We all know those barcode scanners that employees use and even customers can use to walk about the store and add items to a gift registry. Well, why not let everybody use them to shop. Customer can choose to use one if they like. If they do choose to utilize this method of shopping they can grab one at the front of the store near the shopping carts and begin shopping. If they find an item that they want to buy they can scan the barcode for the product and the screen on the scanner can show them all of the information on the product such as: product price, specifications, quantity in stock, any discounts that may apply, etc. Then the customer can choose to add the item to their cart both physically and on the scanner. On the scanner customers will be able to see their full shopping cart with a running total cost of items in their cart as well as any possible savings from discounts and sales. Customers can even add any coupons that they wish to use and see them applied to their shopping cart. There can even be a place on the shopping carts to mount the scanner so that customer don't have to hold on to it the whole time that their shopping.
One step further, once these customers reach the checkout, there will be a way for cashiers to check people out using the scanners with all of their items already scanned and totaled. Using the barcode scanners to checkout will make the process faster than ever before.
Hi, I really like your idea and I think you have proposed a practical and efficient use of resources in this solution. I think the scanner for items is both convenient and not an issue of being not hard to use. Interestingly enough, I know in England that they have a similar system where grocery stores have scanners at the front and people scan the items they want, and then go the cashier to pay for what they've scanned. I agree that your idea can make grocery store checkout faster than ever, saving time and money.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI think this idea would do wonders for places that do not usually have the price printed on the bar code. For example flee markets, produce markets, and several other stores. But I do agree with Vivek's comment above on having barcode scanners at the front of the store. This way people can get a better idea of what they are paying with tax if the label was scratched off at some point.
Best Regards
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really awesome idea. At first when I read your previous post I thought about making an app that people could download and could go scanning the foods they are putting into their carts; but your scanner is a lot better. Customers would also not have to worry about downloading anything on their phone, they could just walk in and grab the scanner while they grab a shopping cart.
Hello Nicole,
ReplyDeleteLike the others, I loved your idea to have a barcode scanner to assist with your shopping experience. In this world of being more self service oriented, I think people would really enjoy having the ability to check prices, coupons, and have the running total of all you are purchasing. The only thing I would worry about from a retailers perspective is having the final price available for customers to see it because it might lead to smaller purchases. I believe this because although people might keep some kind of running total in their head they are probably underestimating. With that being said, if they knew the actual amount they might be more hesitant to continue shopping if they are on a budget. On the other hand, if the scanner provides coupons then it might increase customer spend because they feel as if they are getting a great deal.
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI remember reading your post about this opportunity earlier in the course. I think I might have already commented about this so sorry if I did. Walmart already made your dreams come to life with the scanners. You can grab the barcode scanners on your way in and you go through the store scanning every item before you throw them in the cart. This helps with keeping track of how much you're spending, as well as, check the prices if you aren't sure. At the end, they have a special line or you can even pay through the app and avoid the lines all together. Seems like this is kind of what you had in mind, right?