Category: Solutions & Use Cases

How the Pandemic Accelerated Marijuana Delivery & What Tech Dispensaries Need to Jump on Board

The cannabis market exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic – and it’s not stopping there. In fact, according to Mordor Intelligence, the cannabis market was worth an estimated $22.9 billion USD in 2020, and is expected to witness a CAGR of 18.1% between 2021 and 2026. One of the hottest trends in this rapidly emerging market is marijuana delivery. Read on to explore the growth of at-home delivery, and what tech you need as a dispensary to offer this popular service.

The Rise of Cannabis Delivery

In 2014 the term “cannabis delivery” became a reality for medical patients in California when marijuana delivery giant Eaze was founded. Since then, the dream of being able to have an Uber Eats-style platform for marijuana delivery has been the goal of every cannabis retail operation in California and beyond.

However, the rise of delivery was met with many internal and external challenges. Externally, the combination of legislature and clarity in laws with payment processing and the inability to allow delivery apps to be distributed directly to your phone via Apple and Google posed an initial challenge. Internally, operators had to navigate drivers using their personal cars, the potential of drivers being targeted for theft, and the lack of tech-savvy operators to make it all work.

Luckily, as the industry grew, many of the internal issues worked themselves out. Legislation, although inconsistent, is working its way towards a more flexible legal environment for the cannabis industry. However, proper technology is still a challenge for everyone from operators to providers.

Currently, third-party delivery solutions tap into your current point of sale (POS) system via API integration. This means that you need additional hardware and software to communicate with your current systems, and you need to ensure that numbers from both systems match up. With busy schedules, most budtenders think it’s hard enough managing the in-store POS, and two systems can create inefficiencies.

How COVID-19 Accelerated Marijuana Delivery

In April 2020, the industry felt a big relief: cannabis retailers were deemed essential businesses in most states where usage is legal. However, despite this win, regulations and social distancing meant that in-store traffic dwindled down to a fraction of what it was while cannabis demand during the pandemic skyrocketed, making delivery and curbside pickup essential. Retailers scrambled to make sure they were equipped with the solutions to empower e-commerce systems with delivery and curbside workflows and had to make sure their budtenders could use them effectively.

While brick-and-mortar locations have reopened or are reopening, marijuana delivery will likely be a long-term, growing trend, and to succeed dispensaries need to be equipped with intuitive, streamlined, and efficient systems.

What Tech Do Dispensaries Need for Marijuana Delivery?

The cannabis industry is growing exponentially and as more states legalize, the industry is transforming from an underground operation to an industry which will be worth $90 billion by 2026. So how does an industry sustain such growth in just five years? The answer is technology.

mPOP® All in One, Integrated with CDG

From sensors and data at the touch of your fingertips in cultivation, to robotic packaging in distribution warehouses, to retail management systems, your operation’s rapid growth depends on quality, scalable cloud-based technology. But what is the cloud and how does it work?

Cloud computing allows your company to run your applications without the need for physical hardware resources. Physical resources can not only become costly as you grow, but they also take up space and require engineering and physical effort to maintain efficiency. However, be aware that not every company offering a cloud-based software can automatically set your company up for major scalability and growth.

Cannalytic Data Group (CDG) for Marijuana Delivery

With its technological background and plethora of software engineers and architects, Cannalytic Data Group (CDG) – whose software is integrated with Star Micronics hardware – enhanced its existing POS system, Retail D.A.B (Daily Activities Board), with a built-in e-commerce platform which includes full curbside and delivery workflows. The solution enables dispensaries to process and assign orders, track drivers, and communicate with customers from the same system that their budtenders use for in-store clients. It also means that dispensaries know their inventory, sales numbers, and data are always accurate and don’t need to be reconciled from another system.

Successful Software Needs Successful Hardware

That’s where Star comes in. CDG proudly integrates its software tools with a variety of Star hardware including the all-in-one mPOP®, TSP654IISK linerless label printer, Value Series Cash Drawers, and more.

Download Brochure

The technology behind CDG’s Retail D.A.B is built on the foundation of helping your business scale rapidly and access insights immediately. CDG does this by running its applications through Kubernetes (K8), an open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. This means that Retail D.A.B runs on a system designed on the same principles that allows Google to run billions of applications a week, allowing increased scale without increasing dispensaries’ operations teams.

Are you interested in experiencing CDG’s all-in-one POS and delivery module system?

Contact Star

September 2, 2021
6 “Must-Haves” for Stadium POS System
The economy is reopening, and consumers are excited to attend events and sports games. When visiting a large sports stadium or entertainment arena, you often find long lines for food and merchandise during half-time or intermissions. The people attending these professional sports games or concerts paid good money to see their team play or favorite artist perform, and they don’t want to miss a thing. This puts a huge amount of pressure on the employees working the concession stands or merchandise shops to complete the customer’s order as quickly as possible. A lot of this workflow plays into the stadium point of sale (POS) system being used. Here are 6 “must-haves” when looking for a stadium POS system.

1. Intuitive Software

First and foremost, you will need an easy-to-use and intuitive stadium POS software. Depending on how often a team plays in the stadium or how many performances take place per year, stadium employees tend to work more sporadically compared to your standard restaurant or retail employee. This means that stadiums need a POS system that concession and merchandise shop employees can pick up quickly with little to no training.

