At Star Micronics, we’re always attuned to market dynamics and trends. Following our successful launch of MFi technology, which facilitated seamless Lightning connections between our printers and Apple’s iOS devices, we recognized the surging adoption of Android devices in powering small business point-of-sale (POS) systems.
To remain at the forefront of industry innovation, we swiftly adapted to serve this expanding Android market segment, ensuring compatibility and operational excellence.
Embracing the Android Open Accessory (AOA) protocol has been transformative for both software developers and business owners. The TSP143IVUE is ultra-connected and boasts an array of features ensuring future-proof adaptability. With AOA integration, this thermal printer not only streamlines operations but also underscores the sophistication and innovation at the helm of today’s businesses.
“Android Open Accessory (AOA) support allows external USB hardware (Android USB accessories) to interact with Android-powered devices in accessory mode. When an Android-powered device is in accessory mode, the connected accessory acts as the USB host (powers the bus and enumerates devices) and the Android-powered device acts as the USB accessory.”
“Android USB accessories are designed to attach to Android-powered devices. Such accessories adhere to AOA, enabling them to detect Android-powered devices that support accessory mode, and must provide 500mA at 5V for charging power.
Some previously-released Android-powered devices are capable of acting only as a USB device and cannot initiate connections with external USB devices. AOA support overcomes this limitation, enabling you to build accessories that can initiate connections and interact with an assortment of Android-powered devices.”
The TSP143IVUE Thermal Printer Supports AOA
Star’s new innovative printing solution accommodates the fast-growing Android-user market with the connectivity people want. The future-proof TSP143IVUE supports the Android Open Accessory (AOA) protocol, allowing the printer to communicate with and power most Android devices when plugged in.
With its modern design, enhanced connectivity, ease of integration, and 20% smaller footprint than its predecessor, the TSP143IVUE is the perfect solution for the demands of today’s market.
The TSP143IVUE Supports CloudPRNT & More
Along with AOA support, adding a USB/LAN Dual Interface and CloudPRNT to the newest TSP143IVUE thermal receipt printer has fully elevated our popular printing series for today’s needs. This advanced printing solution seamlessly integrates with Android, iOS, and Windows applications, offering unparalleled versatility and ease of use.
Plus, it’s backward compatible with its previous version, the TSP143III, making it effortless for people to upgrade.
It’s also Cloud Ready, connecting to cloud-based POS software and Star Micronics Cloud Services. Star’s Cloud Services enable offsite device monitoring in real-time, custom-designed promotions, and more.
Here are some key features of the TSP143IVUE:
A Dual Interface: LAN + USB (USB-C and USB-A)
A Compact and Ultra-Modern Design
AOA Protocol Support: Charging and Communicating with Android Devices
CloudPRNT technology to work with cloud-based software
If you’re a small business owner, understanding the difference between traditional 2.4GHz wireless bandwidth and the newer 5GHz might save you time, money, and future headaches.
Many consumers assume the higher number must be better, so they choose to use that for their devices. However, neither bandwidth is actually “better” than the other. They’re simply different, with each having pros and cons. Whether you want to use 2.4GHz or 5GHz bandwidth all boils down to what you need.
First, let’s find out what the difference is between the two:
The Differences Between 2.4GHz & 5GHz WiFi
2.4GHz
When it comes to wireless internet, 2.4GHz has been the standard used in various devices, including WiFi routers, microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and wireless cameras. It allows devices to connect over a longer range and penetrates better through solid objects such as walls. It’s a perfectly high-functioning bandwidth but falters when it comes to how much data can be exchanged (uploaded or downloaded) within a particular length of time. Plus, it’s prone to disturbance and interference from other devices on the network because of overcrowding.
5GHz
As mentioned above, many devices use the 2.4GHz band. As the signal becomes overcrowded and causes a lot of interference, it slows down the network considerably. In this scenario, 5GHz appears to be the rescuer, having little to no interference. Many devices still don’t use it, so it’s less clogged. It relieves internet consumers from slow network speed and facilitates a higher data range. Its only drawback is that it doesn’t cover large areas or easily penetrate through solid objects.
Is 2.4GHz or 5GHz WiFi Best For My Business Environment?
After learning the pros and cons of both frequencies, the most frequent question consumers ask is which band is preferable. Both certainly have perks, but you must consider some critical factors as a small business owner.
Start with determining the size of your workplace. Although the coverage area is decent and the bandwidth is more robust, 5GHz won’t be able to cover an extensive area. With larger spaces, 2.4GHz may be best suited for you. If your workplace has multiple devices using 2.4GHz wireless, it may cause interference and slow down your connection. In that case, perhaps 5GHz would be better for you.
