Author: Heidi Orpilla

UBMe Technology Transforms Restaurant Curbside Operations

Since early 2020, businesses worldwide have been struggling to cope with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and the restaurant industry is no exception. For many restaurateurs, this meant adjusting and changing their everyday business operations to generate new revenue and help their staff and customers feel safer. For some, adjusting has not been as easy leading to temporary and in some cases permanent closures.

Restaurateurs, faced with the same challenges as last year, are seeking to remain as profitable as possible in an industry that may need to re-invent itself once in-person dining returns. Successful restaurateurs are uncovering new and inventive ways to wait out the storm, such as utilizing innovative technology-based solutions.

Click here to download the full case study.

The Challenge

With restrictions on indoor dining, many restaurants have leaned on outdoor dining, drive-thru, and online ordering service. However, businesses without a patio, drive-thru window, or an online ordering system found themselves unable to compete. Because of this, they turned to online ordering and curbside pickup services. Traditionally, curbside pickup staff would approach cars in the parking lot to take orders, process payments, and then hand-deliver the food to the car when it was ready. Customers who opted to order ahead of time would call the restaurant’s landline and show up curbside to collect their order.

While these methods are great in concept and may have sufficed pre-pandemic, they are not holding up today. Staff taking orders and processing transactions from window to window are risking their own health as well as the health of everyone else in the curbside pickup queue. Additionally, suppose customers place a curbside order and call again when they arrive. In that case, the restaurant will quickly become flooded with calls and leave customers waiting with a busy dial tone. No one wants their customers and staff frustrated.

The Solution

Source: UBMe

Restaurateurs continue to be nimble and creative by searching for solutions that cater to the current environment by turning to solutions like UBMe. A social, mobile tech company, UBMe uses patented communication technology to help businesses better connect to, transact with, and understand their customers. UBMe offers a free app that allows local users to discover and interact with businesses such as restaurants.

The app gives restaurateurs the ability to remotely communicate with customers via live chat for curbside pickup services. This not only cuts down on communication frustration, it also cuts down unnecessary contact between staff and customers, making the interaction safer for everyone. Customers simply need to download the app and stay inside their car while making or picking up a curbside order.

Paired with a Star Micronics printer, the most efficient printer capable of printing orders that come through UBMe’s platform, orders placed via the app will be printed automatically for immediate preparation. Starting with a 30-day free trial and one-time fee to purchase a printer from Star, restaurateurs can discover for themselves the benefits of implementing UBMe’s technology. After the free trial, restaurateurs are charged a flat 5% commission on each order from the app to cover the subscription cost. Restaurant owners can also pass this cost down to their customers with a small upcharge per order and use the UBMe platform for free.

Star Restaurant POS Solutions

From online ordering printers to kitchen buzzers, Star is proud to offer POS solutions for restaurants, QSRs, food stands, and more.

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The Results

The first key benefit of implementing UBMe’s technology is ensuring the safety of both restaurant staff and customers as it limits direct
contact and thus the transferring of harmful pathogens. It also gives restaurateurs full control of the environment inside and around their business, reducing movement in and out of the building and cleaning up clogged phone lines.

With printers from Star Micronics, ordering and order fulfillment processes are streamlined along with in-house delivery. UMBe aims at making this process more efficient and affordable by giving businesses online ordering capabilities on their own website. This offers an affordable alternative that doesn’t cut deep into restaurant margins.

To discover the full benefits of the solution, download the free case study now.

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April 27, 2021
Reopening Retail Stores: The Full Guide
As the world begins to recover from COVID-19, business owners everywhere like yourself may be wondering how to move forward. Reopening retail stores is not as straightforward as simply returning to business as usual; the pandemic has forever changed consumers’ shopping habits, as well as their sanitation standards. Read on to discover some key considerations to keep in mind as you plan reopening your retail store.

Reopening Retail Stores: 4 Tips

1. Create a Long-Term Health and Safety Plan

Even as many people become vaccinated against COVID-19, health and safety is a topic that is sure to stay on shoppers’ minds in the future. It’s likely that consumers will be more concerned with how they can to avoid the common cold, the flu, and more, even as COVID-19 becomes less prevalent.

To plan for the changing priorities of your consumers, it’s important to develop a long-term cleaning plan, including which areas will be cleaned, how often, with which supplies, by whom, and how the cleaning procedures will be logged. It’s also important to develop a set of safety protocols for your shoppers and employees, including things like if and when masks should be worn, social distancing guidelines, when sneeze guards should be used, and more.

Certain easy-to-use health and safety products – like the Star Micronics POSShield sneeze guard and antimicrobial covers – are more-or-less “set it and forget it” solutions that can assist you as you prioritize health and safety in the long run.

Health & Safety Solutions Brochure

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

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2. Assess Your Tech Needs

The pandemic acted as a catalyst in the growth of many tech-centric retail trends including online ordering, curbside pickup, and contactless payments. Not only did these digital trends blow up during the lockdown, but people will likely continue to use and prefer these technologies. For example, did you know that 58% of people in the United States are more likely to use contactless payment methods than they were before the pandemic?

