Patent ID: 6354496
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G06Q,G07F,G07G

Abstract:
A method for customer service at a shopping establishment, comprising:dispensing portable bar code scanning devices to first customers having established customer identification for user by said first customers to accumulate a list of products being purchased; providing an unmanned portable device return station whereat said first customers return said scanning devices; providing an unmanned self-service scanning station for use by second customers who do not have said customer identification, whereat said second customers may scan bar codes on items to purchased to accumulate a list of products being purchased; providing a cashier station, separate from said portable device return station and said unmanned self-service scanning station, said cashier station being arranged to serve multiple customers at the same time; receiving payment from said first and second customers for said items on said lists at said cashier station; and a re-scan station separate from said portable device return station, said self-service scanning station and said cashier station, and selecting ones of said first and second customers for re-scan of items being purchased at said re-scan station.