Beijing's “cashier-free,” convenience store honesty experiment resulted in financial losses. The experiment, sponsored by Sesame Credit, had mixed results.
In the first hour, about 30 customers came into the store. Many successfully followed the given directions, scanned the QR code and paid online. A number paid in cash directly into the box. A few customers did not understand how to pay and left.
In the afternoon, customers were not so honest. Three woman came into the store, grabbed expensive items, and left. A man walked in, put 10 Yuan on the counter and asked staff, “Is this the cashier-free supermarket?” Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed expensive alcohol and cigarettes and walked out.
Customers could pay with Alipay or put cash in an honesty box. The convenience store, an ampm, was located in Jianguomen, Beijing. The customers were mainly office workers from the surrounding buildings.
Hu Tao, general manager of Sesame Credit, hopes that the experiment helps people realize the importance of credit.
Many believe that the cashier-free model would not work long-term in China.
Source: ifeng.com
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Keywords: Beijing ampm Beijing supermarket Sesame credit
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An "honest experiment" in China is pretty unnecessary. You know what the results will be.
Jun 10, 2015 12:22 Report Abuse
Who would have thought that? I have never seen so many anti-theft measures than here in China. Heck even some inexpensive foodstuff have electronic bips devices against thieves because there will always be some ayi or farmboy to steal it.
Jun 10, 2015 10:58 Report Abuse
"Hu Tao, general manager of Sesame Credit, hopes that the experiment helps people realize the importance of credit." Im no business major, but pray tell how does stealing from a store make people realize the importance of credit. I dont see the connection. Can anyone explain this please ?
Jun 10, 2015 10:50 Report Abuse
Dare I say that this type of biz would probably do ok in Japan?!
Jun 10, 2015 10:47 Report Abuse
There has been cashier-free shops for more than a decade in Japan and it works like a charm. They have to implement more of it because of the sinking workforce. Whenever cashier robots are available they can take the job over.
Jun 10, 2015 11:02 Report Abuse
The last time these people got offered a chance to pick through their neighbor's belongings, the Cultural Revolution happened. The supermarket never stood a chance. Although, two days is pretty embarrassing.
Jun 09, 2015 23:07 Report Abuse
I'm trying to imagine a Chinese tour group entering a museum in a western country that has a suggested donation for entrance. Once someone figures out that they don't HAVE to pay anything I'm imagining the stampede of locusts entering dumbfounded at why anyone else is paying. Though I'm guessing they'd be in and out of the museum quickly just to get a few pictures to show everyone on We chat that they were there.
Jun 09, 2015 20:44 Report Abuse
Well, I guess that says it all. A good number of honest Chinese in the morning... and then in come the rest in the afternoon to screw it all up and steal stuff. It is no wonder that so many Chinese want to emigrate. They must be too embarrassed by their fellow countrymen. "What? I thought no cashier meant that I didn't have to pay. I didn't do anything wrong. Herp-a-Derp!"
Jun 09, 2015 20:19 Report Abuse
Oh yes... the peanut gallery. I have my opinion and you have yours. The difference is I don't hide my name or location like a coward.
Jun 10, 2015 16:48 Report Abuse
"Hu Tao, general manager of Sesame Credit, hopes that the experiment helps people realize the importance of credit." What on earth does credit have to do with anything? Mr Tao is a goose, and the whole experiment was a complete failure. The honesty system probably wouldn't work in most countries - let alone China!
Jun 09, 2015 20:04 Report Abuse
The honesty system probably would have worked longer than two days in most countries, though. Christ, China, don't you ever get sick of embarrassing yourself?
Jun 09, 2015 23:10 Report Abuse
Yes you're right. They just can't help themselves. It's a total embarrassment for the few good Chinese that do the right thing.
Jun 10, 2015 09:52 Report Abuse
Who would have seen that coming? ... Chinese people and voluntary honesty when it comes to money. I hope this is a marketing gag and they didn't expect to make any money out of it.
Jun 09, 2015 18:37 Report Abuse
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