What devices are you using?
Also, consider the devices you are using. How many only need a 2.4GHz network? Bluetooth devices and microwave ovens will only be using 2.4GHz, so if your business uses many, you may need 5GHz for other devices, like smartphones. Microwave ovens are staples in professional kitchens, so if you own a restaurant or food delivery service, you may also want to look into 5GHz.
Remember that 2.4GHz uses long transmission waves that easily penetrate through solid walls and objects. It’s ideal for internet browsing, but 5GHz is the go-to for streaming or playing online games.
Whether in retail or the restaurant industry, your answer depends on your business needs. Choosing which wireless bandwidth to employ is all about what best suits the environment of your workplace. Some businesses may get by using only 2.4GHz bandwidth, while others may need the extra power of 5GHz to make it work. The key is having the correct information and knowing what you need.
mC-Print21W & mC-Print31W
With the mC-Print21W, the mC-Print31W, or the TSP143IVUW thermal receipt printers from Star, you get printing solutions that work on either bandwidth.
Whichever bandwidth you need, Star Micronics has your printing solution. The mC-Print21W, mC-Print31W, and TSP143IVUW all support dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) WiFi. Networks that need long-distance coverage can use 2.4GHz. The more powerful 5GHz is best for reducing lag and interference, especially in busy kitchens with microwaves and hardware that compete for bandwidth on a 2.4Ghz network. By offering a choice to use one of the two frequencies, 2.4GHz or 5GHz, these Star printers provide maximum flexibility when connecting to any network.
TSP143IVUW
These thermal printers are also Cloud Ready, able to connect to any cloud application that supports Star’s CloudPRNT technology. With the addition of Star Micronics Cloud Services, including Digital Journal, cloud promotion print management, and device monitoring. They offer retailers and restaurateurs the next generation of POS printing, enabling marketing and receipt tools for the omnichannel world.
Last week, I spoke with John Maieli, Channel Partner Executive at Star Micronics America. Over the course of our conversation, he shared some thoughtful perspectives on modern kitchens and the technology that supports them. Having spent nearly two decades working in professional kitchens, John understands the environment well—the pace, the pressure, and the skepticism that often comes with introducing new equipment.
As Content Specialist, I serve as the bridge between Star Micronics and the worldwide web (even beyond), translating ideas and innovations into stories that resonate with operators and partners. People usually come to my team when they have a message to share. John, however, came with something more: a vision of thermal printers playing a larger role in professional kitchens across the country.
As we spoke, he tried to keep his enthusiasm contained, but I still caught the twinkle in his eye. It was clear there was more to explore. I asked if he could spare an hour for a deeper conversation. He agreed. Below is our conversation.
What has your experience been in a professional kitchen?
I have over 16 years experience in professional kitchens. I started at age 14 working in a wedding cake bakery owned by a family friend. It turned into a passion, so I attended Johnson & Wales University, where I received a BS in the science of baking & pastry. I went on to work in a chocolate and sugar school, a 5-star, 5-diamond hotel and resort, a Michelin star restaurant, fine dining restaurants, a platinum country club, fast-casual dining, and a bakery.
So you know professional kitchens well. Impact printers are common there, while thermal is often frowned upon. Why do you think thermal printers still have a place in commercial kitchens?
Kitchens have come a long way over the years. Many are very modern, with electronic gadgets everywhere, including kitchen display systems (KDS) on computer screens. In today’s modern kitchens, where heat and grease are kept under control, there is a place for thermal printing. I see thermal printers like the mC-Print3 as essential peripherals to the modern kitchen KDS.
I see what you mean. If there are computer screens in a kitchen, then thermal printers can also be there.
Honestly, even in a kitchen without a display system, this printer would shine. The mC-Print3 is seriously the ultimate printer. It has so much that any modern kitchen would benefit from.
So, you know all about Star’s printing solutions. What are some of the advantages the mC-Print3 thermal printer would have over impact printers in the kitchen?
Speed – thermal printers are faster than dot-matrix printers resulting in faster ticket times. Some on-the-fly needs for printed tickets (last-minute changes, birthdays, allergies, seat changes, etc.) can be made quickly without staff waiting for the tickets to print.
No ribbons – no changing of ink ribbons needed. Thermal heads don’t need to be changed as regularly as ink ribbons. Who wants to mess with that in a kitchen?
Less noise – thermal printers are quiet, which can be significant in suitable environments. If sound is necessary, a buzzer can be added so that there’s a ding or a buzz every time a ticket prints.
