Self-service checkout

Vaaleahiuksinen nainen maksamassa ostostaan myymälän itsepalvelukioskilla.

In retail, long queues and congestion can ruin an otherwise positive shopping experience

Self-service checkouts solve this problem by offering customers an alternative way to pay for their purchases quickly and conveniently.

When customers are in a hurry, self-service checkout is the best choice. They scan their items, select their payment method, and they're done in minutes. Traditional checkout, on the other hand, is ideal for customers who prefer personal service or are purchasing large quantities of items. By offering both options, you significantly enhance the customer experience.

Solteq Commerce Cloud self-service checkouts integrate seamlessly with the rest of your POS system. Sales data, inventory levels, and reports update in real-time from all checkouts, whether it's a traditional checkout, self-service checkout, or mobile POS. Centralized management also makes it easier to oversee multiple locations in chain-operated businesses.

Self-service checkout for specialty stores and retail

Self-service checkout is designed to withstand the demands of retail operations. Its compact design fits stores of all sizes, and the unit can be flexibly placed on the floor, on a counter, or mounted on a wall.

The checkout's barcode scanner reads products reliably, and the integrated payment terminal handles all common payment methods from card payments to contactless payments. Scale integration also enables the sale of weighted items, which is particularly important in grocery stores, for example.

Self-service checkout devices connect to the Solteq Commerce Cloud POS system, so all sales transactions are logged automatically. Inventory levels update immediately, and reports are always up to date. Thanks to offline functionality, the checkout operates even when the internet connection is interrupted.

Benefits of self-service checkouts in your store

Customers shop at their own pace

Some customers value self-service. They want to complete their purchases quickly without queuing or interacting with checkout staff. Self-service checkout gives them the freedom to shop their own way.

Customer satisfaction improves when options are available. A customer in a hurry chooses self-service checkout, while someone who prefers to take their time or needs more assistance can use a traditional checkout. Both customer groups receive service that suits their needs.

Queue times are significantly reduced

Self-service checkouts process transactions efficiently. Because a store can accommodate more self-service checkouts than traditional checkout lanes, service capacity increases substantially. During peak hours, this translates into noticeably shorter queues and faster service.

When customers are distributed more evenly across different checkouts, overload decreases. Traditional checkouts don't get as congested when some customers use self-service checkouts.

Staff can focus on customer service

With self-service checkouts, the need for checkout staff decreases, and resources are freed up for other tasks. Staff can help customers on the shop floor, restock shelves, maintain order, and improve the overall customer experience.

One employee can monitor multiple self-service checkouts and assist when needed. This is especially convenient during rush hours when checkouts have heavy traffic but staffing needs to be managed efficiently.

Labor costs decrease

Self-service checkouts reduce the need for large checkout staff. The investment in equipment pays for itself through saved labor costs, especially in businesses where personnel costs are a significant expense.

At the same time, the store can serve customers more efficiently with fewer staff, which improves profitability in the long term.

Leveraging sales data

Transactions processed through self-service checkouts are recorded in the Solteq Commerce Cloud system. You can see in real-time which products are selling, when it's busiest, and how different checkout types distribute customer flow.

Using the data collected by the POS system, you can optimize staffing levels, inventory levels, and store layout. Integrations with financial management simplify reporting and reduce manual work.

Self-service checkout frequently asked questions

Are self-service checkouts suitable for all types of stores?

Self-service checkouts work best in stores where products have barcodes and shopping baskets are medium-sized. They perform excellently in specialty stores, grocery stores, and other retail environments. For very large purchases or complex products, traditional checkout is often more practical.

Do self-service checkouts increase theft?

A well-designed self-service checkout solution does not significantly increase theft risk. Staff supervision, random checks, and the checkout's own security systems ensure safety. In most cases, customers use the checkouts honestly.

Are self-service checkouts difficult for customers to use?

Modern self-service checkouts are designed to be intuitive. Clear on-screen instructions and a simple user interface help customers get started quickly. Staff are nearby to assist if any issues arise.