Cashless

GAD Making Cashless Check-out Easy

GAD Making Cashless Check-out Easy 750 520 GAD Vending

Self-checkout technology is at the forefront of rapid retail digitization, transforming the checkout experience for retailers and consumers alike. But for retailers aiming to stay a step ahead of the curve, adopting a customized self-checkout solution as opposed to a generic solution is not just innovative, but necessary. While implementing a self-checkout built specifically for your store may seem complex, GAD makes the entire process smooth and painless.

GAD is an authorized distributor of Crane Payment Innovations (CPI). As such, we have the training, knowledge and resources to build a complete solution designed for your needs.

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how GAD can build, install and service a self-checkout made specifically for your store – from start to finish.

Consultation

Before prescribing, we diagnose. At GAD, we recognize that a generic turnkey solution is a disservice to your business’s unique and specific needs. The consultation phase is where we diverge from the one-size-fits-all mentality. Our method involves analyzing your specific retail operation and identifying the nuanced challenges and opportunities unique to your store. By dissecting your processes, customer interactions, and pain points, we custom-build a solution that not only integrates seamlessly with your existing operations but also resolves your distinct problems. This approach ensures that our self-checkout system doesn’t just fit – it functions as an extension of your brand’s commitment to customer service and operational efficiency.

Design

Transforming the shopping experience begins with a blueprint that resonates with your brand and clientele. Our design phase is not a one-size-fits-all template; it’s a collaborative effort where your vision is meticulously etched, from layout to branding and beyond. We pride ourselves on a design process that embraces your business’ unique traits to create a bespoke checkout solution.

Customization is the cornerstone here; from touchscreen interfaces to varying levels of customer assistance, our self-checkout systems are tailored to integrate effortlessly within your environment. By aligning the solution with your retail ethos and operational mechanics, we ensure that customer satisfaction and ease of use are amplified.

Installation 

The transition from design to live installation can be an anxious time, with concerns about disruption and downtime. Our experienced engineers and project managers skillfully execute installations with minimal disruption.

Quality assurance and thorough testing are integral to our process, ensuring functionality and stability before customer use. Our aim is to not only install a system but to establish a new era of operational efficiency you can rely on.

Training and Service

The effectiveness of a system relies on its operators. That’s why we’re committed to making sure each staff member has a full knowledge of how to operate your new checkout solution. Our immersive training, led by knowledgeable professionals, covers both technology and your retail needs.

But our commitment doesn’t stop there. Ongoing support and maintenance are the foundation of our customer experience. Our dedicated support team is ready to troubleshoot and guide your staff, ensuring consistent productivity and exceptional customer service.

Embracing the Future of Retail

Embarking on a journey to a custom self-checkout can be tricky, but GAD is here to guide you every step of the way. As retail automation gains momentum, we are dedicated to making things simple and achievable, and to making seamless experiences the norm.

GAD is more than just an automated checkout provider. We design seamless, stress-free systems deeply rooted in the retail landscape. From inception to operational excellence, our dedicated support ensures a smooth and effective transition to custom self-checkout.

Contact GAD at one of our offices – Omaha, Des Moines or Kansas City.

Updating Retail: Self Check-out Solutions

Updating Retail: Self Check-out Solutions 750 520 GAD Vending

In the fast-paced world of retail, staying ahead means you need to be innovative. And when innovation means convenience, the self-checkout trend stands out as a game-changer. For retailers embracing this wave, implementing a seamless self-checkout system isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about leading the charge in a fiercely competitive industry.

However, navigating the self-checkout landscape is no easy feat. From choosing the right solution to deploying it across stores, it requires precision, foresight, and careful planning. This article aims to provide guidance for retailers embarking on this self-checkout journey. For further professional assistance, GAD sales reps are experts in cashless technology solutions.

The Evaluation Phase: Identifying the Need and Setting Expectations

Why choose self-checkout?

Before getting into terminals and technologies, retailers need to assess their store’s needs and conditions to ensure that self-checkout is a practical solution. For stores that see a high volume of customers, experience long waits and struggle with labor shortages, self-checkout is often a reliable solution for these issues.

