How to Choose the Right Self-Checkout System for Your Store

Self-service systems are a make or break option for your company because they need to speed up the process while making it easy for your customers to use. With so many options on the market, it seems impossible to learn how to choose the right self-checkout system for your store. It involves a myriad of values and needs kept in the back of your mind to make the right choice. But is there any easier way to make your selection?

On one hand, you could do a quick search and let someone else tell you what to buy. On the other hand, you can view our easy-to-use list below to determine what goes into the selection and how to find the best self-checkout system for your business. Our team at RTI has years of experience in the POS system and self-checkout business, so we know exactly what to look for when making retail technology decisions. Learn how to narrow down your options for your next self-checkout system and where to buy your retail tech once you make a decision.

Factors to Consider for Your Retail Self-Checkout System

User-Friendly Ranking

The top factor to look for when choosing a self-service checkout option is how user-friendly it is. You need to ensure that your customers are able to understand the system and easily navigate it. While an easier to use system might be more expensive because it’s taking complex information and simplifying it, it might be well worth the extra money to give your customers a smoother experience.

Security

When using an AnyPlace Kiosk or self-service checkout, security is a top priority. Information needs to be protected at all times to keep customer loyalty high. If your self-checkout system is constantly being breached, customers aren’t going to want to continue coming to your business. Trust and security are huge factors when consumers are trusting you to handle their confidential information. Finding cheap systems and jumping hoops to save on your expenses won’t do your business any favors. The best thing you can do is invest in the best security to ensure customer peace of mind.

Quick Payment Processing

The whole purpose of self-service kiosks is to speed up the checkout process. If the payment processing is slow and outdated, your customers won’t be happy. What’s the point in having an AnyPlace Kiosk and other self-checkout machines if the faster option is with the cashier? People will get impatient if they have to deal with slow payment processing and machines. So, don’t cut corners in the hopes of saving money. Oftentimes, the faster processing will correlate with a higher price tag, but it’s worth it in the long run because your customers will have an easier time and associate your brand with positive feelings — ensuring they keep coming back time and again.

Cost Efficiency

Generally, the most effective self-checkout systems are the most expensive. However, it’s still important to understand what you get for the price while keeping your budget in consideration. On the low end, purchasing the most basic models can cost up to $10,000. More advanced models could set you back over $20,000. Keeping this in mind will help you decide what’s important to you regarding features, the type of model, and other factors. If you’re trying to save money, a used self-service checkout might be in your best interest to get the advanced capabilities at a lower price point. Or perhaps you’ve decided to invest in the best to get the most agreeable customer experience long-term. Either way, it’s important to do the right thing for your business.

Integration

Finding a self-checkout kiosk that integrates smoothly with your current technology systems is essential. If you don’t have that factor in place, it’s like trying to pair the wrong charging cord with your phone. Both are useless unless you find the right accessories to match. Make sure the model and type of kiosk matches what you’re already working with to ensure you’re not spending extra money on technology that proves to be useless. Our team at RTI can help you out to ensure products match up during your search.

Scalability

Ensuring that your new self-service kiosk results in scalability is essential to your long-term goals and growth in your business. If your company is growing rapidly, you want to find a self-checkout system that expands with it. You need the possibility for greater capabilities later down the line. 

System Type

Arguably the most important factor, your self-checkout system type is essential in your next purchase. However, it’s also the most well-known, which is why we saved it for last. To make this decision, it’s important to take note of the various offerings that you’ll need for your business. Do you need a full-sized kiosk or will a smaller version suffice? Is a conveyor belt necessary for large products and purchases? Are scales necessary for the products you’re offering? These are all questions to keep in mind when making your system type selection.

Related Read: Top 10 Benefits of Using a Point of Sale (POS) System

Where to Buy Self-Checkout Systems for Your Business

Our team at RTI excels at finding the perfect retail technology solutions, POS systems, self-checkout kiosks and more. If you’re ready to gain the best self-service technology, we can help you narrow down your options to ensure you get the best machine for your business. From finding your technology to placing it on the floor to keeping on top of maintenance, we can help you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.

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