Author: Star Micronics

4 Contactless Payment Solutions Every Restaurateur Needs to Thrive
Contactless payments have been increasing in popularity, even before COVID-19 rocked the world. According to Statista, contactless payment revenue in 2018 was $48 billion. There’s no doubt, however, that the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of contactless payments amongst consumers and businesses alike. According to a report earlier this year, 27% of businesses reported an increase in contactless payments following the beginning of the pandemic, and Juniper Research predicts that by 2022, over half of point of sale (POS) transactions will be contactless.

It’s quite apparent that in order to thrive in the new normal, restauranteurs need to adopt a contactless payment strategy if they haven’t already done so. Read on to explore how contactless technology works, four of the top contactless payment solutions on the market today, the many benefits of contactless payments, and how Star Micronics can help you roll these technologies out to your restaurant customers.

How Does Contactless Technology Work?

Contactless technology largely relies on radio frequency identification (RFID) and near-field communication (NFC) technologies. Inside contactless cards, there is a chip that emits radio waves that are picked up by the contactless payment terminal (also known as an RFID reader). The terminal will pick up the signal emitted by the card, communicate with the card, and process the payment. The customer is then alerted that the payment has been completed (or not) by the terminal.

Similarly, if a customer is paying with a mobile phone or other smart device, the device uses NFC to transmit data to the terminal, and again the terminal will alert the customer that the transaction was successful or unsuccessful.

4 Must-Have Contactless Payment Solutions

Even as restaurants have reopened their doors, safety is a priority to diners and business owners alike. The below contactless payment solutions are popular amongst consumers and are important for restauranteurs to adopt in order to thrive in the new normal.

1. Contactless Debit and Credit Cards

It’s important for restaurants to deploy payment terminals that feature NFC capability so that they can process contactless debit and credit card transactions. These terminals, as well as debit and credit cards capable of contactless payments, have a contactless payment symbol on them to indicate contactless transactions are supported. When it’s time to pay, customers simply hold their card one to two inches away from the contactless symbol on the terminal and voila – the payment is made.

2. Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets like Apply Pay and Google Wallet – which are available on a range of devices including smartphones, smart watches, fitness trackers, key fobs, and more – work similarly to contactless debit and credit cards. Diners simply hold their device in close proximity to the contactless payment terminal to complete their transactions.

3. Pay at Table

Another great contactless payment solution for restauranteurs is pay at table. According to Mobile Payments Today, 69% of diners think that waiting for the check is the most frustrating part of the dining out experience. Help your restaurant customers improve their diners’ experiences by integrating pay at table into your POS software. Pay at table functionality can enable guests to simply check-in through the restaurant’s app where their bill can be associated to their mobile device, creating a seamless transaction where diners can pay at any time and there is no reason for a server to touch their card or cash.

4. QR Codes

Restaurants looking for an easy, affordable contactless payment method need not look further than their receipt printer! If restauranteurs have receipt printers capable of printing QR codes, like Star Micronics printers, they can print QR codes that diners simply scan with their smartphone camera, which then opens the restaurant’s app or website where customers can pay their bill.

Free Resources During COVID-19 & Beyond

Now more than ever, safety is a priority in retail and hospitality environments. Star Micronics is proud to offer a line of solutions and resources for businesses during this challenging time, designed to keep consumers and employees safe, as well as mitigate business impact caused by COVID-19.

Visit Our Health & Safety Toolbox

Benefits of Contactless Payments

Safe: It probably goes without saying, but contactless payments are safer than traditional payment methods thanks to less human contact and fewer opportunities to come in contact with other people’s germs and viruses.

Secure: Despite the belief that mobile contactless payments are less secure than traditional payment methods, the opposite is true. According to Fast Casual, “Mobile payments are processed without the transfer of sensitive information. Apple does not store consumer information on their servers, and Google encrypts the financial data they receive. The security measures on the phone itself — face recognition and fingerprint scanning, for example — protect card information in the event of a lost or stolen phone.”

Convenient: Who doesn’t love convenience? Contactless payments process in about half the time of the more traditional process of inserting a card’s chip into a card reader.

Profitable: Did you know that consumers who use mobile wallets make purchases at a rate 23% higher than those who pay with physical cash or card, and spend 2.4% more per transaction, according to researchers at the University of Illinois? It’s true – and we’re sure that by offering safe and convenient contactless payments, your restaurant customers will experience happier diners who are more likely to return to the business.

Star Micronics and Contactless Payments

One design. One integration. One provider. For all payment peripherals.

Star Micronics is proud to accommodate the latest POS trends, including contactless payments. By providing sleek, easy-to-integrate POS hardware, Star Micronics merges the priorities of software providers and payments companies, while offering restauranteurs an easy, reliable, and compliant solution.

Click here to learn more about Star Micronics’ payment solutions.

From all-in-one POS hubs to mix-and-match POS hardware combinations, Star Micronics provides the features restauranteurs need and the connectivity to bring together applications and payment processing. Star Micronics’ experienced team works with major players in the payment and restaurant POS industry to bridge the gap in the payments world and provide win-win business scenarios for all involved parties.

Ready to learn more about how Star Micronics’ hardware powers today’s payments?

