Walmart is testing an iPhone 'Scan & Go' system that will allow shoppers to scan items with the iPhone and then pay at a self-checkout counter, reports Reuters.
In the Walmart iPhone scanning test, shoppers can scan products with their phone and put them in bags while they shop, and then pay at a self-checkout counter.
The test does not allow users to pay on their phone. The app transfers the scanned items to the self-checkout kiosk and then shoppers complete the transaction using the normal self-checkout process.
The test took place at the Walmart supercenter in Rogers, Arkansas. The company asked employees, family, and friends to participate paying $100 for their time and a $25 gift card to use for purchases.
I can see one potential abuse of this system and that is putting items in your trolley, basket, bag etc that the sneaky customer wants to steal. What checks could be put in place to stop this from happening?
I was thinking about an app like this when I was grocery shopping at Adsa about 12 months ago. I hope it comes to the UK. It would be good to see how much money I've spent before getting to the checkout. The only drawback I can see from the Store's point of view is that people will be more careful about the amount of money they spend and buy less. But as a consumer, it's a great money saving tool.