Self checkout is a growing trend in the retail industry. More and more stores are offering self checkout as an option for their shoppers. But where does self checkout work well? And where doesn’t it? In this post, we will take a look at the pros and cons of self checkout and see where it works best!
Self-Checkout Methods
There are two main types of self-checkout methods: mobile app and self-checkout terminal.
Mobile app self-checkout is when a shopper uses their smartphone to scan and pay for products in a store. This type of self-checkout is becoming increasingly popular, as it is more convenient for shoppers and can help to reduce queues at the checkout.
Self-checkout terminals are standalone machines that shoppers can use to scan and pay for their products. These terminals are typically found in stores where a mobile-app-only self-checkout solution is not sufficient – infrequent shoppers, many non-smartphone-savvy shoppers, etc.
Where Self Checkout Works Well
There are a few places where self checkout works really well. If a shopper is buying just a few products and all of them have barcodes that can be easily scanned, self checkout is usually faster than going through a human checkout lane.
Self checkout can also be helpful when the store is especially busy and there are long lines at the human checkout lanes. In these cases, self checkout can help to reduce the overall wait time for everyone.
Another place where self checkout can be really convenient is in a hotel lobby market, where there is no dedicated checkout lane & all guest purchases are processed by the front desk staff. With self checkout, a hotel guest can just grab what they need and check out without having to wait in line at the front desk.
Where Self Checkout Doesn’t Work Well
Self checkout can be a great convenience, when it works well. All too often, however, self checkout lanes cause more headaches than they’re worth. One common problem is when shoppers need to scan & purchase many products, like they do in a grocery store. This can slow down the process considerably. Another issue is that some products, especially produce, don’t have barcodes, so they have to be selected manually. This can add even more time to the process.
In many cases, human checkout is not much slower, especially if there are multiple dedicated checkout lanes and few shoppers.
Finally, self checkout carries the risk of being stopped by store security, usually because something hasn’t been scanned properly. For all these reasons, self checkout is often more trouble for the shopper than it’s worth.
Self Checkout – Perfect for Hotel Lobby Markets
Hotel lobby markets are popping up in hotel lobbies across the country. And they’re not your typical hotel gift shops. These hotel lobby markets offer a wide variety of items, from snacks and drinks, to toiletries and souvenirs. And they’re all available for purchase via self checkout. That’s right – no more waiting in line at the front desk to check out. Hotel guests can just scan their products and be on their way. Not only is self-checkout more convenient for guests, it also frees up front desk staff to focus on other higher-value tasks. As a result, hotel lobby markets that offer self checkout are becoming increasingly popular.
Here are a few survey responses from shoppers at GrabScanGo hotel lobby markets:
- “I liked the variety of products offered. Also, the checkout process was very easy.”
- “Open 24 hours. Fast in and out.”
- “Quick and easy. Even the technology “challenged” could easily use it.”
- “Shopping was easy and convenient.”
If you’re looking to set up a self-checkout lobby market at your hotel, we can help. We will set up, stock & manage your lobby market, and provide a self-checkout terminal & a mobile app for your guests to use. Give your guests the ultra-convenience they expect! Learn more HERE.