Method for spot checking a client in a self-service store

Abstract

A customer pass or card registered in the client's name is issued to each client who wishes to make use of the self-registration system. A check parameter, such as an integer, is assigned to the customer pass, and is either recorded in the customer pass or stored in the memory of a computer. After the client has registered the selected articles using a portable scanning device, the scanner is coupled to a readout station and at the same time the identity of the client and the associated check parameter are determined. With the aid of an automatic device, such as a random number generator, it is determined whether a spot check should take place. The store arrangement includes shelves 3, typical cash desks 4, and a check selection station 22 where a client wishing to make use of the self-registration system presents the customer pass. Station 22 determines whether the client must be spot checked. If a spot check is needed, the client is directed to a check cash desk 24 where a storeworker registers the articles in the normal manner. If no spot check is needed, the client can go directly to the readout station 6 where the portable scanner is read out automatically.