Print Flat Technology – tickets that come out of the mC-Print3 are flat, and they remain that way. No curling is excellent for longer tickets as you can see everything easily.
Wireless capability – there’s also an mC-Print3 with wireless capability, which is a great option to have. It doesn’t have to be stuck near the router. It can go wherever there’s a nearby outlet and it will still be connected.
Splash-proof/Insect-proof – critters and crud can’t get into the mC-Print3 and ruin the print head. Plus, its compact size makes cleaning a breeze. You can lift the printer with one hand – I know about cleaning restaurant kitchens… you only have one hand available to move things around!
The mC-Print3 thermal receipt printer by Star Micronics
What are some concerns you’ve heard about thermal printers in the kitchen, and how can they be avoided?
The biggest concerns I hear are heat, humidity, and not having multiple copies of tickets for different food prep stations. Yet heat & humidity are better controlled now more than ever. Modern kitchens are full of equipment with the same limitations as thermal printers. Would a tablet be installed under the heat lamp or on top of a fryer?
Software dictates coursing now, with a new ticket printed each time a course fires instead of the old ways. Chefs may be used to seeing black and red ink, but dish modifications are highlighted in other ways with thermal. At the end of the day, an order ticket is meant to be read.
As for not having carbon copies of tickets, most modern prep stations either are or should be equipped with individual printers if two or more stations need to come together on a single dish. Kitchen display systems simplify each process. The server sends tickets that go to either the hot or cold kitchen (salad station, for example) or the ticket fires to the pastry station for dessert.
It’s the same way tickets go to the bar instead of the kitchen. No more having to hand a blurred yellow carbon copy of an order to another station.
Hear John talk more in-depth about modern kitchen hardware:
That’s all very true. So, with all this talk of the “modern kitchen,” what kind of establishments would you recommend the mC-Print3 thermal printer to?
I see the mC-Print3 as a benefit to any restaurant utilizing a KDS (kitchen display system). Paper tickets are essential in restaurants – that won’t be going away anytime soon – and any modern food station with an mC-Print3 installed would significantly upgrade functionality, speed, noise level, and overall look and feel.
Restaurants and resorts wanting to deliver a fresh, elegant dining experience, elevating the customer experience would do well to switch to thermal. I’m particular to the mC-Print3.
It certainly has an attractive design. Any further comments?
Yeah, I’d like to mention that Dot Matrix technology (for impact printers) started in the 1970s. It wasn’t at the point-of-sale (POS) then, and it wasn’t until the 80s that Star began manufacturing dot matrix for POS, but the SP700 series, the gold standard in kitchens today, is about 15 years old now.
This is just something to consider when making your next purchase with all the changes the industry is going through today. The mC-Print3 is future-proof, meaning you can change your KDS, your connectivity, and you won’t have to change your printer. It’s truly the ultimate printing solution.
The mC-Print3 receipt printer is where thermal excels in the kitchen
Have questions about upgrading your restaurant operations with modern thermal kitchen printers?
If you are a dispensary owner, you will undoubtedly consider starting a cannabis delivery service for your customers. Demand for the plant, either for recreational consumption or medical needs, has taken the industry to new highs, and surely you want to be in on the action. Of course, that is assuming cannabis delivery is legal in your area! Let’s say it is.
Now, where do you start? What do you need?
In cannabis delivery, technical equipment is required to successfully meet your customers’ needs. Software that helps you create an online store, allows for online ordering, accounts for inventory management, and integrates with the proper point-of-sale (POS) hardware is a must-have to assist your delivery aims.
Let’s see what tech you’ll need to start your cannabis delivery service:
Online Store & Website
Using the omnichannel approach for setting up a cannabis delivery service is ideal for the best results. Online ordering has rapidly grown, and it will only continue. An omnichannel strategy means that the customer can access your product through multiple channels such as social media, websites, apps, etc. This way, the customer has many convenient options and can order the product quickly and wherever they are the most comfortable. An online store is one of those options.
You must first set up a website and online store to get started. An online store is usually an extension of a website. If you are a dispensary owner, you likely already have a website for your business. You can look into your web development platform for online store options. Many companies use application software that provides your delivery service needs, from creating an online store to payment and marketing. Setting up an online shop for your cannabis will take some work, but it is worth every effort.
It should be mentioned that a dispensary looking to deliver should incorporate some essential features into its online store. These features include the ability to calculate sales tax in each region. The website should be able to see which areas are legally allowed to deliver cannabis. Moreover, the website should also be able to scan customer IDs so their ages can be verified.
Again, there are companies that provide products with these capabilities, including POS software.
