Scan, Pay, and Go vs Other Cashierless Store Technologies

1. Scan, Pay, and Go vs Other Cashierless Store Technologies Understanding Cashierless Store Technologies.................................................................1 Comparing Cashierless Options: Key Factors....................................................................2 Choosing the Right Technology for Your Store..................................................................4 Final Thoughts: Balancing Convenience and Practicality.................................................4 Not every checkout innovation delivers the right balance between cost and efficiency. In retail, the promise of a “frictionless” experience often comes with tradeoffs—usually between simplicity and technical complexity. From self-checkout stations to smart carts and AI-driven sensor stores, cashierless technology has become a hallmark of modern convenience. Yet, when deciding which solution to adopt, the flashiest choice isn’t always the most practical. This guide breaks down the leading cashierless options and compares them with a more adaptable, scalable alternative—scan and go, a mobile self checkout solution. Understanding Cashierless Store Technologies Before making a decision, it’s essential to know what “cashierless” really means and the common systems retailers use today. Self-Checkout Kiosks These fixed stations, often located near store exits, allow shoppers to scan products, make payments via card or digital wallet, and bag their purchases independently. They connect to the store’s POS system and typically need minimal staff oversight. Smart Carts These carts come equipped with integrated barcode scanners, cameras, weight sensors, and touchscreens. Shoppers scan items as they add them, view their running total, and pay directly through the cart before leaving. Just Walk Out (Sensor-Based Stores)

2. This model uses ceiling-mounted cameras, computer vision, and shelf sensors to detect items picked up or returned. Customers are charged automatically upon leaving, often via a connected app or account. Scan and Go Customers use their own smartphones to scan items while shopping and complete payment in-app before exiting. This requires no major store redesign—just a mobile-first approach that works with the devices customers already carry. Comparing Cashierless Options: Key Factors Affordability and Setup Cost ● Scan and Go – Minimal equipment or renovation needed. Operates through the shopper’s device using existing infrastructure. ● Self-Checkout – Requires investment in kiosks, peripherals, and POS integration. ● Smart Carts – High per-unit cost plus maintenance and charging stations. ● Just Walk Out – Very high setup cost requiring sensors, AI systems, and full store redesign. Verdict:Scan and go is the most cost-effective, allowing retailers to go cashierless without heavy infrastructure or capital strain.

3. Implementation Complexity ● Scan and Go – Quick to deploy with simple app rollout and limited training. ● Self-Checkout – Moderate complexity with kiosk installation and staff onboarding. ● Smart Carts – Requires extensive backend integration and layout planning. ● Just Walk Out – Highly complex with architectural changes and technical calibration. Verdict: Scan and go offers the fastest, most flexible setup, ideal for multi-location use. Customer Adoption and Learning Curve ● Scan and Go – Familiar and intuitive for mobile users. ● Self-Checkout – Commonly used but can be slow and error-prone. ● Smart Carts – Impressive but less intuitive for first-time users. ● Just Walk Out – Smooth for repeat customers but confusing for newcomers. Verdict: Scan and go is the most user-friendly with minimal learning curve and strong repeat adoption. Security and Loss Prevention ● Scan and Go – Supports spot checks, receipt verification, and digital monitoring. ● Self-Checkout – Often linked to high shrink due to unattended operation. ● Smart Carts – Relies on correct usage and built-in tech safeguards. ● Just Walk Out – Tracks movement but can misread activity. Verdict: With the right measures, scan and go provides balanced oversight without heavy surveillance costs. Scalability Across Store Types ● Scan and Go – Adapts easily to supermarkets, convenience stores, and pop-up shops. ● Self-Checkout – Limited by space and queue flow. ● Smart Carts – Suited to large-format stores with wide aisles. ● Just Walk Out – Fixed layout limits expansion to other formats. Verdict: Scan and go is the most adaptable for diverse retail environments. Loyalty, Personalization, and Data Insights

4. ● Scan and Go – Seamlessly integrates loyalty and reward programs, targeted offers, and detailed customer analytics. ● Self-Checkout – Primarily limited to basic transaction data. ● Smart Carts – Can deliver in-cart promotions but requires complex backend systems. ● Just Walk Out – Minimal personalization unless linked with an app. Verdict: Scan and go offers the richest customer engagement opportunities without extra hardware. Choosing the Right Technology for Your Store Scan and Go is best if: ● Your shoppers are already mobile-first. ● You want quick, budget-friendly deployment. ● You value loyalty, integration and personalization. ● You need a solution adaptable to different store sizes and layouts. Self-Checkout is best if: ● You have the space and consistent customer flow. ● Staff are familiar with POS systems. ● You’re upgrading gradually from traditional counters. Smart Carts are best if: ● You operate premium or large-format stores. ● You have the budget and resources to maintain equipment. ● You want to trial real-time upselling or promotions. Just Walk Out is best if: ● You’re building a high-tech flagship or concept store. ● You have the capital and tech expertise for full integration. ● Your customers are highly urban and app-savvy. Final Thoughts: Balancing Convenience and Practicality Frictionless checkout should enhance—not complicate—the shopping experience. Many stores don’t need advanced AI grids, expensive carts, or large-scale redesigns to achieve efficiency.

5. For most retailers, the winning solution is one that customers can understand instantly, implement quickly, and operate cost-effectively. That’s where scan and go shines—working with your existing setup, integrating loyalty programs, and delivering a smooth, secure shopping journey. This blog was originally published at - https://www.scannthru.com/blog/scan-pay-and-go-vs-other-cashierless-store-technologies/ Reach us LinkedIn Email - hello@digipay.guru Contact Number - +91 9662923845