Some other key features to look for in stadium POS software are:

The ability to offer ordering in a variety of ways: in-queue, in-seat, or mobile

Mobile wallet payment acceptance

Loyalty programs and benefits

Detailed inventory management

Operational insights

Cash management and hawker support

2. Back-of-House Support

While people rarely see what goes on behind the scenes at stadium concession stands, it’s important to make sure that your stadium POS manages the back-of-house just as well as it manages your transactions.

A variety of tools – from inventory management and menu management to fan data and back-end analytics – can help you to make sure you never run out of stock during a big event. By having access to analytics that can be reported day-to-day, you can make sure that your concession menu appeals to your audience for a particular game or event.

3. Varied Payment Support

When you have a packed stadium with a mile-long line of customers, you simply do not have time to fuss over payment methods. In a high-pressure, high-volume environment such as sport and entertainment stadiums, you need to get your customers through the line as quickly as possible.

One of the best ways to ensure a quick and seamless transaction is to make sure your POS system supports a multitude of payment methods. Did you know that it is estimated that by 2023, there will be 80.1 million near field communication (NFC) mobile payment users? Now, with more people adopting mobile wallets, you will see more and more retailers and concession stands accepting NFC payments at major sports arenas. Make sure that when your customer is set with their order and ready to pay, that whatever form of payment they choose will be accepted at your point of sale.

4. Mobile Ordering

One ordering method that’s rapidly gaining popularity in sports entertainment properties is mobile ordering. During major sports games and concerts, people don’t want to leave their seat and risk missing a big play or their favorite song. Many stadiums are adopting a mobile ordering method where fans can order food or drinks on their mobile device and either have it delivered to their seat, or go grab it when it is ready. Fans don’t have to miss a thing and concession employees don’t have to deal with a line of angry customers. It’s a win for everyone!

5. Reliable Hardware

In fast-paced environments such as stadium concession stands and merchandise shops, employees don’t have time to deal with flaky hardware. They need their receipt printers to print and their cash drawers to open every time a transaction is completed, and they need hardware that will withstand the high volume of transactions. Appetize and Star Micronics have teamed up to create a complete stadium POS solution that combines intuitive software and reliable hardware peripherals.

The Appetize-Star solution includes:

The Star Micronics TSP654IIBi, a reliable, high-performance Bluetooth-connected desktop receipt printer

The Star Micronics SM-S230i, a lightweight portable receipt printer that’s Apple MFi-certified

The Star Micronics TSP143IIIBi, a high-speed, industry-leading Bluetooth receipt printer

The Star Micronics TUP500, a 3” thermal kiosk printer with a modular design

You can find the Appetize and Star Micronics bundled POS solutions in major sports and live entertainment locations including the Golden 1 Center (home of the Sacramento Kings), U.S. Bank Stadium (home of the Minnesota Vikings), over 40 Live Nation properties, and many more.

6. Health & Safety Products

In this day and age, health and safety are a priority. Many people are ready to venture back into the world for some fun, but they of course want to minimize the spread of illness.

Stadiums and event venues can keep their guests feeling safe and confident with the right health and safety products. Examples of these solutions including sneeze guards at the point of sale, antimicrobial covers on surfaces like door handles and railings, and tamper-proof labels to secure the food and beverages guests order from their seats.

Health & Safety Solutions Brochure

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

Download Now

Featured Star Stadium Solutions

TSP654IIBi

SM-S230i

TUP500

Antimicrobial Covers*

POSShield

Tamper-Proof Labels

Looking to learn more about Star’s stadium POS solutions?

Learn More

*Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.
August 17, 2021
How to Improve Restaurant Operations with Single Flow Technology
Technology has been evolving with the food industry for a long time, to the point where a restaurant can no longer stay competitive without it. In the past, a restaurant’s success depended on word of mouth, but today it relies on online reviews and social posts which give the business the opportunity to become globally renowned. Did you know that in addition to fueling notoriety, technology can also greatly improve restaurant operations?

Technology in Restaurants

Technology has revolutionized restaurant operations.

For example, mobile point of sale (POS) systems like Square, delivery applications like Uber Eats, and kiosks like those from Curbngo are user-friendly and built to improve both the user experience and operational efficiency. Not only do these tools enable restaurants to offer better, faster services but they also allow them to provide new services that they may not have been able to offer on their own. For instance, prior to delivery apps not many restaurants were able to offer delivery. Now with the help of this technology, they all can deliver and even expand to new areas outside of their neighborhoods. They share customers and drivers with all other restaurants, and they don’t have to worry about how to find those customers, or how to manage the drivers.

An unexpected additional benefit of these technologies is that they have helped the industry survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Just imagine if these technologies weren’t available when the pandemic started; the impact to restaurant businesses and the food industry caused by lockdowns would have been much greater.

Single Flow: The Restaurant Operations Answer to Technology-Related Growing Pains

This evolution of technology has also brought challenges to some restaurant owners. To serve more customers restaurants are signing up for more delivery platforms, but this can come with a high price tag during busy hours when multiple orders arrive at the same time through multiple online platforms. It makes it even more difficult when, at the same time, customers are ordering at the restaurant through the POS. Staff may have a hard time writing down and manually tracking orders, something that will impact performance and, as a result, the restaurant’s reviews.