Infrastructure and compatibility assessment

Retailers have various existing technologies such as POS systems, and any new self-checkout solution should seamlessly integrate with this ecosystem. Cross-functional teams, including IT, operations, and logistics professionals, should thoroughly assess the current infrastructure to identify potential compatibility issues early on.

Research and Vendor Selection: Finding the Perfect Fit

Market Exploration

With numerous options available in the self-checkout market, it’s crucial for retailers to conduct thorough research. Focus on systems that align with your unique customer base.

Comparative Analysis

When evaluating shortlisted self-checkout systems, prioritize objective criteria tailored to your retail environment. Make sure that the system you choose has features that work for your business’ needs.

Reputation and Customer Support

Remember, a vendor is more than just its product. Look for a provider with a strong reputation for excellent post-purchase customer support like Crane Payment Innovations.

Planning and Integration: Charting the Course

  • Set Clear Goals: Start with the end in mind. What does success look like for your self-checkout implementation? Cost savings? Improved customer satisfaction? Speedy transactions? Ensure your goals align with customer and corporate objectives.
  • Budget and Deadlines: A project without boundaries is bound to fail. Create a solid plan that includes financial and time constraints.
  • Synergy Amongst Teams: Integration is an art. Every component, whether it’s technology, human resources, or store design, must work together seamlessly. This requires a balance between strategic planning and operational details.

Testing and Piloting: Ensuring Feasibility

  • Trial Runs: Simulating the self-checkout experience helps identify potential issues before customer rollout.
  • Continuous Improvement: Gather user feedback and refine the checkout experience based on customer needs.
  • POS Harmony: Ensure flawless integration with Point of Sale (POS) systems to avoid disruptions.

Deployment and Training: Rolling Out the Red Carpet

  • Across Channels: Phased deployment across different store formats allows for refining the customer experience.
  • Education for All: Comprehensive training programs for employees and customers are crucial to ensure that everyone has at least a base of familiarity with the solution.
  • Continuous Learning Culture: Adopt a continuous learning approach to keep up with evolving technology and customer behaviors.

By following these phases, retailers can gear up to offer patrons the efficiency and control that defines modern shopping experiences. Self-checkout is more than a cost-saving technology; it’s a commitment to evolving with the needs and wants of your customers, reflecting the innovative character that underlies your retail brand.

CPI Provides Best-In-Class Self-Checkout Solutions

Successful checkout technologies begin with exceptional payment technologies. That’s why we design the industry’s most sophisticated, seamless and secure cash handling devices. With decades of technical experience and strategic partnerships, Crane Payment Innovations is the only provider with the expertise to manage transactions and keep cash secure, making us the natural starting point for checkout technology.

No matter the application, we can create a completely flexible self-checkout solution built to a retailer’s exact needs, with cash options to ensure an enhanced customer experience. To ensure that our machines stay up and running, our in-house service network of highly trained technicians are there to make sure that your investment is protected and runs smoothly.

Unattended Payment Accepted

Unattended Payment Accepted 367 302 GAD Vending

GAD Knows Unattended Payment Acceptance

GAD has extensive experience with unattended solutions. We’ve grown our business selling and supporting payment acceptance, and coin changers for decades.

Now with Alio™ Pro, CPI presents an All-In-One cashless hardware solution for unattended payment. With a large touchscreen and customizable user interface, operators can create an engaging user experience. Plus, Alio™ Pro’s rugged outer-casing and protective Gorilla Glass protects hardware against vandalism and daily wear-and-tear. Alio™ Pro is supported by CPI’s cashless solution, including payment processing services and our cloud-based device management platform.

