How to Choose the Perfect Checkout for Your Shop

Stuck wondering which checkout system is right for your store? You're not alone. As a store owner, choosing the right checkout isn't just about having somewhere to ring up sales—it's about creating smooth customer experiences that keep shoppers coming back. 

The good news? There's no need to stress. We've been designing and building Australian checkouts since 1989, and we've learned a thing or two about matching the right setup to the right store. 

Start with Your Customers 

Your checkout needs should match your customer behaviour: 

Basket Shoppers 

Got customers popping in for a few quick items? Express checkouts are your best mate. They're compact, efficient, and perfect for keeping those smaller transactions moving. 

Check out our Express Checkout range – available with or without belts and multiple bagging options. 

Trolley Warriors 

For those weekly big shops, full-sized belted checkouts are worth their weight in gold. Yes, they take up more floor space, but they'll make those queues of loaded trolleys disappear faster than a Tim Tam at smoko. 

View our Tandem Counter range for handling your biggest transactions with ease. 

Mixed Crowd 

Most Aussie supermarkets serve both basket and trolley customers. A smart mix of full-size and express checkouts gives you the flexibility to handle whatever comes through your doors. 

Think About Your Peak Hours 

We all know that mad rush when tradies come in for lunch, or when school's out, or the after-work crowd hits. Your checkout configuration needs to handle these peaks without creating frustrated customers. 

Ask yourself: 

• How many customers do you serve in your busiest hour? 

• Could self-checkouts help move smaller transactions through faster? 

• Would an extra express lane ease congestion during peak times? 

Space and Flow Matter 

Your store's layout plays a huge role in which checkouts will work best: 

Left Hand vs Right Hand vs Tandem 

• Left hand checkout: The checkout operator sits to the left of approaching customers 

• Right hand checkout: The checkout operator sits to the right 

• Tandem: Combines both left and right configurations for maximum flexibility 

Your store layout and customer flow should determine which style works best for you. 

Cash vs Cashless 

Cash isn't dead in Australia—far from it. Have you considered an automatic cash recycler? We offer checkout units ready for Glory automatic cash recyclers, meaning your staff never handle cash directly. 

Some of our customers have seen sales jump by up to 30% after being able to accept more cash payments. 

Learn about our Glory-compatible solutions 

Bagging Methods That Work 

Bagging might seem like a small detail, but it makes a massive difference to checkout efficiency: 

• BYO bags: Most common these days, but you need a good system to handle them 

• Carousel units: Allow cashiers to bag items and spin them to customers, freeing up space for the next order 

• Box-friendly platforms: Perfect if your customers prefer boxes for their shopping 

Self-Checkouts: The Game Changer 

Self-checkouts aren't just for the big chains anymore. We offer self and hybrid solutions that work with various POS providers to deliver the right software solution for your store. 

While they require a bigger upfront investment, they're brilliant for: 

• Stores where staffing is a challenge 

• Fast-moving metro locations 

• Places with lots of smaller transactions 

Explore our Self and Hybrid Checkout options 

Australian-Owned and Operated Since 1989 

At Brian Cummins Group, we've been building checkouts for Australian supermarkets since 1989. Some of the checkout counters you've seen in IGA stores were designed by our founder, Brian Cummins himself. 

We're proud to do all our R&D locally, and we love hearing your ideas. If you've got unique needs for your store, we're all ears. 

Let's Sort Your Checkouts 

Ready to find the perfect checkout solution for your supermarket? Get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 66 22 14 or email admin@briancummins.com.au to discuss your options.