If you haven’t already, it’s time to consider what technology your store needs to adapt to the ongoing digital transformation. A receipt printer that has the capability to automatically print online orders, like the mC-Print3, is key, as well as a label printer like the TSP654IISK which can print liner-free labels to be used for labeling buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and curbside pickup orders.

Does a large chunk of your clientele still shop in-store? You may still need a tech refresh. An all-in-one point-of-purchase that combines a receipt printer, cash drawer, device stand, and scanner can be helpful for businesses that are experiencing more contactless payments now as retail stores reopen. And cash-heavy businesses, such as cannabis dispensaries, can consider upgrading to the latest cash drawers which feature added strength and security.

3. Evaluate and Adjust Store Setup

As the digital transformation continues to permeate the retail industry, you may find that your store’s inventory needs adjusted. For example, if you are experiencing more online orders than you previously did, you may need to adjust the ratio of your back-of-store and front-of-store inventory to support that need.

In a similar vein, if your store experiences a large volume of BOPIS orders, that will likely continue, and it is wise to establish a permanent space within the store to be used for storing and delivering those orders.

4. Communicate

Once you’ve updated your health and safety procedures, your point of sale technology, and your store setup, there’s one very important thing left to do: communicate all of these changes to your loyal customers!

They say communication is the most important element of a relationship, and the same applies to business-customer relationships. Be sure to make your shoppers aware of your new hours, online ordering/delivery options, and safety protocols, if applicable.

Some marketing ideas to help deliver your news include:
- Email marketing: Put that email database to use and send some updates to your shoppers letting them know about your news and updates.
- Social media: Adults in the US spend an average of 2 hours and 6 minutes on social media each day. Take advantage of that and be sure to post your latest updates for your loyal followers to see (and share).
- In-store signage: Want to let in-store shoppers know about your “endless aisle” or the measures you’re taking to keep them safe? In-store signs placed near the store entrance and point of sale can drive the message home.
- Receipt marketing: One place that customers are sure to look? Their receipt! Consider using your Star printer to print custom promotions on the bottoms of your receipts (for free).
Star Micronics Solutions for Reopening Retail Stores

Star Micronics has what it takes to make retailers stand out – today and in the future. We proudly provide end-to-end retail POS solutions that are compatible with today’s top applications. Star’s wide variety of retail POS hardware and systems solutions for the modern retailer include:
- Receipt printers
- Ticket/label printers
- Portable printers for mobile sales, curbside payments, and line-busting
- Sneeze guards
- Antimicrobial covers
- NTEP-certified scales
- Check readers and endorsers
- Self-service kiosk printers
- Value-added cloud marketing services
- And more!
Recommended Small Business Bundle:

mPOP®

Printer – cash drawer – scanner – device stand
Available with Flat Bill cash management
Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows

POSShield

Portable plexiglass sneeze guard
Limits the spread of germs
No countertop mounting or drilled required

Antimicrobial covers*

Reduce the transfer of germs on high-touch surfaces
Designed for use on door handles, checkout counters, and more
Thoroughly tested, EPA-registered, latex-free

Ready for a reopening refresh?

Browse Star’s Retail Solution
April 20, 2021
5 Reasons You Need a Cannabis Dispensary POS System
The cannabis industry is flourishing. With recent legalizations, including New York, it is without a doubt that the market will see countless new dispensaries opening their doors in the near future. Whether you already operate a dispensary or are looking to open one, read on to learn what to look for a in a dispensary point of sale (POS) system and why they’re so important.

What to Look for in a Dispensary POS System

First, let’s dive into a quick list of must-have dispensary POS system technologies. POS systems have several components, but they don’t need to be complicated. One way to make it easy? Choose a POS supplier (like Star Micronics) that can provide all necessary hardware and has integrations with industry-leading dispensary POS software companies. Essential dispensary POS system components include:
- Receipt printer: Receipt printers are of utmost importance to dispensaries. Proof of legal purchase is essential – and there’s no better way to provide it than with a receipt. Additionally, it’s important to note that depending on your region, receipts must also contain other information, like store name and address, product category/name, and appropriate tax codes/identifiers.
- Label printer: Another printer that’s important to have on hand is a label printer. Labels are integral for seed-to-sale tracking, a key requirement in cannabis regulatory models. This process tracks plants and their byproducts from planting all the way through to the plant’s sale.
- Cash drawer: Currently, the majority of dispensary transactions are cash. Why? According to FindLaw.com, “Even though dispensaries supplying recreational or medical marijuana may be perfectly licensed and legal under state law, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug and considers marijuana businesses illegal. The banking system is regulated by federal law, so banks risk charges of aiding and abetting a federal crime or money laundering if they choose to do business with marijuana-related ventures.” That being said, a durable and high-volume cash drawer is key.
- Scale: One of the most critical elements of a dispensary POS system is the scale. When it comes to scales, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the scale must be legal to use in your state and NTEP-certified. This certification ensures that the scales are charging the correct amount for the product being weighed. Another great feature to look for is a scale that is integrated directly into the POS as direct integration can reduce the risk of human error in data entry.
- Accessories: There is a plethora of dispensary POS system accessories that can take your business to the next level, including: scanners to increase the speed of transactions and convenience of scanning, an LED customer display so shoppers can easily see item prices and the transaction total, and a tablet stand and enclosure that features hidden cable management and matches the rest of the dispensary POS system aesthetic.
- Software: At the heart of a successful dispensary POS system is the right software. Like we discussed earlier, it’s key to make sure that your software is integrated with all of your POS hardware. Additionally, some software features to look for are built-in ID scanning and age verification, loyalty programs, on-demand product information, alternative payment acceptance, offline mode, inventory management, analytics and reporting, and more.
How Resellers Can Cash in on Cannabis Point of Sale

