7 reasons why self-checkout is beneficial

12. April 2017

Many stores already have a system for self-service checkout, but just as many still cling to the cashier system. In this article, we list seven reasons why self-service checkouts are winning over the traditional staffed tills. They are simply more efficient and lead to better profits for the store.

1. Shorter queues

A self-service checkout allows more customers to be served in a shorter time. This results in more purchases in the same time frame, as well as in shorter queues. The self-service tills handle purchases faster since a cashier doesn’t need to manually search through the product numbers to find the right price, so these tills are not dependent on the human factor. Shorter queues create happier customers – who will probably want to come back.

2. In-store productivity

A self-service checkout is significantly simpler to keep clean and tidy. Take the time saved and spend it on creating a pleasant and welcoming store environment instead. We promise – you’ll see the results in the day’s takings!

3. Customers like it!

Customers do not necessarily want to chat with other people when they’re out shopping. Thanks to our self-service checkouts, customers can complete their visit whilst chatting on the phone, listening to an audio book or just relaxing after work. The language selection option at the self-service checkouts also makes it easier for those who speak a different language.

4. Fewer losses

Between 30-50% of all losses in a store are due to theft or the human factor. At a self-service till, there are no longer any cash handling risks, such as miscalculations in the float, fraud or theft.

5. Better store capacity

The self-service checkouts take up less space and can handle many more customers than normal checkouts, which makes them significantly more surface efficient than a standard till. On the same surface area that a normal till takes up, most stores can fit four self-service units. Four times more tills = four times better capacity.

6. Always enough cashiers

The capacity of a self-service till is not limited to the number of free cashiers, but is instead down to the number of available machines. This also reduces the impact of the human factor such as staff illness or training periods for new employees.

7. Save time for employees

The benefits are not only shorter queues, a quicker purchase process and greater capacity, but also more staff resources. As your employees can stop focussing on, say, cash handling, or constantly being needed to jump on the till, they can instead focus on stocking shelves, keeping the store tidy and being available for customer queries. The result is a well-organised store with attentive staff and customers who feel comfortable and well-served.