Tag: Retail

How QR Codes Can Benefit Your Business

In the Information Age, technological advancements are changing every aspect of life as we know it, especially due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. QR codes have become more widespread than ever, making the hectic information-sharing process easier for us. It might not come as a surprise, but more and more businesses are adopting this technology to make shopping easier for their customers.

QR codes, also known as quick response codes, are two-dimensional images that can provide a function or store large amounts of data. QR codes can show whoever scans them all about a business or they can be used to facilitate payment transactions. To read the details of a QR code, all you’ll need is a smartphone.

QR codes are a huge technological advancement in the field of retail and have made product details and other information easily accessible for both customers and employees. They have enhanced the customer experience.

This is why QR codes aren’t going anywhere.

QR Codes are the Future of the Customer Experience

QR codes are becoming increasingly essential tools in today’s society, which is why you’ll see them everywhere. The QR code was developed for business needs but was slow to catch on. The booming cannabis industry has been using them for a specific purpose by law, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that QR codes became widely utilized in the retail and hospitality industries. Here are some of their uses:

Advertising A Product

A QR code can be used to run advertisements for products. Consumers can now open a website faster by simply scanning a QR code rather than inputting the URL into their browser. The unique codes can also be used to transport the scanner to a landing page displaying products for sale. This makes the purchase decision easier and quicker for the customer, helping save time.

Informative

QR codes are made up of hyperlinks and can be found on business cards, product labels, magazines, websites, email newsletters, and any other items where words and images can be displayed. Users can scan QR codes to acquire information on a specific subject with ease.

Payment

QR codes can securely hold information about bank accounts, credit/debit cards, and other credentials. By connecting the store’s website to an account or card, the customer can pay simply by scanning the QR code with their smartphones.

Various payment options can even be incorporated into a QR code, enabling customers to select the most convenient payment option for them. Customers can even show stores their own unique QR code, which the cashier or attendant then scans, taking payment that way.

Many companies, like PayPal, use QR codes all the time but anyone can use them.

Check out Star’s QR code scanners: desktop, handheld, and wireless handheld

Explore Our Scanners

The Advantages of QR Codes

There are seemingly an unlimited number of advantages that QR codes can have for any business. From marketing to inventory control, below are just a handful of examples:

Ideal For Marketing

QR codes are often used as marketing tools that can direct customers to a company’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites. Getting your customers to interact with you on social media means increased engagement, promoting brand recognition and driving sales.

Increased Chances Of Sales

QR codes make it easy for customers to explore more of what your company has to offer. All they have to do is point their smartphone camera and they’re instantly taken to wherever you as the business owner want to take them. Everyone knows that the more traffic a store has, the more opportunities they have of making a sale. Making it easier for the customer to see and buy your product is just smart business practice.

Improves Customer Experience

QR codes are popular with customers for a variety of reasons. To begin with, they are simple to use. The customers only have to scan the QR code to be directed to your company’s webpage or email. They don’t have to memorize anything.

Moreover, only a tiny percentage of consumers remember to return to your website afterward. QR codes make it much easier for your clients to visit your website by enabling them to scan the code. Again, there’s a significant possibility your customers will buy if you make it easier for them to access the latest offerings and engage with your business.

Versatility

One of the advantages of QR codes is that they may be used in a variety of ways. Social media marketing, online purchases, landing pages, special announcements–the possibilities are nearly endless. This is why they are so useful and, dare I say, fun? People like the excitement of seeing where a QR code will take them, so make it memorable!

To add to this, companies can make their QR codes different shapes, having uniquely-designed codes that set them apart from their competitors, potentially attracting a larger audience.

Digitalize Your Business

Businesses can save time and money on traditional advertising campaigns by going digital, and that includes using QR codes. These days, going digital is a necessity. You don’t have to buy banners, flyers, or other printed materials to market your business anymore. A QR code is a one-time investment that can potentially provide a lifetime of marketing efforts.

Check out Star’s QR code scanners: desktop, handheld, and wireless handheld

Explore Our Scanners

QR Codes in the Cannabis Industry

In many states where cannabis retail is legal, it is the law that dispensaries use QR codes on their products linking to verified licenses and testing results. This way, customers can immediately determine whether or not their cannabis purchase has passed state-mandated regulatory testing.

Not only that but these QR codes can also be integrated with point-of-sale systems to keep track of inventory.

QR codes can display all the relevant information about the cannabis product for sale, both for customer satisfaction and for dispensary needs. This can be done in any industry.

How to Get QR Codes for Your Business

Getting QR codes for your business is easy. Simply find a website that offers a code generator, fill in the required information, click to generate your code, and then stylize it. After downloading the image, you can display it on whatever you want.

Since their creation, QR codes have gained widespread use, but their popularity is just beginning. Get in on the action before it’s too late and start using this wonderful technology today!

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February 10, 2022
How To Choose The Best POS Cash Drawer
Choosing the best POS cash drawer might seem straightforward, but it’s more intricate than it appears. While cash drawers may seem like simple metal boxes designed to secure money, selecting the ideal one for your business involves several critical considerations.

For business owners and decision-makers, the complexity increases with questions about fit, capacity, and functionality. How will the cash drawer fit into your workspace? Does it have sufficient space to handle your daily transaction volume? What type of till best suits your operational needs? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you balance these requirements against your budget?

Star is dedicated to simplifying your decision-making process. Let’s examine some key factors you should consider to ensure you choose the best POS cash drawer for your business.

