Comment by crazygringo

Comment by crazygringo 4 days ago

I just scan the QR code from the Whole Foods app on my phone. Then tap the button to pay with the credit card linked to the account.

For security reasons, it makes sense that if you use your phone number rather than the QR code, of course you don't have the option to utilize the linked card.

Meant to register the palm thing but just never got around to it, wasn't even really sure how/where? That was the main blocker for me -- was never prompted to do it as part of checkout, and didn't want to waste time going over to customer service to ask how.

alex_young 4 days ago

I think “just” is doing a lot of work here.

  Steps I remember:
  1. Put down everything so you have 2 free hands. 
  2. Mention that it will take a minute to the cashier.  
  3. Unlock your phone.
  4. Find the Amazon app (this part is odd, you’re at Whole Foods).
  5. Dig around in the UI for the store code.  They move it around. 
  6. Present your phone to the cashier to scan.

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crazygringo 4 days ago

1. I've already put down the groceries I was carrying, so the cashier can scan them. I have free hands.
2. The cashier is busy scanning, you don't need to mention anything.
3. FaceID unlocks it automatically.
4. What Amazon app? I use the Whole Foods app. I keep it easily accessible, I don't need to find it.
5. The code is always displayed by default when you open the app. You never have to dig around anything.
6. Or scan it yourself under the customer-facing scanner they have for that.

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- llsf 4 days ago
  
  I get it, but you realize that the OP just waved one hand and was done (with paying, getting his discounts and points, etc.).
  When we have to reach for the phone, unlock it (with biometric), tap to open the Whole Foods app, and then present the phone to scan a QR code.
  While it might be not much more, it is more than just show one hand.
  
  Reply View | 0 replies
thinkling 4 days ago

The WF store I frequent has lousy cell reception, so add th step “open Settings app and get on store’s wifi” (and who knows what all that lets them track).

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clhodapp 4 days ago

IMO the word "just" is probably the most loaded words in technical argument

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iamjake648 4 days ago

It doesn't seem like a big deal, but this is just so much more annoying than using my palm that not only links my payment method but also prime membership.

Now I need to tap through a stupid app and scan a code.

We always stopped at whole foods on the way home from the gym, and I didn't always have my phone with me or readily accessible. This will definitely cause me to cut back on this quick stop in / impulse purchases.

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jzimbel 4 days ago

If you have an iOS phone you can create a shortcut on your home screen that jumps directly to the code in the Amazon app. Whole Foods app may have the Shortcuts integration too, but I use the Amazon app.
The code both applies your Prime membership and links your preferred payment method.

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- awakeasleep 4 days ago
  
  I believe it’s even quicker to ask Siri to open the Whole Foods app. You don’t need to touch anything and Face ID will unlock the phone while you’re talking.
  
  Reply View | 1 reply
  
  llsf 4 days ago
  
  But you all realize that the OP did not even have to reach for his phone. He just waved his hand to get his Prime discounts, pay and get his rewards.
  I get that it is fairly easy to use the app on the phone (although my WF has terrible reception, which is frustrating enough when I come to pick up packages), but waving your hand would still be faster.
  
  Reply View | 0 replies

criddell 4 days ago

The Whole Foods we go to is in a cellular dead zone. So much time is wasted by people standing there waiting for their phone to load.

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crazygringo 4 days ago

I've been bitten by that. I genuinely can't even guess why it needs internet to generate the code. Shouldn't it just be a TOTP-type thing?

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arjie 4 days ago

Ah, perhaps I should try this Whole Foods app. The Amazon app is very slow and requires a good data connection to launch so it's mildly inconvenient when you've already reached checkout and it won't open for you to get the QR code.

The palm thing was never prompted as part of checkout, it's true. I just did it while I was being checked out once years ago since it seemed so cool and it worked flawlessly since then. Honestly, I found the UX of it really all well done. Even if it didn't make it in the long term, I hope the team knows there were a few happy users out here!

EDIT: I just installed the Whole Foods app and it opens directly to the QR code. That's nice. It also selects the appropriate payment method. There doesn't seem to be a watch equivalent so I'll have to pull my phone out, but this definitely reduces the terrible blow of losing the palm scan. I hope it works well without good Internet access!

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