Mobile Checkout For Shoppers On The Move
By: Amy Jeanroy
Published: May 20, 2011

There is nothing more frustrating at the market than having a cart full of carefully organized items and coupons, only to find a line at the single check out in the store. I don't know about you, but I have walked away, instead of waiting. My friends tell me that I am not alone.
Retailers have begun to recognize that shoppers have little patience for the actual check out process. Shopping sits on a long list of To Do items, and standing around waiting for their turn with the cashier is not on that list. 
In the Northeast, the grocery chain Stop & Shop has come up with a solution to this age old problem. They offer a handheld device call Scan It, that shoppers can use as they shop, to scan and bag as they go around the store. For the busy customer, it saves having to wait at the end of the trip for a cashier. The device also offers coupons for foods that may be of interest as things are added to the cart. This is a great way to catch some savings that otherwise might fall through the cracks. 
Scan It is not only great for the shopper. Stop & Shop has found that customers on average, buy about 10% more when using it. 
Mobile shopping is nothing new, although there have been some hurdles along the way. Computer glitches and that pesky human error, still make the virtual checkout a much desired, but as of yet, unattainable goal. It is a learning curve for both the retailers, as well as the shoppers.
Some mobile checkouts that seem to be working so far are Starbucks Mobile Payments, an app that can be used at the register to checkout. Home Depot offers the Smart Phone, that keeps track of inventory, prints labels, works as an instore walkie talkie, and yes, even check out the customer they have helped, on the spot. 
Personally, as an avid Self Checkout user, I love the idea of using technology to help me use my time in the most efficient way possible. When I want the personal service of a waitstaff, I go to a restaurant. When I want to buy  a latte, I like to use my phone.