Self-Service in Retail Trade

Self-service is a method in retail trade that allows customers to independently shop in a store with minimal or no assistance from sales attendants.

Features

1. Customers shop with little or no assistance.
2. Requires fewer sales attendants.
3. Needs a spacious area in the shop.
4. Goods are prominently arranged and displayed on shelves.
5. Security personnel are stationed at shop entrances.
6. Suitable for pre-packaged, labeled, and priced items.
7. Emphasizes neat organization of goods on shelves.

Advantages of Self-Service

1. Encourages impromptu or impulse buying.
2. Cost-effective due to fewer required staff.
3. Speeds up the shopping process for customers.
4. Leads to competitive pricing of goods.
5. Allows customers to make choices independently.
6. Utilizes spacious store areas effectively.

Read: Supermarkets: Features, Advantages and Disadvantages

Disadvantages of Self-Service

1. Pre-packaging limits customers’ ability to closely inspect products.
2. Not suitable for all types of goods (e.g., fragile or specialized items).
3. Requires significant space to operate effectively.
4. Increases the risk of theft and pilfering.
5. Lacks personalized customer attention.
6. Additional expenses for baskets, trays, or trolleys can raise costs.
7. May lead to reduced employment opportunities.
8. Seen as elitist and not in line with certain cultural values.