How to use scan and go
Scan and go is a must-know technology by now. As more and more retailers implement it, shoppers have great opportunities to save time and money. But how do you actually use scan and go when you encounter it in the wild? We’ll provide you with the know-how to navigate and make the most of this technology!
Scan and go is a popular way to shop - and its popularity is growing every year.
What is scan and go?
Scan and go is a term used to describe self-service technologies such as self-scanning and self-checkout. It refers to the way the shoppers themselves are in charge – and in control – of the product registration, instead of using a manual staffed checkout.
While sometimes being used as an umbrella term for self-service solutions, scan and go primarily refers to self-scanning, as this process involves scanning throughout the shopping trip, before payment and leaving the store: for self-checkout, all products are scanned at the checkout area instead. This is the definition that will be used in this article.
The popularity of scan and go is steadily increasing, for a variety of reasons. RBR estimated in 2023 that the self-scanning market would triple by 2028, something that still seems likely as more retailers implement this type of technology. One reason for this are the benefits that both retailers and shoppers experience with scan and go – such as less queues, better customer flow, and higher convenience.
Different types of scan and go setups
While scan and go technology might work similarly between retailers, and even share similar interfaces and features, there are some differences in terms of how to use the solution. Perhaps the most prominent difference for shoppers is the setup regarding which device to use when scanning.
Smartphone app
Mobile-based scan and go is conducted by using a smartphone or similar device that supports scanning using the camera. The retailer provides an application, which needs to be downloaded by the shopper. Once installed, the shopper can use this application to scan and register their products. Usually, the app comes with other features such as login for store members, shopping lists and other helpful integrations.
Handheld dedicated scanners
Handheld scanners that are provided for the store is one of the most popular setups for self-scanning. Not only are the scanners in general more powerful and efficient than by using the smartphone, they are also ergonomically designed to provide a pleasant experience – also when scanning a lot of items. The scanners are collected at the store entrance, and returned after payment before the store exit.
Other scanning devices
Can you place a scanner for scan and go somewhere else? It is possible – some retailers have started to experiment using smart carts where cameras, sensors and other equipment are installed in the shopping cart. This type of solution has not yet gained any major popularity, primarily due to the costs associated with purchasing these types of carts for the store.
Scan and go benefits
There are plenty of advantages with using scan and go instead of the regular checkout – both for the retailer and the shopper. Here are some of the benefits associated with scan and go:
Scan and go benefits for shoppers
Faster shopping – no need to wait in line at the checkout
Control over purchases – real time tracking of spending
Contactless checkout – keeping physical interactions to a minimum
Improved efficiency – as scanning is done during the shopping trip
To learn more about the benefits for the shoppers, click here
Scan and go benefits for retailers
Better customer flow – as queue to checkout are shorter
More free space – if removing traditional checkouts
Customer behaviour data – when tracking purchase behaviour
Click here to learn more about the benefits for the retailers
Naturally the benefits of scan and go can vary, depending on the availability of specific features, and the compatibility between the software and the hardware. Many retailers are continuously working on their scan and go solutions, in order to provide the best experience possible.
How to use scan and go in 5 simple steps
Download the store’s Scan and Go app (or grab a handheld scanner)
Sign in or register (if required)
Scan the barcode of the items while putting them in the cart
Reviews items and applied discounts
Pay via the app, or at a dedicated checkout area
Common issues and how to solve them
What if scan and go doesn’t work? There is always a risk for downtime or other mishaps, here are some of the most common issues that shoppers run into:
The scanner or smartphone app is not working - Try restarting or checking your internet connection.
The items are not being scanned or registered - Ensure barcodes are visible and properly aligned.
Payment issues at checkout - Check if mobile payments are supported, or contact the self-checkout assistance
Random security checks - Some stores may do random verification at checkout, which is a way to minimize shrinkage.
Stores with scan and go technology
Regarding on the country/region, the number of stores offering scan and go varies. Even though the technology is gaining popularity on a global scale, differences in consumer behaviour and technological maturity greatly affects the speed of implementation. Also, some store offers scan and go with smartphone, others with dedicated scanning device, and some offers both options.
A good idea to check the availability of scan and go is to check a specific retail store’s website or social media, to get an idea of the solution’s availability. It is common that when one major retailer introduces scan and go on the market, many similar stores follow this trend, as it has the potential to provide a competitive advantage.
A common misconception is that scan and go only is suitable for grocery stores, but this is not the case. Plenty of retailers in other categories have been experimenting with self-service technologies, and this is a trend that is expected to continue. Scan and go has shown to be a space-efficient and easy way to shop, even when buying clothes, home furniture or something else!
The future of scan and go
As previously mentioned, most retailers are striving to enhance their scan and go solution, to provide an even better shopping experience. This involves adding new features, making processing payments easier, improving the checkout process and much more. Additionally, new technologies such as artificial intelligence have the possibility to further enhance the functionality of scan and go solutions.
“We continue to see an interest in scan and go solutions, not only to implement them but to refine and enhance the solution further,” said Fredrik Englund, Managing Director at Datema Retail.
In conclusion, scan and go offers many advantages for shoppers, and it’s wise to get familiar with the technology now. It will most likely continue to grow as one of the most popular ways to shop.
More retail insights
