A Beginner’s Guide to Using Unmanned Stores: A to Z for Parents and First-Time Users

Unmanned stores are becoming increasingly common, but they may feel unfamiliar to those using them for the first time. This is especially true for parents and individuals who are not comfortable with technology. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to use major unmanned stores in the U.S. for beginners. Additionally, it serves as a helpful resource for those considering starting an unmanned store business by explaining the basic operational structure.

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1. What is an Unmanned Store?

An unmanned store is a shop that operates without staff, allowing customers to select and pay for items on their own. There are different types of unmanned stores, including:

• Unmanned Convenience Stores (e.g., Amazon Go, 7-Eleven Express)
• Unmanned Cafés (e.g., Café X, Briggo Coffee Robot)
• Unmanned Printing Facilities (e.g., FedEx Office Print & Ship, public library printing services)
• Unmanned Gas Stations (e.g., ExxonMobil Pay at the Pump, Shell Tap & Pay)

Now, let's explore how to use each type of store step by step.

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2. How to Register for Mobile Payments

(Since most unmanned stores do not accept cash, registering for mobile payment in advance can make your shopping experience smoother! 😊)

Step 1: Setting Up a Payment Service

1. Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
2. Select Wallet & Payments or Payment Methods.
3. Choose a preferred payment service: Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.

Step 2: Adding and Verifying a Card

4. Select "Add Card", then enter your credit or debit card details.
5. Use the camera to scan your card or enter the details manually, then tap "Verify".
6. Once verification is complete, your mobile payment setup is ready to use.

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3. How to Use Unmanned Stores

3-1. How to Use an Unmanned Convenience Store (e.g., Amazon Go)

Step 1: Entering the Store

1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone.
2. Search for and download the Amazon Go app.
3. Launch the app and create an Amazon account (requires email, password setup, and card registration).
4. Find your QR code on the app's home screen or under "My Account."
5. Scan your QR code at the entrance scanner to enter the store.

Step 2: Shopping

1. Pick up the items you want and place them in your bag or pocket.
2. If you put an item back on the shelf, it will be automatically removed from your virtual cart.
3. The store’s cameras and sensors track all item movements.
4. When finished shopping, simply walk out of the store—there's no checkout counter.

Step 3: Automatic Payment

1. Once you exit, your registered payment method will be charged automatically.
2. You can check your purchase history and receipt in the Amazon Go app.

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3-2. How to Use an Unmanned Café (e.g., Café X)

Step 1: Placing an Order

1. Download and open the Café X app.
2. Sign up using your email or social media accounts (Google, Facebook, or Apple ID).
3. Browse the menu, select your preferred coffee, and complete the payment.
4. Check your order number in the app.

Step 2: Picking Up Your Coffee

1. Look at the display screen in the store to track your order status.
2. When your order number appears, the robotic barista will serve your coffee.

Step 3: Using Additional Features

1. You can place additional orders through the app and enjoy your drink inside the unmanned café.

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3-3. How to Use an Unmanned Printing Facility (e.g., FedEx Office Print & Ship)

Step 1: Uploading a File

1. Download the FedEx Office app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and create an account (requires name, email, and payment details).
3. Select "Print & Go".
4. Upload the document you want to print (supports PDF, Word files, JPG, PNG in some locations).

Step 2: Solutions for Unsupported File Formats

• JPG, PNG to PDF Conversion: Use Smallpdf or Adobe PDF Converter before uploading.
• Excel, PowerPoint to PDF Conversion:
• Download the Microsoft Office mobile app (App Store or Google Play Store).
• Use Google Docs with a Google account, open the file, and save it as a PDF.
• For Large Files: Use a PDF compressor before uploading.

Step 3: Printing in the Store

1. Visit a nearby FedEx Office location.
2. At the self-service kiosk, select "Print & Go".
3. Enter your 6-digit code or connect a USB drive.
4. Review your file, choose the number of copies, and press "Print".

Step 4: Making a Payment

1. Pay using a credit card or mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) at the kiosk.
2. You can print a receipt or have it emailed to you.
3. Take your printed documents with you.

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3-4. How to Use an Unmanned Gas Station (e.g., ExxonMobil Pay at the Pump)

Step 1: Setting Up Payment Before Refueling

1. Download and install the ExxonMobil Rewards+ app.
2. Open the app and create an account:
• Step 1-1: Select "Sign Up" or "Create Account".
• Step 1-2: Enter your email or phone number and tap "Next".
• Step 1-3: Set a password and complete the security verification (e.g., text message code).
• Step 1-4: Enter your name and basic details, then select "Create Account".
• Step 1-5: After account creation, log in and register a payment card.
3. Upon arriving at the gas station, select the pump number in the app.

Step 2: Refueling

1. Tap "Start Fueling" in the app to authorize the payment.
2. Open your gas cap and refuel as needed.

Step 3: Payment and Receipt

1. Payment is processed automatically once refueling is complete.
2. You can check your transaction history and receipt in the app or receive it via email.

 

At first, unmanned stores might seem a bit unfamiliar or even intimidating, but once you get used to them, they can make your life so much easier! 😊 Especially for parents and those who aren’t tech-savvy, this guide will help you navigate these stores with confidence.

Setting up mobile payments or downloading an app may feel like a hassle at first, but once it's done, you’ll be able to shop, order coffee, print documents, and even refuel your car with ease!

If you have any questions or if you’ve encountered any challenges while using unmanned stores, feel free to share your experience in the comments or send a message. Your insights could be incredibly helpful to others! 😉

See you next time with more useful tips for beginners! Enjoy your unmanned store experience!