1. Connectivity

First, let’s discuss connectivity options when it comes to cash drawers. Many overlook this important factor, only to realize how critical it is. Making sure your cash drawers work with your point-of-sale (POS) system is a must! Researching what hardware works with your POS software ahead of time will save you headaches. You’ll want to make sure the cash drawer works with your system’s peripherals and accessories as well, such as a POS scale or scanner.

The most common type of connectivity for cash drawers is a printer-driven interface, which means the cash drawer is controlled through the printer’s DK port. The DK port, which stands for Drawer Kick, sends a 24V DC signal that opens the drawer. The majority of cash drawers use this function.

Another way to open a cash drawer is quite obvious: manually with a key. Most cash drawers actually have both DK port connectivity and manual key access. This allows the drawer to be opened in case the electricity acts up.

There are also wireless cash functions controlled by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These tend to be more expensive and not as common, but they are an option.

Finally, don’t forget to check how a cash drawer is powered before you buy. Some use the USB interface only, getting power from the computer they’re attached to, while others need to plug into an outlet. Make sure to put your cash drawer in an area that works.

2. Security
Needless to say, security is a huge consideration when looking to purchase a cash drawer. To start, here are some options to look for:

An additional lock that secures the drawer itself to the counter.

A locking till cover, so when you need to take the till to the back office at closing time, cash can’t be stolen during transport.

A universal key, so that cash drawers are easier to open in a rush and during an emergency. There is no need to look through a huge key ring for the correct key.

A manual release option, so you can open the cash drawer no matter what. Manual release is quicker than waiting for a Bluetooth signal and even faster than some DK port signals.

Hidden locked compartments, which require extra space and likely a higher budget.

How many people will be using the drawer at one time? How much money do you want to keep inside? Think about your day-to-day operations and how the money will be handled, then make a list of necessities for security and be sure your new cash drawer fulfills each one.
3. Size & Cash Flow

Next, you want to make sure your new cash drawer is going to fit in its space. Either there’s already an allotted area you have in mind, or you have some different options to play with. Whichever it is, you’ll need to measure the space correctly (width, height, and length) and consider your cash flow to find the right-sized cash drawer for you.

Some important questions to ask yourself are: will your drawer be on top of the counter or mounted below? Will there be important items on top of the cash drawer? Is there enough space for the till to fully open with a person comfortably behind it?

Some cash drawers specifically come with below-counter mounting options, so it’s important to figure this out ahead of time. You’ll also want to know the height of the drawer.

On the market, there are normally two different sizes for cash drawers: a smaller option (typically 13” x 13”) and a larger option (typically 16” x 16” and larger). Most cash drawers are 4-5 inches in height, but be sure to check.

Star’s cash drawers come in a variety of sizes to suit multiple industries.

Currency & Media

Now, which currency do you use? Cash drawer tills (the part of the cash drawer that holds the money) come in several different sizes with distinct layouts for different currencies. Some tills have room for the US standard (five bills and four coins).

Other tills come with room for more coins or bills if larger, higher-value bills, such as $100, are accepted. They could also have options to adjust sections or remove coin trays entirely. There are also tills available specifically for Canadian and Latin American currencies.

Finally, you’ll want to know how your POS system opens your cash drawer (if it opens electronically). Some systems open the drawer on every transaction, while others open for cash transactions only.

Especially if you handle a lot of credit card slips, coupons, or checks, be sure to choose a cash drawer with media slots in the front. Media slots are openings in the drawer that receipts or other documents are fed into. These documents are securely stored beneath the till, in a hidden space. You may even want added space beneath the till for extra coin rolls or bills.

Use the Cash Drawer Selector Tool

Effortlessly find the ideal cash drawer for your business with our Cash Drawer Selector Tool—filter options by width, region, connection type, and more to ensure a perfect fit.

Cash Drawer Wizard

4. Durability

Next on the list of considerations is durability. Why would anyone want a cash drawer to be of poor quality?

You’ll want to know exactly what a cash drawer is made of. Cash drawers like Star’s are made of steel, which not only makes your investment worthwhile, but is also a security feature.

A cash drawer should also have a multi-year warranty. Be sure to choose a warranty that includes at least 1 million opens. It would also be smart to have a strengthened key, so it doesn’t break, while having an outer finish that can withstand abuse from the surrounding environment.

5. Style & Design

Although not as important as the above considerations, how your cash drawer looks should factor in your decision at least a little. Usually, you’ll want a cash drawer that matches the look and feel of your counter space and other POS components.

For example, if you have a white receipt printer and white tablet-based POS stand, choosing a white cash drawer will help provide a sleek look to your counter.

The look of your cash drawer is something that only you can decide. Cash drawers come in many different colors, sizes, and styles, but I would recommend you consider the top factors first.

Cash drawers are must-have items for the majority of businesses. Knowing how to choose the best POS cash drawer for yours can save time and money, all while creating a secure, efficient, and productive business.

Meet Star’s Cash Drawers

Star Micronics is proud to offer feature-rich cash drawers for any budget or application.

Value Series

The Value Series includes cost-effective cash drawers that integrate seamlessly into any retail or hospitality environment. Connected to a standard printer communication interface with a bottom exit cable, Star’s Value Series cash drawers are reliable and come with a standard warranty. They also feature four lock functions: locked, closed, online (opens electronically), manual open, and locked open.

Choice Series

Our Choice Series cash drawers include features businesses already know and love, but with added strength to support touch tablets and POS terminals on top. They also have a secure dual-drawer cable, enabling the Choice Series to work as either cash drawer 1 or cash drawer 2.