POS Software & Hardware
Both software and hardware for POS are essential to process and calculate the transactions received from online customer orders. They also help fulfill payments, print order tickets and receipts, and keep your entire POS space tidy while protecting your valuables.
Hardware
If you already own a dispensary, you’ll have most of what’s listed here. But, if you’re starting from scratch or want to update your point-of-sale, you’ll first need a tablet or a computer. Many people go for tablets these days as they are more cost-effective and can be just as powerful. There is a lot of software out there that works great on tablets.
Whether you choose a tablet or computer, having a protective display stand to hold it steady would be wise. At Star, we have a variety of tablet display stands, including an all-steel tablet display stand built for three different tablets so you can see them all at once. This is great for having multiple online orders coming in, especially orders for delivery. Each tablet is held firmly in place yet can easily be seen and accessed.
If you don’t have tablets that display orders, have a printer that prints the online order you have received, indicating that you have an order pending. There are also printers out there that print repositionable sticky labels so that the order can move along with the product as it’s being prepared. Customers will want receipts once their products arrive, so a well-connected printer is necessary.
Other than tablets or computers, Star Micronics has all the hardware you need for your dispensary point-of-sale if you’d like to check it out here.
Software
Well-performing POS software is a must for any business in general. Luckily for the cannabis industry, there is software made especially for it. Many cannabis-related POS apps can help with online store setup, inventory management, delivery operations, omnichannel marketing, taking care of payments, and much more. There are even companies that take care of the delivery logistics for your storefront entirely. It’s so easy to get started!
Another critical piece of the puzzle is the proper integration of your POS hardware with your software. Your online ordering system and point-of-sale machinery should work together seamlessly. Some people choose their hardware first and find software that works with it, while others select their software first.
Delivery Logistics
Delivering cannabis is a tremendous job, and some safety precautions must be taken when the order is dispatched to deliver. If you are looking to manage your deliveries, you must have a GPS tracker in your vehicle so you know where your driver is at all times and whether the parcel has been delivered to the correct address or not.
Another thing to remember is that the driver or deliverer must have a tablet with access to your online store delivery software so they can update it after every delivery. This is crucial for inventory control and management of your cannabis products.
Most dispensaries take payments online, but if you don’t, you’ll need a mobile payment terminal so your delivery person can accept payments on the spot.
Conclusion
Technology is a massive part of our lives, and the trend may never slow down. If you decide to introduce a cannabis delivery service to your customers, make sure you have the equipment mentioned above in place. There will be upfront costs, but the upside is incredibly lucrative long-term. Anywhere they’re legal, cannabis delivery services have taken off in this country. Why not be part of the action?
Since 2012, cannabis has been legalized in 18 different states in the United States for people above 21. For medical and pharmaceutical purposes, however, the number rises to 38 states. This trend will only continue. According to an article by U.S. News, the following states have been or will be fully legalized by the end of 2022:
Check out this link to see a handy map and chart displaying the legality of cannabis per state. Now, just because the plant is fully legalized for adult use doesn’t mean you can just set up shop and start selling! Please check with your state and local laws before pursuing any business endeavor selling cannabis.
The point is, as the plant is legalized more and people’s consumption increases, dispensaries will only continue to multiply, and competition will grow. Because of the pandemic, many dispensaries started providing cannabis delivery services to stay afloat. The move has since proved to be highly popular with consumers, and it’s helped dispensary owners not only stay in business during the shutdowns but greatly increase profits as well.
And the trend isn’t going away.
4 Reasons Why Your Dispensary Needs Delivery Service
There are many reasons why starting a delivery service for your dispensary is the business-savvy thing to do, but here are four:
INCREASE YOUR MARKET REACH
To start, adding an online delivery marketplace for your dispensary will have you spending more time on the internet trying to reel in activity on your website. This will undoubtedly give you more exposure, whether you’re on social media or running digital ads. More people will eventually be interacting with your e-commerce store, which will drive more traffic toward it. The more exposure you have, the more people will know to visit your website and buy from your online dispensary.
If you didn’t have a website before (hopefully, this isn’t the case), this will get your store online. If you did, adding a delivery service is simply another way to utilize your online space to drive more revenue.
There are so many apps these days designed specifically for cannabis delivery that it’s never been easier to try it out. A Google search will get you started.
INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY
Simply put: cannabis delivery services make it easier for your customers to receive your product. Especially if they are using cannabis for medical purposes, some people may not be able to get to your shop as easily as others. They also may be extra cautious about the pandemic because of current health issues.
The truth is, we have no idea (and no business asking) why someone would rather have their cannabis goods delivered. But if we offer it as an option, we open our services to a segment of the market that may desperately need an alternative to physically entering a dispensary. They will show the love, too.