With a 4.3″ display, Alio™ Pro provides a fully interactive, large-format display, plus PIN-on-glass capability. Alio™ Pro is suited for use in multiple unattended payment applications, including:

  • Off-Street Parking
  • Retail Kiosk
  • Laundry
  • Carwash
  • Metro and Train Fare Collection
  • Vending
  • Electric Vehicle Charging

Dimensions (mm)

  • H: 134mm W: 98mm D: 40mm Screen: 3.4″

EV Charging Anxiety: What Manufacturers and Operators Can Do for the End-User

EV Charging Anxiety: What Manufacturers and Operators Can Do for the End-User 2048 1366 GAD Vending

Choosing Payment Technology to Succeed in a Dynamic Market

There’s no doubt that the time for electric vehicle adoption is here. To date it is estimated that there are more than 16.5 million electric cars on the road. Furthermore, all major auto manufacturers are pushing forward updates to their leading models to integrate more EV options for consumers. Thus, sparking the opportunity for several new players to enter this space.

However, with an increase in electric vehicle adoption comes a need for drivers to have convenient locations to charge their batteries when they are on the road, providing another major opportunity for the parking industry.

Wallet-friendly payment solutions to reduce EV charge anxiety 

One obvious difference between a traditional ICE and an electric vehicle is “refueling” time. For an EV, the experience is much longer in comparison to ICE vehicles, even with fast charging technology. Therefore, charge anxiety has, to an extent, replaced range anxiety in the minds of EV drivers. Battery performance has been a major focus in recent years and ranges of more than 350 miles are being quoted on specifications of new models.2

Additionally, a need that EV drivers are facing is paying for the power to get back on the road again. Therefore, a simple, convenient, and “wallet friendly” EV charger must be a consideration since ease and flexibility in a complex world is a win. Nothing more certain to increase anxiety than not being able to charge up and go!

As a result, minimizing charge anxiety and delivering a charging experience that is consistent, reliable, and simple is your task regardless of your role – as an EV charging manufacturer or parking operator.

Easing charge anxiety with reliability and consistency  

Fortunately, the Alio Pro is here to help you meet those needs, ensuring that you’re better prepared to support your end users. With the Alio Pro, you’ll be able to:

  • Accept everything in your customer’s wallet:
    •  – We may all love an app but it’s often not feasible to expect customers to have an app already downloaded. So, Alio Pro accepts:

logos

  • Offer your customer a reward or incentive to park at your property again:
    •  – Simply add a QR code that creates a voucher or tie in a pre-existing loyalty or bonus program
EV Charging QR - reduced
  • Ensure reliability:
    • – CPI handles 4 billion transactions weekly and is trusted by many of the world’s largest financial institutions and retailers.

So, where better to charge your vehicle than where it must be stationary! Park your car, plug in, and go about your other activities – shop, eat, work – with the assurance that your EV is ready to go when you are. Multi-tasking at its finest!

Self Check Out Solutions

Self Check Out Solutions 750 520 GAD Vending

GAD Knows Self Check-Out

GAD is a proud authorized distributor for Crane CPI solutions.

Think self check out is a solution for your business? Any size business can benefit with flexible and cost effective self-checkout solutions. We work for retailers, bars, restaurants, gas stations – anyone that needs help with quick checkout.

Self checkout satisfies grab and go, multi-payment solutions and self checkout. GAD offers turnkey solutions, custom solutions and creative payment solutions.

Don’t loose customers to lines. 81% of customers avoid stores with long lines.

How Vending Can Solve Fourth Wall Revenue

How Vending Can Solve Fourth Wall Revenue 2048 1011 GAD Vending

Most retailers have dead space that isn’t earning as much revenue as it should. Smart, large box retailers look at every inch to make sure they maximize not only customer experience but also profitability. And so should you.

Vending is an excellent way to achieve this.

First, vending machines aren’t cheap but they are unattended, use very little floor space and can be changed out to various uses as demand dictates. For example, who would have thought 6 years ago we’d be outfitting PPE solution vending machines? But the pandemic changed that.

Vending machines payment solutions have changed with the times as well. While cash is accepted, there are touchless solutions available as well. There are apps as well so returning customers can program their favorites in for quick ordering. The apps also help the vending owner with inventory control, out of service issues and so much more!