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October 27, 2020
Why Self-Service Kiosk Integration is Crucial for Restaurateurs
In recent years, one can’t help but notice how many self-service kiosks are popping up in businesses of all kinds. Arguably, the most noticeable increase has been in restaurants. Kiosks are often found in quick-service restaurants (QSR) but can also be spotted in airport food courts, schools, workplace cafeterias, and many other places. So, what’s all the hype about? Why should restauranteurs prioritize implementing a self-service solution? Read on to explore five main reasons why self-service kiosk integration is not just beneficial, but crucial for restauranteurs.

Better Customer Experience

At the end of the day, happy customers translate into returning customers, which in turn means a successful business. Self-service kiosks are an easy way for restauranteurs to provide a better customer experience for their diners and create sticky business.

First and foremost, kiosks mean customers spend less time waiting in line. Offering two ways to place an order – at a manned point of sale terminal and at a self-service kiosk – helps prevent a restaurant’s queue from bottlenecking. Who doesn’t enjoy quickly ordering and receiving their meal? Kiosk integration makes that a reality – and not just during slow times, but during rush hours, too.

Another major way that kiosks benefit the customer experience is by allowing diners to customize their orders fully and rapidly. According to the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers, a whopping 72% of consumers expect customization. While it’s true that customers can also customize their order at a manned point of sale terminal, face-to-face orders are more susceptible to miscommunication and inaccurate order-taking, something that simply doesn’t occur as often at self-service kiosks. Additionally, kiosks can accommodate order-taking in multiple languages, further boosting their ability to help all customers place their orders, their way.

Boosted Profits

Needless to say, money matters … and kiosk integration can help restauranteurs make more of it!

Did you know that it’s been shown that customers spend 30% more when ordering from a self-service kiosk? A major reason for this is due to the ability for kiosks to naturally enhance upselling and cross-selling. Diners aren’t likely to order that extra drink or dessert if the only place they see it listed is on a separate part of a physical menu, or if the option is presented to them by a cashier in a sales pitch type of manner.

However, in one case study measuring sales at self-service kiosks versus sales at manned cashier terminals, not only did kiosks experience more traffic, but on average a kiosk’s orders contained 1.4x more items than orders placed at the terminal. This resulted in an impressive increase of at least $5 per transaction. The ability for kiosks to naturally present add-on items to diners (in an appealing style) certainly pays off.

More Efficient Use of Staff

One common fear associated with self-service kiosks is that a kiosk integration means that current restaurant staff will lose their jobs. However, that tends to not be the case. In fact, McDonald’s installed kiosks in thousands of its stores – without plans to lay off its workers.

According to a Business Insider article,

“Our CEO, Steve Easterbrook, has said on many occasions that self-order kiosks in McDonald’s restaurants are not a labor replacement,” a spokeswoman told Business Insider. “They provide an opportunity to transition back-of-the-house positions to more customer service roles such as concierges and table service where they are able to truly engage with guests and enhance the dining experience.”

Just like the article states, self-service kiosks allow staff to focus more of their energy on providing better customer service to customers, staying on top of cleaning and stocking napkins, utensils, and condiments, and more. And having staff prioritize the customer experience is important: 70% of consumers say they have already made a choice to support a company that delivers great customer service.

Free Self-Service Kiosk Resources

The future of many industries lies with self-service solutions. That’s why Star Micronics is offering free online ordering resources for resellers and software developers who are helping customers future-proof their businesses with self-service solutions.

Visit Self-Service Toolbox

Marketing Benefits

Self-service kiosks present multiple marketing opportunities to restauranteurs.

First, they provide an easy way for restaurants to promote their loyalty programs. Kiosks can prompt diners to sign up for a loyalty program or remind existing loyalty program members of program benefits, creating sticky business. Did you know that loyalty program members spend 12-18% more per year at a business than non-members?

Kiosks also provide a great opportunity for restauranteurs to reinforce their establishment’s branding. The kiosk’s software, as well as its exterior, can be customized to match the restaurant’s look and feel, further enhancing brand awareness. Some kiosks are also able to print promotions on the bottom of the receipt where diners are sure to see them, using technology like Star Micronics PromoPRNT.

Improved Safety

Last but certainly not least, kiosk integration can help restauranteurs boost the safety of their restaurants, something that is more important than ever as the world navigates the new normal.

In this day and age, nearly everyone prefers less contact with other people. Self-service kiosks not only eliminate the face-to-face interaction found at manned terminals, but they can also include safety-boosting features like antimicrobial glass, a single-piece screen design to eliminate the nooks and crannies that can harbor germs, and more.

Star Micronics Self-Service Kiosk Printers

A kiosk printing leader, Star Micronics is proud to offer a full range of self-service kiosk printers that accommodate multiple paper widths, operating systems, and more. The compact, reliable, and high-speed printers are designed to bring any restaurant self-service solution to life.

Kiosk Printer Family Features:

2”, 3”, and 4” paper sizes

Compact or modular footprints

Available with multiple accessories including bezels, presenters, large paper roll holders, and more

Support Windows, Linux, Android, Mac, and iOS

Print receipts, tickets, coupons, or adhesive labels

Interfaces include serial, USB, parallel, and Ethernet

Available with StarPRNT emulation, allowing you to take advantage of the full stack of Star Micronics technology, like StarPRNT SDKs and Star’s powerful line of drivers

Are you looking to integrate self-service kiosk printers, but not sure how to decide on a printer? Download “A Guide to Selecting the Right Kiosk Printer” now.

