, 10 days ago, $330 lawn mower. And she gave her a $33 credit on her card.

[Subdeacon Joe]

1 hour ago, Pat Riot said:

Ever met a young biddy? 

 

 

Yep.  About 35 years old.   I think her name was Karen.  

[Perro Del Diablo]

I probably will not have this problem at McDonald's as I will not eat there unless no choice.

[Marshal Dan Troop 70448]

4 hours ago, Major Hazzard, SASS #23254 said:

Lowes veterans discount is a mysterious thing here in Missouri and Kansas.  Here today, gone tomorrow.  You never know.  Menards simply does not have one.  Home Depot's, on the other hand, is alive and well every day.  If you set up your customer account correctly, it's automatically applied to every purchase.  I think they have an annual limit, but it's generous.  

Use to show ID now just my phone number since I applied at the store and all the Lowes around just ask for phone number which then verifies your a Vet.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

4 hours ago, Perro Del Diablo said:

I probably will not have this problem at McDonald's as I will not eat there unless no choice.

I haven't set foot in a McDonald's since the Escondido Massacre and have walked out of more places than I can remember because of BS like this.  Also I don't shop at places like Target who have openly and proudly stated their opinions on my Constitutional rights and support leftist politicians and do-gooder across the nation.

 

If I find out in the store I don't even put whatever is in the cart it on a shelf before I walk out.   Just leave it in the cart.

I do get ahold of a 'floor manager" (who hasn't managed so much as bowel movement in his / her entire life)  and "express my dissatisfaction" loudly enough to make sure everyone can hear.

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

It is kind of a tossup.  You can go to a kiosk or self-serve counter and be confused.  Or, you can go to the pimply faced $20.00 an hour moron and be baffled when your bill is 19.07 so you give them a nickle and two pennies and a twenty dollar bill and they stare at you.  After a while they hand you the .07 back and a handfull of change.

[Blackwater 53393]

I haven’t been in a McDirtbags in a dozen years!  I took my grandson there every Friday on the way to daycare from the time he was two an a half until he discovered that Hardee’s was much better!

 

The Clownburger was closed for utilities failure and we went up the street for our breakfast and he NEVER asked for McGarbage again!!

 

If I never cross their entrance again, it’ll be twice too soon!!

 

As to the kiosks and AI ordering machines, they are all bad about recognizing my fingers on their crappy touch screens and I refuse to use them!! If I can’t order from a living being of some description, I’ll go elsewhere!!

[J.D. Daily]

14 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

Does Nevada have $20.00 min wage? I don’t blame McDonalds at all! 
All the ones around here have the kiosks too but there’s also at least one person to take your order. I’ve seen young people ordering from the human also!! No one likes those kiosks.

No!

[Matthew Duncan]

I was studying a kiosk at McDonald’s when a kid behind the counter stated he could take my order stating it would be quicker.  I told him I agree and gave home my order.

[Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967]

We all know that the McD's kiosk phenomenon started as a california thing (thankee kindly, Emperor Newsom ).  But, for the investment into the ordering machines, it becomes more cost effective if McD's rolls 'em out to other states, even where the ridiculous $20 minimum wage does not exist.

 

"Social Engineering at it's finest."  Which ain't so fine.  

 

                

[The Shoer 27979]

12 hours ago, Marshal Dan Troop 70448 said:

 Then you have to stop before leaving and a person checks your receipts and bags of items even though you went through a check-out done by an employee.

 

You know I do when they do that to me, in less of a polite manor I ask them if they are accusing me of being a thief. Then tell them they better choose their words for when I take them to court for slander. That's the nice version 

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

34 minutes ago, The Shoer 27979 said:

You know I do when they do that to me, in less of a polite manor I ask them if they are accusing me of being a thief. Then tell them they better choose their words for when I take them to court for slander. That's the nice version 

I don't have much of a problem with that. The employee is just doing their job. 

[Rye Miles #13621]

11 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

I don't have much of a problem with that. The employee is just doing their job. 

Well now someone with some common sense! I don’t mind at all either. 

[watab kid]

i no longer even think about eating there - they are overpriced and we get underserved , then they think its our fault when they fall short --will not step foot in the establishment again , there are other choices 

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

2 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

Well now someone with some common sense!

What the H?!?! Are you TRYING to ruin my reputation?!?

[Barry Sloe]

23 hours ago, Marshal Dan Troop 70448 said:

 Then you have to stop before leaving and a person checks your receipts and bags of items even though you went through a check-out done by an employee.

Nope, not gonna do that.  If they stop me to inspect my cart, then I'll swing it over to Customer Service and return all the items.  That way they'll know I paid for everything.  And I won't go back. 

But that's me and my hard head.

 

BS