Is there a self-service checkout?
CHE la KAS-sa self SER-vis
Asking whether a supermarket has self-checkout machines.
Self-checkout (casse self-service or casse automatiche) is spreading in Italian supermarkets, though uptake has been slower than in northern Europe. Many Italians prefer staffed checkouts (casse con operatore) for personal interaction and to avoid technical issues.
Quale cassa è aperta?
Which checkout is open?
Asking which manned checkout is available
C'è una cassa veloce?
Is there an express checkout?
Express lane — typically for fewer than 10 items
Quanto devo aspettare?
How long do I have to wait?
Asking about queue time
The slow adoption of self-checkout in Italy reflects cultural preferences for human interaction in retail. Many older Italian shoppers find the machines impersonal and prefer the traditional checkout conversation. Esselunga and Carrefour have been most aggressive in installing self-service terminals.