How to Set up a 24-Hour Store without Cashiers: a Complete Guide

Discover how to set up a 24-hour cashierless store. Costs, software, benefits, and demo with Scan and Buy.

How much does it cost to set up a 24-hour store without cashiers?

The 24-hour store without cashiers model is expanding rapidly in Europe.

Automation in retail is no longer a futuristic trend: it is now a reality that is transforming the way of selling.

If you've ever wondered "how to set up a 24-hour store without cashiers", this article is for you. We explain what you need, how much it costs, what technologies make it possible, and how to get started today with models like Scan and Buy

What is a 24-Hour Store without Cashiers?

An autonomous store is an establishment that operates without physical staff to manage payments or direct attention, thanks to technologies such as:

• Mobile scanning and payment
• Automated access by QR
• Cameras with artificial intelligence
• Centralized control software

The customer enters, scans, pays and leaves. Fast, secure and contactless.

Benefits of Opening an Autonomous Store

• 🕒 Open 24/7
• 🤖 Lower operating costs
• 📱 Modern self-service without queues
• 🔐 Advanced security with AI
• 📈 Scalable to multiple locations

What Do You Need to Set up a Store without Employees?

• Management software with AI

  It is the heart of the system. From a panel in the cloud, you can control stock, sales, cameras, access and more. At Scan and Buy, its AI-powered management software allows you to automate alerts, detect theft and visualize metrics in real time.

  Scanning and buying with mobile app

  Users scan products and pay from their mobile. There are no physical checkouts. The experience is fast, secure and 100% digital.

  Intelligent access control (QR / NFC)

  Access is validated with a QR code, which allows managing schedules, users and security levels.

  Cameras + Security AI

  The cameras analyze customer behavior in real time. Attempts of theft or anomalies can be detected automatically.

  Smart lockers and autonomous stores

  The design should allow comfortable self-service. Many stores also integrate smart lockers for 24/7 contactless pickup.

What Do You Need to Set up a Store without Employees?

• 🧱 Small premises: from €13,000
  Includes adaptation of the physical space, automation of access, smart shelves, and signage.

  🖥️ Software and hardware: from €15,600
  Includes cloud management panel, sensors, control points, and central server. Scan and Buy offers a comprehensive management solution with artificial intelligence.

  📲 App and scanning system: from €7,800
  Technology that allows the customer to scan products and pay directly from their mobile, without the need for physical checkouts.

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  ➡️ Indicative total investment: around €36,400 for a store built from scratch. Maintenance runs on a monthly plan from €490. The full, current breakdown is on the pricing page.

  This investment can be recovered in less than a year in high traffic areas or strategic locations. In addition, models such as Scan and Buy allow you to set up your store with technical, legal and operational support included.

Is it Legal to Operate without Staff?

• Yes. You can open a store without employees as long as you comply with:

  • Municipal licenses and opening permits

  • Security and alarm systems
  • Compliance with the GDPR and data protection
  • Certification for surveillance cameras and access control

  Google even recommends verifying businesses without staff on Google Maps to improve local positioning.

For What Businesses Does this Model Work?

• Supermarkets
• Convenience stores
• Offices and coworkings
• Hotels
• Gated communities
• Airports and stations
• Entrepreneurs looking for a model without employees

For What Businesses Does this Model Work?

Can I have staff during the day and keep the store autonomous at night?

Yes. Many stores run a hybrid model: staff on the floor at peak hours and fully autonomous operation outside them.

What happens if a customer walks in and does not pay?

QR access ties every entry to an identified account, so there is a record of who was inside and when. Cameras with computer vision raise alerts on unusual behaviour.

Do I need technical knowledge to run it?

No. The management panel works from any device, and support is included: on-call 24/7 if a store stops, queries Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00.

Ready to open a store without cashiers?

Tell us the floor area and what you want to sell, and we will send you a concrete quote — see the pricing breakdown first if you prefer.

Request a demo

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