I think most McDonalds still have the dual window system.

They use them at our local in and out as well - though they also deploy a person to take orders in the lot when the drive thru backs up

Hmm, I don't eat at McDonald's.

The McDonald's nearest us not only has and uses (I haven't used it myself but I've seen it used) both windows for that purposes but also has two drive-thru ordering lanes that then merge into one before the windows.

I've wondered how they make sure that the cars stay in the correct order.

None of the other fast food places around here (including the other McDonald's) even has a second window to not use.

Some use them, some don't.

The McD's by our house used to have THREE windows: at the first window, someone took your order IN PERSON; window 2 was to pay and three was to pick up the food. Sometimes you would also pay at the first window.

Sadly, they have semi-permanently closed the first window.

Maybe they don't: it is like a food roulette

Assumes facts not in evidence.

I'm not a fan of outsourcing at all, because I know way too many people who have lost jobs due to outsourcing.

So, this makes me want to eat fast food even less, which I don't consider much of a loss.

The McDonald's down the street uses the two-window system. First Window (which is only visible by camera from where you use the speaker) takes orders and money. The Second Window puts together your meal and hands it to you.

So, let me get this straight. Their genius idea is to outsource only the first part of the First Window Operator's job...to take your order.

So now, who's going to take your money? The person at the First Window? That would now mean the company has hired TWO people (one off-site and one on) to perform what the original First Window Person did before: take orders and give change.

OR, are they going to shut down all the First Windows and now require that the Second Window Operator not only put together your order and hand it to you, but also make change? In that scenario, the company has just fired one person (First Window Operator) who performed two functions and replaced them with a one-function person while increasing the work for the Second Window Operator.

Somehow I know this will all end in tears.

I understand the self-checkout technology, and I also use it. I guess I should have said I feel insulted when my lead talks about replacing the cashiers. As a threat.

I also have had the guests who say they would not like the self-check out as they want to see people like me there, have a nice word and a smile. With the cut back of staff, people have come up to me quite upset saying they had no one to help them find something and they wouldn't be back. I guess I like old fashioned customer service myself. I love visiting the small towns and enjoy the rapport.

iSm~I hear you on the fact that regular people can ring themselves up. I'm not a cashier by 'trade', I came by it mostly as a dare. I feel I can be a bit objective as I am more of a shopper, or, even, looking at it from the customers point of view and how to best serve and please them. I really don't see it as a plus to get rid of the front line of service. While people can do it, I come across a lot of people who would rather not. It amazes me, sometimes, but, some people barely know how to shop, let alone pay.

I wouldn't call cashiers expensive labor....and, of late, they've cut the amount quite a lot, very little time to do the other tasks they have for us.

But yes, that it what I meant~they won't realize that they need to pay people to have people shop. I actually sometimes wonder how stores exist, what with on line shopping.

We have one of those two lane McDonalds~I've experienced mix ups. Aw man, a bummer when the line is so long at In & Out that they have someone in the parking lot taking orders!!!

Our local McD's uses the two window system, although window #1 is a little booth sitting in the carpark all by itself. You drive around to the speaker box, and the lady 10 feet in front of your car asks what you want. When done, you roll forward 10 feet and pay her. Then you drive across the carpark to #2 window in the side of the restaurant and collect the food.

I don't know why you have to order through a tinny speaker and then pay the woman (whom you just spoke to) sitting 10 feet in front of you.