These drawers also include a foldable hinged key which minimizes the possibility of breaking off in the lock, with over 10 different lockset options for added security.

Max Series

Max Series cash drawers are the premier choice for retailers. Featuring durable, high-quality drawers with Kensington lock compatibility and sleek Star branding, these cash drawers are designed to securely manage cash while delivering professional looks and reliability. They also feature four lock functions: locked, closed, online (opens electronically), manual open, and locked open.

Find the Ideal Cash Drawer for Your Business

Explore Star Cash Drawers
February 1, 2022
Star Micronics Launches New Solutions Line at NRF 2022

At NRF 2022, Star’s latest in their famed TSP100 line-up of POS printers, the TSP143IV, sat pretty on a shining podium, ultra-connected and feature-rich.

Somerset, NJ – January 27, 2022 – Star Micronics recently exhibited at the National Retail Federation (NRF): Retail’s Big Show where they not only displayed their traditional line of products, but also introduced their latest lines of receipt, label, and kiosk printers, scales, and stands as well. Perhaps their most anticipated product launch was the latest generation of TSP100 printers, the new TSP143IV. This cutting-edge printer offers advanced connectivity and a sleek design to enhance any retailer’s point of sale system.

Other new product launches include scales specifically designed for restaurants and retailers, and a new line of stands with modern functionalities, designed to clean up any retail counter. Proving once again that Star Micronics is not only your go-to provider of receipt printers but a one-stop shop for all your POS hardware solutions.

In lieu of a traditional press conference, Star Micronics has chosen to promote the show’s events via video. This has allowed them to ensure the safety of their team, as well as the health and safety of the dedicated reporters and employees at the show.

“In 2022, we’re so excited to introduce you to our expanding printer product portfolio, along with our complimentary solution products we are launching this year. I think our solution products would be perfect for your business because they’re simple and easy to use with the right features that you and your customers need.”

Mike Hanson, Executive Vice-President of Star Micronics America

About Star Micronics

Star Micronics, a world’s leader in point of sale, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, scanners, scales, stands and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment in POS and mPOS environments. Embracing the mobility wave, Star’s complementary SDKs allow users to utilize Star in tandem with Android™, iOS iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts, Chit and label for its printers. In addition, Star Micronics is always leading and innovating, enabling web-based printing solutions, including remote cloud printing, wireless cash drawer solutions, proximity-based printing, and secure cash management. For more information, visit www.starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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Media Contact

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318

January 27, 2022
Labor Shortage Solutions: The Most Helpful Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked many unexpected changes in the economy and the way we live our lives. At the beginning of the pandemic, jobs were lost – in April 2020, as a result of the lockdown, the unemployment rate peaked at 14.8%. But now small businesses are facing a similar yet entirely different challenge: there are millions of job openings but a shortage of workers. Read on to learn more about the labor shortage and how the right technology can help businesses not just survive but thrive.

The Labor Shortage: Facts and Figures

The current labor shortage is a historic one. According to CNBC, as of August 2021 there were 4.3 million people leaving their jobs, the highest level on records dating back to 2000. Additionally, per the most recent U.S. Labor Department Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, there were 10.4 million job openings as of August 2021.

Service-heavy industries that traditionally required abundant manual labor, like accommodation and food services, are being majorly affected by the labor shortage. That puts you, a small business owner, under pressure to pivot your operations to keep up with consumers’ needs. Read on to explore how the right technology can help your business succeed during the labor shortage and beyond.

Labor Shortage Solutions

Self-Service Kiosks

Self-service kiosks can be extremely beneficial when your business is short-handed. A kiosk can enable your customers to take matters into their own hands (literally), avoiding potential long lines and bottlenecks.

Kiosks allow customers to order their own meal at a restaurant, check themselves in to an appointment, and check prices or pay for their own purchase at a retail shop. All the while, kiosks allow precious available staff to dedicate themselves to improving the customer experience in more worthwhile ways, like providing more personal customer service, restocking shelves, preparing online and curbside orders, and more.

Mobile Checkouts

A mobile checkout at Target (source: thekrazycouponlady.com)

In the retail and QSR space, long lines are a serious danger. According to a study conducted by payment platform Ayden, retailers lose a collective $37.7 billion in potential sales due to long checkout lines (and that figure is surely even higher now during the labor shortage).

The answer? Mobile checkouts. Instead of requiring customers to queue up at a traditional point of sale, mobile checkouts enable staff to process payments anywhere in the store or restaurant as long as they have a mobile point of sale device and a mobile receipt printer. Implementing mobile checkouts not only help your business with line-busting, but they offer a more convenient method of payment for your customers and allow staff to be out and about in the building completing other tasks while also being able to ring up sales along the way.

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

POS Software & Online Ordering

If there’s ever been a time to upgrade your POS software and become a part of the online ordering scene, the pandemic is it. If you’re considering upgrading, be sure to choose a POS software that includes features like:

Online and brick-and-mortar selling capabilities

Mobile checkouts and mobile payment acceptance

Inventory management and menu management

Employee reporting, management, and payroll

Customer management and loyalty programs

Stock transfers

Detailed reporting

Online ordering is not only widely sought after by consumers but can help you optimize your in-store and in-restaurant labor by having customers pay online and simply drop by to pick up their item or meal (or have it delivered to them). This can help keep your remaining brick-and-mortar business flowing, while allowing staff to package orders in-between ringing up customers or providing other customer support.

