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Self-service 45#

A part of the value creation is transferred to the customer in exchange for a lower price of the service or product. This is particularly suited for process steps that add relatively little perceived value for the customer, but incur high costs. Customers benefit from efficiency and time savings, while putting in their own effort. This can also increase efficiency, since in some cases, the customer can execute a valueadding step more quickly and in a more target-oriented manner than the company.


Apply this pattern to your own business and create your next innovative business model!

Examples: Iconic Cases

How they do it: Users of the Mobility service can use the vehicles upon spontaneous booking online or via telephone. Then, they can pick up a car from the station without the need to pick-up the key separately as the cars open with the membership card. Hence no personnel is involved in the physical part of the reservation and rental process.
Learn more about Mobility Carsharing →

How they do it: Instead of table service, customers at McDonalds have to order at a counter and carry the food to their table. Through this, the food can be offered at competitive prices through decreased labour costs in the service part of the restaurant.
Learn more about McDonald's →

How they do it: Cewe customers can either create their individual products at home on their computer or at Cewe stores / machines, which can be used without any support from personnel.
Learn more about CEWE Color →

How they do it: AWS cloud computing can be set up by every business independently without needing to talk to a AWS representative. Extensive tutorials and documentation help the customers to act and use the service as independent as possible. However, in case support is needed, AWS has it available.
Learn more about Amazon Web Services →

How they do it: IKEA stores have three main areas, the exihibition area, self-service area, and warehouse. Products from the self-service area are grab and go articles. Larger products and furniture is presented in the exhibition area and numbered. The customer then has to pick-up the individual parts of the furniture according to the numbers in the warehouse area and proceed to the check-out.
Learn more about IKEA →



Apply this pattern to your own business and create your next innovative business model!