In reality, this commotion is not a result of using the technology, but rather a mismanagement of the technology. With proper planning and the right approach, multiple ordering channels can easily be managed. One such approach is by creating a proper workflow, known as a “Single Flow,” in which all orders from all platforms seamlessly flow to the kitchen and back to the customer.

Single Flow Basics

Operational efficiency is the key to remaining competitive in any industry. This can only be achieved by establishing an efficient workflow that can easily be followed by all employees. The specifics of the flow differ from business-to-business, but its supporting principle is the same across all businesses: to operate as efficiently as possible by maintaining the desired cost and quality.

You can think of a single flow like the triangle diagram below. You can only provide the best customer experience when you are operating efficiently, maintaining product quality, and operating efficiently by utilizing the right technology.

What Does Single Flow Look Like for Restaurants?

A restaurant’s single flow looks like the circle below. It’s simple, streamlined, and starts and ends at the customer, with the focus being on the efficiency of the operation. The customer orders the food through a delivery platform like Uber Eats, on the restaurant’s website, or at the restaurant (dine-in or takeout). The ordering platform notifies the kitchen of the new order, then kitchen staff prepare and package the food, and hand it over to the person who delivers the food to the customer. This can be a food delivery driver or staff handing it to the customer in the restaurant.

The top portion of the graph (in green) requires less of the restaurant’s energy because the delivery platforms and their associated technologies are already providing the required efficiency for this phase.

The bottom portion of the graph is the operational center of a restaurant and where the efficiency focus should be, from streamlining order notifications reaching the kitchen staff to food preparation and packaging.

There are two ways to tackle conquering this portion of the Single Flow:
- Using an aggregator platform that combines all the delivery platforms and the POS into one single platform.
- Using one, or multiple, Star Micronics thermal printers.
Both options come with their own pros and cons but what’s common between the two is the need for a reliable and compatible printer.

A 3-inch wide, high-resolution (200+ dpi) order has to be available to the kitchen staff as soon as it’s made by the customer on a platform, whether the order originates on a delivery app or the restaurant’s POS. Once the restaurant gets busy, orders can get mixed up and even missed, making negative, damaging customer reviews more likely to occur. A Star Micronics thermal printer, like the TSP143III or a TSP654II equipped with CloudPRNT technology, can make a huge difference.

Option 1: Aggregators

There are many aggregators available in the market. They all offer different features, settings, and benefits, but one advantage they all have in common is the streamlining of order notifications to the kitchen. This is a huge plus for a high-traffic takeout restaurant.

These aggregators also offer their disadvantages. The most common disadvantage is their monthly fees. Depending on the features and technologies being offered, this can vary from $50 per month to $250 per month. Please note that if you choose to use an aggregator, you will still need to purchase a thermal printer to deliver orders to the kitchen.

Option 2: Thermal Printers

A simple, affordable single flow solution is the use of thermal printers. Some thermal printers, like those from Star Micronics, offer a variety of benefits like:
- High-quality and high-performance
- Integrations with virtually all well-known delivery platforms and POS software in North America
- A reliable Ethernet (LAN) interface which allows one Star Micronics printer to support unlimited applications/platforms as long as those applications/platforms support the LAN interface and the printer APIs. (For example, Shopify, Uber Eats, and Ritual support the TSP143IIILAN, so a restaurant with Shopify as its POS, and Ritual and Uber Eats as its ordering apps, would only need one TSP143IIILAN printer in its kitchen to print all orders from all these platforms without a need for an aggregator)
- Cloud printing technology, like CloudPRNT, enabling users to print directly through a cloud service
Order Preparation and Packaging

The two options mentioned above will take care of the notification portion of the single flow, but order preparation and packaging are also very important. If one of the two options above is implemented, then this part can easily be resolved by utilizing a printed receipt or label. For example, a liner-free label printed by the TSP654IISK printer can be used to adhere order information and modifications to the food from the prep line to the pickup counter. Better yet, it can be removed and reapplied without leaving any residue behind, further streamlining the process.

Using Technology to Boost Business

In conclusion, the right technology can make a huge difference in improving a business’s operational efficiency. The two options above (an aggregator or the use of thermal printers) are equally effective at delivering order notifications to a kitchen, but one might carry more weight compared to other based on a business’s needs. For instance, an aggregator offering menu management for a restaurant with multiple menus would likely be the most efficient option. Vice versa, a high-traffic, single-menu restaurant would likely benefit from multiple high-speed thermal printers more than anything else.

Minunat’s Smart Business Solutions

Looking for a solution provider to help you streamline your restaurant’s operations? Minunat can help. They are a business IT solution providers focused and specialized in POS and kiosk solutions for bars, restaurants, and cafes. Check out the Minunat website to find the right hardware for your application or contact them now for a free consultation for your business.

Request Free Consultation
August 5, 2021
C-Trax Teams Up with Star Micronics to Provide an ERP Solution for Cannabis Retailers

Paired with Star’s mPOP® and TSP143III, C-Trax offers retailers a one-stop shop software solution for cannabis and hemp businesses

Somerset, NJ – July 27, 2021 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that C-Trax has added support for the Star’s mPOP® and TSP143III. C-Trax offers an ERP solution for industrial hemp business to manage sales, payments, staff, customers, and inventory, all in one place.