Antimicrobial Film Covers

Between the Delta variant and the upcoming flu season, avoiding germs is a priority for all shoppers and diners, whether they’re browsing your brick-and-mortar establishment or simply dropping by to pick up a curbside order.

Help protect your customers and staff alike by applying antimicrobial film covers (like the ones from Star) to various surfaces in your store. Antimicrobial covers take seconds to apply, last up to 6 months, and can be placed on anything from door handles and checkout counters to restaurant tables and bathroom surfaces. Additionally, the covers provided by Star are thoroughly tested, EPA-compliant, and latex-free.

The Labor Shortage: A Trying Time, but Also a Time to Improve

The labor shortage is without a doubt one of the most stressful times the retail and restaurant industries have endured in recent years. However, the technology needed to help businesses through this challenge should be considering an investment in long-term success. Solutions like self-service kiosks, mobile checkouts, top-of-the-line POS software, and antimicrobial covers help you survive the now – and thrive in the tomorrow.

From antimicrobial film covers to mobile receipt printers, Star has the right POS technology to boost your business – whether you’re fully staffed or short-handed.

Star Micronics Product Catalog

Explore POS printers, label printers, kiosk solutions, and accessories for retail, restaurant, self-service, and more.

Download Now

Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.
November 4, 2021
The Best Tech to Help with the Holiday Retail Rush

It’s hard to believe, but before we know it the holidays will be here. While the holiday season always brings an uptick in consumer spending, this year is slated to see a rise in sales. This would normally be positive news, but with the ongoing labor shortage, it may be stressful to some retailers. Read on to learn more about estimated holiday spending trends and what technology can help retailers tackle the holiday rush.

Expected 2021 Holiday Retail Shopping Trends

Despite the ongoing pandemic and the COVID-19 Delta variant, retailers should be prepared to handle an increasing number of holiday sales.

According to CBS News,

“U.S. consumers will spend up to 9% more this holiday period compared to 2020, when consumers spent a total of $1.2 trillion during the key shopping period between November and the end of the year, according to a forecast from Deloitte. That would be an improvement over holiday spending over the last two years, when sales grew less than 6% in 2020 and just over 4% the previous year.”

Which Tech Can Help the Holiday Retail Rush

An increase in sales is, of course, the goal of any retailer. But what happens when you’re expecting a steep rise in sales when you are simultaneously experiencing a labor shortage?

The right technology can help short-staffed retailers not only survive the holiday season but thrive in it. After all, making a positive, lasting impression on shoppers by providing a seamless customer experience is something that will pay off well into the future, not just this winter.

Self-Service Kiosks

Self-checkout kiosks can really be a “two birds, one stone” solution for the holidays: they can alleviate your limited staff’s workload while also giving customers the option to pay at their own pace and without having to worry about coming in contact with another person. And shoppers love them, too. According to TotalRetail, 60% of surveyed shoppers said they would rather pay at a self-checkout than with a cashier. And that’s not all: the survey also found that over one-third of consumers say they have been using self-checkouts “much more” in the past 12 months.

Online Ordering

When a store is short-handed, it’s especially important to streamline and quicken transactions. Being able to rapidly process a purchase or retrieve a buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) order means more sales and happier customers at the end of the day.

If your store isn’t already online, it should be. Shipping to customers can keep your brick-and-mortar location flowing smoothly. Even if you don’t ship to customers, having an option to place a BOPIS order can not only make your shoppers’ lives more convenient, but lighten the load of your salesfloor staff so they can focus on more important initiatives like customer service and swiftly processing the remaining in-store purchases.

You can make your online ordering operations even more streamlined by utilizing technology like linerless labels. Ideal for quickly and efficiently labeling orders, these peel-and-stick labels eliminate the pesky, messy traditional label liners and can easily be removed and reapplied.

Mobile Payments

There’s a solution for you even if you are still experiencing long lines in your brick-and-mortar: mobile payments. With a mobile card reader and portable receipt printer, your staff can ring card- or mobile wallet-paying customers up anywhere in the store. Another “two birds, one stone” solution, mobile payments can allow staff to provide customer service or restock shelves while also having the technology on-hand to ring up any purchases that nearby customers may have.

Health and Safety Solutions

We must not forget that we are still in a pandemic. You can make holiday shoppers feel safe and confident by incorporating a variety of health and safety solutions into your brick-and-mortar store. Examples of these solutions include a sneeze guard at the point of sale and customer service counters, readily available hand sanitizer, and antimicrobial covers on door handles, bathroom surfaces, and more.

Star’s Holiday Retail Solutions

Whether you are a retail store looking for products to help you this holiday season, or you are a reseller hoping to offer your retail customers a relevant solution, Star has what it takes. Explore our holiday retail solutions below.

Kiosk Printers

Printers are an integral part of self-checkouts, and Star is proud to provide a range of reliable self-service kiosk printers available with a variety of print widths and connectivity options.
Learn more >

CloudPRNT

Star makes online ordering easy. By choosing a printer equipped with CloudPRNT technology, you can print online orders automatically – no extra tablet needed.
Learn more >

Portable Printers

Looking to line-bust? Star’s portable printers are what you need. With Bluetooth, Apple BLE, and USB connectivity, these on-the-go printers not only print receipts, but labels, too. Better yet, they have a rugged housing and feature a long battery life, as well.
Learn more >

Antimicrobial Covers*

Keeping a variety of surfaces cleaner doesn’t have to be complicated. The antimicrobial covers provided by Star enable you to protect door handles, checkout counters, bathroom surfaces, and more – and application takes 30 seconds or less.
Learn more >

POSShield Sneeze Guard

Protect both shoppers and employees at the point of sale and customer service area with a durable, protective sneeze guard. The POSShield takes the sneeze guard to the next level by accommodating any existing POS terminal and not requiring any countertop mounting or drilling (making it futureproof, too).
Learn more >

Explore Star’s complete product line – for the holiday season and beyond – in our product catalog:

Download Catalog

*Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.

