🛒 Coles Shopper 'Flips Out' Over Self-Checkout Packing Advice
A Coles customer has gone viral after an intense moment at the self-checkout lane sparked a heated online debate. The Aussie shopper was left fuming when a staff member gave her unexpected advice on how to pack her groceries — and the internet had thoughts.
😡 Shopper Furious Over Checkout Experience
A woman named Shani Chantel shared her experience on social media, revealing she was left outraged when a Coles employee allegedly told her she was "doing it wrong" during self-checkout.
What triggered her frustration?
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Shani claimed she was told it was "illegal" not to scan her toilet paper first.
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She described the situation as controlling and unnecessary, saying she "totally flipped out."
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The incident occurred while she was independently scanning and bagging her items.
🗣️ Coles Responds to the Controversy
After the clip gained attention on TikTok, Coles issued a statement explaining the employee's intention.
“The focus on having our team members scan the bulkier items first also helps to avoid situations where bulkier items are accidentally left in the trolley and not scanned,” a Coles spokesperson told Yahoo Finance.
Coles’ side of the story:
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Employees are instructed to assist customers politely.
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The suggestion to scan larger items first is meant to prevent missed items, not to police customers.
📱 The Internet Reacts
Shani's video sparked thousands of reactions:
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Many supported her frustration, feeling that self-checkouts should mean independence.
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Others pointed out that rules help prevent shoplifting, especially with larger goods like toilet paper packs.
🔍 Are Self-Checkouts Making Things Easier or Harder?
This incident has reignited a broader conversation about the growing pains of self-service technology in retail:
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Shoppers often expect privacy and speed.
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Staff are there to help but may come off as overbearing.
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Miscommunication or unclear rules can lead to awkward or hostile moments.
🤔 Final Thoughts
While Coles maintains that their staff are just doing their job, this encounter shows how easily tensions can rise in modern shopping environments. As more stores push for self-checkout lanes, customer experience and clear communication are more important than ever.
