The new self-service machine allows shoppers to scan their receipt to automatically receive a refund – and they can also use it to exchange goods
Asda is trialling a self-service “drop box” where shoppers can return unwanted items.
The new self-service machine allows supermarket shoppers to scan their receipt to automatically receive a refund. They can also use it to exchange goods. Once they are finished, they simply drop the unwanted product into a chute or place it in a cupboard for staff to collect later.
If a refund cannot be issued automatically, for example if the shopper no longer has the receipt, they can still ask a staff member to process it manually. A wide range of items can be returned using the “drop box” including groceries and electricals. Asda is testing the new technology at its Ashton-under-Lyne store in Greater Manchester.
In a LinkedIn post, Alexander Lacy, Senior Manager – Retail Front End Service and Back Office at Asda, said: “Self-service returns is live. Massive well done to all the people involved in landing our brand new self- service returns concept in our Ashton store in Greater Manchester.”
She added: “The service allows customers to return items they have purchased in-store using their receipt and then get a refund via their original payment method. If the return is a simple change of mind it can be done in around 30 seconds.
“If the customer requires help or the return is more complicated then our colleagues are on hand to help. This is designed to help customers speed up their shopping trip by removing the pinch point of queueing at a traditional kiosk with customers wanting multiple missions.”
Asda is also trialling a new vape and cigarette vending machine. The vending machine is placed behind a kiosk desk so members of staff can still verify the age of the customer. According to a report by the Grocer, customers will need to request the item they want from a member of staff, who will then select it on a screen.
The product will then be dispensed and the staff member will scan it through the till and take payment for it. In the future, it is understood the customer would be able to select the product they want from a designated place in store. They would then get a ticket, which they would take to a self-service machine to scan and pay for a ticket, before getting a second ticket that they can take to a machine to dispense the product.
The introduction of the vending machine aims to reduce the level of anti-social behaviour within the store. The vending machine has been created and supplied to Asda by the firm Strongpoint who says its system – given products are accessible only after payment – “virtually eliminates the possibility of theft”.
Alongside this, as the machine tracks all door openings and stock changes, it “reduces shrinkage from internal theft to nearly zero”. Strong Point also notes that also eliminates the need for on-item security tags or lock boxes. Tobacco vending machines are used in other countries across Europe with the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden having the machines in stores.
