Pick `n Pay has introduced a convenient way of providing customers with prepaid cellular airtime at checkouts in all its supermarkets and hypermarkets nationwide. Family franchise stores will follow early in the new year.
The new system designed by JSE-listed Prism Holdings, provides a secure offering which is accessed via the checkouts on customer demand. The cashier keys in the request for a voucher and within 20 seconds the voucher number is returned to the system and printed out on a till slip ready for the customer to input into their handset.
Purchasing cellular recharge vouchers via this system provides retailers with many benefits, says product manager, Ian Steyn.
"It addresses security issues by cutting out the transportation of physical cards, storage space is no longer needed, and theft is eliminated as no stock is kept in-store.
"Pick `n Pay still order the vouchers from Vodacom and MTN, but instead of holding stock of prepaid cards, Prism holds the numbers in a data warehouse, only releasing them when an authorised request is processed. And because the entire process is carried out electronically, stock can be efficiently monitored and replenished at the push of a button.
"In addition to the benefits to the retailer, the new system also provides a convenient channel for consumers, who are able to purchase cellular vouchers along with groceries and other items while doing their regular shopping. They then make only one payment using whichever method is preferred, from cash or cheque to credit and debit cards.
"The new system of obtaining prepaid cellular vouchers at Pick `n Pay till points further adds to the retail chain`s EasyPay Account payment offerings through the Prism-developed system which allows customers to pay utility and other bills at the checkout.
"Pick `n Pay has been a leader in adopting this new technology and we are pleased with the response that has been generated so far," concludes Steyn.
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