Revised supermarket policy: Mandatory money counting for customers at checkout counters
Rewe, a leading German supermarket chain, has introduced a new payment system called Rewe Pay, marking another step towards a more transparent and integrated shopping experience for its customers. Here's what you need to know about this new payment method.
### Benefits of Rewe Pay
The Rewe Pay system offers several advantages for customers:
1. **Convenience and Integration:** With Rewe Pay, customers can pay directly through the Rewe Bonus app by scanning their bonus code at checkout. This streamlined process combines payment with coupon and discount redemption, simplifying and speeding up the checkout process at both traditional and self-checkout terminals.
2. **Security Features:** Rewe Pay ensures security by only working on the device where it was first activated and requiring biometric or device security verification such as Face ID, fingerprint, or device code for each payment.
3. **Automatic Discount Application:** All linked coupons and discounts are automatically applied during payment, ensuring customers don't miss out on savings opportunities.
4. **Payment Confirmation:** Customers receive instant confirmation in the app after payment, increasing transparency.
### Drawbacks of Rewe Pay
While Rewe Pay offers several benefits, it also has some limitations:
1. **Limited Payment Method Compatibility:** Rewe Pay only supports Girocard (the German debit card system linked to customers’ current accounts) and does not accept credit cards or international debit cards, which may limit access for some users.
2. **Activation Requirements:** Customers must first pay traditionally with a Girocard and confirm a direct debit mandate by signature before using the app-based payment, which might complicate initial setup.
3. **Device Dependence:** The payment can only be used on the initially activated device, restricting flexibility for users with multiple devices or who change phones frequently.
In summary, Rewe Pay enhances the shopping experience through integration, security, and convenience but is somewhat restricted by payment method compatibility and device constraints.
### Implementation Details
The new Rewe Pay system is available nationwide at all Rewe locations since July 1st. During the first payment process, customers must still pay once with an EC card and sign. The new system requires a smartphone with the installed Rewe Bonus app to use.
Rewe benefits from payment via direct debit by avoiding expensive credit card or Apple Pay fees. Additionally, the new checkout process provides Rewe with valuable customer data, showing which products are bought where and how often.
Customers should weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of the new checkout system before deciding whether to use it. Those who prefer traditional methods like cash and EC cards may find the new system confusing or concerning due to privacy implications. However, for those seeking a more streamlined and integrated shopping experience, Rewe Pay could be a worthwhile consideration.
Other technology, such as biometric or device security verification like Face ID and fingerprint, is integrated within the Rewe Pay system for enhanced security. For customers who prefer a more streamlined payment experience, alternative technology like the Rewe Bonus app and QR code scanning at checkout could be an appealing option.
