Self-checkouts has been developed recently and it comes with a long list of advantages but one should never forget about the disadvantages it comes with. Self-checkouts where people cash their products, pay without a cashier, bags them and they are good to go. This is just called self-service which is now being implemented in grocery stores, restaurants, cafes and many more.
Self-checkout has numerous advantages :
- Enhanced customer experience
It is observed that the speed of transactions was increased when the self-checkouts were adopted. The ease and enjoyment, reliability, control were all experienced positively by the customers. It also instils the efficiency and optimization of space.
- Efficiency
Reduced wait times in cashier queues, reduced labour costs as fewer employees will be needed to attend to the customers, higher customer engagement while scanning the barcodes they can view more such products.
- In-store productivity
Self-service checkout is much easier to keep clean and tidy. Take the time saved and spend it instead to create a comfortable and closed store environment. Promise-You will see the results with your daily income.
- Fewer losses
30-50% of all losses in business are due to theft or human factors. Self-service checkout eliminates the risks associated with cash handlings, such as mismanagement of cash balances, fraud, and theft.
Cons:
- Machine breakdown
Machines can be sensitive and some transactions cannot be completed without the help of employees. And some problems are just user errors. That frustration can invalidate the promise of a better self-checkout experience.
- Lay-off backlash
The opportunity to save money by lowering labour costs is certainly fascinating. However, furloughs can confuse customers and the entire community and lead to brand damage. This is a big reason why Ikea and CVS have abolished the self-checkout station. Experienced retailers should be aware that they will retain employees who are no longer needed as cashiers and will use them in other areas. For example, interacting with customers.
- Theft
Constant frustration on the machine can also contribute to another problem with self-checkout, the increase in theft. It is estimated that about 4% of items that pass through the machine are not paid. For supermarkets that tend to operate with very narrow margins, 4% is a very high number.
4. High up-front costs
The machines require maintenance and due to severe breakouts it also sometimes requires relatively higher repair costs. It adds up to the total cost of the machines and becomes difficult for newly incorporated stores to install them.
Conclusion: Coming with a lot of cons and pros we still need to make some space for self-checkouts. The new technologies always tend to come along with some breakdowns but those can be fixed. Being engaged in edge technologies is what the future beholds for us. Moreover, a thing which saves time? We need to get this!