INCREASE ORDER SIZE
Next, delivering cannabis from your dispensary will increase your customers’ order sizes. People are busier than ever and may not spend as much time inside a physical dispensary as they could browsing your shop online. From anywhere, a customer can look through your e-commerce store a little in the morning, go about their day, and then browse a little during lunchtime, putting some items in their shopping cart.
Then, later that evening, or whenever they want, they can go back and finally checkout, having their cannabis products delivered to their doorstep as they take care of other things around the house. It’s a beautiful thing.
Also, people in stores may be limited by how much cash they have on them at the time. They also may feel rushed in a physical store. When I go out shopping with friends or family, it’s impossible to browse everything I want (or even visit the stores that I want). Having an online dispensary with delivery allows customers to take their time shopping.
Because of this, they usually buy more.
INCREASE BRAND AWARENESS
Finally, starting a dispensary delivery service will increase awareness of your brand. Going digital puts your brand in front of way more eyeballs, helping to build recognition of your company with greater speed. There’s a reason more and more companies are moving their operations online, a trend that isn’t going away.
When customers become familiar with your brand logo and get to know your offerings, your vibe, they are way more likely to buy from you. A fully functioning e-commerce website with delivery for your cannabis operations will put your brand out into the stratosphere way better than a physical store alone.
All the above reasons boil down to one: cannabis delivery services drive revenue. Whether your dispensary is getting more exposure or becoming more accessible to different types of customers, setting up a delivery service for your products will boost business. With all of that extra revenue, you can continue to grow, stay competitive, and ultimately stay profitable.
An article from High There says it all: “States that have already legalized cannabis, like California, are seeing a spike in business thanks to the overwhelming convenience of cannabis delivery… What many are considering the next trend for cannabis business, delivery services can help surge revenue for the retailers that jump in to take advantage. The cannabis industry is already a record $10 billion and climbing. A particularly explosive section of this industry is almost exclusively the new cannabis delivery sector.”
That was written in 2019 before the pandemic pushed states to legalize more delivery services across the country. If your dispensary isn’t getting in on a piece of the action, you’re missing out on a wide-open market. If your state allows cannabis delivery, then expand your operations’ reach, boost business, and stay ahead of your competition by starting a dispensary delivery service now.
The cannabis market is rapidly growing day by day. In order to meet the high consumer demand, dispensaries seem to be emerging left and right. If you’re in the business, you have to run your cannabis dispensary’s day-to-day operations successfully to stay competitive. An efficient point-of-sale (POS) system, specifically designed to meet the particular requirements of the recreational cannabis industry, is what you need.
A cannabis dispensary’s key POS requirements differ from that of a regular retail establishment. One of the most critical elements in making your dispensary more competitive and better managed is the selection of the right POS system. This not only includes software but the proper hardware as well. This POS should have all the latest technology to help you transform your cannabis dispensary into a competitive, profitable business.
Essential POS Hardware For Dispensaries:
Computer
Receipt Printer
Barcode Scanner
Label Printer
Cash Drawer
POS Scale
Computer: A computer system with the minimum requirements to run the POS software of your choice is first needed. You must make sure the POS software runs on whichever computer operating system (OS) you want to use. Make sure you have a high-grade processor and enough RAM, plus a good internet connection. Many retailers are using tablets these days to run their POS software.
Receipt Printer: Although digital receipts are an option, most consumers want stores to be able to print them a receipt of purchase if requested, especially for credit card transactions. Unlike digital receipts, printed receipts don’t require any contact details from the customer, such as email address or phone number.
Finding a receipt printer of high quality and versatility to be able to take you into the next era of point-of-sale is absolutely vital. Not every printer is created equally. You want a receipt printer that can connect to different computer operating systems, in case you ever update. Being able to print from the cloud is also another must-have feature. You also want quick and easy installation so you can get to more important things.
Barcode Scanner:Barcode scanners are designed to recognize, record, and read any information contained in a product barcode or QR code. Dispensary employees can use scanning technology for POS, inventory, and marketing purposes. You’ll want an easy-to-connect and use scanner that reads accurately and quickly.
Label Printer: Labels are essential in the cannabis industry. Many states in the U.S. require QR codes on retail cannabis products that easily show the customer important information about the origins and properties of what they’re purchasing. Having your own label printer, like the TSP743II, can save a lot of money, instead of buying custom-made labels from a third party. With your own label printer, you can easily print your own, updating them exactly when you need to, and controlling the size and shape yourself.
