Sometimes asking for help can go a long way!

Imagine scanning your items at a store’s self-checkout register when you suddenly get an error. Do you try to figure out how to solve the problem yourself, or do you ask the person working at the self-checkout area for help?

This guy shares how he kept waiting for a customer to ask for his help, but they waited too long.

Check out what happened.

I Am the Guardian of the Self-Checkout: You Just Have to Ask

I don’t do this job for the paycheck. I do it for the order. The precision. The sacred bond between a customer and their self-checkout station.

But some of you… some of you just don’t respect the process.

He knows where the problem is…

I saw you, standing there, helpless, staring at the screen like it betrayed you. “Item not recognized.” And what did you do?

You just stood there, silently, like a coward.

You could have asked for me. I was right here. Feet planted, eyes scanning the floor like an eagle, waiting for my moment.

But no.

He wants them to ask for help!

You fumbled with the barcode, jabbing at the touchscreen, sweating as if this was your burden to bear alone.

And then—only then—when the machine gave up on you, did you finally glance at me.

I could feel your shame.

I approached, swift, professional. “Did you need help?” I asked, voice calm but firm.

And you—YOU—muttered, “Yeah, I guess it just didn’t scan.”

He knew it is too late now!

You guess?

Let me tell you something: Potatoes have feelings too. And that barcode? That’s not just a sticker. That’s a contract.

If the machine didn’t scan it, you should have turned to me immediately. But you waited. You let it escalate. And now?

UH OH!

Now I have to tap my sacred code on the screen, override the system, and restore balance—all while you stand there like you just discovered grocery stores exist.

But I don’t hold grudges. I am here. I am always here.

Next time, just… just ask me sooner.

I live for this.

YIKES! That was fun!

Why don’t customers ask for help when they can’t figure something out?

Let’s find out what folks on Reddit think about this one.

This user shares how some conversations in such situations are like.

This user knows self-check out is the worst!

This user thinks this person has written this story very dramatically!

This user responds in a more dramatic way!

Someone’s being a little dramatic here!

If you liked that post, check out this story about a customer who insists that their credit card works, and finds out that isn’t the case.