DMart Billing: Why They Randomly Stamp Bills And Inspect Bags At The Exit

News18

5 days ago

There are countless essentials and daily necessities in our lives, and for many, DMart has become an integral part of their monthly routine. Numerous households visit DMart each month to stock up on goods in bulk, often enough to last the entire month, taking advantage of generous offers. Others prefer to shop weekly or even daily, depending on their specific needs. All of this makes perfect sense, but what truly sparks curiosity is why DMart conducts random checks when stamping the bill, something rarely seen in other supermarkets. In fact, many stores don't stamp receipts at all.
Some customers view the stamping process as a waste of time, particularly those in a hurry. However, DMart, which operates over 415 stores across 12 Indian states and union territories, is a large and well-structured organisation. To maintain a consistent and efficient system, the company applies uniform policies across all its locations.
In some states, shoplifting by customers has become a significant concern, resulting in substantial losses. In response, DMart management has tightened exit procedures and introduced random customer checks across its outlets. This means that even after billing, staff at the exit do not immediately stamp the bill. Instead, they cross-check at least four items in the trolley with the receipt. Staff often use their fingernails to make a small mark on the bill, confirming that the items are accounted for. This process serves five essential purposes:
1. Shoplifting Prevention: Although the exit is close to the billing counters, there have been instances where customers attempt to leave with items that were not billed or scanned. DMart staff discreetly verify whether all billed items are present in the trolley and vice versa. This checking is subtle and often goes unnoticed by the customers. Employees are specially trained and receive daily briefings to help them identify unbilled items during random checks.
2. Detection of Billing Errors: Mistakes can happen, either through human error or technical glitches. Items may be wrongly scanned, have incorrect weights, or inaccurate pricing. These issues can be spotted during the exit checks and rectified immediately.
3: Discouraging Impulse Theft: In some cases, customers may be tempted to steal an item, not necessarily with malicious intent but due to a lack of self-control. The very presence of an exit check serves as a psychological deterrent, reducing such behaviour.
4. Strengthening Customer Trust: This system reinforces the idea that DMart operates with transparency and strict processes. Customers often perceive these checks as a sign of professionalism and accountability, which ultimately strengthens the brand's reputation across the country.
5. Customer Identification: During these checks, customers are asked to remain still for a few seconds, allowing CCTV cameras to capture a clear image of their face. If a theft incident is later discovered on camera, this footage helps identify the individual and determine legal action. Most customers are unaware of this additional layer of security and assume the check is purely for billing verification.