SIM@Checkout

As telecom operators struggle to maintain their profit margins, it is essential for them to use as many methods as possible to increase the number of subscribers to their services. One worthwhile approach is ensuring that telecom products, especially SIM cards, are offered for sale in convenient, high-visibility locations — hypermarkets have large numbers of potential customers passing through, but those customers are often focused only on shopping for groceries.

Location, Location, Location

By placing SIM cards close to the checkout or till, telecom operators can tap into customers' tendency to impulse-buy products as they wait to be served. Confectionery is often seen in these areas, but the approach is proven to work for SIM cards too. Off-the-shelf SIM cards fit the ethos of hypermarket shopping — products are simply taken from the display, put in the cart, paid for at the till, and become available for use. In France, Carrefour reported a 700% rise in SIM card activations after offering them for sale near the tills.

Simplifying the SIM Card Process

SIM cards are placed on display at the checkout, packed in attractive cardboards, unlocked by the cashier, and activated at the after-sales desk. The retailer receives top-up bonuses as the customer recharges over time — the bonus is paid in airtime, as the same platform fulfils both the SIM activation and the recharges. Debits and credits, invoices and payments, top-up bonus calculation and the mapping of related accounts are all automated, making every stage of the process simple and convenient.

FAQ

Why sell SIM cards at the checkout?

Checkout areas tap into customers' tendency to impulse-buy while waiting to be served — in France, Carrefour reported a 700% rise in SIM card activations after offering them for sale near the tills.

How does the customer get the SIM activated?

Off-the-shelf SIM cards are taken from the display and paid for at the till like any product, unlocked by the cashier, then activated at the after-sales desk.

What does the retailer earn from the program?

Top-up bonuses paid in airtime as the customer recharges over time — with debits and credits, invoices and payments, bonus calculation and account mapping all automated on the same platform that fulfils both the SIM activation and the recharges.