The picture in Fig. 3 shows a checkout at a supermarket. [Figure 3 - Diagram showing a checkout with a cashier, a customer, goods, and labelled equipment A (scanner) and B (card machine)] Use the picture given in Fig. 3 to help you to answer the following questions.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] (a)(i) A = point of sale terminal/laser scanner/bar code reader/laser counter
2. Allow any plausible name that includes the word scanner.
3. [1] (a)(ii) B = credit card machine/credit card reader/chip and pin machine/electronic funds transfer/card reader
4. Allow any plausible name that includes the words credit card or debit card.
5. [4] (b) Any four points x 1 mark each and any well explained point up to 2 marks each:
6. • because they give information about the product such as the manufacturer's name, brand and price
7. • so that they can be scanned at the checkout giving greater accuracy and the total amount owed quickly calculated so saving time for the consumer and speeding up the time taken for each individual consumer at the checkout
8. • so that the stock control process can be computerised as bar coded goods are scanned, the stock levels are updated and new supplies ordered
9. • information provided by the bar code tells the supermarket what kinds of goods are selling and which are the slower lines
10. • and what kinds of customers are buying what lines so that the goods do not have to be individually priced so that prices can be updated quickly saving on labour costs.
11. [2] (c)(i) Any two kinds of packaging shown in Fig. 3 x 1 mark each:
12. • carton, can, packet, box, tin, cardboard, plastic, Tetrapak, metal container (allow bag).
13. Container = 0 marks.
14. [4] (c)(ii) Any two points explained x 2 marks or any four points x 1 mark each:
15. • to make them attractive to consumers and show the brand/logo
16. • to enable information to be shown e.g. sell-by date
17. • to encourage impulse buying of attractive packages
18. • to group goods together e.g. biscuits
19. • to help to preserve goods/prolong the shelf life e.g. vegetables
20. • to protect goods from handling, damage
21. • to enable self service to take place as packaged goods can be displayed
22. • to reduce shop lifting
23. • to increase the value of the product
24. • for easy storage/display
25. • for easy identification
26. • so that they are easy to carry
27. • some packaging can be recycled.
28. [4] (d) Any two reasons explained x 2 marks each or any four points x 1 mark each:
29. • large variety of goods offered in one place/one stop shopping
30. • may be lower prices because of bulk buying and discounts
31. • often special offers e.g. buy two, get one free
32. • self service – can choose what they want to buy
33. • car parking - if buying in large quantities
34. • loyalty cards – can gain rewards
35. • instore bakery/butchery/fishmonger for fresher produce
36. • large turnover so fresher goods e.g. fruit
37. • air conditioning
38. • long opening hours
39. • offer credit facilities
40. • cafeteria.
41. [4] (e) Level 2 (3-4 marks) Has discussed the use of credit cards in supermarkets and has shown whether or not they are beneficial to the consumers who use them. (A one sided discussion = 3 marks max)
42. Many consumers use credit cards when shopping in supermarkets. This enables them to postpone payment. They are simple to use and to carry and it saves carrying large amount of cash which may not be safe. If the card holder pays the debt within about a month, free credit can be obtained. By using credit cards it is possible that the shopper may impulse buy and buy more goods than was intended. If the shopper is then unable to pay off the total debt at the end of the month, interest at quite a high rate is charged. There is also the possibility of the credit card being stolen or cloned.
43. any supermarkets offer online shopping. The use of the credit card makes this possible for many consumers. Credit cards are an easy method of payment for many shoppers and so their use is beneficial for many shoppers.
44. Level 1 (1-3 marks) Has commented on the use of credit cards when shopping.
45. Many consumers use credit cards when shopping. They enable the consumer to postpone payment. They allow the shopper to buy more goods than they intended. They may lead to debt and interest being charged. They should be used carefully. They may be lost.