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Introduction
The retail landscape is evolving rapidly. Shoppers expect speed, convenience, and minimal friction — and traditional checkout lines aren't cutting it. For Shopify merchants with a physical presence, self-checkout is no longer a nice-to-have. It's a core revenue and experience lever. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about enabling self-checkout on Shopify — from common pitfalls to calculating ROI.
What is Shopify Self-Checkout?
Self-checkout allows customers to scan items and pay on their own, using either their mobile device or an in-store kiosk. On Shopify, this can be implemented through a variety of methods:
Mobile Self-Checkout ↗
- Customers scan a QR code at the store
- A mobile or web app opens
- They scan items, pay, and leave
Unmanned or Hybrid Stores ↗
- Stores designed from the ground up or retrofitted to accommodate a frictionless shopping experience
- Offer extended hours of operation (ex. before or after-hours)
- Support staff and self-checkout during manned operations
Kiosk-Based Checkout
- A dedicated self-checkout station powered by or integrated with Shopify
- Customers interact with a touchscreen kiosk
- Ideal for fast-moving environments like convenience or grocery stores
Benefits of Self-Checkout for Shopify Retailers
Case studies show ↗ self-checkout solutions can yield various key benefits, especially when leveraging a unified commerce infrastructure like the one powering merchants on Shopify today:
- Faster Checkout Times
- Increased Sales
- Optimized Labor Costs
- Enhanced Customer Experience
- First-Party and Consentful Data Collection
- Increased Digital Marketing and Re-targeting Opportunities
Mobile vs. Kiosk vs. Unmanned: What's Right for You?
Choosing how to best implement self-checkout solutions in a store is a critical decision. The following table gives an overview of how different self-checkout solutions are best incorporated along with different aspects of their respective strengths:
Do's and Don'ts of Self-Checkout on Shopify
What makes a self-checkout implementation successful for merchants using Shopify? The following is a breakdown of what Shopify retailers should know about self-checkout solutions, what works best, and any pitfalls to avoid when considering a self-checkout implementation:
