12 Insider Self-Checkout Hacks Grocery Store Clerks Are Dying to Tell You!
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According to Fortune Business Insights, the global self-checkout system market was valued at USD 4.88 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 5.64 billion in 2024 to USD 18.01 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.6% during the forecast period. A 2023 poll by Deloitte reveals that 80% of grocery shoppers have used a self-checkout at least once, while 50% do so regularly.
However, the convenience of self-service checkouts is not glitch-free. They break down when scanning, bagging, or processing payments, annoying some shoppers and delaying others. While most shops to date urge customers to use self-checkouts to help the process move faster, savvy shoppers know how to maximize this system.
Know the Best Times of Day to Shop for Speedy Self-Checkout
According to the National Consumer Panel, about 29 to 30 million people shop daily in American grocery stores from Monday to Thursday and 33 to 41 million people from Friday to Sunday. Shopping during off-peak hours- for instance, early mornings or late evenings- will enable you to go through self-checkout lanes more quickly.
Shoppers who hit the store between 7 AM and 10 AM wait in line less than the busiest time between 4 PM and 7 PM. Weekends are the most hectic days to go shopping, so middle-of-the-week shopping trips may also economize your time.
Avoid Common Scanning Errors for Smoothest Checkout
Consumer Reports says most consumers unintentionally scan items poorly, which delays them. Lighter items, such as produce bags or bulk goods, often do not register properly on the scale. The self-checkout kiosks also struggle to detect stacked items, an action that raises errors flagged by the machine.
Data from Retail Dive shows that 20 percent of errors come from shoppers misplacing items into an incorrect bagging area. Scanning slowly and double-checking your entries can keep the process running smoothly and avoid these mistakes.
Know How to Spot Deals and Coupons That Work on Self-Checkout
A report by the Food Marketing Institute shows that 63 percent of shoppers use coupons regularly, but most forget to scan them at self-checkout. Organizing coupons before heading to the store saves time and ensures all discounts apply. Digital coupons are easier to cash in: Most self-checkouts can scan them directly from your phone.
Systems auto-detect when you have an applicable deal if the items are checked, saving you the headache of manually inputting codes. Know your store’s coupon policy to maximize your savings.
Use the Right Payment Methods for a Hassle-Free Experience
Cashless is king at the self-checkout: 84% of shoppers prefer to pay by card or mobile, according to PYMNTS.com. Machines are often quicker when taking digital payments, reducing delays caused by cash transactions. Some kiosks won’t even accept cash when undergoing maintenance or during peak times.
Adding to the inconvenience, digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay speed up the process with tap-to-pay ease. Knowing which payment methods are accepted can help you prepare in advance and avoid last-minute frustration.
Check Your Receipt to Prevent Overcharges
According to ABC News, scanner errors cost consumers $1 billion to $2.5 billion yearly. Shoppers often overpay due to system glitches or misscanned items, making it essential to review your receipt immediately. Grocery employees say that self-checkouts aren’t foolproof and may misprice items on sale or charge you for a single item twice.
Ensuring all discounts and promotions are taken in can save you from extra, unwarranted costs. Taking a moment to verify your total before you leave the store can save your wallet and cut down on return trips to the store.
Master the Produce Lookup Code System for Speed
The International Federation for Produce Standards states that PLU codes frequently confuse self-checkouts. Employees suggest memorizing the codes for commonly-bought items, like bananas or tomatoes, to speed up the process.
Many stores have code charts posted near kiosks, but finding the correct code can take some time. Another helpful shortcut is knowing your store’s app to find PLU codes in advance. Shoppers armed with these codes can complete their transactions up to 30 percent faster.
Bagging Smartly Eliminates Weight Sensor Issues
According to a report by TechRadar, self-checkout kiosks have weight sensors that verify items are bagged appropriately. Heavy or bulky items not bagged appropriately are a common cause of system errors that hold up the checkout process.
Reusable bags with a flat base can make scanning and bagging easier for larger grocery hauls. Splitting heavier items between multiple bags can also prevent weight sensors from becoming overwhelmed. Preparing your bags before scanning ensures a smoother checkout experience and avoids unwanted alerts.
Use the Kiosk’s Help Button Wisely
A study by Grocery Dive said the “Help” button is there to help, but abusing the said option annoys the staff and fellow shoppers. Employees encourage shoppers to use the button only when necessary, like in system malfunction and verification for age-restricted items.
Repeatedly pressing the button to resolve minor issues slows down the entire checkout area. According to research from Business Insider, savvy shoppers require assistance in less than five percent of all transactions. Learning how to use the system yourself enhances your own experience and that of others.
Leverage Self-Checkout Loyalty Programs
The African Marketing Confederation says many grocery chains have loyalty programs that work seamlessly with self-checkouts. Scanning your loyalty card or app before beginning the transaction ensures that discounts and rewards points are applied automatically.
Employees suggest linking your account with the store’s app for faster checkouts and personalized offers. Customers can save an average of $30 a month on groceries when using loyalty programs. These systems can maximize savings without adding time to your checkout.
Beat the Crowds by Monitoring Machine Availability
According to Grocery Drive, the average grocery store devotes 12 percent of its checkout lanes to self-service. Upon entering the store, note the availability of kiosks so you can strategize your route.
Knowing when and where the kiosks are less busy at checkout can save time and aggravation. Some also show digital wait times or have apps that show in real time which kiosks are available.
Not Having to Lift Heavy Items in Your Cart While Scanning
Heavy items like a case of water or bulk pet food can be scanned without lifting them. Most self-checkouts have handheld scanners or on-screen options for these items. Keeping these items in your cart avoids unnecessary strain and minimizes errors at checkout.
According to Rosseto, 42 percent of shoppers have difficulties with heavy items, slowing down transactions. Familiarizing yourself with bulky product handling at self-checkout saves lots of time and effort.
Know Why Some Items Can’t Be Scanned without Assistance
Retail of Alcohol Standards Group reports that many stores require employees to verify the age of items purchased related to alcohol or medications. Legally, these types of purchases require verification by an employee, which can delay your transaction.
The self-checkout systems automatically flag the item; assistance is usually needed within seconds. NBC News explains that verifications are processed 25 percent faster in stores with additional staff besides the self-checkouts.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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