C-Trax cannabis software brings integrated payment solutions to the cannabis industry and allows retailers to manage customer loyalty, inventory, product compliance, and customer marketing while providing the flexibility to choose their own payments partner. The software features hardware-free functionality, easy onboarding, customer check-in, franchise loyalty, digital payments, business analytics, e-commerce integration, and inventory health.

With the integration of Star’s mPOP, C-Trax provides a complete all-in-one solution to cannabis retailers. The mPOP combines a receipt printer and cash drawer and features compatibility with iOS devices. Its slick and distinctive aesthetic, paired with its unique Flat Bill cash management makes it ideal for modern and professional cannabis retailers. By using Star’s TSP143III, C-Trax offers hemp retailers high-speed printing, unique Print Flat technology, and Lightning connection for simultaneous charging and data transfer.

“C-Trax is excited to partner with Star Micronics to meet our customers’ needs,” said Sean Tolliver, CEO of C-Trax. “The superior hardware components integrate seamlessly with our platform for an ideal experience for retailers and customers alike.”

July 27, 2021
How to Drive Customer Engagement Using Your Dispensary’s POS
Legal cannabis sales in the United States alone are expected to exceed $30 billion as soon as 2022. Needless to say, optimizing your dispensary and retaining customers is critical in such a hot, growing market. If you’re stressed about how to keep your customers coming back for more, don’t fret. You can use something you already have – your point of sale (POS) – to do just that.

What is a POS?

A POS is the time and place where merchant-customer transactions are completed. The system includes both hardware and software, and calculates the amount owed by the shopper, communicates that amount to the customer, presents payment options, facilitates payment, and provides a receipt. It is also commonly used for essential business functions including inventory management and sales reporting. But really, a POS goes beyond those basic functions and can be used to engage shoppers, improve brand loyalty, and remain compliant, among other tasks.

How Dispensary POS Improves Customer Experience

For dispensaries, POS systems are used for much more than payment processing. In fact, they can play an integral role in improving the customer experience by helping dispensaries:
- Provide a professional checkout experience: Creating a professional environment is of utmost importance to dispensaries. Unfortunately, there is a history of stigmatization of the marijuana-purchasing experience, but luckily your POS can help you fight that. With a sleek, professional, and modern POS, your hardware seems “real,” and to many, “real” hardware is synonymous with a “real” transaction. Unlike untracked digital Venmo or CashApp transactions, customers feel confident and reassured when purchasing at a physical POS terminal.
- Leverage customer data: A huge benefit of your POS system is its ability to maintain up-to-date customer information like purchase history, shopping preferences, birthdays, and more. You can then use this data to offer relevant promotions to shoppers for the strains they like, sending birthday discounts, suggesting new items they might enjoy, and more.
- Remain compliant: Compliance is key. Cannabis is a highly regulated market, and the receipts produced by your POS system are a must. As we explored in a previous Star blog post, receipt printers are integral for every dispensary as they provide proof legal purchase.
  - What to include on a cannabis receipt? While required information varies by region, some common items to include are store name and address, product category/name, and the appropriate tax code/identifier.
Successful Software Needs Successful Hardware

That’s where Star comes in. CDG proudly integrates its software tools with a variety of Star hardware including the all-in-one mPOP®, TSP654IISK linerless label printer, Value Series Cash Drawers, and more.

Download Brochure

POS Delivers Superior Customer Engagement

To engage with customers is to create memories with them, and being memorable means a greater chance that they will return to your dispensary. Customer engagement is a multifaceted feat, but your POS can help you tackle multiple tactics within that journey. Here’s how:
- Confidence
As we discussed above, customers want to feel secure in their shopping experience. A shopper is far more likely to return to a business where they felt confident in the safety of both their product and personal information, versus one where they felt unsure and unsafe. A professional checkout experience provided by a proper POS system can build that trust by providing a secure transaction and proof of legal purchase via printed and digital receipts.
- Reliability
As ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus once said, “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” In other words, time is money and if you waste your customer’s time, you can pretty much count on them not returning. Luckily, the right POS can help you avoid that situation. A reliable system will consistently stay connected to the internet, meaning no downtime or network issues. Providing a smooth transaction process gives your staff more time to engage in meaningful discussion with customers and builds consumer confidence in your establishment, meaning a greater chance of repeat business.
- Loyalty
According to bigcommerce.com, 92% of consumers believe suggestions from friends and family more than advertising, and 74% of consumers identify word of mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decisions. Simply put, customers tell others about their great shopping experiences, and your POS can help you provide a memorable, buzzworthy encounter.

Beyond providing a seamless purchase, your POS can also provide customized promotions to boost customer engagement and retention. For example, with PromoPRNT, Star printers can print customized messages directly on the bottom of receipts for free. These messages can promote upcoming sales, new strains, “strain of the week,” e-commerce sites, delivery services, loyalty programs, now hiring messaging, social media accounts, and more.

Drive Customer Engagement with C-Trax

Now that you understand the importance of POS when it comes to customer engagement, retention, and satisfaction, how do you choose a POS system that will help you succeed?

Star is proud to partner with C-Trax, one of the industry’s best cannabis software POS providers and the first cannabis software solution bringing integrated payments to retail and wholesale.

C-Trax started in 2019 after its founder visited a dispensary in Las Vegas and had an unbecoming checkout experience. That moment motivated C-Trax to build software aimed at solving bad customer checkout experiences and contributing to a positive, memorable shopping trip instead.