Download Guide
October 15, 2020
4 Ways to Tell that It’s Time for a Retail Technology Upgrade

As a retail business owner, you are busy and your plate is full of responsibilities. From managing inventory to recruiting staff, you have a lot of tasks to juggle and one of the last things on your mind might be your point of sale (POS) technology. So, how exactly do you know when it’s time for a retail technology upgrade? Read on to explore four common ways to determine when it’s time to refresh that tech.

1. You’re Not Online

Did you know that online shopping started all the way back in the mid-1990s? According to Money Magazine,

“Toward the end of 1994, Money magazine published a story about the sharp rise in consumers shopping from home. That year, some 98 million consumers made $60 billion worth of purchases from home, nearly all of it through phone orders prompted by mail catalogues and TV shopping channels. Another home-shopping option had suddenly arrived on the scene that year, too–an “on-line shopping service [that] requires a PC or Macintosh that’s equipped with a modem.” The article explained how such curious services worked:

‘For ordering, many of the “computer stores” offer shoppers an 800 telephone number to call. Others are set up so a shopper can click on a box next to the desired gift, type in payment information and the shipping address and then hit a “Submit Order” button. Some companies even let shoppers pick out the wrapping paper via computer.’”

Obviously, online ordering has come a long way since 1994 – and the COVID-19 pandemic kicked the trend into high gear. It’s simply not an option to not be online anymore. According to Zoovu.com, Target’s digital sales increased by 275% in April 2020 alone, and there has been a 500% rise in curbside pickup year-over-year. This trend extends past large retail chains; people understand the hardships many small businesses have faced during this unprecedented time and are looking to support their local mom-and-pops during the new normal.

If you aren’t online yet, don’t panic. There is a chance your current POS software provider offers e-commerce capabilities, and if they don’t, set aside some time to research an affordable and easy-to-use solution. From a POS hardware perspective, establishing an online store can be easier than you think. Certain online ordering printers, like the Star Micronics mC-Print3, are equipped with retail technology enabling the printer to automatically and directly retrieve orders from your online store. What does this mean for you? No extra tablet to purchase and install in your store and no additional timely training for your staff.

2. Your Marketing is Lackluster

Another task that can easily slip through the cracks for small business owners who wear multiple hats is marketing. While it may sound daunting, if you are equipped with the right retail technology, marketing can be easy.

From a software perspective, many POS software providers offer integrated, easy-to-view sales and marketing data right in their dashboards. These analytics can be used for sales reporting, loyalty programs, email marketing, and much more.

From the hardware end of things, did you know that with the right receipt printer, you can print promotions on your receipts for free? These promotions can easily and quickly be customized to communicate upcoming sales, your social media accounts, now hiring messaging, and more. You can design and schedule the promotions from anywhere using a simple online-based dashboard – even if you have multiple store locations.

3. Your Customers Can’t Pay the Way They Want To

The days of traditional cash and credit/debit card transactions are over. The COVID-19 pandemic has launched the retail world into a new way of doing things, and consumers demand modern payment methods that either reduce or eliminate contact with common surfaces and other people.

Is your store set up to accept contactless payments? Contactless payments – or the processing of transactions via the tap or close placement of a credit/debit card, smartphone, or smart watch – are growing in popularity as a safer and more efficient way to make purchases.

If you are looking to implement contactless payments, rest assured the process can be quite simple. Most banks not only offer contactless credit and debit cards, but also the terminals that are required for processing contactless transactions. These terminals have a contactless payment symbol on them showing customers that contactless payment methods are accepted. You may also tell your customers that you accept contactless payments in person, through social media or email marketing, by placing a sign at the point of sale, and through receipt marketing.

4. You Have a Dated Aesthetic

They say looks aren’t everything, but when it comes to retail technology, aesthetic makes a big difference. You might be used to seeing your POS hardware every day but try to take a look at it with a fresh set of eyes. Does it look clunky? Does it match the environment of the rest of your store? Does it complement the personality and vision you have in mind for your business?

If you find that your POS hardware looks a bit outdated and takes up too much space, it’s time to consider a refresh. In terms of style, POS hardware has come a long way in recent years. Tablet POS systems are now the norm, and not only provide a modern, clean appeal, but can provide an even better customer experience as well with features like tilting tablet stands that can be used to capture customer signatures. There are options on the market for modern-looking printers, cash drawers, scales, and more, too.

mCollection: Changing the Face of Retail

Whether just a couple parts of your retail technology environment need an upgrade, or you’re looking for a complete overhaul, the Star Micronics mCollection has you covered. A true one-stop shop, the mCollection includes receipt printers built for online ordering, tablet stands featuring clean cable management, stylish and durable cash drawers, and a full range of accessories like scanners, customer displays, and more.

Designed with ease-of-use in mind, the mCollection is integrated with the retail industry’s top POS software providers, like Shopify, PredictSpring, Square, Vend, and more.

Learn more about mCollection

Star Micronics has what it takes to modernize your small business.

