How to set up self checkout in a grocery store
Rolling out self checkout in a grocery store is mostly about preparation: clean barcode data, offers that match the POS, a clear exit lane and staff who know what to do. This guide walks through it in the order we follow in a pilot.
1. Pick the right pilot store
- Choose a busy store with weekend queues and many small baskets.
- Pick a second, similar store as the control, so you can compare results fairly.
- Name one store manager who owns the pilot.
2. Get the catalogue right
- Export the item master with barcodes and prices from your ERP or POS, or connect it directly. See ERP and POS integration.
- Check for products with missing or duplicate barcodes. These are the most common setup issue.
- Decide which categories go through the app. Packaged goods do, loose and weighed items stay at the counter.
3. Map your offers
List the offer types you run, such as flat discounts, buy one get one and combo prices, and check that each one charges exactly what your POS charges. In QwikExit, a price that does not match is flagged rather than sold.
4. Set up the floor
- Place QR standees at the entrance and in busy aisles.
- Mark an express exit lane next to the counters for app shoppers.
- Put up simple signs: scan, pay, show your pass.
5. Train the staff
- Guards learn to scan the exit pass with the QwikExit Store app and check the item count and price band.
- Counter staff learn to help a shopper who has a problem in the app.
- The store manager learns to read the live view in the Retailer Console.
6. Connect payments
Connect the store’s Razorpay account so app payments settle with you. Test a few real purchases before the first weekend.
7. Go live and measure
Start on a weekday so staff can settle in before the weekend rush. Track time to exit, walkouts, the share of checkouts in the app and shrinkage against the control store. After four weeks you have your own numbers to decide on the next stores. See what a pilot measures.
Try it in one of your stores. A 30 day pilot runs as an express lane next to your existing counters, and we measure the difference against a similar store.
See how the pilot works or write to hello@qwikexit.com.
Common questions
How do you set up self checkout in a grocery store?
Pick a busy pilot store and a similar control store, clean the barcode and price data, map offers to match the POS, set up QR standees and an express exit lane, train guards and staff, connect payments and measure results for four weeks.
Which grocery items can go through self checkout?
Packaged, barcoded goods. Loose and weighed items such as fruit, vegetables and loose staples stay at the regular counter.