You can find C-Trax software in the Southeast United States and beyond. Designed for CBD retailers, the solution features the Star Micronics mPOP® receipt printer/cash drawer combo which is seamlessly integrated with both C-Trax software and popular payment platforms like Square. Other C-Trax features include:
- On-screen customer buying history and product preference
- Back office management of analytics, orders, inventory, and roles
- On-demand data analytics reporting including average ticket pricing, sales percentages across categories, vendor affinity across budtenders, and more
- Integrations with Square, Shopify, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and more
Learn more about the all-in-one mPOP in the below video:

Interested in C-Trax cannabis POS software? Contact them now to learn more or schedule a demo.

Contact C-Trax
July 20, 2021
5 Portable Receipt Printer Opportunities for Resellers
As a reseller in the point of sale (POS) industry, it’s becoming increasingly important to not just sell products, but to be a full solution provider and trusted adviser to your customers. Besides being the one your customers turn to for all things tech, being a trusted advisor also means you must always be identifying new selling opportunities. A benefit of this can, of course, be boosted margins. In today’s blog post, explore five portable receipt printer opportunities to help you move deeper into accounts while also thickening your wallet.

1. Tableside Restaurant Payments

Pay-at-the-table is gaining popularity, and for good reason. Touch-free tableside payments – which eliminate back-and-forth handling of cards or cash – boast multiple benefits, including:
- Higher table turn rate: The traditional payment process, involving a waitstaff member running back and forth from the table to the POS terminal, can be lengthy, and of course, time means money in the restaurant world. Speeding up the payment process can really pay off (pun intended): according to Hospitality Technology, moving from three to four table turns per shift can increase revenue by 20-25%.
- Less identity theft: Unfortunately, card skimming occasionally occurs within the hospitality industry, namely when cards are with servers and out of the sight of customers for several minutes. The possibility of identity theft is greatly reduced if a customer instead pays tableside.
- Increased tips: Pay-at-the-table is undoubtedly a faster, smoother process than traditional back-and-forth payments. This improved experience often times means increased tips for servers. According to the Los Angeles Times, Olive Garden waitstaff using mobile payment tablets saw a 15% increase in tips.
Help your customers offer seamless, profitable pay-at-the-table options by providing the ideal portable receipt printer.

Recommended Printer: SM-L200

2” Receipts
Bluetooth, Apple BLE

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

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

Recommended Printer: SM-T300i

3” Rugged with MSR, Receipts & Labels
Bluetooth

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

The days of getting up from your seat at a sports game or concert to go stand in a long line for a snack or beverage are ending. Mobile and in-seat sales of concessions at stadiums, parks, and event venues are on the rise, and offer many benefits like:
- Reduced venue congestion
- Faster turnaround
- No waiting in long lines, meaning guests have more fun
- Enhanced customer experience via mobile payment acceptance and integrated loyalty programs
Recommended Printer: SM-S230i

2” High-Speed Receipts
Bluetooth

4. Police Tickets and Citations

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

Recommended Printer: SM-T400i

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

5. Every Corner of the Retail Store

The usage of mobile printers in retail stores seems virtually endless. From big-box stores to specialty retailers and salons, portable printers have a place in nearly every brick-and-mortar establishment. Examples of mobile printer usage in retail stores include:
- Line-busting: One of the most obvious portable printer use cases in retail is line-busting. By implementing mobile checkout locations within the store, shoppers can avoid waiting in long lines, pay at a more convenient location, and be on their way faster.
- In-aisle labeling: A portable printer that can also print labels is the perfect solution for workers who need to label product in-aisle.
- Online order preparation: BOPIS (buy-online-pickup-in-store) is booming. In fact, according to Shopify, nearly 60% of consumers are interested in BOPIS-type shopping options, and 64% are opting for BOPIS more often than before the pandemic started. A portable printer can help workers prepare BOPIS orders by easily printing receipts and labels on-the-go in the store as they assemble orders.
Recommended Printer: SM-L300

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

The Future is Mobile

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

Boost Your Business with Star’s Portable Printers

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

Ready to learn even more about Star’s line of portable printers?

Explore Printers
July 13, 2021
A Comprehensive Guide to Cannabis POS & Accessories
The cannabis industry is in full swing. With marijuana fully legal in several U.S. states and medical use being legal in almost every state, cannabis is here to stay. While this is great news for business owners looking to break into this budding industry, the tech you choose will dictate the success of your business. Without a powerful point of sale (POS) system at the foundation of your dispensary, you could lose out on critical functionality, sales, and even be subject to noncompliance issues.

The reality is, when it comes to cannabis, not just any POS setup will do. In this guide, you will discover the complete list of technology solutions that dispensaries need to compete in today’s booming market, including solutions for in-store, e-Commerce, delivery, and more.

Download the full guide >

Why an Innovative POS is Critical for the Cannabis Industry

As the cannabis industry flourishes, so does the ferocity of the competition. There are many routes businesses can take in order to stand out from other dispensaries, but choosing the right POS system is among the most important. Whether you are opening a brand new business or looking to upgrade an existing one, your POS is a foundational factor to consider.

