I remember so clearly in Detroit in the late 1970's where I first encountered automatic teller machines. They were sold as a wonderful new technology that would reduce the need for human tellers and reduce the cost of doing banking. In reality, they increased the bottom line of the banks but did little to make my banking any cheaper.

Likewise, the gasoline self-service schtick was promoted as not only reducing prices but reducing the occupational hazard of employees breathing in the gasoline fumes. New Jerseys low (relatively) gas prices are a result of its being a huge depository of gasoline in the eastern part of the state. Distribution costs are lower, reflected in the prices at the pump. Nothing to do with self-service, or, in the case of New Jersey, its mandated full-service.

The supermarket self-checkout is my favorite. When I first encountered this about three years ago and was encouraged to use the system by an employee, I inquired whether I would receive a discount on my groceries equal to the minimum wage being paid to the check-out folks. My tongue-in-cheek request was met with a stony smile. Some people have no sense of humor.

As bizarre as it sounds, there was a time when the mantra for retail stores was, "The customer is always right". Somewhere along the line this changed to, "Screw the customer. There are plenty more where he came from". As the Wal-Marts of the world continue to stifle competition and drive out the competition, the situation gets worse and worse.

However, there is a bright spot in all this. Internet sales are booming and geometrically increasing annually. It is simple to compare prices and order accordingly. My own experience with on-line customer service has been amazing. Problems are resolved immediately and the consumer is treated with a regard that the "box" stores have long discarded. I suspect that this has something to do with the huge number of on-line stores offering similar products.

Our library director wants our smallish, not-very-busy public library to be like the big, busy libraries (or Wal*Mart?) by installing several self-checkout machines. She doesn't want to hear about area libraries whose regular patrons carefully avoid self-checkout because of frequent malfunctions and lack of personal contact with staff. (Isn't that what we are mainly there to do?--share the joys of reading and books???)

Bravo to Bradd on his observations. I too have had surprisingly good service from online retailers. Ironically, the main exceptions are computer companies and Internet providers. Don't know how much the proximity to gas supplies explains Jersey's low prices, however. Prices in nearby states (NY, PA) are much higher.

It's impossible to tell its effect on price, as the main things making a difference from place to place are taxes, and as Brad said proximity to distribution points. But gas in Oregon is still cheaper than in Washington or California.

Every few years someone introduces a bill to change our system. But it is always voted down by an overwhelming margin.

I avoid self-checkouts at the store too.