Does that qualify as an oxymoron?

Mobile and RFID/NFC technology are quickly changing this equation. RFID/NFC technology has previously been viewed mainly through the lens of tag costs, with companies often saw as high, especially when deployed at item level. Rob Simmons of Freedom Shopping notes however that, "Self-checkout is an excellent example of how RFID/NFC can simplify processes and significantly reduce capital expenditures, especially for small businesses. Any touch-screen can be repurposed with a self-checkout application, using a simple RFID checkout scanner and security gate to give a highly convenient, highly secure service to any POS at a fraction of the cost of a conventional self-checkout system."

An RFID/NFC approach also allows businesses to develop a complete enterprise approach from inventory track and trace to consumer message delivery which provide real time, geo-targeted and loyalty options and after purchase messaging. Consumer engagement is an ongoing activity and

"90 percent of smartphone owners use maps and local search... with a local purchase intent".

Many stores are also implementing and experimenting with other intelligent packaging options and in aisle and other mobile and tablet self checkout activities. Another pos and mobile activity supported by, and expanded upon with RFID/NFC technology. To this end, Freedom Shopping offers a simple way to print thermal face RFID foam tags.

Small and medium sized businesses and specialty retailers often have limited resources and floor space, and cannot staff for these unexpected customer influxes or quickly address their need for speed, often losing the business transaction while being engaged with a current customer inquiry or order.

Self-checkout solves this problem and creates win-win for the customer and the retailer.