The cannabis industry has become one of the fastest growing markets. Here’s how resellers can take advantage.

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5 Benefits of a Dispensary POS System

So now that you know what needs to be included in your dispensary POS setup, why exactly is all of this important? Here are 5 major benefits of a dispensary POS system:
1. Compliance: Compliance is, of course, absolutely critical for dispensaries. POS systems can help not only provide necessary proof of purchase, but can manage inventory and age and ID verification as well. Common compliance violations include failing to report inventory, patient purchase limits, sales to minors, and inadequate delivery documentation. These violations are severe and can result in notice to comply, citation for violation, interim suspension, or revocation of license.
2. Accuracy: Keeping product secure from seed to sale, and ensuring you’re selling the exact amount you think you are, is important. POS label printing solutions can aid in accurate seed-to-sale tracking, and an NTEP-certified scale complete with a windshield means you’re charging exactly the right amount for the product you’re selling.
3. Online Ordering: Did you know that cannabis delivery soared during the pandemic, and that change is likely here to stay? The right POS software will be capable of ecommerce and delivery, and will be integrated with a complete line of POS hardware. With the right POS system, staying up-to-date on digital trends is a piece of cake.
4. Future-Proof Integration: Speaking of being future-proof, choosing the right dispensary POS software and hardware means no matter where the market goes in terms of ecommerce or payments – as national banking eventually opens its doors to the industry – your POS system will already be prepared to handle it all.
5. Marketing: As the market explodes and competition becomes fiercer, marketing is key – and your dispensary POS system can help. Opt for a POS software that includes loyalty programs, gift cards, and marketing tools like email campaigns and social media integration. Your POS hardware can help too – with PromoPRNT, you can print custom promotions on the bottom of your Star Micronics receipts and labels for free.
The Proper Dispensary POS System is Important – Now and in the Future

In summary, while an ideal dispensary POS system has many parts, including software and hardware like receipt and label printers, cash drawers, scales, and more, deploying the best solution doesn’t need to be complicated. By choosing the right POS dispensary system suppliers you can start taking advantage of the many benefits a proper system offers, like compliance, accuracy, future-proofed technology and integrations, and built-in marketing benefits.

Star Micronics has the POS technology your dispensary needs to thrive today and in the future.

Download Cannabis Brochure
April 15, 2021
STAR MICRONICS INTRODUCES ANTIMICROBIAL COVERS

The antimicrobial covers reduce germ transfer on high-touch surfaces

Somerset, NJ – April 13, 2021 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to announce a line of antimicrobial covers designed to cover high-touch surfaces to reduce the transfer of germs. The antimicrobial covers are safe to use, easy to apply, and reduce microbes on common touch points. From door handles to checkout counters, the antimicrobial covers are designed to create safer surfaces for both employees and customers.

Featuring a proprietary antimicrobial coating that protects the surface by actively killing microbes (reducing microbe populations) on contact, the antimicrobial covers are designed to complement regular cleaning in retail stores, restaurants, and more. These products have been tested and are EPA-registered and latex-free.

Star will be offering several antimicrobial cover products, including wraps made specifically for door handles, door push-bars, elevator buttons, door push plates, and more. Star will also offer custom rolls that retailers or restaurants can cut and apply to countertops, restroom surfaces, and more.

“Star Micronics is constantly working to provide solutions that will help our customers succeed,” says Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development for Star Micronics. “With the pandemic having such a major effect on retailers and restaurants, Star wanted to provide a solution that will help the reopening of these businesses be successful. These antimicrobial covers will help shoppers and diners feel more at ease when going out in a post-pandemic world.”

To reference the antimicrobial covers disclaimer, please visit https://starmicronics.com/product/antimicrobial-surface-covers-for-all-industries/#disclaimer.

April 13, 2021
Star Micronics Releases StarXpand™ SDK for React Native

An industry-first, the SDK supports the integration of Star printers for React Native apps

Somerset, NJ – April 8, 2021 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to announce the release of the StarXpand™ SDK for React Native, a software development kit for Star printer control for the popular cross-platform framework, React Native.

