Features of Self Service, Advantages And Disadvantages

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Table Of Contents

At the end of this article, student should be able to:

1. Define the meaning of self service.
2. Explain the features of self service
3. Outline the advantages of self service
4. Outline the disadvantages of self service
5. Revision questions

Meaning Of Self Service

Self-service allows the customer to go round and select the products he wants without the help of shop attendants. In other words, self service system is adopted by the retailer in order to encourage people in helping themselves rather than being served. The goods are displayed with price tags for customers to move around and select their choices without assistance from the shop attendants. Basket and trolleys are provided to ensure effectiveness. It can be found in large scale Retailing like supermarket, departmental stores, etc. The goods selected are checked and paid for on leaving the shop. Self-service as a trend in retailing is enhanced by appropriate packaging and display.

Read Also

• Features of supermarket, advantages and disadvantages
• Features of departmental stores, advantages and disadvantages

Features of Self Service

1. Choices of goods: Customers move around to select their choices of goods.
2. Few shop attendants: Only few shop attendants are required.
3. Use of price tags: Goods are displayed with price tags.
4. Use of trolleys: The use of trolleys and baskets are permitted.
5. Pre-packaging of products: Goods are pre-packaged with Price tag fixed.
6. Payments are made at the desk: goods are paid for at the desk on leaving the shop.
7. These is impulse buying: Goods are displayed to encourage impulse buying.
8. Large space is required: There is the need to provide large space for easy movement of customers.

Facilities required for Self Service Operation

To encourage self service, the following necessary facilities should be put in place by a retail shop:

1. Attractive shelves: There should be attractive shelves where goods are well displayed.
2. Packaging of goods: Proper packaging of goods with price tags should be done.
3. Large space required: Specials floor should be provided to facilitate free movement of customers.
4. Position of trolleys and baskets: Trolleys and basket should be provided for effective service.
5. Security should be provided: Security should be beefed up to minimize shoplifting or pilfering.
6. Provision of pay desk: Pay desk have to be installed at strategic locations within the shop.
7. Employment of qualified cashiers: Cashiers with automatic cash register should be developed.
8. Provision of packaging spaces: There should be provision of space for packaging to attract more customers.

Advantages of Self Service

1. Customers freedom of choice: Customers have freedom to select their choice of goods.
2. Saves time: It saves time and labor since bargaining is avoided.
3. Overhead cost is reduced: There is no need to waste money in employing many sales attendants, therefore, overhead cost is reduced.
4. There is impulse buying: It encourages impulse buying.
5. Customers convenience: It ensures the convenience of customers.
6. Increase sales: It leads to more Sales of Goods.

Disadvantages of Self Service

1. Problem of pilfering: It creates high opportunity of pilfering.
2. Increase running cost: It increases running cost as large space is required.
3. Incure additional costs: Additional course will be used to provide trolleys and baskets.
4. Lack of opportunity to check goods: The customers do not have ample opportunity to inspect pre-package goods.
5. Less attention: Less personal attention is given to customers.

Revision Questions

1. What is self service in commerce?
2. What are the various features of self service?
3. State five advantages of self service
4. List the facilities required for self service operation
5. State five disadvantages of self service