Our daily lives are constantly being transformed by technology, and the retail sector is no exception. A key endpoint in the shopping journey, the checkout experience, is rapidly evolving, with self checkout systems becoming more prevalent in retailers.
No wonder that globally, self checkout systems were valued at just over four billion dollars in 2021 and are expected to reach 13.54 billion dollars by 2030.
These innovative systems offer a range of advantages not just to retailers but also to a wide range of customers. In this blog, we will explore the ways self checkout can benefit your store, as well as discuss its relevance across various retail settings.
What is self checkout?
Self checkout is a cutting-edge technology that empowers customers to scan, bag, and pay for their purchases independently, without the need for cashier assistance.
Imagine a self checkout kiosk, a standalone portal where customers interact directly with the technology to complete their shopping process. Ideally suited for retail experiences that are more efficient and customer-centric, this autonomous solution embodies the trend.
Self checkout benefits for supermarkets
With their high footfall and diverse customer base, supermarkets are the first to gain significantly from integrating self checkout systems. Here’s how:
- A faster checkout process for small carts. Customers with fewer items can bypass the traditional cashier queues, expediting their shopping experience. Customer interaction is quick on the touchscreen, and a pre-planned journey lets them go through the process at their own pace.
- Reduced labour costs. With machines handling routine transactions, supermarkets can allocate staff to more strategic, value-added tasks. Employees will be able to spend more time stocking shelves, keeping the store clean, and answering customer inquiries by not having to handle cash or jump on the till constantly.
- Accommodating self-service preferences. A growing segment of consumers prefers self-service options, and self checkout aligns perfectly with this trend. Additionally, you can also use self-checkouts to promote upselling. There are many ways you can do this, such as providing add-ons, suggesting offers, or upgraded versions of products they are buying. By doing this, you can boost sales and profits while also providing a better customer experience.
Self checkout benefits for retail stores
Retail stores, including fashion giants like Zara, are embracing self checkout to refine their customer service and streamline operations. The following are some of the benefits they receive:
- Reduced Wait Times. During peak shopping hours, self-checkout kiosks can significantly cut down customer wait times. Self-service checkouts with embedded POS systems allow customers to complete their shopping while multitasking, like chatting on the phone or listening to music, which makes the experience more efficient and enjoyable.
- Enhanced Employee Efficiency. Staff freed from routine checkout tasks can focus on enhancing customer service and sales. Additionally, they can take advantage of the time saved to create a welcoming and pleasant store environment. Stores that are well-organised and clean are more likely to attract customers and keep them returning. Friendly and helpful staff creates a pleasant shopping atmosphere and can encourage customers to come back.
- Minimised Shrinkage. Self checkout systems can reduce inventory loss through integrated security measures. Approximately 54% of retail loss is attributed to internal theft and employee mistakes. In a self-service till, cash handling risks are eliminated, such as miscalculations of the float or theft.
- Loyalty Integration. These systems can seamlessly integrate with loyalty programs, enhancing customer engagement and retention. This has the potential for significant cost savings, as customers are more likely to stay loyal to a brand when they have incentives to do so. Additionally, loyalty programs can help to build customer relationships, as customers are more likely to form an emotional attachment to a brand when they feel appreciated.
Self checkout benefits for convenience stores
Convenience stores, known for their ‘grab and go’ ethos, can leverage self checkout to align more closely with their operational model and customer expectations:
- Round-the-Clock Service. With self checkout, convenience stores can offer 24/7 service without needing continuous staffing.
- Reduced Cash Handling Risks. Minimising physical cash transactions reduces the risk of errors and theft.
- Improved Staff Utilisation. Staff can focus on restocking, cleaning, and customer assistance, rather than manning the till.
- Scalability. Even a single self checkout lane can make a significant difference, offering a scalable solution that grows with the business.
Leverage self checkout with Trust Payments
There are many benefits to using self-checkout technology in various retail settings, from supermarkets to convenience stores.
While self checkout aligns with modern consumer preferences for efficiency and autonomy, it also enables retailers to optimise their operations and resources. This, in turn, leads to greater profitability for retailers.
Trust Payments’ self checkout system will help unlock these benefits for your store. Our technology is designed to maximise space and improve store layout in a slimline portrait mode. Embrace the future of retail with self checkout and transform your store’s checkout experience for the better.
