Self Checkout: 5 Advantages for Restaurants
Standing in line to pay or finishing your purchase on your own — which do you prefer?
The truth is, nobody really likes waiting, right? And technology has been helping solve this problem, winning over more and more consumers.
So, self checkout is already a reality in various types of retail establishments, such as supermarkets and department stores, for example.
There, customers choose the products they want and head to a Self-Service Kiosk, where they scan the barcodes, check the items, and make the payment. This way, they don't have to wait to be served by a cashier and have full autonomy.
Now, this trend is also being adopted by restaurants and bars to gain operational efficiency and deliver a better experience.
In this post, we'll understand what self checkout is, how it works, and what the advantages are. Check it out!
What is self checkout?
Checkout is the last stage of a customer's experience in a store, when they complete the purchase and make the payment. Self checkout, also known as self-payment, is when the customer handles this stage alone, without needing direct interaction with an attendant.
To do this, establishments have self-service kiosks placed in specific spots.
Generally, this equipment has a touchscreen and a system for the customer to record what they consumed and make the payment, like a POS integrated with card machines.
In the case of supermarkets, for example, this self-service terminal has a built-in barcode reader and scale to identify or weigh the products.
In restaurants and bars, there are different setups that can be used, depending on the goal and the service model. Keep reading to better understand how it works!
How does self-service work in restaurants?
O self-service in restaurants can be done in a number of ways, using different technologies. The main ones are:
Direct sales at the self-service kiosk
It's the most common one and already used by big fast food chains, for example. In this model, customers select the items they want from a digital menu displayed on the self-service kiosk screen.
They can customize orders according to their preferences, adding or removing ingredients, choosing sides and drinks.
After adding the items to the cart, customers have the option to pay directly at the terminal, using integrated credit and debit card machines. It's also possible to pay by PIX and digital wallets.
Once the payment is complete, the system issues a receipt and customers can pick up the order at the counter or wait for it to be delivered to the table, depending on the restaurant's format.
Postpaid individual tab
Another form of self checkout in restaurants is using individual tabs on a postpaid basis.
When they arrive at the establishment, customers receive an electronic tab. Orders are recorded on the tab by the waiter or attendant. When it's time to leave, the customer takes the tab to the self-service kiosk to close out the bill and make the payment.
This model is more common in gastrobars, lounge bars, and pubs, for example. It can also be a good option for happy hours or specific events at restaurants.
Its advantage is that customers can consume as much as they like and make a single payment on the way out, without having to stand in line at the register.
Prepaid individual tab
It's also possible to use prepaid individual tabs.
In this model, customers receive an electronic tab when they arrive and load credit onto it at the self-service kiosk, selecting the amount or the items they want to consume. Then they use the tab to pick up their orders.
Self-service on the smartphone
Self-service can also be done directly on customers' smartphones, with no need to invest in kiosks or tablets.
Customers scan a QR Code that displays a link to a digital menu. Lá, podem abrir a própria comanda, incluir os itens que desejam consumir e realizar os pedidos sem precisar aguardar pelo garçom.
Orders are sent automatically to the kitchen and attendants receive alerts so they can be delivered to the right table.
At the end, customers can close out the bill and pay through the app itself.
These solutions can be used in whatever way makes the most sense for your restaurant. Combining technology with a well-trained team, your service will definitely be five stars! Check out some advantages of self checkout below.
5 advantages of self checkout in restaurants and bars
Self checkout has several advantages, both for customers and for restaurants and bars. We've listed the main ones below. Check it out!
1 – Operational efficiency
By using self-service technologies at your restaurant or bar, you can increase your operational efficiency.
Since the processes are automated and service doesn't depend on how fast the waiter is, you can serve more customers, reduce lines at peak hours, and increase table turnover.
2 – Cost reduction
One of the big advantages of self-service is cost reduction. Your team is smaller and you don't have to hire freelancers for your busiest days, cutting labor costs.
Besides, since customers place the order themselves, there are fewer mistakes, returns, and waste. If integrated with the back office, the system can also optimize inventory control, reducing losses and contributing to better purchase planning.
3 – Autonomy for customers
Self checkout gives customers full autonomy. They don't have to wait for a waiter to see the menu, order, and pay. They can do everything on their own using a simple, intuitive tool.
As a result, the dining experience becomes faster and smoother, without delays and lines, and customers are more satisfied and will likely come back for more visits.
4 – Fewer lines to pay
Lines to pay are a recurring problem at many restaurants and bars, especially at peak hours or when it's time to leave. A self checkout solution helps speed up payments and put an end to waiting in line.
5 – Higher average ticket
Finally, self-service also helps increase the average ticket.
For several reasons: customers can browse the menu more freely, the images on screen are bigger and more appealing, and the system lets you set up promotions and suggestions that encourage spending.
So, on top of all the benefits mentioned above, you also earn more!
Discover EPOC's self-service solutions
What did you think of the benefits of self checkout? If you want to innovate in your business and use technology to drive your growth, self-service is definitely a great idea.
EPOC is a platform for restaurants with everything you need to speed up service and simplify management. EPOC GO and KIOSK are our self-service solutions.
To find out how they work in practice, download the free e-book: “How to revolutionize your service with complete self-service” or talk directly to one of our consultants.
