No cashier, no cameras, a purchase is done all by oneself. A self-serve store in Changsha, Hunan Province has been testing residents' integrity since November. So far, customers have passed the test, and no theft has been reported.

A sign posted on the shelf of the tiny store, which sells everyday sundries, reads "Help yourself to picking and paying." A netizen surnamed Qiu posted about the shop on his Sina Weibo account and thinks highly of it. "A civilized city needs positive energy like this. I felt truly grateful for this owner whom I've never met."

The cash register is also self-serve, with 100 yuan ($16) in the drawer for patrons to take change.

Owner Han Li (pseudonym) also published her cellphone number at the cash register in case she is needed.

Han started the business in July last year. At first she hired a cashier to work from 9 am to 9 pm, a rather long shift. To cut costs, she switched to the current model in November. The store is essentially breaking even, but Han intends to continue.

Han also mentioned that a patrolling police officer passed by recently and called her to check if there was anything missing. Han said she is always thinking ahead, so most of the goods are no more than 10 yuan in value.

Xiaoxiang Morning Herald