Self service checkouts

Self service checkouts

1. Definition

   • "A phrase that describes methods and processes a business uses to allow its customers to complete most steps in purchasing products or services on their own -- such as shopping in a retail store or making a call to arrange a service. Self-service also extends to Web-based transactions and CRM (customer relationship management) whereby customers manage account information primarily on their own."
     • http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/self_service.html

2. Examples of self service checkouts in operation

   • Tesco
     • Scan as you shop scheme (only at serton stores)
       • 1. Save time by scanning each product barcode as you shop. You can use the handset to track your spending too.
         • 2. Pack your shopping into your own bags as you go, so there's no more unloading at the checkouts.
           • 3. Pack your shopping into your own bags as you go, so there's no more unloading at the checkouts.
             • offers and deals are shown on screen as you shop
               • allows more carful monitoring for customers of money being spent
     • Self service desks
       • More common
   • Morrisons
     • New shelf check out stem
       • "Morrisons is trialling self-checkout kiosks that also allow shoppers to pre-order food at its in-store café, as well as read QR codes on mobile devices.
   • Sainsburys
     • Moblie Scan and go
       • Uses mobile phones as a bar code scanner like the scan as you shop scheme by tescos
         • "Mobile Scan & Go is a great new service which allows you to scan your shopping on your smart phone, pack your purchases as you go and keep a running total of exactly how much you’ve spent and how much you’ve saved. When you've finished shopping, you can pay at any checkout and you don’t have to unload your items from your trolley or basket! Just scan the QR code at the checkout and pay in the normal way. It couldn't be simpler!"
           • http://help.sainsburys.co.uk/help/stores/what-is-msag
     • self service desks
   • Waitrose
     • Quick Check
       • The same as the Tesco's scan as you shop scheme
         • Waitrose came first
       • 1.Sign-up at the Welcome Desk with any credit or debit card. It takes just a few minutes and you only need to do it once.
         • 2.Scan each item using the handheld scanner. You’ll see a running total of your spending on the screen. If you change your mind, simply remove and delete items as you go.
           • 3.Pack your items straight into bags that you’ve brought with you, or picked up in store.
             • 4.Pay at the Welcome Desk by your usual method or, if you have a Partnership Card™, you can save even more time when you use Quick Pay, our automated payment service.
               • https://www.waitrose.com/home/about_waitrose/quick_check.html#.Uzp_BjhOXcc
     • NO SELF SERIVE DESKS!

3. Advantages / Disadvantages

   • Advantages
     • Improvers customer turnover thanks to increase efficiency
       • Less employs needed
         • Allows more close monitoring of spend tore
           • Offers staff the opertunit to retrain and become more skilled work
             • Reduces queues at manned check outs
               • More self checkouts can be put in the space of one manned desk
   • Disadvantages
     • Employs could lose there jobs
       • More skilled work will put up worker pay
         • Screens man no be helpful for the elderly population
           • Faulty Technology
             • Theft likely hood increase
               • People like personal interaction with cashers

4. EFTPOS

   • Electronic Funds Transpher at point of sale
     • Chip and pin deveses
       • How dose it work?
         • http://merchantaccounts.expertmarket.co.uk/how-do-credit-card-machines-work