TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan stores are introducing innovative shopping carts, offering a modern twist to the shopping experience.
Developed by a major panel manufacturer, these intelligent shopping carts can be equipped with either a Barcode Reader (BCR) or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system, providing different checkout options for customers.
The BCR option offers contactless payment for self-checkout but requires shoppers to scan items individually, which can be time-consuming.
In contrast, RFID-equipped carts expedite checkouts by displaying item information and the total amount due on a chip embedded in item tags, allowing multiple items to be processed at once. However, RFID systems are ten times more expensive than BCR technology.
While these smart carts promise efficiency, there are potential issues, such as customers forgetting to scan items or attempting to conceal them. Retailers rely on an Internet of Things (IoT) system to detect and address discrepancies in real time.
Using the self-checkout machines may require finesse, and some patrons, particularly the elderly or those with numerous items, find the process cumbersome, especially when item scans are inaccurate and need to be repeated.
Despite stores' efforts to implement intelligent checkout systems, shoppers are advised to carefully review their post-checkout details to avoid overpaying due to machine errors.