Automated self-service check-outs are convenient and efficient. Many retail stores, like Tesco and Walmart, and businesses like McDonald’s, are including automated payment systems. They cost less. It saves time. It’s possible to let the customer become their own cashier – scanning, bagging and paying for their own purchases. More and more automated systems are being rolled out every day. The bottom line? Well, it comes down to a customer preference.
Super-efficient Systems
Lowe’s home improvement chain has a multilingual robot assistant that can help you shop. Touchscreen ordering at a McDonalds allows you to fine tune your order exactly to your specifications. Your food is brought to you, there is no need to wait in a queue and speak to anyone. Online shopping has changed the way consumers buy goods altogether. An alternative, to even entering a traditional store, consumers never deal with cashiers or wait in a queue.
You can order goods online, pay online. No need to rely on human error, or chatty staff. Delivered to your door, or awaiting your collection. It’s a super efficient way to shop. The same technology is being used in the store to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers. Choose your goods, pay for your goods, and depart.
Are you happy to be your own cashier? Fast track your exit by heading to a self-service checkout, and pay for your goods.
Super-efficient Systems Used by Humans
Unlike an automated machine, our interactions with technology are not guaranteed to be as efficient. You may like the idea of scanning your own goods, but not everyone may be as confident! BBC Future reported that customers do use automated systems, but, find poorly designed systems irritating. Other customers may be intimidated, altogether, and prefer the human touch.
Humans like Humans
Ask Judy, from Words’ bookstore. ‘People like to talk to somebody.’ It’s that simple. Human interactions may not be perfect, you may get impatient in a queue, but there’s a friendly person to greet you. A human cashier who will remember you, and chat to you. Or be grumpy and not chat. Either way, there’s a dynamic exchange, that will not depend on your understanding of technology- aside from using your credit card.
Human Error!
Whether you’re paying for goods at an automated station, or being served by a traditional employee, ‘human error’ can always creep in. Be sure to scan all your goods, and make sure your cashier does too. Technology assists us but the last thing anyone wants is to accidentally leave without paying for all your goods or even paying more than you need to.
Automated cashiers or human?
Both are important to have as both have their own roles to play. Efficiency and the cost to the company are not the only considerations, in providing the best, in-store, shopping experience for customers.
