Self-checkout machines have become omnipresent in grocery and retail stores along the United States, Canada, and hundreds of other countries. They are intended to make it faster and more convenient for shoppers to purchase their items without having to wait in long lines. However, there is one common mistake that shoppers make at these machines that could potentially cause issues later on. And if you do it, you should stop it right now.
Many self-checkout machines have a camera installed to monitor the scanning process and ensure that items are being properly checked out. The camera register that people are paying exactly what they’re putting in their tote bags. One of the main tasks of these kiosks are to eradicate theft from the stores, but also are thought to protect the costumers from mistakes of the system itself. I mean, supermarkets are totally computerized nowadays, and computers make mistakes (more of what you could think). Even this top-notch self-checkout stations.
Stop Doing This at the Self-Checkout Machines
The camera needs to be seeing it all, in order to prevent theft and to record every operation, start to end. However, shoppers often block the camera’s view with their bags or other bulky items, which could create problems if there are any disputes later on regarding the purchase. If you want to fill a claim when they charge you an item you didn’t buy, for example, you want the self-checkout kiosk the to have a clear view of the transaction.
To avoid any potential issues, shoppers should ensure that the camera has an unblocked perspective of the scanning process. This way, there is a clear video record of the shopping, which can serve as evidence in the event of any disputes or accusations of theft. So, be really careful next time you go to pay to the self-checkout stations: keep the camera clear and don’t block it at all.
Costumers either Love or Hate the Self-Checkout Machines
While the grocery industry is working hard to improve the checkout experience with new technologies, the rise of eCommerce has fundamentally changed consumers’ expectations for their in-store shopping journeys. As a result, grocers have been looking to optimize the process by tapping into new innovations such as scan-and-go, smart carts, and even cashier-less experiences.
According to Raz Golan, CEO and co-founder of Shopic, shoppers are demanding a better experience in physical stores, and grocers must meet these expectations to remain competitive. “Shoppers are happier when they have a better experience in the store,” Golan said. “They buy more, they go back to the store more, and when they wish to, they can pay and go in a matter of a few seconds.”
While some grocers are taking inspiration from Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” system, it may take a while for this kind of technology to become more widespread. However, the grocery industry must continue to innovate and improve the checkout experience to remain competitive in a rapidly changing retail landscape. Meanwhile the industry improve their self-checkout systems, quite plagued with bugs and errors so far, costumes must deal with these machines that are far away from what the supermarket dream: a seamless experience for both the store and the costumer.