Aspects described herein include a computer-implemented method (and associated system and computer program product) for a self-checkout transaction by a user in an environment. The method includes receiving an assistance request to receive assistance from an associate. The assistance request is associated with one or more items that are available for selection in the environment. The method further includes displaying a wait time for the assistance request, and receiving, prior to elapse of the wait time, a user input indicating that the user declines to wait for the assistance. The method further includes generating, responsive to the user input, one or more control signals to operate one or more devices to specify a location within the environment. The method further includes displaying instructions that prompt the user to place the one or more items in the specified location.