Cash Register/Cash Drawer: Cannabis has not yet been authorized on a federal level. As a result, federally authorized banks generally refuse to hold cannabis dispensary owners’ earnings over the risk of losing their license to operate legally. Therefore, most dispensary transactions are made in the form of cash. A durable cash drawer with adequate storage that effortlessly connects to your POS receipt printer is a must.
Scale: A legal-for-trade scale is the final requirement for a cannabis dispensary POS. Not all scales will serve as a proper dispensary scale, however. The scale must be an NTEP-certified scale (or Measurement Canada certified in Canada). A scale that directly connects to the POS system is basically expected these days, as it streamlines the POS, saving time and money. A direct connection between the weight and price of your cannabis for sale lessens the chance of human mistakes and enhances the customer experience.
Before we continue, now would be a good time to mention the importance of your POS software. Your dispensary’s point-of-sale software can have a significant effect on staff productivity and client satisfaction. Pick software and services that work for you to earn the most out of every sale.
Obviously, the POS software should be user-friendly and assist you in handling the dispensary’s cash flow, keeping a record of your sales. Your budtenders should have easy access to your POS system. Cannabis laws differ from one state to the next. Because of this, certain POS software designed for the cannabis industry will make sure that each sale complies with your state’s standards. This makes life easier for your budtenders and prevents potential legal problems.
How POS Hardware Can Keep Your Dispensary Competitive
A modern POS system will assist a retail cannabis dispensary’s ultimate goals of keeping customers satisfied and maximizing profit. Here are six ways your POS system can help your dispensary stay competitive:
Simpler Dispensary Arrangement
Most point-of-sale systems are much simpler these days, and many can even be used on the go. This enables a dispensary to get rid of a traditional checkout counter. It is convenient to have budtenders equipped with tablets or other devices to meet consumers across the dispensary to finish payments. Any handheld device can be turned into a mobile checkout alongside a portable printer. This means the dispensary can be redesigned to have more room and a better flow that isn’t centered on a single cash register.
Compliance With Regulations
The cannabis sector is shackled by many rules, regulations, and tax concerns. On top of this, these regulations are constantly changing. Failure to live up to these regulatory requirements could result in severe penalties. As mentioned before, POS software is out there that can help with regulatory compliance. This software is made specifically for the cannabis industry. Thanks to a central database and built-in analytics, you can get real-time data reports for ensuring compliance.
Having the proper information on product labels and customer receipts is also handled with the right receipt and label printers. You can’t afford to miss any required data, and having printers that can be updated with little hassle can make your job easier.
A great POS system can help your employees better serve your customers. From wait times to simple inventory data, a POS system can enhance the experience of your customers and keep them coming back. With the right setup, details regarding the types of cannabis available allow budtenders to better respond to consumer inquiries. It simplifies the job of dispensary employees in many ways.
Improving Customer Experience
Having the right receipt printer, like Star’s TSP143III, allows you to design and print promotional material right onto your receipts. This can help boost any promos you may want to schedule.
You can also use QR codes for loyalty programs, scanning them from your customers’ phones with the proper scanner, and seeing all of their previous purchases. As a result, you can provide a more personalized experience to them. When budtenders have access to a customer’s previous purchases, they can make informed recommendations for future purchases. This could potentially lead to more long-term relationships.
Star has a robust collection of NTEP-certified POS scales
Inventory Management
The majority of cannabis retailers recognize the importance of effective inventory management. Nevertheless, this procedure can take considerable time. Alongside good POS software, POS scanners and scales can help provide key inventory management. Scales are absolutely necessary for any dispensary, but one that connects to your POS system makes transactions easier, faster, and much more accurate. These tools allow a dispensary to quickly determine the top and worst-selling products.
Ensuring that popular items are always available will keep customers coming back, and you can be assured that space in your dispensary is never wasted.
Filling customer demand, staying compliant, having the right inventory stocked, having a sleek and clean store–these are all things that keep your dispensary full of repeat customers, increasing sales. Increasing your sales keeps revenue rolling in, putting your dispensary two steps ahead of your competitors.
Cannabis is a fast-paced and profitable market, and many players are moving in on the space. Having a modern POS system is essential, especially with hardware that not only helps you grow but can grow with you. Customers have a lot of expectations these days and having a POS system that helps you meet those demands can be the thin line that separates you from the rest.
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
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
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!
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.
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.
When dining rooms abruptly shut down during the pandemic, restaurants quickly adapted. By either establishing new processes or shifting to new business models entirely, once-elegant spaces gave way to outdoor dining. Indoors were reconfigured for social distancing or managing delivery and curbside pickup. Plexiglass dividers became standard. But, after all of the effort and investment, restaurants are still operating below 2019 levels. The only constant seems to be change.
