Today, commerce is undergoing constant and rapid transformation. Physical stores have transcended their traditional role and are emerging as technological hubs where the customer experience is central.
If you work in the retail sector in Spain, particularly in technical or leadership roles in the maintenance area, it's essential to stay ahead of innovations. Tools such as mobile payment and self-checkout have ceased to be mere trends and have become key enhancers that can transform the effectiveness and experience of your business.
Adopting these technologies implies not only a more agile shopping experience for the customer but also provides operational and strategic benefits for merchants. The benefits derived from these tools unveil new insights and expansion opportunities for companies.
Establishments that incorporate these innovations will position themselves advantageously, aligning with the expectations of current consumers and optimizing their operational performance.
It is in this scenario that mobile payment and self-checkout become relevant. Why should you consider integrating them? This guide will detail, in a straightforward manner, the tangible benefits of adopting these technologies in your store.
Advantages of incorporating mobile payment and self-checkout in a physical store
In today's era of digitization and the growing demand for quick and efficient solutions from consumers, physical stores must adapt and offer innovative solutions to remain relevant.
Two of these solutions, which are revolutionizing the shopping experience in physical stores, are mobile payment and self-checkout. Both systems offer numerous advantages that will benefit not only customers but also store owners. Here are the most prominent advantages:
1. Agility and speed in the purchasing process
Mobile payment eliminates the need to search for cash or cards, as customers can simply pay by bringing their device close to the terminal. Self-checkout, on the other hand, reduces waiting time in queues by allowing customers to scan and pay for their products without the intervention of a cashier. According to a Juniper Research study mentioned on their website, it is expected that by the coming year, 30% of all transactions in physical stores will be made through mobile payment.
2. Reduction of operating costs
Self-checkout can reduce the need for numerous cashiers, resulting in savings in salaries and other related expenses. Likewise, mobile payment can decrease costs associated with cash handling and credit card commissions.
3. Improves the customer experience
Both solutions offer a more personalized and less stressful shopping experience. Customers have control over their purchase process and can choose how and when to pay. Additionally, by reducing waiting time, their perception of the store's service improves.
4. Increase in security
Mobile payment uses technologies like tokenization, which protects the customer's financial information by replacing it with a unique code for each transaction. This reduces the risk of fraud and data theft. Self-checkout systems, on the other hand, have security measures to prevent theft and ensure that all products are scanned correctly.
5. Adaptability to market trends
Current consumers seek technological solutions that adapt to their digital lifestyles. By incorporating mobile payment and self-checkout, stores demonstrate that they are up-to-date with the latest trends, which can attract a younger and technologically savvy segment of consumers.
6. Facilitation of maintenance
In terms of maintenance, self-checkout stations and mobile payment terminals are usually easier to monitor and maintain than traditional cash registers. Updates are often remote and automated, reducing the time and cost of corrective and preventive maintenance.
7. Real-time data and analysis
With the implementation of mobile payment and self-checkout, stores have the opportunity to collect real-time data about purchases. This allows merchants to analyze trends, understand customer behavior, and adapt strategies more effectively. Additionally, the insights obtained can help personalize offers and improve inventory based on actual demand.
What are Mobile Payment and Self-Checkout?
Both technologies, Mobile Payment and Self-Checkout, represent significant advances in how consumers interact with merchants, providing greater autonomy, efficiency, and convenience in the purchasing process.
Mobile Payment
Mobile Payment is a technology that allows financial transactions to be made through a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. This method has gained popularity due to its convenience and speed, as it simplifies the payment process by not requiring cash or physical cards. According to a Statista report, 79% of smartphone users worldwide use mobile payment services.
Users simply have to link their bank accounts or credit cards to a mobile payment app and, when making a purchase, can pay by scanning a QR code, using NFC (near-field communication) technology, or through other integrated technologies.
Self-checkout
ESelf-Checkout, or self-payment, is a system that allows customers to complete the purchase and payment process of products without direct intervention from a store employee.
Commonly found in supermarkets and retail stores, this system has a terminal where the customer scans the products, weighs those that require it, and finally makes the payment, either with cash, card, or even mobile payment. According to a Grand View Research study, the global self-checkout systems market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 10.3% between 2022 and 2030.
Acquisition of terminals: Initial investment in self-payment machines
Both systems, mobile payment, and self-checkout aim to streamline and improve the user experience. However, it is essential for companies to thoroughly analyze the associated costs to determine their viability and profitability.
Maintenance and repairs: These machines require regular maintenance and occasional repairs.
Software: Specialized software is needed for the operation of self-checkout and its integration with other store systems.
Training: Although the need for employees at the checkout is reduced, trained staff is still required to assist customers in case of doubts or issues with the machines.
Security measures: To prevent theft or misuse, having surveillance systems and alarms is fundamental.