Download Retail Brochure

October 8, 2020
What Restaurateurs Need to Know About Sneeze Guard Height Requirements

Sneeze guards have been staples in restaurants long before the pandemic first hit. What originally started out as a solution to improve the health and safety of buffet-style dining quickly became a federally-mandated requirement.

Back in 1958, a restaurateur and self-proclaimed germaphobe named Johnny Garneu started looking for a solution that would block viruses and bacteria from contaminating food at the buffet tables while customers leaned over them. Having no luck, he decided to strike out and invent his own, patenting the product that year.

The sneeze guard was so effective and popular that the FDA later mandated that sneeze guards must be present in all self-service dining establishments. While they are still popular with self-service operations, COVID-19 has transformed them into something else entirely.

It is now critical that restaurants implement sneeze guard solutions within their establishments in order to increase safety, but it’s equally important to make sure that the correct solution is installed and meets the right requirement.

Height and Angle

When searching for the right sneeze guard solution to install, it’s important to consider the placement and positioning of the guard – namely the height and angle. To account for this, consider the height of your typical customer. Usually the average customer is somewhere between 5 and 6 feet tall. Also account for the height of the structure holding the guard.

As for the angle, it’s important to consider whether customers are serving themselves, or are being served by others. In a cafeteria-like environment where employees are preparing food, a full-service sneeze guard will be ideal. For buffet and salad bards, a self-service sneeze guard would be the optimal choice.

Download our Restaurant Disaster Relief Checklist for full details on keeping your restaurant safe.

Regulations and Guidelines

Both full-service and self-service sneeze guards have guidelines and regulations for how they must be used. Some of these are federal guidelines, but most depend on specific region and locality. Check with local governing authorities for specific regulatory requirements for sneeze guards in your area.

Sometimes, you will find mandates for things like barrier thickness, materials, height requirements, and construction. You may also find instructions on how sneeze guards should be properly used and how often they must be replaced. In general, replace sneeze guards when they become cracked, scratched, or show other signs of wear and tear. For most restaurants, it’s a good idea to go for an NSF-2 sneeze guard, which is the industry-accepted standard.

Visibility

It is a requirement that all food and staff behind the sneeze guard must be clearly visible to the customers. Damaged, scratched, or dirty sneeze guards can block the customer’s view and can lead to complaints or confusion. Avoid negative impressions and prevent poor customer experiences by cleaning your sneeze guard regularly and ensuring any damaged components are fixed or replaced as soon as possible.

Choose the right sneeze guard solution for you restaurant

Beyond federal and local regulations and requirements for sneeze guards, there are many other factors to consider when choosing a solution to install:

Easy installation and relocation

Some solutions must be permanently mounted on countertops, requiring drilling into the countertop to fasten the sneeze guard to the surface. If you aren’t looking to permanently install a sneeze guard, or have little downtime for drilling, sneeze guard solutions exist that come with easy-to-mount stands that make them portable and reusable. Adjustable mounting poles make it easier to accommodate height requirements.

Adaptability

A sneeze guard at a checkout counter will require a wide enough gap to enable the safe passing and scanning of products between customer and employee. An adjustable mounting pole can make it easier to accommodate different environments, and can be adjusted accordingly to fit the cashier’s needs.

Make sure to consider where peripherals like pin pad terminals will be placed. Choose a solution that accommodates these peripheral hardware solutions without overcrowding the counter.

Durability

One of the most important considerations for selecting the right sneeze guard for your restaurant is durability. It’s critical that your sneeze guard can withstand the tough environments commonly found in restaurants. A steel frame is a must if you want your sneeze guard to last. Be sure to choose a plexiglass display as well. These are easy to clean and are both flexible and strong.

Compatibility with Mobility Solutions (Make it a Bundle!)

The final consideration is whether or not your sneeze guard pairs well with your existing POS or mobile POS terminals. Consider how much space you have available on your countertop, and whether or not the design is compact enough to fit your space.

If you need more than just a sneeze guard, make it a bundle with the Star Micronics POSShield. This sleek stand offers a small footprint and pairs well with the mC-Print receipt printers and mC-Sound kitchen buzzer. It also includes supplies to mount the PIN pad to the stand itself for extra space savings.

If you are interested in learning more about the Star Micronics POSShield, and how it can help keep your restaurant environment safe, contact the experts at Star Micronics today.

Learn about Star’s POSShield

October 1, 2020
Provide Restaurateurs With Post-Pandemic Restaurant Tools for Success
It goes without saying that today’s restaurants have needed to adapt to the changes that occurred in the hospitality industry following the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. As a reseller, your restaurant customers turn to you to provide full solutions – especially in recent times. Did you know that the restaurants tools and technology that you can provide now will continue to be needed, and can help restaurants succeed, for years to come? Read on to explore four restaurant tools you can offer that are designed to help businesses survive during a crisis – and thrive in the long term.

Online Ordering and Multiple Delivery Methods

It’s not exactly news that online ordering has been prevalent for years now, but the rapid growth in its popularity during COVID-19 is undeniable. Did you know that according to Adobe Analytics, the number of orders placed online and picked up at retail stores alone rose 208% during April 2020 compared to April 2019? And when it comes to food specifically, 31% of adults polled in the United States in May 2020 claimed they spend more than usual on food takeout and delivery.