The pandemic is partly to blame for the slow recovery. Customers have been hesitant to return to in-person dining. But it isn’t the only challenge restaurants must overcome — the labor shortage is arguably an even bigger issue. Though the leisure and hospitality sector added 2.6 million jobs in 2021, employment in food services is still 653,000 below where it was before the pandemic really hit. On top of that, many employers are now dealing with high turnover, losing and taking on workers at a greater pace than usual.
Restaurant Labor Shortages
The ongoing labor shortage is impacting the entire range of restaurant segments, forcing operators to make changes to stay in business. From an operations perspective, this may mean offering in-person dining at fewer hours per day or fewer days per week and seating fewer patrons. Businesses may also abbreviate menus to make food prep workloads more manageable with a smaller staff. These measures may help keep the doors open, but they add up to fewer table turns and less revenue.
Employees are also feeling the pinch. They may be working longer hours and taking on more responsibility. Employees have options, however. They don’t necessarily have to stay in their current jobs. Some will leave, enticed by competitive offers and attractive signing bonuses. Others may opt to explore careers in different industries altogether, ones that offer stable hours and better benefits. In any case, departing employees make the situation even worse for the co-workers and restaurants they leave behind.
Furthermore, customers have quickly realized that eating out just isn’t the same as it was. The waits are longer. Favorite foods are no longer on the menu. The staff seems rushed and maybe even less friendly. At a time when restaurants need to rebuild, they can’t afford negative customer experiences. They can’t afford to keep hiring new people just to watch them leave. They can’t afford fewer tables turned and lower revenues.
So, how can restaurateurs take their power back?
Tech That Helps Overcome Labor Shortage Challenges
In the face of all of these problems, perhaps investing in new restaurant tech can help. Here are five technologies that can ease the burden of operating short-staffed in a constantly changing environment. What’s even better is that this tech can improve the customer experience while future-proofing your restaurant at the same time.
Self-Service Kiosks
Freestanding and table-top kiosks allow guests to place their own orders when ready. As an added advantage, self-service kiosks have been shown to increase customer spending by an average of 20 percent, according to recent studies. Researchers attribute higher average tickets to customers’ ability to scroll through menu choices at their own pace, giving them privacy and control of their ordering experience. These unattended solutions are programmed to optimize the customer experience with smart displays and upselling suggestions, increasing the potential for impulse menu selections.
From an operational standpoint, kiosks cover the relatively simple task of entering orders into the restaurant’s system, freeing managers to reassign employees to higher-value activities, such as food prep or curbside pickup management. Additionally, kiosks with advanced capabilities can automatically update menus when items are 86ed, or even tailor selections to returning customers, personalizing their experience.
Kitchen Display System (KDS)
Modern KDS technology is designed to help fewer people manage more orders. An effective KDS routes information to specific food prep stations automatically, eliminating service interruptions and paper trails, keeping kitchens and food prep areas organized and efficient.
KDS makes real-time data accessible to busy staff, further balancing workloads and boosting productivity. When part of an integrated system, staff can also print to-go box labels as part of the workflow, keeping orders organized, reducing excess waste, and optimizing back-of-house operations.
The TSP654IISK thermal receipt, label, and linerless sticky paper printer by Star Micronics is capable of printing orders directly from the cloud, compatible with many popular POS and kitchen display systems.
Online and Mobile Ordering
When a restaurant implements online and mobile ordering solutions, employees no longer have to step away from other important tasks to take orders. Online and mobile ordering also minimizes human error from staff reducing waste and losses due to misinterpreted orders.
Additionally, when the online ordering solutions are integrated with the point of sale (POS) system and kitchen display system (KDS), work is immediately prioritized and scheduled, ensuring all food prep occurs at the right time. Fewer items are missed, and orders are ready for the customer efficiently and on time.
Furthermore, online and mobile ordering solutions drive repeat business and customer loyalty by providing customers with an easy, convenient way to order. It also gives restaurants valuable data they can use to personalize future orders on any channel.
Contactless Pay at the Table
Pay-at-the-table solutions increase table turns by eliminating the back and forth to stationary POS terminals, including the time it takes to wait in line to use them. Instead, wait staff can accept credit, debit, and touchless payment methods on the spot, allowing guests to check out with a tap or a swipe of a card on contactless-enabled devices. Portable receipt printers complete pay-at-the-table transactions, with staff providing receipts immediately after payment.
Another option for creating a quick, touchless payment experience is to print a QR code on the customer’s receipt, allowing guests to pay privately, securely, and conveniently from personal devices. Like contactless pay-at-the-table, QR code payments make settling the check a one-step process, saving time and helping staff provide service to more customers.