Bottom line: you’ll need innovative tech that maximizes the efficiency of your operations, allowing you to operate smoothly and give customers an exceptional experience. By accomplishing this, you’ll be on your way to higher profits and bigger business. Here’s what to look for in a POS system and why it matters:

Cannabis POS Seed-to-Sale Software

Behind every great piece of hardware is an equally high-quality software. The right POS software should be easy to set up and save your employees time on a daily basis by making their jobs simple. It’s also essential that your cannabis dispensary POS software integrates with any seed-to-sale tracking systems required by your respective state, as well as with your accounting, payroll, marketing, and other software you use to run your business. Other important features to look for in your software include:
- Compliance
- Sales and inventory data
- Security
- Offline mode
- Online ordering/e-Commerce
NTEP-Certified Scales

In the cannabis industry, compliance is everything, and one of the most important elements of cannabis retail compliance is accurately selling products by weight. Whether your dispensary offers packages of marijuana buds or flowers, edibles, vaping supplies, containers of shutter, topicals, or extracts, having scales ensures that you are not over- or under-charging customers as well as keeping inventory records accurate.

Ensure your scales are National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) certified. A local weights and measures official will use NIST standards when inspecting your scale and sealing/certifying it for legal use. You’ll also want to be sure you purchase a highly accurate scale system. While it’s commonly thought that an ounce is 28 grams, it’s actually 28.349 grams; weigh to one-hundredth of a gram to ensure you don’t short your customers or miss out on any profits.

Running a business that sells products by weight is impossible without the proper scale. Look for options that are designed for the cannabis industry and have the certification and protective measures in place to ensure accuracy, like a windshield and dust-proof/waterproof cover.

Our Scale Recommendation: mG-Scales

mG-S322: Meets all requirements in the legalized states.
mG-S1501: Certified in WA and AK for weighing less than 28.4g and in CA, OR, and CO for weighing between 10g-100g.

POS Printers

Cannabis may be becoming more widely accepted and available, but there are still strict laws that must be followed. One such law is that consumers must be able to prove their cannabis was legally obtained. That’s where printers come in. Dispensaries can provide online ordering printing or high-performance in-store printing to display proof of legal purchase.

Needless to say, proof of purchase is critical, and dispensary owners can easily provide it with receipt printers that display the sale. Mobile printers can also be used for a more modern, flexible in-store experience. In addition to proving cannabis was legally obtained, receipts can be leveraged to deliver effective cannabis advertisements.

Some ideas of what to promote on your cannabis receipt include:
- Featured strains/strain of the week
- Strains that are coming soon
- Discounts or sales
- Links to social media accounts
- Customer testimonials
- Now hiring messaging
Our Printer Recommendations:

mC-Print3: With CloudPRNT for online ordering, SteadyLAN®, and USB-C connectivity.

mPOP®: All-in-one printer and cash drawer solution.

Proper Product Labeling

How you package and label supplies and products is an important part of remaining compliant and staying out of trouble. With cannabis now being added to food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products, there are a variety of forms your product may come in, and not all of them will be suited for a bag, bottle, or vial. Different products will require different packaging and labels that display unique product information.

Ensuring your labels are accurate is a critical first step; with the right information on your labels, your product will be ready for seed-to-sale tracking if necessary. Additionally, your labels should be tamper-proof to ensure the security seal has not been broken. You may want to consider a linerless label printer for easy-to-reposition labels, as well as review your state-specific cannabis label requirements to ensure that your labels are compliant.

Our Label Recommendations:

TSP654IISK: Liner-free label printing.

Tamper-Proof Labels: Securely seal products and packaging.

Successful Software Needs Successful Hardware

That’s where Star comes in. CDG proudly integrates its software tools with a variety of Star hardware including the all-in-one mPOP®, TSP654IISK linerless label printer, Value Series Cash Drawers, and more.

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Cannabis Cash Drawers

The cannabis industry is a cash-heavy market for many. For this reason, having proper cash management is crucial. Your dispensary cash drawers should support error-free cash management and top-notch security. Don’t go too old-school, however; as regulators tighten down on cash business, it’s important to ensure you have a high-quality drawer solution. Look for something secure and reliable while also sleek and efficient to meet your individual business needs and government regulations.

Our Cash Drawer Recommendation:

Choice Series Cash Drawers: Extra-strength and packed with extra features.

Additional Accessories That Make All the Difference

Sneeze Guard: Sneeze guards used at the checkout counter help protect employees and customers by reducing the spread of harmful pathogens.

Tablet Stand: A tablet stand will tie together your POS and contribute to a modern, professional atmosphere and an improved customer experience.

Antimicrobial Covers*: Easy-to-use antimicrobial covers will reduce germ transfer on high-touch dispensary surfaces.

Choosing the Right Cannabis POS Hardware Supplier

Choosing a one-stop shop POS hardware supplier with industry-leading software integration capabilities means an easier workflow for you and your staff:
- Before the sale: Easy setup and configuration
- During the sale: Intuitive controls and features
- After the sale: Seamless maintenance and support
Discover even more tips and tricks for implementing a complete cannabis POS by downloading the full guide.

Download Now

Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.
June 24, 2021
5 Features to Look for in Cannabis POS Software
Cannabis point-of-sale (POS) systems have unique components that you will not find in any other industry. With legalization being closer to reality than ever, it is key to have a software system that can be flexible to adapt to the different rules set by the regulatory bodies. It is customary for providers to have a cloud-based framework that will be able to connect to all the track-and-trace providers seamlessly and adapt to these new changes. Below are five key components to look for in cannabis POS software.