In the past, mobile POS applications had been developed exclusively for each operating system (OS), such as iOS and Android. However, in recent years cross-platform development – which allows more of the programs of an application to be developed with one code for multiple OS’s – is attracting attention. Cross-platform development is expected to become essential to application development in the future.

To respond to this trend – and for the first time in the receipt printer industry – Star has developed StarXpand™ SDK for React Native. The SDK supports the development of connecting to and controlling Star printers in applications that utilize React Native. StarXpand™ SDK for React Native will help shorten the development time and maintenance costs associated with printer connection, and will be published on GitHub, a website where developers around the world publish and share program codes.

StarXpand™ SDK for React Native uses a new StarIO10 framework which includes multiple advantages including: asynchronous communication allowing print jobs to happen in parallel; an emulation-free design so that one StarXpand™ document will work with any Star printer; human-readable command creation; faster printer search allowing users to discover all devices in under second; and a logging function between the OS and printer to be used for debugging.

“As React Native becomes more prominent in the industry, the StarXpand™ SDK will be there to help developers easily create cross-platform POS solutions,” said Jon Levin, Director of Product Management at Star Micronics. “Easy-to-use and developer-friendly, the new StarIO10 framework is at the heart of that and will provide a great foundation for our SDKs going forward.”

April 8, 2021
Salon POS Software and Systems Buyer’s Guide
Investing in a salon point of sale (POS) system is one of the best things you can do for your business, but with so many options on the market, how do you determine which POS hardware and software best suit your business needs and your budget?

This below information can help you get on the right path to finding the perfect POS system for your salon.

Click here to download the full PDF guide.

Step 1: Define Business Needs

No one wants to waste time and money on a POS solution that lacks needed capabilities, or has unnecessary features that increase the price. To avoid purchasing a system that isn’t right for your business, you need to identify the specific challenges that you will need your new POS system to address.

You can start by asking questions such as:
- Is business suffering because customers must often wait in long lines at the POS?
- Do shoppers frequently leave your establishment empty-handed because you don’t have the
  merchandise they want?
- Are you spending too much time managing employees or trying to find out why your sales
  volume often doesn’t jibe with your inventory levels?
- Do you want to attract new customers?
The answers will help you identify the pain points you want to eliminate and the goals you want to achieve with a new POS system. Consider the amount of time you spend on operations-related tasks and whether you need the POS system to automate processes. You may also want to consider whether you need the POS system to support initiatives that can help grow your business.

Once you have clearly identified your business needs, research which POS functions address them. The list of the functions you need your new system to provide will help narrow the field of choices when you shop for a new POS system. The solutions you consider are likely to have a mix of “must-have” and “nice-to-have” features; remember to focus on what you need, which can help you minimize the cost of the system. “More” isn’t necessarily better when it comes to technology solutions.

Step 2: Set a Budget

Decide how much your business can afford to spend on a POS system. By most accounts, the average industry investment in POS systems totals 2 to 3 percent of retailers’ annual volume, and 1 to 1.5 percent of restaurant operators’ annual volume. Consider ongoing costs, such as software maintenance/updates, hardware maintenance, and technical support.

Ask about payment options. Financing may be available to help with the considerable capital investment you will make. You may also be able to lease or lease-to-own POS hardware, which can minimize upfront costs, but may add to the total cost of the system. Another option available to you may be a POS-as-a Service offer, which provides your system, as well as software updates and system upgrades, for a subscription fee to use (rather than own) the system.

When choosing from among these options, always consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI). The price of a full-featured POS system may seem high, but don’t forget the financial savings that such a system will yield throughout its lifecycle by reducing labor expenditures, improving inventory control, cash-tracking, and putting a lid on shrinkage. A comprehensive POS system will also help to increase sales by facilitating more effective customer engagement and better customer service, as well as by giving you real-time insight into all aspects of your operation.

Step 3: Shop for Software

As you consider your options, you will find that not every software solution is compatible with all POS hardware. Selecting your software first will prevent you from being limited in functionality.

There are different types of software you can choose from:
- Native. Native POS software is installed on your POS hardware. It is easier to customize than cloud-based software.
- Cloud-based software (Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS). In a SaaS model, software is delivered via the cloud, and you pay for it on a monthly subscription basis. Also, cloud-based software can be accessed from anywhere there is an Internet connection, giving you enhanced visibility into, and control over, your operation.
- Hybrid software. This software can be run online in the cloud or offline.
It can be helpful to research the types of POS software that other businesses like yours are using. Find out through references or reviews if salons are happy with the type of solution, the functionality it provides, and the benefits the solutions provides to their business.

Star Micronics mPOP® can combine a printer, cash drawer, scanner, and tablet stand – an ideal all-in-one solution for salons and spas.

It can also be helpful to learn about the POS software vendors that provide the software, gaining insights on the level of customer service they provide and their experience working with companies in your market or industry. Also consider whether the vendor is an established company — one that is not likely to close its doors and leave you without support for your system.

Once you have created a list of POS solutions to consider for your business, it’s time to arrange for demonstrations. Using the solution yourself will give you a sense of how easy it will be for your employees to learn, to use efficiently, and to discover whether it will support your operations. It may be helpful to compare similar features side-by-side to arrive at an accurate assessment of the best solution for your business.

