An Open Letter to Home Depot

Dear Whoever-the-heck's-in-charge at Home Depot:

I frequently shop at Home Depot. It is the closest hardware store to my house, and has everything I need.

When I shop there, I usually use the self-checkout line, with the automated readers. As you may be aware, after each item is scanned, one must place the item in the bagging area before the system will allow you to scan the next item.

Unfortunately, very small items, like 99 cent bags of bolts, are too light for the sensor. Thus, one has to take these items to a human cashier. This is both irritating for the customer and inefficient for Home Depot. These low-money transactions are exactly the kind of thing that would be most profitably handled at an automated checkout lane, freeing up a cashier for more complex transactions.

May I make a suggestion? If the automated system had a "scan next item" button, this problem would be completely resolved, and I for one would be a happier customer. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely

Chris Gerrib

The Shenandoah Spy

While Mary Robinette Kowal and Elizabeth Bear* (matociquala) were busy winning well-deserved awards, I was finishing up reading Francis Hamit's new novel The Shenandoah Spy. I enjoyed it, and my more detailed review of it is up on POD People.


* Her story Tideline was a genuine tear-jerker.