As a reseller, it’s important to provide the necessary restaurant tools needed for online ordering, curbside pickup, and food delivery. What do these tools look like? From a technological perspective, be sure to offer online ordering printers that are easy to install and use, and are integrated with today’s popular online ordering service providers. An added bonus is if the printer features technology like Star Micronics CloudPRNT, which enables the printer to communicate directly with the online ordering service so that restaurants do not need to invest in and fuss over a new tablet – the printer will simply automatically print new online order tickets as they are received.

Once the order is received and prepared, a restaurant’s priority is ensuring the food is delivered promptly and securely. Offering tamper-proof food labels for takeout and delivery orders to your restaurant customers can provide peace of mind to both the diners and business owners.

The flexibility and added safety of online ordering and delivery will likely continue to be a customer favorite well into the future. According to Rewards Network, 42% of restaurants added delivery as a result of COVID-19, and 31% of them plan to continue to invest in delivery services. By offering a full online ordering solution, you will help your restaurant customers succeed for years to come.

Contactless Payments

Another trend that was on its way to becoming mainstream, but got a serious boost during the pandemic, is contactless payments. These payments, which are made by credit and debit cards and smart devices like smartphones and smartwatches, use radio-frequency identical or near-field communication (NFC) to enable secure transactions without the need for consumers to make any physical contact with cash or payment terminals that can harbor germs. Instead, customers simply wave or tap their card or device near a payment terminal that accepts contactless payments.

While many consumers turn to contactless payments as a way to avoid unnecessary contact with common surfaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, the added convenience of this method of payment is sure to make contactless payment options alluring well after the pandemic passes.

Speaking of contactless, another tip you can share with your restaurant customers to enable an even safer transaction is to turn their restaurant receipt printer toward their diners so that the diners can collect their receipt themselves, further eliminating potentially dangerous contact. If your restaurant customers use Star Micronics printers, you may also share the official Star Micronics Printer Cleaning Guide with them.

Reopening Toolbox

Now more than ever, safety and convenience are priorities in retail and hospitality environments. As businesses reopen their doors, Star is proud to offer a line of solutions and resources designed to keep consumers and employees safe and satisfied.

Visit Toolbox

Protective Sneeze Guards

Avoiding contact with other people’s germs is something that has become a priority to the public at large. What’s a restaurant tool that can help with that? Sneeze guards!

Sneeze guards – or acrylic or glass screens designed to protect people or food from droplets caused by coughing, sneezing, or talking – have been around for decades but have gotten a refresh and become mainstream at restaurants and retailers of all sizes and types during the pandemic. Instead of simply being found at salad bars and buffet lines, sneeze guards are now located at the point of sale to protect employees and customers alike.

Although they may sound simple, not all sneeze guards are the same. Here are some key features of a convenient and high-quality sneeze guard:

Easy to install

A lightweight and portable design, with no countertop mounting or drilling required

High compatibility with features like an adjustable mounting pole and compatibility with the restaurant’s existing POS or mPOS terminal

The ability to be easily relocated for future store redesigns, flu seasons, and more

The Star Micronics POSShield sneeze guard offers all of the above – and more. Learn more now.

Self-Service Kiosks

Last but not least, self-service kiosks are restaurant tools that boost safety during a pandemic – and enable success in a post-pandemic world.

During these challenging times, safety is a priority, and did you know that self-service kiosks can help protect a restaurant’s employees and customers? Not only do the kiosks reduce face-to-face contact between an employee and a diner, but they can also feature antimicrobial glass that effectively reduces bacteria’s ability to multiple as well as a simple, one-piece glass screen design to eliminate the nooks, crannies, keys, and buttons that can contain germs and viruses.

While safety and cleanliness will always be a priority, self-service kiosks also have long-term business-boosting benefits for restaurants. Did you know that:

Customers spend 30% more when ordering through a kiosk

20% of customers who had not intended to order a beverage would buy one after it was offered on the kiosk screen

Kiosks enable diners to customize their orders, something that 72% of them expect when dining out

Learn more about the benefits of self-service kiosks in restaurants in the Self-Service Kiosks in Foodservice infographic.

To conclude, the restaurant tools that benefit and safeguard restauranteurs now – like online ordering technology, contactless payments, sneeze guards, and self-service kiosks – will likely continue to be in high demand from both your restaurant customers and consumers, even in the post-pandemic world. As a reseller, set your restaurant customers up for success by offering the right one-stop shop solutions today.

Free Resources During COVID-19 & Beyond

Now more than ever, safety is a priority in retail and hospitality environments. Star Micronics is proud to offer a line of solutions and resources for businesses during this challenging time, designed to keep consumers and employees safe, as well as mitigate business impact caused by COVID-19.

Visit Our Health & Safety Toolbox
September 24, 2020
Star Micronics Introduces TSP654IISK Liner-Free Label Printer with Taken Sensor

Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to announce the upgrade of the TSP654IISK with taken sensor to its line of label printing solutions.

The TSP654IISK is designed to work with liner-free labeling applications. The repositionable thermal labels can stick to virtually any surface and can be removed easily if needed and reapplied leaving behind no residue. Ideal for restaurant takeout, delivery, and drive-through services, liner-free labels can be used for a modified item only or the entire order by attaching it to the bag. The labels stay with and track an order through the entire preparation process, improving order accuracy and creating a better bottom line. Additionally, the labels maintain image integrity because they are engineered to preserve thermal images in demanding applications.