Step 4: Find Compatible Hardware

The POS software you choose will dictate the POS hardware that you can use. In many cases, however, there will still be a number of options to choose from. Some of the choices you must make are related to how your employees will use the system. For example:
- What is the preferred method of entry? Some operators favor keyboards or a scanner interface for POS data input, while others prefer a touchscreen interface that facilitates faster data entry and easier training for new employees.
- Which peripherals are needed? You need to consider printers, cash drawers, PIN pads, payment card readers, and barcode scanners, and select the model that best suits your needs.
- Will you accept all forms of payment? Make sure your new system gives your customers the ability to pay by their preferred methods. You must be able to process EMV and mobile wallet transactions from apps such as Google and Apple Pay.
- Which terminal design do you prefer? Space at salon checkout counters is usually limited, so you may want to consider a more ergonomic solution with a smaller footprint, such as an all-in-one configuration that incorporates basic peripherals (e.g., printers, cash drawers, credit card readers, PIN pads, and customer displays) or a tablet POS system. You will also find options that are aesthetically pleasing and don’t detract from your salon’s decor and natural ambience.
Just as you did with software vendors, find out all you can about POS hardware vendors. Read references and reviews, and speak with other businesses — preferably similar to yours — that use their solutions. Also ensure that the company provides warranties and technical support.

Need help navigating this process? Download the full Salon POS Software and Systems Buyer’s Guide now, or contact Star today.

Download Buyer’s Guide
April 6, 2021
2021 Cannabis Industry Predictions

As legalization expands to new regions and more products hit the market, the cannabis industry is booming. In a market that seems to experience major updates every week, what cannabis industry predictions are there for 2021? Read on to review what happened in the market last year and to expect to see this year.

The 2020 Cannabis Market

The cannabis market saw a lot of growth in 2020. In fact, US national cannabis sales increased 67% in 2020, the industry was worth $61 billion, and support for legal marijuana rose to an all-time high of 68%.

The cannabis customer base is also changing and growing– according to Eaze, the gender divide that used to exist is disappearing (especially in the baby boomer age group) and last year, nearly half of customers were female (compared to just 38% in 2018).

Legalization-wise, during the 2020 election Arizona voted to legalize recreational usage, Montana and New Jersey voted to legalize adult usage, and South Dakota voted in favor of medical and recreational usage.

2021 Cannabis Industry Predictions

1. More Legalization

The legalization of cannabis has become increasingly widespread, and that trend will continue in 2021.

According to Marijuana Moment, the states that are most likely to legalize recreational marijuana usage this year include Connecticut, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia.

Additional states are experiencing a buildup of momentum, but legalization is a bit less likely due to remaining opposition from some top leaders. These states include Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

In terms of medical usage of cannabis, a few states are slated to legalize this year, including Alabama, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

Source: Business Insider

2. Increased Sales

Related to increased legalization, one major cannabis industry prediction is increased sales. Did you know that on July 4, 2020 alone, more than $400 million worth of cannabis was sold? According to Linchpin SEO, the market has the potential to grow as much as $130 million per year in the near future.

Another contributing factor to the predicted increased sales is the fact that more and more businesses are selling cannabis products, and in particular, products containing cannabidiol (CBD). According to The Motley Fool,

“What Wall Street and investors seem to find most attractive about the rise of CBD is that it may appeal to consumers who might otherwise want nothing to do with the cannabis industry. Since CBD-based products typically contain no traces of, or minute amounts of, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid that gets a user high, consumers on the medical and recreational side of the equation tend to be more willing to try CBD-based products.”

Furthermore in 2019, CBD sales grew 71.3% in the natural channel alone to $91 million in sales, and sales grew an impressive 872% in the mainstream channel. Mainstream adoption is largely due to the 2018 Farm Bill which made it so that hemp is no longer a “controlled substance,” helping risk-averse retailers embrace selling hemp-derived CBD topicals. Many specialty retailers now carry CBD products, as well as larger chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Ulta Beauty, GNC, Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods, Target, and more.

3. A Broader Product Offering

Veryvell CBD sparkling water by Molson Coors (source: The Denver Post)

One cannabis industry prediction is that the number of types of cannabis products available on the market will increase substantially. On one hand, it’s likely that new strains will be created, and on another hand, particular products are projected to become more popular and readily available. For example, Molson Coors has already created a CBD-infused sparkling water to sell in Colorado. The drink, called Veryvell, contains zero calories and zero sugar and is available in three flavors: Focus (grapefruit tarragon), Mind & Body (strawberry hibiscus), and Unwind (blueberry lavender). On the edible front, it’s predicted that the variety of products available will increase.

How Resellers Can Cash in on Cannabis Point of Sale

The cannabis industry has become one of the fastest growing markets. Here’s how resellers can take advantage.

Download eBook

4. Diverse Customers

As time passes, the cannabis consumer base grows more diverse. Linchpin SEO predicts that there will soon be more older and female customers, as well as a greater mix of both recreational and medicinal cannabis users.