Plus vending machines can be so easily branded to your business. Give your customer added flexibility to choose what they want, when they want it.

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking how a specialty vending machine can satisfy your customer and increase your cash flow:

  • Give the bartender a helping hand! Bars are using vending machines to vend individual drink options like champagne, canned drinks and beer. (Visit your state’s liquor license requirements first.) These drink vending machines are also popular at festivals, entertainment zones, concerts and other venues with a closed area, high traffic and a party waiting to happen!
  • Put a vending machine near a swimming pool. Load it with sunscreen, inflatables and water wings.
  • In a school, vending machines can have office supplies, binders and all types of classroom necessities.
  • Showroom samples are easily branded in a vending machine.
  • Employee vending machines can have a mini store stocked with over the counter medications, simple safety items, and more.
  • Put in a Crane coffee vending machine with a whole bean grinder to replace a coffee station or expensive k-cup machine.
  • A beauty vending machine has many possibilities to maximize floor space. Try in a mall, airport or hotel – wherever they is high foot traffic.
  • Add a utility payment kiosk.
  • A coin changer machines are a popular machine. It helps your customer redeem their coins and gives you a source of change for your establishment.
  • Create an electronics vending machine with headphones, chargers and other electronics to create a shoplifting secure, unattended solution.

For more ideas, take a look at Crane’s LookBook here. Contact GAD for more ideas, brainstorming and information.

GAD Knows Vending

Park. Tap. Charge.

Park. Tap. Charge. 2048 1366 GAD Vending

GAD has been on the forefront of cashless payment solutions through our manufacturer, Crane Vending.

With CPI payment systems, GAD has been installing, training and servicing cashless payment solutions in both attended and unattended solutions. GAD has been installing and servicing vending, change machines and ATM’s for decades.

The newest craze is EV Charging Stations. With so many EV’s coming to highways in the US, many are not finding convenient and easy to pay stations. But the solutions from Crane make it easy.

Tap and pay solutions make it really a Park, Tap and Charge solution. If this is what your business is looking into for your retail parking lot, employee EV charging stations or for a food establishment give the GAD sales team a call. We can help you with determine the best unattended or attended payment solution for you.

Vending Payment Options: What Customers Want

Vending Payment Options: What Customers Want 2048 1365 GAD Vending

Cash Payment Preferences

Options, options, options: consumers demand them in everything that touches their lives. I’m sure you don’t need to be reminded about the proliferation of the seemingly never-ending turnover of snack and drink options in your warehouses and machines.

Well, the latest Federal Reserve Diary of Consumer Payment Choice has been published and, once again, confirms that consumers expect options in payment methods when making an in-person purchase. The continued rise in digital payment methods is evident from the study, but so is the importance of (and preference) for cash payment as an option.

Where Cash Counts

Consumers don’t look at the decision to use cash or a digital payment type as zero-sum. And, this is particularly true for transactions under $10, where cash is used 59% of the time according to another study by Cardtronics. Consumers expect options in the goods and services they purchase, as well as how they purchase those goods and services.

In that 2018 Health of Cash study by Cardtronics, 1000 consumers aged 18 and over were surveyed on their in-person (not online) spending preferences. 73% of those consumers reported using cash regularly despite other forms of payment being available, and nearly 45% said they would stop going to a store or restaurant if it stopped accepting cash. The findings also concluded that 56% of people use cash for purchase amounts of $30 or less, just slightly below the 59% for purchases $10 or less.

In that same Cardtronics study, I was surprised to read that 81% of consumers use cash as frequently, if not more, than they did last year. I’ve read an increasing amount of articles describing cash as a budgeting tool for the younger generations—a demographic we don’t think of as having any meaningful interactions with cash. Turns out, what’s old is new again—just like my college clothes, long ago discarded in the back of my closet. If they only still fit…

Going Steady with Cash

The continued use of cash is also reflected in data on ATM usage. In 2018, six in 10 people (59%) reported withdrawing money from an ATM monthly or more frequently, according to a Mercator Advisory Group reportThis rate remains unchanged from a few years ago, as Mercator found that six in 10 people used an ATM at least monthly in 2016, showing that ATM usage remains stable.