1. Compliancy

Compliancy is a key component for dispensaries to maintain legitimacy with the reporting of every transaction to the regulatory body. Why? The government, depending on the state, requires the dispensary to report information directly to them. This information usually includes dispensary, inventory, customer, package, and product data. The four different American track-and-trace government software providers are as follows: Metrc, Helix, Leaf Data Systems, and Agrisoft. The largest player is Metrc with 16 states and one territory (Washington D.C) under current contract.

Law enforcement agencies use data irregularities in the track-and-trace software to detect any illegal marijuana activities. On the off chance that these irregularities are adequately extreme, an examination could be triggered that could prompt closing-down activities and heavy fines. It is critical to use a cannabis POS software that has a controlled API push after each transaction so that you can ensure all data is transmitted accurately. Keep in mind, if the track-and-trace state-mandated software is not maintaining uptime, this can cause non-compliancy issues.

2. eCommerce

Prior to the pandemic online ordering was more of a luxury than a necessity for dispensaries. According to a poll of 840 people made by Ganja Goddess, “Only 6.4% of consumers say retail shops are now their primary purchasing method, compared to 63.3% pre-COVID, representing a roughly 57% decrease.” You can associate these numbers with pandemic-influenced buying trends.

Cannabis POS software providers have different strategies when it comes to online ordering. Some decide to use a third-party eCommerce provider and others have eCommerce built into their service offering. In general, many new cannabis companies have shifted their focus to an online-first business, and the industry is seeing more online ordering systems and dispensary-branded app models pop up. Because of these trends, dispensaries must have their POS operating synchronously with the online ordering platform, meaning whatever is available to shop for online must be in-stock at the dispensary. Many e-commerce solutions can make that possible by enabling delivery, digital payments, and curbside pickup.

3. Cashless Transactions

Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, cannabis banking remains a finicky topic. However, cannabis banking on the state level has been enabled and because of that there are extra layers of cannabis compliancy that local banks and credit unions must adhere to. As of today, the federal government has not issued an MCC (Merchant Category Code) for cannabis dispensaries, so the different cashless payment models that exist today are as follows:

ACH/Bank-to-Bank Transfers (Similar to PayPal)
- Compliant so it can convert into an actual merchant account when legal
- Payment transfers occur across the ACH payment network
- Completely transparent – with every party involved
- Actual business representation on merchant and consumer account statements
Cashless ATMs
- Rounds up to the nearest $5 and/or $20
- Masks transactions as an ATM transaction
- Merchants can be shut off without notice
- Not sustainable
Debit and Credit Cards
- Miscoded accounts
- High risk of being shut off
- High fees with offshore settlements
- Not endorsed by the card brands
Cryptocurrencies
- Very small number of dispensaries are using this as an option
- Blockchain technology
- Real-time settlements
- Bitcoin and other various digital currencies
As you can see above, the most sustainable solution until the federal government enacts new rules is the ACH/bank-to-bank transfers. By working with a payment solution provider like Hypur, AeroPay, or CanPay, dispensary owners can be confident that their payment processing will not damage their business with any unannounced issues.

Successful Software Needs Successful Hardware

That’s where Star comes in. CDG proudly integrates its software tools with a variety of Star hardware including the all-in-one mPOP®, TSP654IISK linerless label printer, Value Series Cash Drawers, and more.

Download Brochure

4. Reward/Loyalty Program

Building customer retention via a reward or loyalty program is critical, especially in cannabis. As legalization becomes widespread, creating more access, the cost of cannabis to consumers will continue to decline. At the same time, the number of dispensaries is inclining at a rapid velocity and under these circumstances profit margins will naturally decline.

A highly engaging reward program will create a continuous flow of returning clients for your dispensary. Running daily specials that are sent through text messages and emails not only help retain the dispensary’s current clients, but also contributes to maintaining the strength of the dispensary’s margins. When sending out promotional messages, it is prudent that the message includes a link directly to the dispensary’s eCommerce platform and that the special being offered is highly visible after clicking the link. A successful reward or loyalty system acts like a mini-bank account for loyal customers and is a win-win; they will spend more as they strive to achieve larger discounts, and your business will thrive.

5. Inventory Management

Cannabis is unique in comparison to other businesses when it comes to inventory. If you are ordering delivery from a restaurant, most likely they will have the ingredients to fulfill your request. This is simply not the case with cannabis.

It is vital for dispensaries to know what is in stock and what needs to be re-ordered from their distributors. If a dispensary’s inventory is inaccurate, they will have unhappy customers who have ordered online and will not be able to get what they ordered.

When bulk packages arrive from distributors, it is a smart business practice to scan each package using an inventory scanner that is directly integrated into your POS. Adding inventory manually into the system can create a massive headache, and also allows for a higher possibility of human error. According to Cannabis Industry Journal, “Cannabis businesses need more sophisticated solutions to track sales, monitor supplies, oversee shipments and remain informed on where products originate from and how frequently to re-order. Native functionalities too often do not provide such robust features.” Having a consistent, standard operating procedure in your dispensary is so valuable.