If you’re curious about the current breakdown of cannabis users by age, check out the below chart from Flowhub:

5. New Use Cases

During a time when cleanliness is on the forefront of many people’s minds, who could have guessed that cannabis could potentially be used as a health and safety product? According to the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health,

“Several cannabinoids have been found to have potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive pathogens such as MRSA isolates. Endocannabinoids have also been shown to be effective in eradicating biofilms.”

This is just one example of a new use case for cannabis and as legalization and research efforts continue, it’s predicted that even more will arise.

6. Banking and Finance Updates

One major cannabis industry growing pain that has remained is the issue of banking. However, changes could be made on that front this year. According to TRYM,

“All eyes are on the United States Senate this coming year. Many believe they will finally pass legislation to grant legal cannabis businesses access to banking and financing services. The cannabis industry’s ‘Essential’ designation is ironic when many have to lug around bags of cash, putting them into vulnerable and dangerous situations.

Opening up banking services alone will make a huge impact on the legal marijuana industry as a whole. Investment would flow in more, valuations might increase, and most importantly, marijuana business transactions will become much easier.

A cannabis company could seek bridge loans from the bank rather than taking hard money loans which come at increased risk and high interest rates. In the expanding legal marijuana industry, scaling is important to maintain market share. But scaling requires an injection of money that operators may not have.

The ability to turn to banks for traditional financing would help organizations of all sizes grow their business in the legal marijuana industry.”

As the cannabis industry continues to boom, are you searching for compliant, secure, and easy-to-integrate cannabis POS solutions? Star has what you’re looking for.

Explore Star Cannabis Solutions

March 23, 2021
6 Post-Pandemic Kiosk Business Ideas

For years now the self-service kiosk market has been growing but undoubtedly the COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketed its growth even further. According to Technavio Research, the self-service kiosk market grew 3.55% in 2020 alone, and it’s expected to grow by $2.29 billion USD during 2020-2024. As the world begins to recover from the unprecedented pandemic, you may be wondering what post-pandemic business ideas and self-service business ideas are emerging in the market. Read on to learn about some of the new ways kiosks are being used, from health and safety check-ins to kiosks for a good cause.

1. Health & Safety Kiosks

This first business idea is probably not a surprise. As the economy reopens, health and safety kiosks will be an easy addition to restaurants and retail stores. An example of this may look like a kiosk placed near the front door of establishments where customers can check their body temperature, and if applicable the kiosk can use facial recognition technology to detect if the customer is wearing a mask. Quatrefoil, a Ontario-based restaurant, uses a kiosk that checks both of those things and will display a green checkmark if requirements are met, while if the requirements are not met, a staff member is alerted to come provide assistance.

2. COVID-19 Test Distribution

Also health-related, another post-pandemic business idea is to use kiosks to distribute testing kits for COVID-19 – and more. In New York City, this is already happening. Vending machines from Wellness 4 Humanity conveniently provide at-home COVID-19 testing kits to the public, which can be more convenient than being tested at a pharmacy drive-through, especially for city dwellers. Kits currently cost $149 and can be paid for by credit or debit card only. These kinds of kiosks have lots of potential to distribute much more than just COVID-19 testing kits, like at-home tests for allergies, hormones, blood panels, and more.

3. Pickup Lockers

A heated pickup locker for food orders. (Image via Kiosk Marketplace/Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken)

You’ve probably heard of retail pickup lockers, like Amazon Hub Locker, a secure, self-service kiosk where customers can pick up or return Amazon packages at their convenience. Pickup lockers are for more than just retail, though. Restaurants like Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken are beginning to incorporate heated locker systems in their brick-and-mortar establishments to further build upon their contactless ordering options for customers. These heated lockers keep food fresh while also minimizing the physical contact between customers and employees, which not only provides a safety benefit during the pandemic, but will boost convenience and help line-busting well into the future.

4. Transportation

A common complaint regarding department of motor vehicle (DMV) offices is the chance of experiencing a long wait time. What better way to line-bust than with self-service kiosks? Currently approximately 45 DMVs in the US operate some sort of self-service technology, but the potential is huge for a number of government agencies. At self-service kiosks, DMV customers can renew drivers licenses, register vehicles, obtain license plates, take driving and CDL exams, and more. The process can be secure by using an access code or barcode from a renewal notice or license plate number and last four digits of a VIN, and language barriers become a problem of the past with multilingual on-screen instructions and audio.

Free Self-Service Kiosk Resources

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

Visit Self-Service Toolbox

5. Reception

As people become more comfortable traveling again – and more workers remain remote – self-service kiosks that aid in reception will be very helpful to countless sectors. One example of this is a Zoom product that “enables a contactless, virtual receptionist in its newly introduced Zoom Rooms product to help organizations safely re-enter the office and sustain an ‘everywhere workforce.’” To use the solution, users can customize the “Start Meeting” button on a device in their building that is set up with Zoom Rooms for Touch to connect visitors with a receptionist. This kind of self-service check-in service could be useful for countless types of business and medical offices, hotels, and more.