The printer’s taken sensor helps users avoid missing any orders and allows for flexible, efficient kitchen operations. The sensor’s paper holding function delays printing the next order’s data if the previous ticket has not been taken, allowing users to manage each order efficiently, especially during busy times when many orders are received. The taken sensor also includes a forced paper ejection setting, which forces the next order to print after a certain amount of time, in the event that a user forgot to remove a ticket. Lastly, the taken sensor features an option for a hold paper reminder, a buzzer which continues to sound until a ticket is taken. The taken sensor can be disabled for compatibility with older printer models.

Designed with connectivity and ease-of-use as a priority, the TSP654IISK includes USB, Ethernet, CloudPRNT/WebPRNT, Bluetooth, serial, parallel and wireless connectivity options, as well as compatibility with the StarPRNT SDK for iOS, Android, and Windows.

“The online ordering market is flourishing, and we expect to see that trend continue as the world adapts to the new normal,” said Michael Hanson, Executive Vice President at Star Micronics. “The TSP654IISK meets both business’ and customers’ demands by enabling streamlined restaurant operations as well as greatly improving order accuracy.”

Looking for the latest repositionable sticky label printer from Star? Find it here.

September 22, 2020
CloudPRNT: The Best Google Cloud Print Alternative
Are you a Google Cloud Print user? If so, you are probably aware that Google Cloud Print is no longer supported, as of January 1, 2021. Migrating to a new service sounds daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn more about Google Cloud Print, its depreciation, and why Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT technology is an ideal Google Cloud Print alternative.

About Google Cloud Print

According to Wikipedia,

“Google Cloud Print is a Google service that lets users print from any Cloud Print-aware application (web, desktop, mobile) on any device in the network cloud to any printer with native support for connecting to cloud print services – without Google having to create and maintain printing subsystems for all the hardware combinations of client devices and printers, and without the users having to install device drivers to the client, but with documents being fully transmitted to Google. Since July 23, 2013 it also allows printing from any Windows application, if Google Cloud Printer is installed on the machine.

Google Cloud Print integrates with the mobile versions of Gmail and Google Docs, allowing users to print from their mobile devices. Google Cloud Print is listed as a printer option in the Print Preview page of Google’s Web browser, Google Chrome, in Chrome 16 and higher. Printers without built-in Cloud Print support, often referred to as ‘legacy’ or ‘classic’, are supported through a ‘Cloud Print Connector’ integrated with Google Chrome versions 9 and higher.”

The End of Google Cloud Print

In November 2019, Google officially announced that Google Cloud Print will no longer be supported starting on January 1, 2021. Why the change? Google has claimed that improvements in native Chrome OS printing, as well as a wide market of comparable print solutions has contributed to its decision to terminate Google Cloud Print.

Google recommends that all users find an alternative print solution and migrate print services prior to the end of the 2020 calendar year. To learn how to disable your Google Cloud Print services, please click here.

CloudPRNT as a Google Cloud Print Alternative

If you’re a software provider who uses, or is looking to use, Google Cloud Print with receipt printers, don’t worry; Star Micronics has an easy cloud printing solution (or replacement) for you. Star Micronics CloudPRNT technology is not just a Google Cloud Print alternative, but an even better solution.

About CloudPRNT

Quick to integrate. Easy to deploy. Scalable.

Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT is an innovative technology enabling users to print to Star printers directly through a cloud service. The CloudPRNT printer retrieves and prints orders and data from any web-based point of sale (POS) system integrating Star’s communication protocol.

CloudPRNT works with web-based applications to store and create print jobs, and communicate status with the printer. Cloud POS services post information using a JSON format, while the Star CloudPRNT printer pulls this information on a defined interval. CloudPRNT is built on the solution provider/ISV’s server, in the preferred language and architecture.

Star’s CloudPRNT technology provides benefits to businesses of all types by eliminating the need for an extra tablet to send information to the printer. Instead, the web-based POS is able to communicate directly with the printer. As an added benefit, businessowners and service providers do not need to maintain an SSL certificate for the CloudPRNT printers since they communicate with the server as a client.

By adopting web-based POS systems, organizations can embrace the latest technology, boost efficiency, and more. Using CloudPRNT, cloud-based POS systems have a new and easier solution to offer businesses, allowing them to seamlessly integrate online transactions into their operations.

