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September 8, 2023What exactly is unattended retail?
Unattended retail is any sales process on location without a human cashier or attendant. Self-service kiosks of all kinds fall into this category, including traditional vending machines, grab-and-go stations, curbside pickup and so on.
In recent years, interest has increased in unattended retail options for both consumers and retailers. Retailers use this service model to address staffing shortages, keep things sanitary and place kiosks in areas that would be traditionally difficult to place registers—beaches, hotel lobbies, or even farmers’ markets. Customers are attracted to the speed and convenience of self-service kiosks. A recent survey found that 80% of in-store shoppers would like to try unattended stations because of their speed, efficiency and better overall buying experience.
Unlike traditional vending machines, the latest generation of unattended retail devices embraces cutting-edge technology such as:
- Voice recognition and interaction
- “Smart” shelves integrated with AI-powered sensors to detect weight changes
- Built-in marketing tools
- Cashless payment options
The benefits of self-service retail
Unattended, self-service kiosks have many advantages for consumers, including:
- Stress-free shopping experiences
- Speed and convenience
- Sanitary and easily accessible
And those advantages extend to retailers, as well:
- Intelligent inventory monitoring and sales metrics
- Overcome staffing shortages and reduce labor costs
- 24×7 access for customers
- Expand reach by strategically placing kiosks at new locations such as airports, college campuses, hotels, resorts, street festivals, or farmers’ markets
- Increased revenue opportunities for both the retailer and the property owner, that receives a percentage of the sales
- These energy-efficient machines are environmentally friendly, and refrigerated kiosks help prevent food waste with precise analytics
Also read: Is Restaurant Equipment Financing Right for Your Commercial Kitchen?
True 365 PicoCooler
A fast and convenient option for a refrigerated self-service kiosk is the True 365 PicoCooler from True. Customers make purchases in three simple steps:
- Swipe – Pay on the sensor of the cooler door with a credit card. Insert, swipe, tap, or use a smartphone.
- Grab – The door is unlocked when the payment is input. Simply take the items and scan them on the scanner on the door unit.
- Go – Press checkout, and the payment is processed.
The cooler is now ready for the next customer.
TrueGo Unattended Retail
The TrueGo takes the concepts of the previous model one step further with AI recognition, load-bearing sensors and intelligent planograms to recognize and track products. Customers can inspect labels and expiration dates and return the items without being charged. Payment is processed automatically as soon as the door closes, protecting the retailer from theft.
Also read: Improve Your Food Transport System with Food Carts
Self-service kiosks take food service to the next level
Unattended retail is not truly unattended, as it must be restocked regularly. However, intelligent inventory reporting saves wasted trips and minimizes the chance of employee error. Real-time reporting also includes customer behaviour data that can be folded into marketing efforts. Additionally, no contact functionality allows consumers to stay hygienic during busy meal rushes.
Unattended self-service kiosks are a win for retailers, customers and the environment. Speak to your local RH rep to take advantage of the increased demand for refrigerated unattended retail options.