6. Kiosks for a Good Cause

The Marla Aaron jewelry vending machine that benefits restaurants and those in need. (Image via Marla Aaron)

Kiosks aren’t just about line-busting, boosting profits, and increasing convenience – they can give back, too. Self-service kiosks can be a great way to increase awareness of fundraising campaigns and make it easier for busy citizens to contribute to a cause. Take, for example, the kiosk that is a part of the “Take a Seat for Restaurants” campaign. The campaign is a part of jeweler Marla Aaron’s plan to contribute to the World Central Kitchen, a popular food-related charity that pays local restaurants to make meals for those in need. Aaron sells small 2” sterling silver chairs for $250 each from her brick-and-mortar locations, her online store, and a self-service vending machine based in New York City that changes locations to maximize its awareness (and more installations are coming!).

The number of post-pandemic self-service business ideas is limitless. Whether you’re looking to implement a self-service solution for a restaurant or for a charity – or anything in between – you’ll likely need a built-in receipt printer. Look no further than Star Micronics. We proudly offer a wide range of thermal kiosk printers that can print receipts, labels, tickets, and more, and are ideal for a variety of applications and industries.

Looking to implement a post-pandemic business idea involving self-service kiosks?

Explore how Star can help you build a solution.

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March 16, 2021
5 Tips for a Buy-Online-Pickup-in-Store (BOPIS) Strategy
Buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) is a hot retail trend that’s here to stay. In fact, according to a Signifyd study of 250 decision makers at retail companies with more than $100 million in annual revenue, 44% viewed BOPIS as a competitive necessity. Another 38% said BOPIS was key to bringing shoppers into the store, where they tend to make additional purchases. BOPIS is appealing to many consumers, too – 63% of shoppers say they would like to be able to use curbside pickup and 56% want merchandise delivered to the trunk of their cars, according to NRF.

More BOPIS benefits to retailers include:
- Extra purchases from customers: As mentioned above, when shoppers come to your store to pick up their order, they are likely to browse the store and purchase additional items, or remember something they forgot to place in their order and buy it at your brick-and-mortar location.
- Lower shipping costs: Simply put, it’s cheaper for you to operate a BOPIS strategy than to ship products directly to a customer’s door – plus it’s a fast and free option for the customer, too!
- Better inventory management: With BOPIS, you don’t need separate online and in-store inventory systems. Orders can be fulfilled from both your distribution center or your store shelves – whichever is faster – giving you access to more inventory at any given time. By combining both systems, you can have better insight into your business’s real-time stock.
Now that we’ve discussed why BOPIS is worthwhile, let’s dive into some tips for your buy online, pickup in store strategy. These tips are helpful whether your business is new to BOPIS or looking for ways to improve your current BOPIS strategy.

5 Tips for a Buy Online, Pickup in Store (BOPIS) Strategy

Tip 1: Prep Your Website and/or Mobile App

Your website and mobile app should be the hub for your buy online, pickup in store strategy. Make sure your BOPIS offering is clear and easy to find for website and app visitors. On your website and app, be sure to explain how your store’s BOPIS strategy works, and include detailed instructions for both the online order placement process as well as the pickup process at your store.

Once you have that landing page created for your BOPIS offering, be sure to link to it from any other relevant pages and feature it front-and-center with special seasonal promotions (for example, save 5% on back-to-school or holiday BOPIS orders).

The Star Micronics POSShield is an effective and portable sneeze guard for retailers.

Tip 2: Plan and Announce Your Health and Safety Precautions

Safety is at the top of everyone’s minds these days. On your online materials and in-store via signs make sure you communicate your health and safety considerations, such as how your store is minimizing exposure for both its customers and its employees.

Curbside health and safety measures could include tactics like employees directly placing orders in customers’ trunks. For the shoppers who pick up their orders in-store, you should consider implementing a sneeze guard and antimicrobial covers for surfaces like door handles, checkout counters, and bathroom surfaces.

Tip 3: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Communication every step of the way is key for a successful buy online, pickup in store strategy.

When an order is placed, send an immediate confirmation email, text, and push notification to shoppers including clear directions to the store, an estimated pickup time, where to pick up the order whether it’s designated parking spots or a pickup counter inside the store, and what forms of identification may be needed.

Looking to strengthen awareness of your BOPIS offering? Consider promoting it to your in-store shoppers on the bottom of your receipts. You may have in-store shoppers that are unaware that you offer BOPIS, and what better place to advertise it than on the bottom of the receipt that goes directly into every shopper’s hand? With Star Micronics PromoPRNT, you can even create custom promotions on your Star printer, for free.

Tip 4: Have a Top-Notch Inventory System

Having a seamless, real-time look at your inventory is important. If customers place BOPIS orders only to find out that their items are actually out of stock and unable to be picked up, they will not be satisfied and are unlikely to try to use your service again. Avoid this potential issue with a high-quality inventory system. Look for a tool that allows you real-time inventory and analytics on order statuses and workflows, what is needed and where, and how quickly an item can get to the store where it is needed.

