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Overview

AiFi shopping journey: Core concepts​

The AiFi shopping journey consists of three main steps:

  1. Customers enter the store.
  2. They take their items.
  3. After leaving the store, the customer pays for the items on the receipt.

Payment Process​

Although payment is the last step, it plays a crucial role during check-in. The initial question in an AiFi integration is: How will customers pay for their orders?

In traditional stores, customers pick items, approach a counter, and pay at the cashier. In AiFi stores, the platform sends the receipt after the customer leaves. AiFi needs the customer's payment information and, depending on your setup, contact details to process payment and send the receipt.

Key Terms​

  • Customer Check-in: Collects information to charge the customer and deliver the receipt.
  • Authentication Method: Establishes a connection between the customer's physical presence and their virtual representation in the AiFi system.
Check-in Compared to Hotel Check-in

The term "check-in" becomes clearer when you think of the customer journey as a hotel check-in rather than a traditional store experience. A traveler books a stay and checks into the hotel. The hotel pre-authorizes payment while keeping the bill open for additional charges. A guest authenticates with their documents and credit card so that, by the time they leave, payment is collected for all activities during their stay.

How the customer journey works​

AiFi Check-in and Authentication Methods​

Credit Card Authentication​

Credit card-based entry is a low-commitment option for customers to try autonomous stores. Nearly everyone carries a credit card, making this method convenient and accessible. AiFi APIs simplify credit card-based entry integration, which can be extended to support other authentication methods.

  • Built-in Integrations: AiFi provides integrations with Adyen and FreedomPay for credit card terminals.
  • Risks: Minimal PII collection can attract fraudulent shoppers. Assess the risk of accepting prepaid cards and consider collecting additional user data upon entry.

Customer App Authentication​

The customer app is crucial for retailers to offer a great experience. Customers use the app to identify themselves, enter the store, and make payments. AiFi offers a basic customer app that can be branded, but creating a custom app provides more benefits, such as tailored features, better alignment with the retailer's brand, and improved communication with customers.

  • Integration Benefits: Tailored features, flexible bug fixes, and better brand alignment.
  • Endpoints: AiFi provides endpoints needed to integrate your app with OASIS APIs.

Collecting Customer Information​

During Check-in​

Collecting customer contact information when they tap their card is suitable for stores with low throughput, typically not exceeding one person per minute. This avoids queues at the check-in device.

  • Entry App Setup: The entry app is usually a webpage that listens for events via websocket. It displays on a touch device in a browser set to "kiosk" mode.
  • Options: Build your own application or use AiFi's registration page.

Inside the Store​

If you want to capture the email or SMS in a dedicated area inside the store, you have two options:

  • Build Your Own Application: Allows full control over branding, language, and layout.
  • Use AiFi Registration Page: Requires no additional frontend development but may need additional setup on AiFi's side.

Receipt Delivery​

Delivering receipts to customers involves determining the method based on the information collected. This can be via email, SMS, or within the app.

  • Methods: Email/SMS delivery or app-based delivery.
  • Recommendations: Follow AiFi guidelines for implementing receipt delivery effectively.