Besides, self-checkout kiosks can help retailers save costs while delivering a better customer experience. This is why self-checkout machines have started attracting tech giants like Amazon and Walmart recently.

This article explores the benefits and setup of self-checkout systems, the self-checkout process, and how to implement it in your retail store.

What a self checkout kiosk looks like in retail

Customers choose self checkout for its convenience, so your self checkout system needs to help customers complete the transactions with minimal staff support.

A self checkout setup usually includes:

• Self checkout software: Some POS systems can switch between cashier assisted and self service modes. Other POS software requires further customization. The self checkout POS should include essential checkout features and an option to request support from a store attendant.
• Self checkout machine: Specialized self checkout kiosks with multi-touch capability
• Barcode scanner: Build into the checkout unit or a connected handheld device, barcode scanner is the staple of self checkout systems. Customers can add items to cart instantly instead of searching and manually selecting from the product list.
• Payment terminal: Self checkout stands usually include an integrated terminal to help customers pay by credit card and other contactless methods. Some kiosks also have a cash dispensing device to support cash payment.
• Receipt printer: Compact receipt printers that fit with the kiosks. Customers can get the receipt right after they complete checkout.

Depending on your business, some retailers also include a bagging area in the self checkout kiosks.

How to set up self checkout mode in Magento

Self checkout mode isn’t a built-in feature of Magento. With Magestore solution, however, retailers can provide this experience for their customers for a faster checkout process. Here are the steps to configure this feature in Magestore Magento POS.

Create self checkout role

In Magento backend, go to POS> Manage Roles> Add Role, enter Self-Checkout Role in the Role Name, and click Save.

Set permissions for the role

Next, you’ll need to define how customers can use this feature in your physical stores. Check all the permissions you want to allow customers to use in self checkout mode and uncheck those you don’t allow them to.

For example, checking Add Discount means customers can use a discount code at the self checkout counter. Unchecking Refund or Hold Order means customers can’t self checkout for a refund or an on-hold order by themselves, instead they’ll need the store staff to help.

Log in to self checkout POS

Once the configuration is ready, customers can log into the self service POS by either scanning their member card with an RFID device or using their user account, and start proceeding with checkout for their orders.

Scan member card with an RFID device to log in

Enter user account to log in

4 steps of a self checkout process

The self checkout process in a retail store usually includes the following steps:

Let’s go into the details of each step.

Step 1: Start self checkout

Some systems let customers start checkout immediately by scanning a product.

Other self checkout POS might ask customers to log in with their membership details or continue as a guest. The customer can scan their card, search for their email, or input their membership details into the POS screen to start the checkout.

Step 2: Add products

The customer can scan the product barcode to add items to cart. If there are issues with the barcode, they can look up the product on the POS screen or get a store associate to help them.

During this step, if the self-checkout system includes a packing area, the customer will have to put the correct item into the bagging area before they can continue checkout.

Step 3: Select payment options

The customer chooses how they will pay for the purchase. If the customer selects credit card, they should proceed to use the integrated payment terminals.

In addition to cash and credit cards, some retailers also accept store credits or gift cards and other vouchers on their self checkout terminals.

Step 4: Complete the purchase

Once the order is complete, the POS kiosk will print a receipt for the customer. They can keep this receipt for security checks and future product returns.

The self service POS should sync the complete order across the rest of your retail system. Real-time sync ensures that you always have the correct sales, inventory, and customer information.

Your POS should return to the welcome screen after a complete purchase. It should also time out after a period of inactivity.

Implementing self checkout systems in your retail stores

Consider your goals before implementing self checkout

It’s tempting to roll out self checkout kiosks across your stores with their potentials to save costs and boost sales. However, self-checkout machines with its system may require a large upfront investment from retailers.

To truly see a high return on investment, your kiosks need to be intuitive and flexible to customer needs. Otherwise, your customers will just return to the regular checkout counters.

In addition, retailers should understand that self checkout systems are just one way to address the increasing demand for self service and more ways to shop with your brand.

When coming to your store, some customers want a speedy process while others desire human interactions. By offering both self checkout and regular checkout, your customers can decide on their preferred method. They will feel more in control and satisfied with their experience.

Implement self checkout systems by phase

Just like any new business processes, self checkout implementation should take a phased or “crawl, walk, run” approach.

You can begin with a pilot project and test self checkout technology in a subset of your stores. You can set up a checkout area with both regular and self checkout and start monitoring customer experience in this area.

For example, you can collect data to see which checkout options customers prefer based on various times of the day, days of the week, the number of items, or product categories. Now you have better insights to allocate your sales staff to each checkout area during the day.

In addition, you can check how customers use the checkout system. For example, your sales staff can provide you with the most common problems that customers run into when they use self checkout. They can also gather any feedback about the user interface. Based on the feedback, you can improve your checkout software or the layout of the kiosk.

Once you have the proof-of-concept success, you can begin to roll out self checkout systems to other locations. You’ll need the IT capability and necessary training to deliver a consistent shopping experience across all locations.

Choosing a customizable self checkout solution gives you the flexibility to adapt your business to ever-changing customer demand.