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Key Features

CloudPRNT printer communicates directly with the server

The server can control peripherals connected to the printer (e.g. cash drawer, scanner, digital display, buzzer/sounder)

Multi-interface supporting POS (native) and web-based POS systems (cloud)

Hosted by the solution provider/ISV – can be built in desired language/ architecture

Suitable for any business using web-based applications

Labels

Orders

Receipts

Ticket

Scheduling

And more

CloudPRNT Compatible Printers

CloudPRNT is compatible with a variety of Star Micronics printers, including 2” and 3” thermal receipt printers, thermal label printers, impact kitchen printers, and 4” wide-format thermal printers.

mC-Print3

3” thermal receipt printer
Bluetooth, USB, Lightning, LAN
IPX2 splash-proof design
Peripheral device connectivity
Fast charge and communication via USC-C® power delivery port
SteadyLAN® technology

mC-Print2

2” thermal receipt printer
Bluetooth, USB, Lightning, LAN
Sleek, compact, connected
Easy setup
Guillotine auto-cutter
SteadyLAN® technology

TSP654II

3” thermal receipt printer
Swappable interfaces: serial, parallel, USB, LAN
High reliability and performance
High-speed printing of 60 receipts per minute (300mm/s)
External power supply included
Compatible with PromoPRNT

TSP654IISK

Repositionable, liner-free thermal label solution
Improves order accuracy up to 99%
Liner-free yields 60% more labels/roll than diecut
80mm and 58mm paper support
High reliability and performance at a low cost
Optional vertical stand

SP742

Reliable kitchen printer
Apple MFi Certified Bluetooth, serial, parallel, USB, LAN
Internal power supply
High-speed throughput: 13 receipts/tickets per minute
“Drop-In and Print” paper loading
All accessories included (except cable)

TSP743II

3” receipt and label printer
Apple MFi Certified Bluetooth, serial, parallel, USB, LAN
Up to 0.15mm paper thickness
Black mark label support
Rear paper feed
Vertically mountable

TSP847II

4” wide-format thermal printer
Apple MFi Certified Bluetooth, serial, parallel, USB, LAN
Ultra high speed: 37 receipts per minute (180mm/sec)
Wide paper format: 4.4” (112mm)
“Drop-In and Print” paper loading
Barcode capabilities

CloudPRNT: Ideal for Online Ordering

Interesting in CloudPRNT as a Google Cloud Print Alternative?

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September 17, 2020
6 Technologies Resellers Need to Equip Retailers for Success

When the COVID-19 wave first began rippling across the globe, many underestimated the full impact it would have on retailers. Now that we are in the throes of it, we are finally recognizing how different the brand-new business climate that we’ve found ourselves in really it. Consumer behavior has shifted in major ways, and retailers all across the country are trying to navigate how to operate and eventually reopen in this brave new world.

What retailers are truly looking for is guidance and leadership. Like everyone else, retailers feel like they are trying to develop clairvoyance in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. Without having experience a pandemic like this before, it is difficult for them to determine how to reopen safely and successfully.

Resellers are in a unique position to provide that guidance, as well as the tools retailers need to set themselves up for success.

1. eCommerce Point of Sale Integration

Social distancing is top-of-mind for everyone these days. As such, consumers are drastically reducing the amount of time they’re spending in brick-and-mortar location. They prefer shopping online from the safety of their homes instead. It’s going to be crucial that you offer retailers solutions that integrate with eCommerce.

2. Shop-by-Appointment and Curbside Pickup

Consumers are shopping less. Concerned with spending a lot of time in brick-and-mortar locations, and the number of other customers they’ll come into contact with, they’re hesitant to venture out. Because of this, some retailers have started implementing shop-by-appointment operations, which helps control the number of customers within the store at any given time and helps provide peace of mind to shoppers.

Similarly, curbside pickup is booming for many different retailers. This functionality was traditionally used in restaurant takeout operations but has quickly been adopted by retail to help boost brick-and-mortar operations while continuing to keep their customers safe.

3. Mobile POS Technology for Line Busting and In-Aisle Payments

With how easily this strain of the coronavirus can be spread from person to person, it’s critical that retailers take additional measures to keep customers from congregating throughout the store. This includes checkout lines, which are especially ripe for spreading viruses due to the close contact.

Star’s mobile printers allow retailers to conduct transactions throughout the store to keep customers from gathering in one area. Click here to view all of Star’s mobile offerings.

4. Self-Service Kiosk

For a virus that can be spread easily through face-to-face contact and tiny respiratory droplets, it is critical that retailers especially strive to reduce the amount of contact between their customers and their employees. When sanitized properly and regularly, self-service kiosks can help. These devices curtail the spread of infection by limiting the amount of face-to-face contact between staff and customers, helping them feel safer shopping in stores.

5. Protective Shields

Offering protective shields that retailers can install at the checkout counter can help them provide some additional protection during the most vulnerable and high-risk time of the shopper’s journey: the point of sale. This is the time where shoppers and employees come in close contact and lines can develop at the counter. It can be difficult to maintain the recommended distance of six feet for this reason. Because of the risks associated with the point of sale, it is necessary for retailers to install additional protection.

Click here to learn more about Star’s POSShield protective sneeze guard for retail checkout counters.

6. Contactless Payment Options

Ultimately, the goal of any retail operation right now is to be able to operate effectively without exposing anyone to the virus. The virus can easily be picked up and carried on hands, so for retailers, implementing contactless payment options will go a long way in preventing its spread.

The success of your customers directly reflects your own success, so during this time, helping them succeed is paramount. Star Micronics is here to help! We provide the critical solutions that can help your customers overcome their most pressing business challenges – such as online ordering printers, portable printers for mobile payments, self-service kiosk printers, protective barriers for the point of sale, and more.

Our free eBook provides all information needed to retail resellers, at a glance.