Even millennials are withdrawing cash at high rates. That same Mercator report found that 53% of people aged 18 to 34 reported at least monthly ATM usage. The report also found that young adults are also more willing to try alternative authentication methods including the use of biometric data. It’s hard to conclude against cash remaining a preferred, if not desired, payment option with so many young people relying on ATMs to withdraw cash at least a few times a month.

Looking back to the Federal Reserve study, if we compare a 2013 Consumer Diary study to the 2018 edition, it is interesting how little has changed. Back in 2013, the majority of purchases (across all demographic groups) $10 or under were made using cash; in 2018, the same remains true. Debit card usage continues to grow, but only becomes dominant in transactions exceeding $25.

Coping in a Cashless Society

Another demographic to consider is the unbanked. According to a late 2017 survey by the FDIC, one in four US households are unbanked or underbanked—referring to people who don’t have a bank account, or only use their account for direct deposits, and immediately withdraw the balance. This population only transacts in cash, and carries a significant amount of buying power. And, the younger generations we mentioned before? The population aged 15-34 makes up the largest portion of the unbanked and underbanked. We see this more than ever, with some cities now reacting by mandating retailers accept cash in an effort to protect the unbanked and underbanked as the trend of stores going completely cashless rises. My very own city of Philadelphia just passed a similar law prohibiting “cashless only” retail operations.

A route driver or technician approaches a bank of machines, and can instantly see, in simple green, yellow or red icons, the health status of every payment peripheral in those machines. They can see all alarms in priority sequence to help the tech work through the tasks at hand. And best of all, any alarm automatically links to a series of written troubleshooting steps or videos to walk anyone through to resolution.

What This All Means for Vending

We are a convenience services industry, delivering outstanding products and services every day. Cleaned, filled, and working isn’t enough to drive sales growth. Operators need to ensure every potential vend patron can make a purchase at machines, with no barriers. While we all get excited about the possibilities of cashless (as we should—connectivity does amazing things for machine efficiencies and customer experience), we can’t assume that because cashless is great, cash no longer is. Cash isn’t going anywhere, and operators are wise to remember this. A great operation continues to be a diversified one.

We always say it, because it’s always true: from cash to credit to mobile and beyond, design your operation to take whatever is in the consumer’s wallet.

Labor Shortage Issues? Want to Accept Cards and CASH? Look Into How Self Check Out Can Help Your Business

Labor Shortage Issues? Want to Accept Cards and CASH? Look Into How Self Check Out Can Help Your Business 750 520 GAD Vending

47% of all sales that total under $25 are paid in cash

It’s 2022–Retailers have recognized the value of self-checkout technology and the benefits it will bring to their stores including easing labor shortage problems, improving the customer experience, and, of course, increasing the bottom line. Now you need to consider how to deploy your self-checkout to best suit the needs of your stores and your customers; the big question is—do you automate cash, or go completely cashless?

You may be leaning toward cashless—it’s less costly upfront, and card payments seem more like “the future.” Let’s examine that assumption—can you get the full ROI you expect from your self-checkout without adding cash? First consider from the perspective of the speed of service; self-checkout will move your customers through the line faster and eliminate long lines at peak times of day. If you’ve only automated cashless payments you haven’t solved the complete problem, and will not be able to repurpose cashiers to take on additional store related tasks, like cleaning, stocking shelves, etc. Stores that struggle with staff shortages will find relief by allowing their customers to checkout without their assistance, ensuring only one cashier is required to ring up age-verified products.

41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line

What is your customers’ experience? For the average purchase in convenience stores, consumers overwhelmingly choose cash; 47% of all purchase values under $25 are paid in cash. The percentage of cash usage in your stores may be even higher given that the average c-store transaction is between $3.75-9.00; recent studies report around 40-50% of purchases are made in cash. In addition to preferences, the Federal Reserve estimates 20-28% of the population is currently “unbanked,” or “underbanked,” and do not have access to card payments. Cashless only self-checkouts could lead customers to perceive unfairness—why should they wait in line while the card paying customer can breeze right through? It’s not worth the risk alienating such a large portion of your customers.

