Ask any shopper about their experiences in the self-checkout line, and you’ll likely hear a barrage of complaints: the haphazard posting of a piece of paper with a handwritten note that reads “Credit Card Only,” the jammed cash dispenser, the excessive number of screen prompts, or the kiosk’s loss of connection mid-checkout.
For many consumers, the self-checkout line tends to perform in opposition to its purpose: it takes away time rather than saving it. That’s why, as we head into peak holiday season—the time of year when there is an increase in consumer activity and a rise in cash transactions—it is important to assess your business’s self-checkout needs.
Of course, managing self-checkout kiosks is also a year-long challenge. If you’re not satisfied with your current self-checkout product or looking to add some for the first time, here are four vital questions that you should be asking in order to get “the most” out of today’s available solutions.
1. How Can I Avoid Cash Payment Issues?
By investing in a non-recycling cash dispenser, you can avoid the headache that stems from cash transactions at self-checkout. Unlike cash-recycling machines (which require expensive hardware and more frequent service), cash accept/dispense hardware allows retailers to focus on the business of doing business.
The machinery is less complex, meaning fewer mechanical failures and more uptime and availability for all customers. With this tried-and-true technology, shoppers can insert cash and receive change without waiting for the machine to recycle bills. This makes for a faster and smoother check-out experience and increases the odds of customer loyalty.
2. How Can I Increase Self-Checkout Rates?
You’ve got options. With the evolution of produce recognition technology, like ECRS’ Vision Match™, your self-checkout solution is able to instinctively identify weighted items, eliminating the need for patrons to manually enter item PLUs. This not only speeds up the transaction process but also reduces errors, which, in turn, grants an uninterrupted and noteworthy self-checkout experience for your shoppers.
In addition to produce recognition software, you should also consider incorporating technology that acknowledges when an item is sitting on the self-checkout scale and requires weighing. ECRS' patented feature ScaleAware®, for example, recognizes when there is weight on the scale and automatically weighs the item(s). Combined with product recognition software, the AI machine learning software “sees” the item on the scale and presents a pop-up menu of items that accurately matches the product on the scale. Consumers can then select the correct item from the menu and bag it. That’s it—no other time-consuming screen prompts for the buyer.
Before investing in your next self-checkout technology stack, verify whether or not you have access to these innovative features. They are pivotal in ensuring that your customers can get in and out of your store quickly and back to what really matters: their families.
3. How Can I Make the Self-Checkout Experience Even More User-Friendly?
Without question, a self-checkout system should be intuitive and easy to use. A user-friendly interface should allow customers to navigate the system with zero assistance, dramatically reducing wait times and improving overall satisfaction.
Be sure your point-of-sale software is seamlessly integrated into your self-checkout software or choose a POS technology partner that uses the same transactional logic at all points of transaction, like ECRS’ CATAPULT® Retail POS. By connecting all critical touchpoints, you can guarantee accurate item scanning and real-time visibility on sales at the self-checkout.
Choosing native self-checkout software versus a third-party integration approach will help streamline your store’s operations while also providing an even smoother user experience for both your team and your customers.
4. How Can I Ensure Self-Checkout’s Reliability and Functionality?
When it comes to choosing the right self-checkout technology for your store, you will want to make sure that it continues to function even if (and, let’s face it: when) the store’s network goes offline. Inquire with your next potential technology partner about whether or not their offerings include a store-and-forward (SAF) feature, which allows your business to continue accepting transactions during periods when it is not possible to obtain online approvals for payment card transactions.
In addition to assuring service continuity, the benefit of a SAF feature is that it also reduces security risks when processing payments offline by determining if a payment card has been previously used in the store. Additionally, it tracks the Approval/Denial history of the cards tendered. And, if the card is new to your store’s file, it limits that card’s purchasing power.
Ultimately, investing in reliable technology will establish and safeguard the self-checkout experience for your business. Durable and dependable equipment reduces maintenance costs and enhances the overall efficiency of your store operations, leaving you, your team, and your shoppers less stressed and more at ease during the busiest time of year.
How Can I Learn More About ECRS’ SCO Solutions?
If you’re curious to find out if your self-checkout solution is “doing the most” for your business, consider contacting ECRS to explore your options. You can also request a demo here. > https://www.ecrs.com/
Don’t let the pains of self-checkout take away the joy of shopping from your patrons this holiday season. Contact ECRS today!