October 26, 2021
Retail Rebound: 5 Expected Post-COVID-19 Consumer Trends

The retail industry has seen some interesting times in the past couple of years, to say the least. Pre-pandemic, the industry was dappling in omnichannel capabilities. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, after a brief shutdown and calibration period, the Retail Rebound emerged. Contactless payments, QR code technology, online ordering, and more have blossomed – but what is here to stay? In today’s blog post, explore some of the top solutions that have grown during the pandemic and which are predicted to remain in the Retail Rebound and beyond.

1. Contactless Payments

Payments are changing as we know it, and contactless payments are on the rise. In fact, according to Forbes, over 35% of consumers claim they use contactless payments for at least 75% of their retail purchases.

Contactless payments can take several forms but the most popular are mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay that are available on smartphones and smart watches, and NFC credit and debit cards. These technologies allow customers to simply hold their device or card over a compatible payment terminal instead of having to use cash or swipe or insert their card. While these payment methods first gained traction as a way to avoid germs, their speed, convenience, and security make them liable to remain popular for the foreseeable future.

2. BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up in Store)

Buy online, pick up in store (commonly called “BOPIS”) is a prime example of a retail offering that was slowly emerging before COVID-19, but exponentially grew in popularity during the pandemic and continues to do so during the Retail Rebound.

According to research by Kibo Commerce, BOPIS orders grew over 500% by the height of the pandemic in 2020. However, while many shoppers turned to BOPIS as a way to stay safe, it’s been found that over half of them actually favor it for its convenience, meaning we can expect for it to stay around for good. Who would want to turn back the dial to more inconvenient methods of shopping?

3. Omnichannel Shopping

As the pandemic began to unfold, one thing was true for retailers: if you aren’t online yet, you need to be now. The safety and convenience offered by providing customers an omnichannel shopping experience quickly went from a “nice to have” to a “must have.” It appears shoppers continue to consider online shopping a necessity – according to GWI, as of spring 2021, 76% of consumers in the US and UK said they’re still doing more online shopping compared to before the pandemic.

BOPIS, which we mentioned above, is part of an omnichannel strategy, as is having an informative and functional website, real-time inventory management, and more. Click here to learn more about a successful omnichannel strategy.

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

Antimicrobial covers offered by Star

4. Cleanliness

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but its effects may be more long-term than you initially thought. Germ avoidance is of course extremely important, especially during the peak of the pandemic. However, even as the worries of COVID-19 eventually fade, the desire to avoid touching other people’s germs is likely to stay. Things that we used to touch regularly without a second thought, like door handles, now have us feeling some hesitation. Flu season is an example of a recurring scenario in which people will likely be a lot more cautious about germs than before the pandemic.

Businesses can ease these worries by installing the right solutions. Most retailers probably already have a plexiglass sneeze guard installed at checkout counters, but something they may not have yet are antimicrobial covers. These peel-and-stick covers can be applied to door handles, checkout counters, elevator buttons, and more. With an easy application process and a lifespan of up to six months, they’re a great way to consumers’ ongoing need to stay safe and healthy.

5. Self-Service

Whether you’re ordering your meal at a restaurant or checking in to your doctor’s office, self-service kiosks are growing in popularity across several markets – and for good reason. Kiosks help minimize the risk of spreading germs via face-to-face contact, they can help with line-busting (especially during the current labor shortage), and they provide a prime opportunity for upselling and brandingThese benefits are expected to remain present during the pandemic and beyond; according to Infiniti Research Limited, during 2021-2025 the self-service kiosk market is expected to grow by $2.97bn, at a CAGR of almost 6%.

Retail Rebound: The “Here and Now” is Here to Stay

Retail has changed for good. The unprecedented pandemic brought on a slew of challenges seemingly overnight, and the solutions the market has created to adapt to those challenges are likely here to stay as they provide ongoing safety, convenience, and security to shoppers worldwide. Now is the time for retailers to assess and optimize their operations.

Always leading, and always innovating, Star is proud to offer a range of retail POS hardware solutions to accompany the ever-evolving retail market trends.

Star Micronics Product Catalog

Explore POS printers, label printers, kiosk solutions, and accessories for retail, restaurant, self-service, and more.

Download Now

Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.

October 5, 2021
What is a Fiscal Printer and How Do You Sell Them?
As a point of sale (POS) reseller and/or software developer, chances are you’ve heard of fiscal printers, and we’re betting there’s a bigger chance that you’re interested in expanding your business globally. Read on to explore what exactly fiscal printers are, where they are required, and how to leverage selling them to grow your business internationally.

What are Fiscal Printers?

Simply put, a fiscal printer is a receipt printer that includes a fiscal memory module. The module records every transaction for easy regulation of sales tax owed to a country. Fiscal printers include both cloud-based solutions as well as carbon copy printing.