Download Retail eBook

Free Resources During COVID-19 & Beyond

Now more than ever, safety is a priority in retail and hospitality environments. Star Micronics is proud to offer a line of solutions and resources for businesses during this challenging time, designed to keep consumers and employees safe, as well as mitigate business impact caused by COVID-19.

Visit Our Health & Safety Toolbox

September 14, 2020
Star Micronics and Crunch Systems Team Up to Provide Online Ordering Solution for Restaurants

Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that Crunch has added support for Star’s new mC-Print3. With the Crunch Manager and Star Micronics, receiving and printing online orders has never been easier.

Crunch is an app built to seamless receive and accept online food orders. Restaurateurs are able to confirm the order, review important order details, provide status updates to hungry customers, and more through Crunch. Crunch also provides its customers with a custom-designed self-ordering kiosk and mobile ordering apps built specifically for their business. With food images, nutritional information, varied menu options, and more, Crunch allows restaurants to stand out from their competition and other online ordering platforms.

Star Micronics’ new mC-Print3 is compact and sleek with exceptional functionality. With front paper loading, and a splash- and insect-proof design, the mC-Print3 is perfect for restaurant environments. The new printer comes with multiple connectivity options and hub functionality to power up to three peripherals, such as a kitchen buzzer, scanner, or line display.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Star Micronics,” says Shmuly Preizler, CEO of Crunch. “Together we are able to offer an amazing product for restaurants across the country and help them with the Crunch Self-Ordering Kiosks and online ordering platform to be more efficient and successful.”

About Crunch Systems

Crunch is a point-of-sale and restaurant management platform built exclusively for food service businesses on an affordable cloud-based platform. Crunch offers advanced functionality including self-ordering kiosks, quick menu modifications, real-time enterprise reporting, online ordering, mobile ordering on an easy-to-use interface, and more!

Crunch gives restaurant owners the ability to have their customers order online using their website directly from any device. Crunch offers a feature rich and user-friendly ordering solutions, including online web ordering, mobile app and self-ordering kiosks. Crunch also offers a full back office portal and integrates to over 35 POS systems. For more information, visit https://www.gocrunch.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

September 4, 2020
Pythian Market Improves the Customer Experience with CloudPRNT from Star Micronics

In downtown New Orleans, Pythian Market stands as a celebration of the spirted and creative community it serves. As a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, Pythian Market features local food purveyors, locally-sourced food and art, and delectable craft beverages. Because of its cultural significance and central location, Pythian Market is a popular area where vendors of all kinds can set up shop.

The Challenge

Because of the multiple food vendors working within the same marketplace, Pythian takes great strides to improve the customer experience. Recently, Pythian had developed its own custom online ordering solution that would allow customers visiting the website to input orders ahead of time for any and all food vendors at once, and then check out with a single transaction.

As they already use Square to accept transactions in-house and they developed their own online ordering solution, they required a third-party solution that was independent of any existing POS software to transmit the online order to the kitchen.

The Solution

Pythian Market realized integrating their custom online ordering software with existing POS software would be timely and costly. They needed a solution from a third party that would be simple and easy to integrate.

After an online search, Pythian Market came across Star Micronics. They began researching the Star Micronics CloudPRNT solution, and quickly realized it addressed their needs. CloudPRNT, compatible with Star Micronics mC-Print3 receipt printer, transmits the order from the online ordering platform directly to the kitchen receipt printer. The mC-Sound buzzer from Star Micronics rings, alerting the kitchen staff of an incoming order and then the printer creates a paper ticket with the detailed order.

Star’s SDKs made it easy for Pythian to build out their software and integrate the CloudPRNT solution. In total, the turnaround was a week and a half, and the installation was completed in a matter of minutes.

The Results

With the Star Micronics mC-Print3 with CloudPRNT and mC-Sound solutions in place, Pythian Market had everything it needed to begin taking online orders from customers. Now, as soon as an order is placed on the Pythian website, the market is alerted to the total order and each different vendor receives an individual paper ticket with the order details.

This solution allows customers to place orders from different food vendors without needing to make individual orders and ring up each transaction separately. They simply need to select which orders they want from which vendors and the total is then compiled and the
order is completed with a single transaction.

Orders received from the website are sent to a central location, who are alerted by the buzzer that an order is incoming. The kitchen can
begin working on prepping the order, and once all the dishes are prepared from all vendors, the orders can be compiled together and picked up by or delivered to the customer.

This process provides greater convenience to customers and vendors alike. Vendors can use the existing Square POS to ring up and process in-house orders, but can also take additional orders from the website without worrying about the transaction step. Since transactions are carried out online, the entire process is faster and more efficient. Pythian Market also received the benefit of full control over data. Since they could customize the CloudPRNT solution and build it out on their own server, all data stays in their system. They are able to keep a log of every print job that has been done, and even see it in real time.

“It has been an extremely positive experience in the few weeks since it has been launched. The mC-Sound helps alert the kitchen staff of incoming orders, emitting a sound before and after the print job—really helpful to not miss any orders,” says Michael DePaolo, Managing Director of Pythian Market. “We plan to install multiple printers at each individual vendor so they no longer have to physically be handed print jobs of the order.”

Download the full success story to learn more about how Pythian Market leveraged Star Micronics CloudPRNT technology.

Download Success Story

September 1, 2020