Mid Sweden University

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the acceptance of self- service checkouts in Germany and to explore the differences between possible Adopters and Non-Adopters.

Methodology: Possible reasons for adoption or avoidance of self-service checkouts were explored in a focus group interview and compared with previous literature. On this basis hypotheses were developed and tested with a survey with 276 participants. Using independent-samples t-tests the differences betweenpossible Adopters and Non-Adopters were analyzed.

Findings: The study showed that there is a high acceptance of self-service checkouts in Germany. Differences in the perceived attributes of self-service checkouts between the two groups as well as demographic differences in age, gender and income were found. Also the importance of the attribute compatibility is highlighted in context with self-service checkouts.

Conclusion: There is a positive attitude towards and a high intention to use self-service checkouts in Germany if they would be more common. Implications for Managers are given for implementation of the machines.