Thermal printers are generally used as fiscal printers for several reasons: they are quiet, they do not require ink cartridges, and they have a fast print speed. Local integrators can modify thermal receipt printers to become certified fiscal printers.

Other fiscal memory devices exist as well, including fiscal cash registers and electronic signature devices. Whether a business uses a fiscal printer, cash register, or electronic signature device, all of the devices one thing in common: they are a piece of equipment that has been certified by the local government, connects to a POS terminal, and records taxation for public revenue.

The Cloud: The Next Generation of Fiscal Recording for Some

A handful of countries are now considering moving their fiscal solutions to the cloud, meaning that it is now the responsibility of the POS software (or other applications) to record every single transaction in an approved fiscal log stored on the cloud. The fiscal agencies, can now, at any time, monitor and verify business sales and transactions. In this instance, the receipt printer is no longer involved in this operation.

Which Countries Use Fiscal Printers?

Many countries around the world require fiscal memory devices, including:

Albania

Argentina

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Canada

Croatia

Chile

Czech Republic

Ethiopia

France

Gambia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Latvia

Lithuania

Malta

Mexico

Montenegro

North Macedonia

Panama

Poland

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Tanzania

Turkey

Venezuela

The rules surrounding the usage of fiscal memory devices vary in all of these countries and have differing histories. For example, Italy has enforced a fiscal printer law since 1990, while Austria began introducing its fiscal regulations in 2016.

How Star Can Help You Sell Fiscal Printers

Looking to expand your business globally? Are you prepared to offer the fiscal printers required in many countries? Star Micronics can help. As a global company known for quality and reliability, Star can support you as you grow your business across borders and provide you with a range of printing solutions to help you meet the fiscal printing requirements of the many markets that are regulated.

Star proudly offers a variety of fiscal solutions, including:

Fiscal boards, with or without SD memory cards, for Star desktop printers

Receipt printers certified by local fiscal agencies (ready to purchase)

In-country partners to support local fiscal solutions

Electronic journal development support

Consulting services to support your search of local laws and requirements

Star’s 5 Best Receipt Printers

Star offers several top-rated printers suited for a variety of retail, restaurant, and hospitality locations.

Download Guide

Looking to learn more about Star? Learn more about us in the below video.

Star’s Fiscal Consulting Services

Star offers consulting services to help you navigate local government regulations.

Fiscal solutions are constantly evolving, and requirements differ from country-to-country and time-to-time. Here are some examples of solutions that Star was able to research and offer solutions for:

Originally, fiscal agencies requested that business owners keep a log of each transaction. The easiest way for businesses to do that was to keep a copy of each customer receipt and many countries implemented requirements to use impact printers with multiple ply paper rolls to support this requirement. Therefore, at that time, thermal printers were not authorized.

In the next generation of requirements, agencies imposed that the receipt data be stored in the printer in a special sealed module. Since the security of this information was so important, fiscal agencies only allowed local technology providers to develop these modules and partnerships between these companies and the printer manufacturers developed. Star has been working with these companies for years to deliver the best solutions for these fiscal countries.

And lastly, the newest generation of cloud-based fiscal solutions does not require the fiscal module to be integrated with the printer, which reduces the cost and complexity of the solution.

With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and Asia, Star has offices and/or in-country partners that monitor fiscal printing requirements and are available to help you research and complete your solution.
Explore Fiscal Printer Solutions
September 16, 2021
RetailNOW 2021 Recap
It’s hard to believe that RSPA RetailNOW 2021 was already two weeks ago, but the memory of it is still fresh here at Star Micronics. After the unprecedented year that 2020 was, I was very grateful to attend RetailNOW this year. Whether you want to reminisce, or perhaps you missed the show and want to catch up, read on to explore my key takeaways from RetailNOW 2021.

More VARs Registered Than in 2019!

And what an accomplishment that is! The show’s successful VAR registration rate is most certainly a nod to the RSPA’s rich digital education and resources, including Community Roundtables and Panels, and of course the RSPA Blog.

RSPA Academy Excelerate

This new, education program was developed by the RSPA, with the help of their members, so you know it’s going to be good! With a curriculum that is specific to the retail IT channel, Excelerate participants will learn tips about sales, cybersecurity, customer service, recruiting and hiring, and more. Better yet, the program is free to all RSPA members and is live now!

The Cannabis Boom

Not surprisingly given how hot of a market it is, cannabis was a hit at the show with its own education track, and there was an impressive turnout at the Cannabis Community Welcome Reception.

Keynote: Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue

There’s no denying it: the keynote session by Jon Taffer of “Bar Rescue” was a blast. If you haven’t seen it, “Bar Rescue” is a TV show where a select bar/restaurant is remodeled in four days. That’s right: an entire establishment undergoes recon, redesign, order placement operations, menu redesign, and a reopening – in four days!

Not only was Jon entertaining, but he also made some great points including:

Why people fail: Simply put, Jon reminded us that most people fail because of making excuses. He advised that instead of being in denial, own your excuses and own your failure.

“The Click”: In this instance, “the click” refers to when shoppers turn from purchasing goods or food in-store, to purchasing online. Jon explains that the goal should not be to follow “the click,” but to give people a reason – through wonderful and immersive shopping experiences – to not use “the click.”

Reaction Management: You know what they say: first impressions are everything. As Jon explained, the reaction people have when their food is delivered or when they open a product is key, and is what makes repeat sales.

