While the point of sale technology isn’t always an exciting or interesting topic, it’s a necessity for any business owner that needs to provide the customer with receipts.
Even in today’s digital realm, the use of printed receipts isn’t going to disappear any time soon.
There are many older shoppers who actually prefer paper receives and people of all ages don’t want to give their email addresses to retailers to receive an electronic receipt.
Having the ability to create a paper receipt is essential to handle transactions.
This means finding the right receipt printer, like what is offered at clientron.com, is a must. Before diving into what to consider when choosing a receipt printer, it’s important to know what types are available.
Types of Receipt Printers
There are two basic types of receipt printers: thermal printer and an impact printer.
An impact printer works like the traditional dot-matrix machines. It has a print head that is made up of nine to 24 carefully placed pins.
The pins will strike through the ribbon to print the letters, along with simple graphics in some cases, in red or black. The biggest benefit of impact printers is a lower initial cost, reliable and simple operation, the ability to print several copies at once, and the ability to withstand hot environments.
A thermal printer is different.
Rather than using a traditional print head, the printers apply precise and targeted heat to the paper, which may be specially treated.
A thermal printer offers several benefits, including the fact that they are faster, quieter, last longer, and create a much sharper image.
When choosing a printer, be sure to keep these considerations in mind.
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Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal
If a person chooses the thermal receipt printer, they will have yet another decision to make.
This decision is between thermal transfer or direct thermal.
A direct thermal printer will use special paper that will get darker when it is expected to a specific heat pattern, which forms the images and text.
The thermal transfer printers will transmit heat using an inked ribbon, which will melt the images and test onto traditional receipt paper.
When considering these different technologies, the main question is how important is it to have long-lasting image quality?
If a business is going to use the receipts as a promotional or advertising medium, or if they need receipts that are more durable, then the thermal transfer is the better option.
These printers are typically monochromatic, but double-sided capabilities and colour can be added for a higher price.
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Mobile or Stationary?
Mobility is a recent transformation with POS technology, and this is something that applies to modern receipt printers.
The majority of printers are still in a stationary position, connected in a fixed position.
While this is an easy option, mobility is becoming more popular due to the benefits it offers. For example, stockrooms and warehouses can benefit from mobile receipt printers, as these devices can be worn on a shoulder strap or belt for increased convenience.
There are even some printers that are now sold with an integrated card reader, which will let a customer complete their purchase anywhere.
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The Game of Inches
Regardless of if a person chooses to go with a mobile or a stationary receipt printer, they will be able to choose the receipt width they want to use.
The most common sizes used today include two inches, three inches, or four inches.
The two-inch receipts are the most common size used for mobile printers and they can easily slip into a customer’s chequebook or wallet.
The three-inch receipts are considered the standard option for retail stores and restaurants.
While they are still manageable, they provide additional “real estate” for promotions, coupons, graphics, and any other information.
Four-inch receipts aren’t very common, but they are found in the places where customers are most likely to want to hang on to the receipt, such as an electronics or jewellery store.
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Hook Up Method
Any point of sale device requires reliable connectivity.
There are several connectivity options to choose from and each one offers unique benefits and advantages.
Serial ports are being replaced by the faster Ethernet and USB connections; however, the parallel is also an option.
The parallel is also slower than USB and Ethernet connectivity.
For mobile receipt printers wireless or Bluetooth connections are best.
There are also some POS installations that will combine various connectivity methods to meet the circumstances of the business or to serve both stationary and mobile printers.
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Technology Distributor
Now that a person is aware of all the options that are available and since they have considered their specific needs, it is a good idea to speak with the business’s technology distributor.
Just like any other technology purchase, it’s important to balance out the needs with the budget or this. While this is true, it’s also necessary to consider if the printer is MTBF or MCBF.
What Receipt Printer is Right for a Business?
When it comes to choosing a receipt printer for a business’s POS system, there are more than a few factors that need to be considered and options to choose from.
The information here provides a good starting point for any business regardless of what is sold and what methods have been used in the past.
If a business owner is still not sure what printer to purchase after reading the information here, it is a good idea to visit a physical store where it is possible to see how the different printers work and what features they offer.
Being informed is one of the best ways to make sure that a quality and reliable printer is used.
When it is time to make this purchase, considering all the options is best because a business owner doesn’t want to have to deal with issues with the printer down the road.
Don’t underestimate the benefits of being informed and finding the right printer for receipts for a business.
