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In 2026, businesses in eight vertical markets are likely to increase their adoption of self-service solutions with unattended payments. These businesses are responding to consumer demands for transaction ease, speed, convenience — and not having to wait in line. But in addition to delivering the CX that customers are looking for, merchants also benefit from unattended payments through lower labor costs and easier scaling during slowdowns or high-traffic periods.
Where You’ll Find Demand for Self-Service Solutions with Unattended Payments
Independent software vendors (ISVs) and value-added resellers (VARs) exploring ways to grow their businesses should evaluate opportunities to sell self-service solutions in these markets.
- Retail
Big box stores have given their customers the option of self-checkout for years. However, smaller retailers are adding self-service solutions to avoid losing customers. According to a Waitwhile survey, three out of five customers have left a store because they didn’t want to stand in line. Furthermore, shoppers may not even enter a store where they see a line. Keeping lines short, reducing checkout times, and providing quality in-person services help to keep revenue coming in. Retailers can also benefit from taking sales associates off the cash register to focus on higher-value tasks, such as assisting customers with buying decisions and increasing conversions. - Grocery
CapitalOne Shopping Research reports that 40 percent of grocery store checkouts are now self-service, and 73 percent of shoppers prefer them over staffed registers. While this may signal a more mature market with less opportunity, you may find stores looking for a self-checkout upgrade. ISVs and VARs who can solve the challenges that grocers face, from product recognition for easier produce scanning to fraud and loss prevention, will find opportunities in this vertical. - QSR and Cafes
Samsung Insights confirms consumers’ preference for self-service at QSRs, reporting that 66 percent choose them over a manned checkout. The reasons consumers say they head for a kiosk with unattended payments include convenience, speed, and not having to talk to an employee at the counter. Meeting this demand can increase average order sizes. According to The Today Show, one chain saw an average spending increase of up to 42 percent. Factoring in less need for labor at the counter and more efficient communication with the kitchen, and these prospects will understand self-service and unattended payments ROI. - Transit
Speed is crucial for transit customers, and unattended payments allow faster fare purchases and shorter lines. There is no need for an employee at a ticket counter, which lowers operational costs and increases customer satisfaction. Transit operations work more smoothly, and passengers experience less friction during their commutes.
Where ISVs and VARs Will Find Emerging Opportunities
The RSPA 2025 Retail IT Channel KPI Study found that solutions providers are investigating expansion into new verticals, and interestingly, some of those markets line up with a growing demand for unattended payments:
- Ethnic Grocery
The RSPA survey found that ethnic grocery and restaurants are a focus for 32.1 percent of solutions providers. And according to Grandview Research, the market is growing at an 8.3 percent CAGR from 2024 to 2030 to reach $78.1 billion. Adding self-checkout can enhance shopping experiences and build customer loyalty, helping them to compete more effectively with traditional grocery stores. - Entertainment and Recreation
The entertainment and recreation market is the focus for 15.8 percent of RSPA solution provider members. From ticketing to streamlined concessions sales, self-service solutions can optimize processes and make sure guests have maximum time to enjoy the main event. - Healthcare and Medical Services
About 15 percent of respondents to the RSPA survey are looking for ways to offer solutions to healthcare organizations, doctors’ offices, and medical services. At self-service kiosks with unattended payments, patients can pay copays or pay directly for essential products or services. Allowing patients to manage payments independently allows staff to focus on patient care and enhancing patient experiences. - Hotels and Hospitality
According to RSPA, 10 percent of solutions providers are exploring expansion into the hospitality industry. Self-service solutions empower guests to skip the line at checkout to settle their bills or pay for items at a micro market. As in other verticals, unattended payments allow operators to offer more services to their guests without scheduling more staff.
How to Bring Autonomy to Commerce in 2026
Whether you’re focusing on retail, restaurant, or grocery, or expanding to new verticals, offering self-service solutions will round out the offerings in your portfolio. You’ll meet a growing demand for solutions that meet consumer expectations for more autonomy, while giving businesses solutions that help them overcome challenges with labor shortages, scalability, and controlling operational costs. An essential part of self-checkout is unattended payments, and working with an experienced partner will decrease integration complexity and support you as you tailor solutions to your market. Datacap Systems is ready to help you meet the growing demand for self-service solutions with unattended payments. Contact us now!
