Now, a new self-service solution – NCR FastLane Self-Return – allows retailers to provide more queue-busting convenience to their customers during the often time-consuming and frustrating merchandise return process.

Recently deployed by a major European retailer, NCR FastLane Self-Return is on display at the 2008 National Retail Federation Convention & Expo, January 13th to 16th in New York City.

“The ease of returning products is a significant factor in a consumer’s purchasing decision. Our research finds that over half of consumers would prefer to shop at stores that offer a self-service solution to help speed returns,” said Mike Webster, vice president, NCR Self-Service Solutions. “The first solution of its kind, NCR FastLane Self-Return provides retailers with a new vehicle for enhancing the consumer experience and building customer loyalty, while also improving staffing and operational efficiencies.”

Here’s how it works:

In a typical store, the solution allows shoppers to return goods for a refund on their own by first scanning the item(s) and entering relevant product information. Next, the item is inspected by a store associate who can approve the return. A reimbursement is then issued in the manner the item was originally purchased – debit, credit, cash or gift card.

To maximize retailers’ investments, NCR FastLane solutions are supported by NCR’s global services team, which offers a portfolio of services – including consulting, deployment, integration, hosting and support – to meet individual retailer needs.