The claim: Walmart is charging customers $98 to use self-checkout
A recent Facebook video sparked controversy when it claimed that Walmart had started charging customers $98 to use self-checkout. The video showed people running from store security and scanning incorrect barcodes. The narrator alleged that this policy was implemented by Walmart to combat theft and was exclusively for customers with an annual Walmart+ membership. The video quickly gained attention and was shared across various social media platforms.
Our rating: Partly false
Contrary to the claim made in the Facebook video, Walmart stores generally keep self-checkout lanes open for both the general public and Walmart+ members. However, certain stores may temporarily limit the availability of self-checkout lanes depending on customer flow. During these times, only Walmart+ members have access to the reserved self-checkout lanes. It is important to note that customers without the Walmart+ membership can still use the regular self-checkout lanes and are not required to pay $98.
No need to pay to use Walmart self-checkout
While some Walmart stores have started limiting the use of self-checkout lanes and reserving a portion of them for Walmart+ members and Spark delivery service drivers, this does not mean that customers without a Walmart+ membership cannot use the self-checkout lanes. Walmart stores adjust the use of staffed checkouts and self-checkouts based on customer flow and create designated self-checkout lanes exclusively for Walmart+ subscribers. Even during slower times, self-checkout lanes designated for Walmart+ members and Spark drivers remain open, and regular customers can still check out using the regular lanes.
It is crucial to mention that the video’s claim that all self-checkout lanes were shut down nationwide is untrue and does not reflect the widespread or frequent closure of self-checkout lanes as asserted in the post.
Other retail stores like Costco and Target have also introduced changes to their self-checkout systems, such as checking membership cards and testing lanes for limited items. However, the changes made by Walmart regarding self-checkout lanes are not part of a corporate directive to drive Walmart+ membership adoption.
Multiple sources and articles have covered the self-checkout changes at an individual store level, but there is no evidence to support a nationwide directive from Walmart to limit self-checkout to Walmart+ subscribers. Therefore, the claim made in the Facebook video about Walmart charging customers $98 to use self-checkout is largely false.
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