"Semi-attended, customer-activated terminals"

[kevin3]

In my teenage years the Esso garage near me had attendants that would
put the petrol in for you, blow the tyres up using a preset gauge and clean
the front and rear windows.
Esso regular cost 19 shillings for 4 gallons
Esso golden cost 19/6d for 4 gallons.

[Lotty]

You still get that great windscreen cleaning service free of charge in Turkey! Never ceases to impress me.

[Scunner]

I remember getting offered cay while someone filled your car over there - then round the corner for a free car wash  

[KKOB]

I remember hearing that some stores were trialing a scanner that you had on your trolley to scan the stuff as you put it in then you just pay on the way out.

Tesco's in Wrexham introduced them a few weeks ago and further reduced the number of manned checkouts available. They don't appear to have been very well received yet but it'll be interesting to see what happens in the run-up to Christmas.

[KKOB]

In my teenage years the Esso garage near me had attendants that would
put the petrol in for you,

Several Shell outlets around the UK have reintroduced attendants at the pumps. It's a bright idea that their marketing people came up with apparently.

[HappyMonday]

When B&Q introduced them there was a huge backlash from customers.  It was this response that has stopped other DIY retailers like Homebase from adopting them.

[Scunner]

I wonder if the faceless experience of the massive players will go so far as to cause a complete reversal and turn people back to the local baker, greengrocer and butcher. I saw Ayrshire bacon (the best bacon in the World, don't argue) in the window of a little independent butchers here in Perth. It was the price that caught my eye - based on no knowledge at all, it seemed cheaper than I would have thought. So I bought some, and it was very pleasant being served by a jolly (and passionate) fellow, who told me all about their range.

Sure enough, me being me I had to go straight to Tesco to find out, and the kilo price was significantly cheaper than even the Tesco bacons on special offer. It has certainly started me thinking...

[Rimms]

This topic really made us smile, we do most of our shopping in Melisa in Gunlikbasi, if anyone's been there, you will understand our amusement.

[Marggie]

I saw Ayrshire bacon (the best bacon in the World, don't argue) in the window of a little independent butchers here in Perth. It was the price that caught my eye - based on no knowledge at all, it seemed cheaper than I would have thought. So I bought some.

Can't argue with that - it is the best.

[jacqtay]

Mmmm Ayrshire fore bacon, no arguments from me, simply wonderful, with Greek bacon coming a close second.

Cant stand self service at supermarkets either, and it is a joy having Shell fill up for me when at the Garage.