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From: fish@ihu1g.UUCP (Bob Fishell)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: RE: automatic overcharging
Message-ID: <518@ihu1g.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 22-Sep-84 16:28:55 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihu1g.518
Posted: Sat Sep 22 16:28:55 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Sep-84 04:13:38 EDT
References: <230@whuxl.UUCP> <69600008@hp-pcd.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 19

I don't find the prospect of bar-code price-switchers especially
frightening.  For one thing, the computer (At the local supermarket,
at least) not only displays the price of an item, but a description
as well.  Now, imagine the scenario wherein somebody switches a label
from a box of cheerios to a 5-lb canned ham.  The voder calls out the
price, the display reads "Cheerios," the alert checker examines the
doctored ham, the store manager pinches the customer.

I once worked in a supermarket.  It's a common practice for store
managers to reward employees who are alert to shoplifting and
related crimes, so you can bet that at least some of those checkers
are looking out for that sort of thing.

Now, sure, there are some mistakes made, but I'd rather live with a
few overcharges than have to wait any longer in those G** D*** lines.
-- 

                               Bob Fishell
                               ihnp4!ihu1g!fish