Self-checkout systems significantly upgrade the shopping experience. With over 47% of shoppers now using self-checkout kiosks on a regular basis, it won’t be long before they are a mandatory feature in all retailers across the globe. As major retailers such as Walmart and IKEA pave the way forward for self-checkout technology, let’s have a closer look at some of the ways customer-facing POS kiosks could revolutionize your retail payment process. What Is a Self-Checkout Kiosk? A self-check-out is a customer-facing point-of-sale system that can be used to purchase goods without the help of an in-store employee. Adding a self-serve retail POS as a checkout option enables customers to choose how they pay for their goods. Whether you introduce a standard kiosk checkout section or enhance your self-serve experience with a scan-and-go mobile app, all varieties of kiosk technology offer the customer numerous advantages when shopping in-store. From skipping long queues to greater control over their purchases, it’s no surprise that 62% of customers now prefer to use a self-checkout system when they visit a brick-and-mortar store. Can Self-Checkout Kiosks Streamline Retailer Success? While self-checkout kiosks significantly enhance the consumer shopping experience, let's not forget the benefits they bring to brick-and-mortar retailers. Self-checkout kiosks help busy retailers cut down queues during peak shopping periods, freeing up staff members to focus on customers around the store. Better still, with so many digital payment options available, self-checkout POS systems reduce cash handling and streamline in-store payments. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of five benefits retailers could see when investing in a self-service checkout system. Say Goodbye To Long Queues Did you know that long checkout queues remain the number one customer pain point when shopping in-store? (Image Source: eMarketer) As your brick-and-mortar business expands, so do your checkout queues. These queues often result in a loss for the retailer. Long wait times deter customers from the shop window, and more cashiers are often needed to manage the line. Installing a user-friendly kiosk system cuts these queues in half, allowing a customer to choose how they want to pay for their goods. Kiosk checkouts tend to be much faster for the customer, especially when they have just a few items to scan. POS Loyalty Integration Another benefit associated with POS self-check-out kiosks is the number of smart integrations retailers can enjoy. However, when it comes to streamlining the payment process, loyalty program integrations take center stage. Using a retail POS system, customers have the ability to seamlessly access their loyalty accounts and apply discounts and reward offers at the checkout. This takes the payment process to the next level and enhances the customer experience with your brand. By rewarding repeat buyers, you foster a sense of loyalty in the store and cultivate a pattern of higher spending.  Streamlining Peak Seasonal Shopping Peak shopping seasons such as Black Friday and festive December tend to put more pressure on high street retailers. Leveraging a smart kiosk system, retailers can avoid crowded stores and appeal to time-strapped customers looking to bag a last-minute purchase. Better still, ‘scan-and-go’ kiosks take advantage of checking out on the go. With the opportunity to scan items and add them to a digital basket while walking around the store, scan-and-go kiosks simply take a payment and send busy seasonal shoppers swiftly on their way. Redistributing Employees With a self-checkout kiosk, the days of distributing all employees to the cashier desk are gone. Instead, retailers can redeploy staff members to complete tasks that add value to the store. These include restocking shelves, tending to customers on the shop floor and keeping the inventory up to date. With less pressure on the cashier desk, retailers save money on seasonal temp hiring and get more use out of their current employees. The Benefits of Customer Convenience According to experts at NCR, the top feature customers like about self-service kiosks is their convenience.  Other key benefits customers enjoy are faster checkouts, control over their purchases, and purchase privacy. (Image Source: NCR) With convenience comes loyalty. If customers are happier when shopping in-store, the benefits for retailers are enormous. Consumers are more likely to return and feel comfortable purchasing products on a regular basis. This loyalty drives revenue and ensures that your store remains attractive on a competitive high street. Ready To Invest? A whopping 91% of retailers state that self-checkouts contribute to higher revenue.  Those who utilize self-checkout kiosks can expect to enjoy a queueless future, happier customers and a store that is scalable for growth. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to jump ahead of the curve. 

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