Introduction
According to a 2022 press release, RBR London forecasted that the number of stores offering mobile self-scanning globally is set to exceed 160,000 by 2027. The same report also stated that this growth will extend beyond grocery chains, with sectors such as convenience, fuel, DIY, homeware, and apparel also expected to see widespread adoption. So what does that say?
The retail sector is experiencing a change towards mobile technology, as more customers are choosing quicker and more convenient options for making purchases.
Mobile self-checkout: A promising solution
Traditional payment systems, while recognizable, often do not satisfy the requirements of modern and tech-savvy customers. Long lines, fixed cash counters, and slow transactions often frustrate customers looking for a quick and hassle-free shopping experience.
Mobile self-checkout for retailers is developed to tackle these challenges and limitations of traditional checkout systems. This new method of self checkout in retail stores enables customers to complete their shopping from their mobile devices, completely bypassing the inconveniences of the usual checkout process. In this efficiency-driven era, businesses like yours often struggle with long queues, busy cash registers, and the limitations of traditional cashier services. The traditional checkout systems are no longer feasible. This has pushed many retailers like you to adopt new and innovative technology-driven solutions like mobile self-checkout to achieve more efficiency and optimization.
Let's explore five reasons why mobile self-checkout systems can revolutionize your retail business.
Improved customer experience
One of the main goals for retailers like you is to keep on improving their customers’ experience. This is where mobile self-checkout solutions can help you accelerate these efforts. You know how long checkout lines frustrate your shoppers and they often abandon their purchases because of that, especially during peak hours. To tackle this, you can allow your customers to scan items as they shop and pay instantly through a mobile app.
In this way, self-checkout mobile apps dramatically cuts down the time spent in-store by your customers. This convenient and streamlined process lets your customers finish their shopping faster and hence, it improves their overall shopping experience.
Moreover, what makes retail self-checkout systems stand out is the flexibility it provides. This means your shoppers control the pace—they can scan the products they need and pay as they go without the need to stand in a queue. This sense of freedom and convenience is invaluable in an era where time is a precious commodity. And wait. There’s more… Mobile self-checkout integrates seamlessly with all well-known mobile wallets and apps. For your customers, this means a quicker and more flexible mode of payment, and for you, it means you can offer personalized deals based on customer preferences. All this contributes to a more tailored shopping experience.
A frictionless journey from browsing to payment means you are meeting the expectations of your customers and making their shopping experience efficient & enjoyable.
Reduced labor costs
Mobile self-checkout isn’t just a win for your customers—it helps you reduce your operational and labor costs well. Staffing registers is costly, especially during busier times when additional cashiers are necessary. Mobile self-checkout minimizes these staffing needs, which allows you to manage more customers with fewer employees. This frees up resources to be reallocated to other vital areas of the business, such as customer service or store improvements.
Traditional self-checkout stations often require a significant upfront investment in hardware, unlike that, mobile self-checkout software relies on customers’ smartphones. This dramatically reduces infrastructure costs, making mobile self-checkout more cost-effective. With fewer machines to maintain and service, you’ll enjoy long-term savings that can be directed toward enhancing the overall customer experience.
Furthermore, operational efficiency improves when fewer staff members are tied to checkout duties. Resources can be shifted to areas where personal interaction truly matters—like helping customers find products or offering assistance on the sales floor.
Increased sales
Now, who doesn’t want more sales and customer engagement? Mobile self-checkout apps help you achieve that exactly. You may be wondering how does it do that. Let’s see. For example, you can use mobile apps to suggest complementary products or promotions at checkout to boost impulse purchases. These recommendations are timely and personalized. Hence, they increase the chances that your customers will add extra items to their baskets.
Moreover, you can integrate loyalty programs with mobile self-checkout systems that encourage repeat business. Consumers appreciate being rewarded for their purchases, and these platforms can:
- Easily apply discounts
- Reward points
- Personalize offers based on shopping history.
This type of engagement strengthens customer loyalty and keeps them coming back.
Apart from that, mobile self-checkout also provides you with valuable insights like:
- Customer preferences
- Shopping behaviors
- Product performance
- Stock levels
- Transaction data
As a retailer, you can use this information to enhance your inventory management, enhance your marketing tactics, and create more targeted promotions. This is how you gain a deeper understanding of your customers. Then you can predict your customers’ needs and provide the products they are most inclined to buy. This ultimately leads to an increase in your sales and customer satisfaction.
Improved store efficiency and space optimization
Many retailers don’t realize that conventional checkout counters occupy valuable floor space, which limits the opportunity for extra product displays. Plus, it also causes disorganized layouts that may become a hindrance to the shoppers.
Again, mobile self-checkout systems help retailers like you to overcome these challenges. These systems significantly reduce the checkout and transaction times. Quicker transactions result in less congestion at the checkout, which allows your customers to move through your store with ease. Therefore, the possibility of long queues or traffic is eliminated, especially during peak hours.
The shift toward mobile self-checkout technology also allows you to reallocate staff to more impactful roles. That means employees who once managed registers can now focus on higher-value tasks like:
- Assisting shoppers
- Managing stock
- Improving customer engagement.
- Sorting out any issues or complaints
This directly impacts the efficiency of your store. And doing it right improves the overall shopping experience, which results in more satisfied customers.
Contactless and safer shopping
Contactless shopping and payments became a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to health and safety reasons. But now, in the aftermath of the pandemic, consumers’ preference for contactless payments remains intact globally. In fact, it’s gradually increasing.
As per Precedence Research, the global market size for contactless payments reached US$ 1.05 trillion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 20.01% between 2020 and 2027. Another 2024 report published by Silkpay revealed that 81% of consumers preferred contactless payments for in-store purchases in 2023.
It’s evident now that many customers still prefer minimal physical contact when paying for their shopping and mobile self-checkout can deliver on this need. With a mobile checkout solution, your customers can complete their entire transaction from their smartphone. Completely avoiding shared devices like PIN pads or checkout screens makes this method safe and hygienic.
The appeal of mobile self-checkout solutions extends beyond just convenience, as it also helps you to establish trust with your customers. Providing a contact-free shopping and payment experience assures your customers that you care about their health and safety. When customers feel secure, they are more inclined to come back and become loyal over time.
Moreover, by adopting mobile self-checkout, you show that you are adapting to new consumer expectations. Customers view businesses that prioritize safety as more responsible and customer-focused, which can strengthen relationships and improve brand reputation. This small yet crucial investment in contactless technology can go a long way in your business’s success and give you lasting results.
Final thoughts
Mobile self-checkout offers a unique opportunity for retailers like you to meet the evolving demands of today’s consumers.
Now, you know how it enhances customer convenience, reduces operational costs, drives higher sales, optimizes store efficiency, and promotes safer shopping—all of that while also offering a seamless, personalized shopping experience to your customers.
As more shoppers seek out faster and contactless methods of shopping, mobile self-checkout is an investment that promises significant returns for businesses like you who are looking to stay ahead.
Giving your customers the power of mobile self-checkout can transform their shopping experience. When you’re thinking of a reliable retail checkout solution, consider Scan ‘N’ Thru.
With Scan 'N' Thru, you can offer a solution that lets your shoppers use their smartphones to scan products, pay on the go, and skip the checkout lines entirely.
By adopting Scan 'N' Thru’s mobile self-checkout, you can:
- Reduce operational costs
- Speed up the checkout process
- Provide the convenience modern customers crave
A customized and seamless system tailored to your store’s needs means your business stays ahead, while your customers enjoy an effortless and efficient shopping experience.
Elevate your retail business—try Scan 'N' Thru's mobile self-checkout and give your customers a faster, smoother way to shop!