Women’s Network in Electronic Transactions (WNET) Event

Sponsored by RSPA’s NextGen, Women-to-Women (W2W), and Canadian Communities, the WNET event was a success. WNET’s mission is to help women in payments to achieve professional and personal success. At this event, the WNET leaders discussed include conscious inclusion and its ability to increase company success. This event was not only a standard presentation, but an interactive workshop that helped all attendees recognize their unconscious bias and how to continuously recognize and improve on them. They also gave an incredible roadmap on how to address and talk about these topics in the workplace.

The Rising Stars Podcast | RetailNOW Recap: Education, Sponsors, and Emerging Trends

Looking to learn more about RetailNOW 2021? Look no further than the Rising Stars podcast! In our episode published August 4, 2021, host Brianna Moriarty as she takes a deep dive into the hottest trends she spotted at the show, and interviews special guests including RSPA’s President and CEO, John Kirk, as well as TRG’s Adam Jatich and Worldnet Payments’ Sabina Osorio.

Listen now or click here to browse all episodes:

Star at RetailNOW 2021

The Star team had a blast at RetailNOW 2021. We proudly demonstrated some of our latest solutions in our booth, including:

mC-Print3 with CloudPRNT

mPOP® with Flat Bill cash management

TSP654IISK sticky label printer

Antimicrobial covers

Universal mEnclosure

POS software solutions from Appspensary and eatOS

Star Micronics Product Catalog

Explore POS printers, label printers, kiosk solutions, and accessories for retail, restaurant, self-service, and more.

Download Now
August 12, 2021
5 Portable Receipt Printer Opportunities for Resellers
As a reseller in the point of sale (POS) industry, it’s becoming increasingly important to not just sell products, but to be a full solution provider and trusted adviser to your customers. Besides being the one your customers turn to for all things tech, being a trusted advisor also means you must always be identifying new selling opportunities. A benefit of this can, of course, be boosted margins. In today’s blog post, explore five portable receipt printer opportunities to help you move deeper into accounts while also thickening your wallet.

1. Tableside Restaurant Payments

Pay-at-the-table is gaining popularity, and for good reason. Touch-free tableside payments – which eliminate back-and-forth handling of cards or cash – boast multiple benefits, including:

Higher table turn rate: The traditional payment process, involving a waitstaff member running back and forth from the table to the POS terminal, can be lengthy, and of course, time means money in the restaurant world. Speeding up the payment process can really pay off (pun intended): according to Hospitality Technology, moving from three to four table turns per shift can increase revenue by 20-25%.

Less identity theft: Unfortunately, card skimming occasionally occurs within the hospitality industry, namely when cards are with servers and out of the sight of customers for several minutes. The possibility of identity theft is greatly reduced if a customer instead pays tableside.

Increased tips: Pay-at-the-table is undoubtedly a faster, smoother process than traditional back-and-forth payments. This improved experience often times means increased tips for servers. According to the Los Angeles Times, Olive Garden waitstaff using mobile payment tablets saw a 15% increase in tips.

Help your customers offer seamless, profitable pay-at-the-table options by providing the ideal portable receipt printer.

Recommended Printer: SM-L200

2” Receipts
Bluetooth, Apple BLE

2. On-the-Road Services: Field Service, Landscaping, Taxi

Another opportune industry for selling portable printers is any business that needs to complete transactions on-the-go. Examples of this include field services like telecommunications, HVAC, pest control, and contracting; landscaping; and taxi services. While these all provide very different services, they have one thing in common: they need fast, reliably connected receipt printers to keep their customers happy and their revenue flowing. Help them reach those goals by providing the right portable receipt printer.

Recommended Printer: SM-T300i

3” Rugged with MSR, Receipts & Labels
Bluetooth

3. Concession Sales at Stadiums, Parks, and Event Venues

The days of getting up from your seat at a sports game or concert to go stand in a long line for a snack or beverage are ending. Mobile and in-seat sales of concessions at stadiums, parks, and event venues are on the rise, and offer many benefits like:

Reduced venue congestion

Faster turnaround

No waiting in long lines, meaning guests have more fun

Enhanced customer experience via mobile payment acceptance and integrated loyalty programs

Recommended Printer: SM-S230i

2” High-Speed Receipts
Bluetooth

4. Police Tickets and Citations

Getting pulled over and receiving a ticket is on fun, but one thing that makes it even less fun is a long wait. Help police officers quickly and safely provide tickets and citations with the right portable printer. Not just any mobile printer will do, however; be sure to offer a printer that is rugged and built to last, can print 4”-wide documents, and is available with accessories like belt clips, shoulder straps, and car chargers.

Recommended Printer: SM-T400i

4” Rugged with MSR, Receipts, Labels & More
Bluetooth

5. Every Corner of the Retail Store

The usage of mobile printers in retail stores seems virtually endless. From big-box stores to specialty retailers and salons, portable printers have a place in nearly every brick-and-mortar establishment. Examples of mobile printer usage in retail stores include:

Line-busting: One of the most obvious portable printer use cases in retail is line-busting. By implementing mobile checkout locations within the store, shoppers can avoid waiting in long lines, pay at a more convenient location, and be on their way faster.

In-aisle labeling: A portable printer that can also print labels is the perfect solution for workers who need to label product in-aisle.

Online order preparation: BOPIS (buy-online-pickup-in-store) is booming. In fact, according to Shopify, nearly 60% of consumers are interested in BOPIS-type shopping options, and 64% are opting for BOPIS more often than before the pandemic started. A portable printer can help workers prepare BOPIS orders by easily printing receipts and labels on-the-go in the store as they assemble orders.

