Scan and Thru payment solutions represent an innovative shift in retail technology that allows shoppers to use their smartphones to scan items and pay for their purchases instantly. With Scan and Thru apps, lengthy checkout lines could soon be a thing of the past.
In this article, we will examine how does scan and go work, their advantages for both consumers and retailers, the key players in this emerging market, and what the future may look like as this technology advances.
Understanding Scan and Thru Payment Flow
At a basic level, Scan and Thru apps allow you to use your smartphone to scan product barcodes as you shop, create a virtual cart, and pay directly within the app. The process typically involves:
Downloading a Scan and Thru App
The first step is to download a Scan and Thru app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Retailers like Sam's Club, Dillard's, and Walmart all offer their own Scan and Thru apps.
Creating an Account
After installing the app, you'll need to create an account and input your payment details by linking a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. Some apps support linking multiple payment methods for convenience.
Shopping as Usual
Now you can start shopping! Browse the aisles and select items as you normally would. As you pick up each item, simply open the Scan and Thru app and use your smartphone camera to scan the product barcode.
Scanning Adds Items to Virtual Cart
The app will automatically identify the scanned item and add it to your virtual cart within the app, along with its name, price, and quantity. Continue scanning all the products you intend to purchase.
Review Cart and Pay in the App
Once you've finished shopping, open up the Scan and Thru app to review the full list of items in your virtual cart and complete the payment. Payment is processed instantly using the digital payment method you pre-linked to the app.
Show Digital Receipt and Exit
Finally, as you exit the store, open up the app and show your digital receipt to any store employees checking receipts. Some retailers have specialized cameras that can also detect the items in your shopping cart and verify them against the receipt in your app.
Benefits of Scan and Thru Apps
Scan and Thru apps provide a number of benefits for shoppers and retailers:
Faster checkout
The biggest advantage is the ability to bypass lengthy checkout lines and pay quickly from your smartphone. This can result in an estimated 60-80% reduction in time spent waiting and checking out.
More Convenient Shopping
Shoppers don't have to juggle baskets while digging for their wallets at checkout. Everything is accessible right within the app. It's more convenient for retailers too - associates can focus less on registers and more on customer service.
Improved Accuracy
Scanning barcodes leads to greater accuracy compared to cashiers manually punching in SKUs, helping prevent pricing errors. The apps also prevent duplicate scans of the same item.
Digital Receipts
Electronic receipts reduce paper waste and make tracking expenses simpler since your receipt history is easily accessible in the app.
Live Cart Total and Price Checking
The app shows a live cart total as you scan items, helping you stick to your budget by eliminating checkout surprises. You can also easily price-check items by scanning them.
Loyalty and Coupon Integration
Many Scan and Thru apps integrate directly with retailer loyalty programs and coupons to automatically apply discounts at checkout.
Enhanced Analytics and Inventory Management
All data from Scan and Thru apps allows retailers to analyze real-time purchasing patterns and inventory needs. This leads to better stocking and purchasing decisions.
Leading Providers of Scan and Thru Apps
While still an emerging technology, some major retailers already offer their own Scan and Thru apps and solutions:
Sam's Club Scan & Go
One of the first and most widely adopted Scan and Thru apps is Sam's Club Scan & Go. It integrates directly with a Sam's Club membership for discounts.
Walmart Pay with Scan and Go
Walmart Pay now includes Scan and Go functionality that allows you to scan items as you shop and pay directly within Walmart's app.
Dillard's Scan and Shop
Dillard's Scan and Shop app provides a streamlined Scan and Thru experience and incorporates Dillard's rewards program and coupons.
Kroger Scan, Bag, Go
Kroger Scan, Bag, Go powers Scan and Thru payments for Kroger grocery stores. Shoppers can scan and pay for groceries without cashier checkout.
Amazon Dash Cart
The Amazon Dash Cart combines Scan and Thru with a smart cart that automatically detects items you place inside it using sensors and cameras. It's available in select Amazon Fresh locations.
Zippin
Zippin provides the checkout-free technology behind many micro-markets and convenience stores. Shoppers enter through gates, cameras track items picked, and payment processes automatically upon exit.
Grabango
Grabango offers shelf-edge digital price tags that automatically connect selected items to its app. Shoppers can scan and pay completely through the app without scanning individual items.
The Future of Scan and Thru Payments
According to estimates, nearly 20% of shoppers may use Scan and Thru apps by 2025 as the technology improves and becomes more mainstream. Several key trends will shape the future:
Integrated Retailer Apps - Standalone Scan and Thru apps will likely be integrated directly into broader retailer apps for more seamless shopping.
Frictionless Payments - With advancements like shelf sensors and smart carts, scanning each item may become unnecessary. Payment can happen automatically.
Expansion Beyond Retail - Scan and Thru tech could expand into transportation, stadiums, restaurants, and other sectors.
Smarter Shopping Experiences - Scan and Thru data will enable retailers to provide customized promotions and experiences.
Growth of Cashier less Stores - More retailers may transition to cashier less stores fully powered by Scan and Thru and other automated technologies.
Improved Security - As Scan and Thru grow, encryption, blockchain, and other security measures will be critical to prevent fraud.
Convenience at Your Fingertips
Scan & thru solutions stand to revolutionize the retail industry by eliminating frustrating lines and allowing consumers the convenience of on-demand checkout via their smartphones. With cutting-edge apps that make shopping faster and more efficient for both customers and retailers, Scan and Thru represents an exciting glimpse into the future of payments.
Although still in its early stages, this technology is primed for significant expansion and could ultimately make cash registers obsolete. The next time you shop, keep an eye out for Scan and Thru apps that let you skip the wait and pay effortlessly from anywhere.