Antimicrobial Covers
Antimicrobial covers are sold by Star Micronics to help keep germs off high-traffic surfaces.
With ongoing health and safety concerns, antimicrobial covers add another layer of confidence, not only for staff but for customers as well. This helps people feel safer in your establishment. Available in multiple shapes and sizes, protective covers are easy to affix and remove, leaving zero residue. Once applied, anything from door handles and panels to elevator buttons are less likely to harbor and spread bacteria and germs. Antimicrobial covers protect workers and customers without needing constant staff attention and supplies.
In businesses where there’s a shortage of staff, antimicrobial covers can help keep workers healthy and on the job, too.
Smart Investments Deliver Value Now & In The Future
As the restaurant industry continues its slow yet steady road to recovery, it’s vital to make smart investments. Restauranteurs want to ensure survival through this labor crisis, but they also need to think long-term. By automating mundane tasks, technology can help restaurants increase operational efficiency, greatly improving customer experience. Plus, they’ll be able to function whether fully staffed or not.
When restaurants settle into the new normal, the technology used during the crisis will only continue to bolster customer dining experiences, proving strong ROI.
Those who last are the ones who act. Which technology will you be looking into?
Find Out More About Star’s Future-Proof POS Solutions:
Launching a business in the restaurant space carries a lot of risks. The nationwide restaurant failure rate is challenging to track, but the National Restaurant Association estimates a 30% failure rate in the restaurant industry. With high failure-to-thrive rates, rent, and other overhead costs, plus difficulty filling dining rooms, it’s easy to see why entering the industry is so daunting. However, many restaurateurs have found a way around these challenges: ghost kitchens.
A ghost kitchen is a professional food preparation and cooking facility set up to prepare delivery or takeout meals without the dining room. This solution has made entering the market more manageable, allowing for flexible working space, eliminating the costs of setting up and running a larger front-of-house operation. For these reasons, many restaurateurs and other entrepreneurs are looking into how to start a ghost kitchen, including what kind of point of sale (POS) technology they will need to get started.
Ghost kitchens lower the barrier of entry to the restaurant industry. However, there is still a significant amount of planning that goes into opening a ghost kitchen. For instance, you will still need to find a kitchen space to buy or rent from. The good news is, without a dining room, you can select from a workspace that may have lower foot traffic, which means cheaper rent.
It may still take you a while to design a menu, however, and you will have to decide between in-house delivery services or outsourcing with partnerships from UberEats, DoorDash, or other sources. And, of course, you will still have to invest in the usual kitchen essentials: food, utensils, and technology.
POS Technology To Invest In
As a ghost kitchen owner, your operations will be very different from traditional restaurant operations and will require a more comprehensive digital solution. To keep up with these unique demands, you will need specific technology designed for your kitchen.
First, you will need an ordering and payment solution that will allow customers to order and pay for their meals online or via a mobile app. Next, you’ll need a kitchen display system (KDS) to get those online orders directly in front of your kitchen staff, keeping your line moving fast and efficiently.
Also, you can keep your kitchen moving by sending orders to a mobile printer using linerless labels and sticking them directly onto the to-go packages. This minimizes confusion, shortens delivery and pick-up time, keeping the orders moving (be sure to use tamper-proof labels to assure food order safety as well). In addition, as a digitally advanced kitchen, you’ll need a POS system that integrates all of these solutions, making it easy and seamless to manage your operations on a day-to-day basis.
The EZPOS tablet display stand by Star Micronics
If you use multiple delivery services and want to keep your POS system flexible by using a mobile tablet, it’s also a smart idea to invest in a tablet stand. It may quickly become one of your kitchen’s most essential tools, providing a home base for your point of sale and making it easier for staff to match up orders with corresponding delivery service providers. A proper stand should also help to protect your tablet, including any receipt or order printer you may have alongside it.
Your go-to For Ghost Kitchen POS Technology
Star Micronics provides flexible, futureproof POS technology designed to connect front and back-of-house operations with ease, keeping ghost kitchens operating at their peak. Star provides everything from portable printers, regular and sticky thermal receipt paper, durable tablet stands, and much more. Through one of our certified partners, you can get all of the hardware your ghost kitchen needs.
If you’re ready to find the best step up for your ghost kitchen and get ahead of your competition, contact Star today. Discover what our industry-leading technology can do for you and your restaurant business goals.
The Growing Industry of Ghost Kitchens: The Tech You Need To Get Started
Learn the essentials of starting a ghost kitchen and the technology restaurateurs will need to get started.
