Woman Uses Walmart Self-Checkout Despite Vowing To Never Shop There Again. Then The Machine Bamboozles Her—Again

A woman has questions for Walmart after an unexpected item ended up on her self-checkout scan and nearly doubled her total price. She’s not the only one sounding the alarm—but why does this mystery charge keep showing up?

When you use self-checkout, you’re not likely to look through every single line of your receipt. After all, you were the person scanning everything—don’t you trust yourself to get it right?

However, if you’re not someone who reviews the screen before paying, you might want to start. That’s because some Walmart shoppers are reporting strange charges on their bills. 

What Happened At This Walmart?

In a video with over 1.3 million views, TikTok user Saber Dawsey (@sabercierraa) issues a warning to those using self-checkout at Walmart.

According to Dawsey, she had previously sworn off visiting the store after she was accused of stealing. However, a recent craft project brought her back—leading to this strange situation.

“I’m using the self-checkout, and I don’t know why I looked… I never check the price, and I never check my listed items when I’m using the self-checkout. I just pay and go,” she recalls. “And I’m so glad I looked because at the top of my screen… it said, ‘Site Merch,’ and it’s a charge of, like, 20-plus dollars.”

Dawsey says that this false charge effectively “doubled” her total cost.

“I had to call over the associate—and it must happen quite often, ’cause she didn’t even come over. She just, like, did it from her…handheld phone thing and deleted the ‘Site Merch.’ But why is it on there?”

While she admits that she doesn’t know whether it was intentional, she says the experience “feels weird.”

“If you’re one of somebody like me who just doesn’t look and just pays and goes, they’re probably adding weird charges,” she concludes.

What Is ‘Site Merch’ Charge At Walmart?

Walmart hasn’t given an official explanation of what seeing ‘site merch’ on your receipt actually means.

In a discussion on Reddit, some users gave possible explanations. According to some, it’s a stand-in name for a variety of items in the store, though the reason why these items require a generic name is unknown. For example, some claim they’ve rung up bakery bread as “site merch,” while others say they’ve scanned canned soup and been met with a “site merch” on their receipt. 

This is a common source of confusion for customers and employees alike. That said, Walmart appears to be making at least some effort to fix this problem. In a Reddit post from eight months ago, a Walmart worker claimed that their new scanner showed them an image of what was being scanned—which they specifically say is helpful due to confusion around “site merchandise” listings.

Have Other Walmart Customers Reported Mysterious ‘Site Merch’ Charges?

Stories about being mysteriously charged for “site merch” at Walmart are all over the internet.

An internet user claiming to be a Walmart worker alleged that they saw someone scan a $4 item, only for them to be given a $188 “site merch” charge. While the employee managed to prevent the transaction from going through, they said they’ve seen such charges before and are “tired of it.” In the comments of this post, another user alleged they’ve seen such a thing happen “at least 4 or 5 times.”

That said, many cases of “site merch” are able to be refunded. In Dawsey’s case, she was able to get the item removed before she was charged. Others say they’ve been able to speak to staff and get the money returned after they’ve checked out.

If you’re at a Walmart self-checkout, be mindful of what comes up on the screen as you scan, and keep an eye out for anything that looks off. If something strange pops up on the screen, call over a worker and have them review it. Provided that the charge really is erroneous, they can easily remove it.

Walmart Shoppers Express Confusion

In the comments section, users voiced their frustration about this issue and other problems with Walmart.

“‘Stop using self checkout’ regular cashiers are never available so what now,” asked a user.

“When something’s 3.35 on shelf at check out it’ll be like 3.56 and I’m like???” offered another.

“I just checked my most recent receipt from walmart and I have a 13.97 site merch charge. I’m probs gonna go back and ask them to give me a refund bc what the heck,” stated a third.

Still, some noted that “site merch” charges can be legitimate.

“the ‘site merch’ charge I have is from a pair of pants,” said one commenter, attaching a photo of their receipt. “Idk why it’s not labeled as pants, but yeah.”

@sabercierraa

NOW I won’t be going back. That’s actually insane to me. Number one, how does that even happen? Number two, imagine if I hadn’t noticed! Free money for one of the largest corporations in America. #walmart #selfcheckout #scam #checkyourreceipt

♬ original sound – S A B E R

Futbol Chronicle reached out to Walmart via media relations contact form and Dawsey via email and Instagram direct message.