Introduction
Richard Branson, widely known as the co-founder of the Virgin Group, delivered a timeless piece of advice for all business owners when he said:
“Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision, and change.”
As technology is continuously reshaping the shopping experience, it is necessary for retail business owners like you to stay up to date with the latest tools in the industry.
You are already aware of the dynamic and customer-driven nature of the retail world. One innovation that is making waves and should catch the attention of forward-thinking retailers like you is: Scan and Pay.
Today, many retailers are embracing scan and pay solutions to streamline business operations, reduce costs, enhance customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition.
If the scan and pay sound foreign to you then do not worry at all. Just sit back, relax, and continue reading.
In this guide, you will get to know the following:
- The basics of Scan and Pay technology
- How it differs from traditional checkout methods
- The technology powering this innovation
- Various types of Scan and Pay systems
- Benefits for both retailers and customers
- How to implement Scan and Pay in your store
Let’s start with understanding scan and pay first.
What is scan and pay?
As the name implies, scan and pay is an in-store self-checkout system in which your customers can scan any item using their smartphones or a dedicated scanning device and pay directly through an app. There’s no need to wait for the checkout process.
This is how scan and pay usually works:
- 1.Your customer installs your store’s app.
- 2.When they visit your store to shop, they can scan any item using their smartphone.
- 3.The items can be added to their cart - both online and physical - after scanning.
- 4.When your customers are done shopping, they can check the total number of items and the total payable amount on the app.
- 5.They can modify anything like quantities or add-ons if they wish.
- 6.As the payment info is stored in the barcodes/QR codes, your customers can pay directly through the app.
- 7.After the payment, customers can just walk to the store exit and one of your store members will verify the purchase order from the digital receipt generated on the app.
Difference between scan and pay and the traditional checkout method
In the case of traditional checkout, customers get in a queue to get their shopped items scanned by the cashier at a dedicated cash counter. After that, the cashier processes the bill and the customer has to make the payment.
Unlike the traditional checkout method, scan and pay puts the power in the customer’s hands. It enables your customers to scan their own shopped items and then pay via their smartphones.
The technology behind scan and pay
Scan and pay is powered by some advanced technologies:
QR codes and barcodes:
These are the crucial elements of scan pay and go solutions. Barcodes have been used in the retail industry for decades and contain info like price and weight, date of manufacture, expiration date, and the manufacturer's name.
QR codes, on the other hand, offer much more flexibility as they can be encoded with payment info and details. Plus, they can be easily scanned through a smartphone.
Each product has a unique code that, when scanned, provides all necessary information about the item. Hence, QR codes are a key element in the self checkout process.
Mobile apps and digital wallets:
Mobile apps enable your customers to:
- Scan products as they shop
- Manage their virtual shopping cart, and
- Make payments.
These apps usually integrate with popular digital wallets to make the payment process smoother.
Types of scan and pay systems
Currently, there are two types of scan and pay systems:
In-store scanning with dedicated devices
You provide handheld scanners for customers to use while shopping. These are sturdy and reliable, but they also require an initial investment and regular maintenance.
Customer's own scanning device
As the name suggests, in this system, your customers use their own smartphones to scan and pay via your store’s app. This is often referred to as BYOD or bring your own device.
Benefits of scan and pay for your retail business
Implementing a scan and pay solution can bring numerous advantages to your store:
Reduced checkout lines and wait times
Your customers can scan and pay as they shop, and that too using their smartphones. This significantly reduces or eliminates the waiting time for checkouts.
Lower operational costs
With your customers handling the scanning and performing self-checkouts, you can reduce staffing needs at checkout points. This can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.
Improved customer experience
Self-checkout systems are faster and more convenient than traditional checkout. Your customers will appreciate the convenience and speed it offers.
This means they are likely to return and become loyal to your business.
Better data collection and insights:
Scan and Pay tools can provide valuable data about;
- Shopping habits of your customers
- Your popular products, and
- Peak shopping times
You can leverage this information to make informed decisions about managing your inventory, staff, and marketing strategies.
Increased shop floor area
Using a scan and pay solution means you will not need any dedicated checkout counters. This allows you to utilize that space in your shop floor area, which means you can fit in more products.
Benefits for your customers:
Happy customers lead to a thriving business. Here's how a scan and pay solution can delight your shoppers:
Convenience
Your customers can scan items as they pick them around your shop. This allows them to keep track of their spending and manage it on the app.
This hassle-free process significantly improves your customers’ shopping experience.
Read More: How Scan ‘N’ Thru is Transforming the Shopping Experience
A self-checkout system is like having a personal shopping assistant on a smartphone. Your customers can see the number of items added to their cart and the total payable amount in real-time.
Speed
With a scan and pay system, your customers can self-checkout. This means they can finish their shopping and scan to pay online directly through the app.
Even during busy shopping hours, your customers will not have to wait for the checkout process.
Personalization
Customers just love personalized deals and discounts, don’t they? Scan and pay solutions can integrate with your existing loyalty programs, which allows you to offer tailored deals to your customers.
This added personal touch goes a long way in boosting customer satisfaction.
Contactless shopping
Many customers prefer to minimize contact during their shopping trips due to habits developed during the pandemic.
Scan and pay tools can help reduce physical interactions, and promote a safe and hygienic shopping experience. Your customers will surely appreciate the extra peace of mind.
Getting started with scan and pay
A few things that you need to consider before implementing a scan and pay solution:
Assess your business needs
Start by considering your store size, customer demographics, and current pain points. This will give you an idea of what kind of solution will be perfect for you.
Choose the right solution
Research different scan and pay providers. Look for systems that can integrate well with your existing POS. Besides, you should also look for features that align with your specific business needs.
Implementation considerations
Plan for any necessary infrastructure upgrades. Decide whether you'll use store-provided devices or a BYOD system.
Staff training and customer education
You need to make sure that your staff has a complete understanding of the new system and they are ready to assist your incoming customers.
Additionally, you need to plan for customer education too, with clear signage and possibly in-store demonstrations.
Read more: Essential Features of Scan To Pay Technology For Retailers
How can Scan ‘N’ Thru help your retail business?
Scan ‘N’ Thru is a leading scan and pay solution that can streamline your business's scanning, billing, and checkout process. It offers quick scans and instant checkouts, simplified QR scans, and seamless integration with prominent digital wallets.
Your customer will have a trouble-free shopping and payment experience and you will reduce your overall operational costs and checkout times.
On top of that, Scan ‘N’ Thru provide:
- Barcode and QR code scans
- Instant checkout and billing
- Online payment option
- Integration with popular digital wallets
- Contactless checkouts
- Valuable data insights and much more…
Final thoughts
Scan and pay technology is transforming the retail industry. It is making shopping faster and more convenient for your customers.
Retailers like you who adopt this technology can enjoy many of its benefits like lower costs, better data insights, and happier customers. As the dynamic retail world keeps evolving, embracing technologies like ‘Scan ‘N’ Thru’s self checkout system can help your business stand out from the competition.
If you want to redefine your retail business then look no further than Scan ‘N’ Thru. With Scan ‘N’ Thru, you will get a customizable self checkout solution, which will enable your customers to shop effortlessly and do instant checkouts.
Not only will it reduce your checkout times and operational costs but also your customers will have a smooth shopping experience.
Try Scan ‘N’ Thru’s seamless self checkout system and redefine the retail experience for your business and your customers!