Tip 5: Leverage Cross-Selling Opportunities

As we discussed above, offering BOPIS to your customers creates a fantastic opportunity for cross-selling. Many customers will browse your store when they come into pick up their order, and be sure to take advantage of that!

Consider using online purchasing data from your BOPIS orders to successfully cross-sell when shoppers are visiting your brick-and-mortar location. One example of this is offering personalized coupons for customers to use in-store for products that may be of interest to them according to their online shopping history.

Star Micronics Retail Solutions

From liner-free label printers for BOPIS orders to sneeze guards and receipt printers for in-store shoppers, Star has the wide variety of solutions you need to compete in today’s retail landscape.

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Examples of Buy Online, Pickup in Store Strategy Successes

Looking for some buy online, pickup in store strategy inspiration? Check out a couple of sample successes below:

Home Depot

Home Depot has a great landing page for its BOPIS offering that clearly explains its BOPIS process – and according to CEO Craig Menear, the store’s online customers choose to pick up orders in-store more than half the time!

Petco

When it comes to enticing customers to take advantage of your buy online, pickup in store strategy, Petco is very successful. The first thing you see when you visit their website (both on the homepage hero image and in a text banner at the top of the page) is a BOPIS promotion.

Star Micronics has the POS solutions it takes to make retailers stand out – online, brick-and-mortar, and everywhere in between.

Download our Retail Brochure to browse our receipt and label printers, online ordering technology, health & safety solutions, and more.

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March 11, 2021
Celerant and Star Offer Safeside Tactical a Solution to Increase Profits and Effortlessly Meet Federal Regulations

In December of 2012, Safeside Tactical began as a small storefront in a rural Virginia community. Safeside Tactical is a family-owned, federally licensed manufacturer and firearms dealer specializing in clothing, ammunition, and firearms sales. Quickly growing out of its humble beginnings, Safeside Tactical drew in more business every day, to the point where customers lined up at the doors before opening hours. Due to their success, they moved to a larger location to meet increasing demand.

In 2015, Safeside Tactical was expanded to a second location, consisting of 65 employees. This location allowed the business to offer more, including a variety of sporting goods equipment and gear, indoor shooting ranges, axe-throwing, security services, and even firearm and self-defense training courses. Safeside Tactical also created an eCommerce site to maximize customer reach and increase profitability.

The Challenge

When Safeside Tactical’s second location opened, they utilized QuickBooks as their business software solution. However, they soon found that QuickBooks didn’t meet all of their business needs. Because of this, Safeside Tactical had to use multiple systems to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations along with basic bookkeeping. It was cumbersome to manage basic business functions such as online reservations, scheduling, inventory, and more.

The Solution

Migrating from QuickBooks, Safeside Tactical opted for Celerant POS software, bundling it with the TSP143III receipt printer from Star Micronics. Unlike QuickBooks, Celerant’s customized solution enabled Safeside Tactical to manage all business functions from one cohesive system.

Functions such as customer database management, return authorizations, inner-store transfers, and eCommerce with in-store pickup options became a breeze with Celerant. With their new software solution, Safeside Tactical could even automatically update COVID occupancy rules on the website.

Equipped with PromoPRNT software, the Star Micronics TSP143III receipt printer allowed Safeside Tactical to create coupons and special offers throughout the year, an especially attractive option during the holiday season. PromoPRNT also gave Safeside Tactical the ability to advertise special events such as legal seminars that their customers could attend.

With PromoPRNT, Safeside Tactical customized receipt promotions by including advertisements for the retail store to those who visited the gun range and advertisements for the gun range to those who shopped in the retail store. This increased awareness of both locations and maximized profitability.

The Results

Key benefits of Safeside Tactical’s migration to Celerant and Star Micronics printers include improved compatibility and reliability.

Safeside Tactical also benefitted from PromoPRNT’s remote management feature. With the ability to manage all printers from one dashboard, staff didn’t have to worry about forgetting to change images or promotions. Because of PromoPRNT, Safeside Tactical could confidently include dated and time-sensitive promotions.

As a business that offers multiple gun range locations and brick-and-mortar retail stores, Safeside Tactical experienced simple retail management with Celerant’s inclusive software. The bundle of Star receipt printers and Celerant’s software also allowed Safeside Tactical to roll out disposable printed lane passes amidst COVID to avoid multiple customers reusing the same lane card.

Overall, the excellent combination of Celerant POS software with Star Micronics’s TSP143III printers provided Safeside Tactical with a solution that served them in a way QuickBooks alone couldn’t. With the ability to manage multiple storefronts, create revenue-boosting promotions, and carry out necessary business functions with ease, Safeside Tactical improved business operations tenfold.

Recommended by Star: TSP143III with PromoPRNT makes the perfect solution.

Download the full success story to learn more about how Safeside Tactical leveraged Star and Celerant for improved compatibility, reliability, and marketing.

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February 16, 2021