IT’S no secret that a lot of shoppers aren’t fans of self-checkouts and will actively avoid them where possible.
But heading down to the usual tills can be pretty time consuming too, luckily there’s a little-known trick to help you shop without the faff and it could even save you money.
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Self-checkouts were first introduced more than 10 years ago in major supermarkets and now the craze has spread to even more retailers.
Now the likes of Ikea and even some Primark stores have them installed – but not everyone is a fan.
Recent mystery shopping data from The Grocer shows that service satisfaction has fallen by as much as 8% due to machines.
Many instead opt to head over to a staff manned checkout, leading to long queues and disgruntled customers.
Luckily for shoppers though, the big name supermarkets have come up with a solution.
Scan as you go systems are the latest addition to the supermarket shopping experience with several retailers making them a permanent feature in big stores.
They allow customers to scan as they browse, either using their smartphone or a handheld device.
Then most shops allow you to check out at a completely different area to other shoppers, saving time in queues.
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It means that shoppers can keep track of how much they’re spending as they go around the aisles, allowing you to budget and stick to your list.
It also means that you can bag your groceries as you wander around too – saving you even more time.
Do bear in mind though that most of the supermarkets require you to pay by card when using scan as you shop.
Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and M&S all offer the handy tool.
Below we explain how each supermarket’s system works and more tips for how to save on your shop.
Tesco
Tesco’s “scan as you shop” uses a handheld scanner which can be picked up at the front of the store.
You must be a Clubcard member to get started as you have to scan the barcode before you can set it up.
From there shoppers can simply wander the aisles and scan the individual barcodes of the items they need then pop them in their trolleys.
There are a few items – like fruit, veg and loose bakery items – that aren’t individually barcoded.
With loose bakery and individual produce items, you’ll find a small, red label and barcode on the shelf edge which you can scan as many times as needed.
For fruit, veg and any other items that you need to weigh, you can scan the barcode on the sticker printout at the weighing stations.
In the majority of Scan as you Shop stores, the payment area is available for you to use with Scan as you Shop. In some stores, you can pay at a normal checkout.
Make sure to ask a Customer Assistant in-store to find out what options are available for you.
Asda
Asda’s “Scan & Go” system works in a similar way to Tesco too.
Shoppers can simply pick up a handset in store or download the Asda Scan & Go app on their mobile.
Then just scan items with your phone camera or handset, and pack as you shop to save time.
Asda says Scan & Go makes “keeping track of spending simple”.
The handset and mobile app display a running total as you shop, so there are “no surprises at the checkout”.
If there isn’t a price tag on the item you can also use the price check button to check the price of an item before you add it to your basket.
Scanning fruit and bakery items works in the same way as Tesco too.
Then shoppers can head over to the dedicated checkout spaces and the machines will scan the handset or phone and allow you to pay.
You can download the Scan & Go Mobile app from your app store.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s own version of the system is called SmartShop and is only available to use in some stores across the country so far.
Similarly to Tesco, you’ll need to be signed up the chain’s Nectar card scheme to register for the system.
Armed with your Nectar card, simply download the app or register in store at the handset wall in store.
Some of the SmartShop stores also have extra handsets at the front of store which you can use if your own phone isn’t compatible or if your battery is running low.
Then you also need to just scan the items you want in the same manner as with Asda and Tesco.
Whether you’re using a SmartShop handset or the app on your phone, you can pay at a dedicated card-only SmartShop checkout or at a self-checkout that is SmartShop enabled.
M&S
M&S shoppers armed with a Sparks Card can also skip those pesky queues.
Unlike the other supermarkets though the system can mainly only be accessed through the app and there isn’t a handheld device to use.
Simply use your phone to scan and bag items as you go, then pay for your food shop directly from the M&S app.
In selected stores, you can also use one of its in-store Scan & Shop devices while shopping though – but it varies across the chain.
Scan & Shop Mobile App is available in all M&S owned food stores.
Currently the minimum spent on the app is 30p and maximum is £45.
How else can I save on my supermarket shop?
You can also try looking out for yellow or red stickers on products that show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh you’ll have to eat it fast, or freeze it to have another time.
Sometimes even timing your shop to stock up just as items are discounted on the shelves can help you get the best bargains – lots of shoppers have said this is in the evening typically.
Making a list could save you some money too as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
As we previously mentioned going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills.
That means going for “own” or “value” type products instead of “finest” or “luxury” lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes as well where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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