Card-only self-checkouts will still require a cashier to handle all cash payments, increasing the likelihood that lines will continue to be long at rush hour, and risk customers walking out without purchasing. 41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line, and one bad experience can sour customers on your entire business. Almost half of consumers avoid a specific store if they have to wait longer than 5 minutes. No one wants to lose business due to customer dissatisfaction, and these lines can be effectively eliminated by deploying cash automation with self-checkout.

Lastly, cashless processing isn’t always as cheap as it seems to be. There’s a good chance cash payments cost less as a percentage of your revenue than cashless. Driving customers to cashless may actually increase costs and negatively impact profit margins.

In order to fully reap the benefits of your self-checkout deployment you need to include both cash and cashless payments. Cash automation makes it a well-rounded solution and delivers a superior ROI for your business.

If you are looking for self check out equipment that accept both cash and cards, give GAD a call. Our sales team is knowledgeable to help retailers save on labor cost, speed check-out, and improve customer experience.

3 Reasons Why Self Checkout is a Smart 2022 Solution

3 Reasons Why Self Checkout is a Smart 2022 Solution 332 347 GAD Vending

It’s 2022 and savvy retail owners have recognized the value of self-checkout technology and the benefits it will bring to their stores including:

  1. Easing labor shortage problems
  2. Improving the customer experience
  3. Increasing the bottom line

Now you need to consider how to deploy your self-checkout to best suit the needs of your stores and your customers; the remaining big question is—do you automate cash, or go completely cashless?

47% of all purchase values under $25 are paid in cash

You may be leaning toward cashless—it’s less costly upfront, and card payments seem more like “the future.” Let’s examine that assumption—can you get the full ROI you expect from your self-checkout without adding cash? First consider from the perspective of the speed of service; self-checkout will move your customers through the line faster and eliminate long lines at peak times of day. If you’ve only automated cashless payments you haven’t solved the complete problem, and will not be able to repurpose cashiers to take on additional store related tasks, like cleaning, stocking shelves, etc. Stores that struggle with staff shortages will find relief by allowing their customers to checkout without their assistance, ensuring only a few manager cashiers are required to ring up age-verified products and help customers with items that don’t want to ring up easily.

Next, think about your customer’s experience. For the average purchase in convenience stores, consumers overwhelmingly choose cash; 47% of all purchase values under $25 are paid in cash. The percentage of cash usage in your stores may be even higher given that the average c-store transaction is between $3.75-9.00; recent studies report around 40-50% of purchases are made in cash. In addition to preferences, the Federal Reserve estimates 20-28% of the population is currently “unbanked,” or “underbanked,” and do not have access to card payments. Cashless only self-checkouts could lead customers to perceive unfairness—why should they wait in line while the card paying customer can breeze right through? It’s up to the retailer to know their average ticket sale and customer demographic to make the right choice before going all cashless.

Card-only self-checkouts will still require a cashier to handle all cash payments, increasing the likelihood that lines will continue to be long at rush hour, and risk customers walking out without purchasing. 41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line, and one bad experience can sour customers on your entire business. Almost half of consumers avoid a specific store if they have to wait longer than 5 minutes. No one wants to lose business due to customer dissatisfaction, and these lines can be effectively eliminated by deploying cash automation with self-checkout.

41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line

Lastly, cashless processing isn’t always as cheap as it seems to be. There’s a good chance cash payments cost less as a percentage of your revenue than cashless. Driving customers to cashless may actually increase costs and negatively impact profit margins.

In order to fully reap the benefits of your self-checkout deployment you need to decide to include both cash and cashless payments. Cash automation makes it a well-rounded solution and delivers a superior ROI for your business.

Having a conversation with a well versed GAD Vending sales person can help you determine the optimal self checkout solutions for your business. Let us help today.