23 Self-Checkout Statistics (Theft, Tipping + More) You Need To Know In 2023
DealAid curates self-checkout statistics on consumer behavior, theft and tipping from public data, private organizations and other sources. You will find key trends and statistics for self-checkout below. Please refer to the footnotes for original data sources.
*This resource will be updated with more statistics when more data becomes available.
Key Self-Checkout Statistics
1. Self-checkout terminals make up 38% of all checkout lanes in US grocery stores.
Self-checkout terminals comprise a substantial portion, accounting for 38% of all checkout lanes in grocery stores across the United States, reflecting the increasing popularity and widespread adoption of this convenient and efficient technology in enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.
2. 73% of consumers prefer self-checkout over staffed check-out.
A significant majority of 73% of consumers express a clear preference for self-checkout options over staffed check-outs, highlighting the growing demand for greater autonomy and convenience in the shopping experience, as well as the desire to streamline the checkout process and minimize waiting times.
3. Over $3 billion of product value are stolen from retail self-checkout terminals in US every year.
The impact of theft at retail self-checkout terminals in the US is substantial, with an estimated value of over $3 billion in stolen products annually, underscoring the significant challenge faced by retailers in implementing effective loss prevention measures and maintaining the integrity of the self-checkout system.
4. Introduction of self-checkout terminals leads to an increase in shoplifting by up to 50% for retailers.
The introduction of self-checkout terminals, while providing convenience for shoppers, unfortunately, presents a challenge for retailers as it is associated with an increase in shoplifting incidents by as much as 50%, necessitating the implementation of robust security measures and surveillance systems to mitigate the impact on loss prevention.
5. Common self-checkout locations that have integrated tipping options include airports, grocery stores, stadiums and cafes.
Self-checkout locations featuring integrated tipping options can be commonly found in various settings such as airports, grocery stores, stadiums, and cafes, providing customers with the convenience of self-service transactions while also offering the opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation through tipping in situations where it is customary or desired.
6. 18% and 20% are common default minimum tipping options programmed into self-checkout terminals.
Default minimum tipping options of 18% and 20% are frequently programmed into self-checkout terminals, providing customers with pre-set tipping amounts that align with customary or suggested tipping practices, while also accommodating individual preferences and fostering a seamless and user-friendly tipping experience.
7. 68% of American consumers feel pressured when prompted with point of sale (such as self-checkout) tipping request.
A significant majority of 68% of American consumers express a sense of pressure or discomfort when confronted with point-of-sale tipping requests, particularly in settings like self-checkout terminals, highlighting the need for retailers to carefully consider the implementation and timing of tipping prompts to ensure a positive and non-intrusive customer experience.
Consumer Self-Checkout Behavior
8. Number of self-checkout stations in the US has increased by 10% in the last ten years.
Over the past decade, the number of self-checkout stations in the United States has witnessed a notable increase of 10%, reflecting the growing adoption and preference for self-service options among retailers and customers alike, as well as the continuous advancements in technology and automation within the retail industry.
9. 85% of consumers believe self-checkout is faster than staffed checkout.
An overwhelming majority of 85% of consumers perceive self-checkout as a faster alternative to staffed checkout, highlighting the appeal of streamlined and efficient transaction processes, which contribute to improved convenience and time-saving benefits in their shopping experiences.
10. 60% of US consumers have used self-checkout more frequently since COVID-19.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant majority of 60% of US consumers have reported an increase in their usage of self-checkout options, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards contactless and socially distanced transactions to prioritize safety and minimize physical interactions during the shopping process.
11. Consumers who use both, self checkout and staffed checkout have the customer value of $1720.
Consumers who engage with both self checkout and staffed checkout options exhibit a higher customer value, with an estimated average value of $1720, highlighting their increased engagement and overall spending across various checkout methods, thereby contributing to the revenue and growth potential for retailers.
12. 67% of consumers have had a self-checkout malfunction on them at least once.
A significant majority of 67% of consumers have encountered a self-checkout malfunction at least once during their shopping experiences, highlighting the occasional technical issues that can arise with automated systems, and underscoring the importance of effective maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure a seamless and satisfactory customer checkout process.
13. 85% of Gen Z consumers prefer self-checkout over staffed check-out.
An overwhelming majority of 85% of Gen Z consumers exhibit a strong preference for self-checkout options over traditional staffed check-out, highlighting their affinity for convenient and self-directed transactions that align with their tech-savvy and independent shopping behaviors.
Self-Checkout Theft
14. Retail theft from self-checkout terminals is 4% of total inventory value for retailers.
Retail theft from self-checkout terminals accounts for approximately 4% of the total inventory value for retailers, indicating the significant impact that theft at self-checkout stations can have on a retailer’s bottom line and the importance of implementing effective loss prevention measures in these areas.
15. Up to 33% off missed scans at self-checkout terminals are due to intentional theft.
Up to 33% of missed scans at self-checkout terminals can be attributed to intentional theft, underscoring the challenge faced by retailers in mitigating dishonest practices and emphasizing the need for robust monitoring and security measures to ensure accurate and reliable transactions.
16. 72% of shoplifters report that self-checkout has made it easier for them to commit retail theft.
A significant majority of 72% of shoplifters acknowledge that the advent of self-checkout has provided them with a greater opportunity and ease to engage in retail theft, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities and challenges faced by retailers in preventing such illicit activities in self-service environments.
17. Up to 20% of consumers who have used self-checkout have not paid for at least one product in their cart.
A notable proportion of up to 20% of consumers who have utilized self-checkout have admitted to not paying for at least one item in their shopping cart, underscoring the potential risk of unintentional or intentional non-payment that retailers face in self-service checkout scenarios.
18. 42% of consumers report to accidently not paying for an item at self-checkout due to difficulty operating the terminal.
A significant portion of 42% of consumers have reported accidentally failing to pay for an item at self-checkout, primarily attributing it to the challenges and complexities associated with operating the self-checkout terminal, highlighting the need for user-friendly interfaces and improved customer support to minimize such unintentional errors.
19. Walmart's 'Scan and Go' self-checkout mobile app reduced theft by up to 50%.
The implementation of Walmart’s ‘Scan and Go’ self-checkout mobile app has demonstrated remarkable success in reducing theft incidents by as much as 50%, showcasing the potential of innovative technological solutions to enhance security and mitigate retail losses in the self-checkout process.
20. 40% off shoplifting in Canada occurs at self-checkout terminals.
Self-checkout terminals in Canada have become a focal point for retail theft, accounting for a significant 40% of all reported incidents, emphasizing the need for effective security measures and strategies to combat shoplifting in this self-service retail environment.
Self-Checkout Tipping
21. 30% is typically the highest default maximum tipping option programmed self-checkout terminals.
Self-checkout terminals commonly feature a highest default maximum tipping option set at 30%, providing customers with the flexibility to express their appreciation and generosity while ensuring that the tipping range remains within reasonable bounds for the given transaction.
22. 51% of American consumers add a tip when prompted with point of sale tipping request.
When prompted with a point of sale tipping request, more than half of American consumers, specifically 51%, willingly add a tip, reflecting a growing inclination to express gratitude and support for service providers in various industries.
23. Most tips made at self-checkout terminals go directly to the retailer and not the employees.
In the majority of cases, tips made at self-checkout terminals are typically directed towards the retailer or establishment itself rather than being distributed to the employees or staff members who provided assistance during the transaction.