Recommended Printer: SM-L300

3” Receipts & Sticky Labels
USB, Bluetooth, Apple BLE

The Future is Mobile

While mobile transactions and processes aren’t new, their speed, seamlessness, and integration with modern payments and devices are increasingly important in a variety of industries. As a reseller, it’s pertinent that you stay up-to-date on trends such as these to remain a trusted advisor and to maximize your profits. The right portable printers, like those from Star, can help you do just that.

Boost Your Business with Star’s Portable Printers

Boost your business by offering Star Micronics portable printers! Star is proud to offer a full line of portable, wireless receipt printers that are compatible with Bluetooth, Android, and iOS iPad and iPhone devices. Capable of printing receipts, labels, tickets, and more, the portable printers are ideal for retail, hospitality, parks and stadiums, police, food trucks, landscaping, pest control, field service, and more.

Ready to learn even more about Star’s line of portable printers?
Explore Printers
July 13, 2021
POS Trends to Expect in the Second Half of 2021

As we reach the midway point of 2021, one thing is certain: this year is monumental to the point of sale (POS) industry as the economy rushes into recovery. Read on to explore some of the top POS trends to expect in the second half of the year and beyond.

POS Trend #1: Ongoing Online Ordering Boom

In the return to normalcy, and in many regions, restaurants are reopening, and brick-and-mortar retailers are trying to resume their activities as close as possible to their pre-pandemic levels. But no matter where businesses are on their recovery journey, online ordering is here to stay, and not just because of it being the primary method available to consumers during the pandemic. In fact, consumers worldwide have discovered the convenience and benefits of online ordering and have decided to stick with that method of purchasing, even as physical businesses reopen.

Interestingly, businesses have also found additional benefits in using online ordering platforms. Advantages include an additional revenue stream flowing into their businesses, as well as the opportunity to utilize more robust loyalty programs in a less intrusive, nearly seamless way. This improved loyalty strategy can improve the customer experience and in turn create sticky customers.

Most of the initial challenges many online ordering systems and digital transactions faced have been mitigated, making them an even more appealing option for businesses everywhere. For example, new security measures like multi-factor authentication are becoming standard, allowing a business to offer promotions, discounts, and payments that are less susceptible to fraud.

POS Trend #2: Faster Technology Adoption

Complete solutions and intuitive user experiences (UX) have become essential, and although price will most definitely always be an important consideration in any technological deployment, now value and having the right solution have risen to the top of the priority list.

In a rapidly changing market, solution integrators have no time to spare to try new things that they are not sure will work or test products from uncertain vendors. Instead, they are opting to go directly to what is already working in the market and are selecting the brands with the technologies that are being adopted massively by market leaders.

POS Trend #3: An Emphasis on Health and Safety

Even after the COVID-19 pandemic passes, health and safety will remain a priority to people worldwide. To put employees and customers at ease, a new POS trend has accelerated and retail and hospitality businesses that are reopening must offer a tangible sense of safety to their customers.

Popular health and safety POS products include sneeze guards placed at the point of sale, antimicrobial covers which reduce germ transfer on high-touch surfaces, and tamper-proof labels to securely seal delivery and takeout orders.

Health & Safety Solutions Brochure

Discover which solutions can keep your business squeaky clean and help customers feel confident at your brick-and-mortar location.

Download Now

POS Trend #4: Affordable and Simplified Development

The development side of the industry is also experiencing changing POS trends. Development phases are accelerating, and software providers are developing using cross-platform tools (like the StarXpand™ SDK) on the React Native platform, cutting development time and cost in half.

As most digital interactions and virtual communications are happening in the cloud, POS transactions, especially for online ordering, are not an exception. Technologies, like CloudPRNT, are allowing the seamless connection of thermal printers to the cloud. These technologies are not only cost-effective but also shorten integration and development times and are becoming the go-to solution in the market.

POS Trend #5: The Continued Rise of Self-Service Kiosks

Did you know that more than 65% of customers said they would be more willing to visit a restaurant if self-service kiosks were offered?

Clearly, self-service kiosks are a rising POS trend and as they are more widely used, consumers will hold them to a higher standard and expect them to be reliable, intuitive, and safe to use. Because of this, self-service kiosks are particularly sensitive to the quality of the components they are integrated with, so it is essential that those components are selected carefully.

Some POS hardware manufacturers, like Star, offer a vast portfolio of kiosk printers with receipt and labeling capabilities with features that can help ensure customer satisfaction. For example, a kiosk printer with a bezel allows for jam-free kiosk operations, and large-capacity paper rolls allow for extended paper autonomy.

For businesses and integrators with tight budgetary constraints, there are still options for assembling a highly sophisticated self-service kiosk solution. For example, businesses can pair a desktop printer, with the right technology built-in, with a universal tablet enclosure, a tablet, and a tablet stand. This is when finding the right one-stop shop POS manufacturer to work with that can provide all of those components becomes key.

Recommended Solution

For an affordable yet high-quality kiosk, connect the Star Micronics mCP31L multi-interface thermal printer to an iPad via the Lightning port. Next, place the iPad in a Universal mEnclosure (which locks for security purposes), attached firmly to an mUnite stand. Pairing these Star products together can turn a potentially complicated and costly kiosk project into a functional, cost-effective, and simple one.

As a one-stop shop, Star is proud to provide a complete range of POS hardware solutions for retailers, restaurants, and more.

Download Product Catalogue

June 29, 2021