HANGZHOU: Two cashier free grocery stores completed a one-day trial in China testing the integrity of customers.
Customers assume the job of the cashier by scanning bar codes themselves. They were able to pay via mobile phone or put cash in an honesty box.
Chinese media reports say that the stores were tested in Beijing and the eastern city of Hangzhou.
“It’s very convenient. I think most people will accept this new way of purchase,” a customer said.
The grocery store sold products worth 16,700 yuan (about 2,700 U.S. dollars) on Saturday but only received payment of 13,700 yuan from customers.
In Beijing’s outlet under ampm, a convenience store chain, staff said some customers stole products or paid less.
The trial was jointly run by the two store chains and Sesame Credit, credit scoring service introduced by a financial affiliate of e-commerce giant Alibaba.