Appspensary Cannabis POS Software

If you’re looking for a robust cannabis POS software solution, Appspensary has what you need. Appspensary is an online ordering platform and cloud-based POS system that is tailored and branded for marijuana-related businesses. Appspensary includes features like:
- Online store
- Cashless payments
- Delivery optimization
- Curbside pickup
- Text message marketing
- Loyalty program
- Custom development
Learn more or request a demo
June 10, 2021
4 Contactless Payment Trends to Take Advantage Of
As the economy reopens, things have changed. The pandemic was a catalyst of retail innovation and will have a lasting effect on consumers’ payment preferences. Read on to learn more about what exactly contactless payments are, some key contactless payment trends, and how you can leverage them.

What is a Contactless Payment?

The term “contactless payments” is an umbrella phrase describing multiple payment methods. According to Investopedia,

“Contactless payment is a secure method for consumers to purchase products or services using a debit, credit, or smartcard—also known as a chip card—by using RFID technology or near-field communication (NFC).

To make a contactless payment, tap your card near a point-of-sale terminal that is equipped with the contactless payment technology. Since contactless payments do not require a signature or a personal identification number (PIN), transaction sizes on cards are limited. The allowable amount for a contactless transaction varies by country and by the bank.

Contactless payment is also referred to as tap-and-go by some banks and retailers. Examples of non-credit or debit card contactless payments include transit cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Google Wallet.”

4 Important Contactless Payment Trends

1. Not Just an Option, a Preference

While the adoption of contactless payments in the United States was initially slow-moving, the pandemic has sparked rapid growth and this payment method is now a preference, not simply just an option.

According to Visa’s Back to Business Study, “If all other factors were equal (price, selection and location), nearly two-thirds (63%) of consumers would switch to a new business that installed contactless payment options.”

The study also discovered that safety influenced how 78% of global consumers pay and that 46% of consumers believe using contactless payment methods is among the most important retail safety measures.

Additionally, American Express recently reported that 70% U.S. merchants are experiencing customers requesting the option of contactless tap-and-go or mobile app payments (American Express 2020).

Needless to say, contactless payments are here, and they are here to stay. Instead of simply being a futuristic option, they are now a present-day necessity.

2. An Ageless Trend …

While you might assume that the desire for contactless payments is strongest with younger generations, the numbers might surprise you. According to Dynata’s recent report, “A Breakthrough for Contactless Payments,”

“Generationally, the largest growth in both contactless preference and adoption occurred among Baby Boomers – preference jumped from 45% pre-COVID-19 to 55% today, and adoption of a contactless card or app increased from 67% to 71%. This is followed by Gen Z, Gen X and Millennials.”

Star Micronics Payment Solutions

By providing sleek, easy-to-integrate POS hardware, Star Micronics merges the priorities of business owners, software providers, and payments companies, while offering an easy, reliable, and compliant solution.

Learn More

3. … and a Lasting Trend

A substantial amount of contactless payment adoption occurred during the pandemic – however this adoption is slated to remain relevant for years to come.

According to Mastercard, 74% of consumers state they will continue to use contactless payment methods post-pandemic. Additionally, roughly half of respondents had already swapped out their top-of-wallet card for one that offers contactless payments.

4. Listen to Your Customers … Literally

Most contactless payments today happen via contactless cards, mobile wallets, and smart watches. However, that will likely change, and soon. Enter, voice assistants.

Voice assistants, also known as home assistants and smart speakers, allow people to give voice commands and receive a vocal response in return. Users can give commands for many things like the weather forecast, traffic updates, booking a rideshare – and of course, buying items. Some examples of popular voice assistants are Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomePod.

These voice assistants are making a splash in the industry and are a worthwhile contactless medium to pay attention to. According to Statista, by 2024 the number of digital voice assistants in use worldwide is expected to hit 8.4 billion by 2024, and 35% of smart speaker users buy products like home care, groceries, and clothing from the speaker.

How to Take Advantage of Contactless Payments

Ready or not, contactless payments are the future of commerce. Here are three simple ways to take advantage.

The Star mC-Print3 with CloudPRNT technology is ideal for printing online orders.
- Update Your Point of Sale. First and foremost, businesses should deploy contactless payment terminals, so they are able to accept payments from contactless credit and debit cards, smartphones, and smart watches. For contactless online ordering orders, it’s crucial to have a connected receipt printer that can effortlessly accept orders no matter where they come from (whether it’s from a mobile app, a website, or a home speaker).
- Spread the Word. Accepting contactless payments can improve the customer experience and aid in creating repeat business. Let customers know that you accept contactless payments by communicating with them – in the right channels. Because a variety of generations are leveraging contactless payments, be sure your messaging reaches them where they’re at. In addition to sharing your news on your website, app, and through your emails, this might look like communicating to Gen Z on TikTok, Baby Boomers on Facebook, and Millennials on Instagram.
- Consider Voice Shopping. Digital voice assistants are the next big thing. If possible, consider starting voice retailing. For more information on how to sell products to customers through voice via Amazon Alexa, click here. And to learn more about Google for retailers, click here.
Star Micronics offers one design, one integration, and one provider … for all payment peripherals.

Download Payments Brochure
June 3, 2021
Cannabis Delivery Technology: What You Need
We all know that the cannabis industry is growing at a rapid pace – but did you know that cannabis delivery in particular is one of the hottest revenue streams in the market? While COVID-19 certainly acted as a catalyst in the growth of cannabis delivery, it’s a trend that’s here to stay. Read on to explore what cannabis delivery technology you need to succeed.

Cannabis Delivery Technology #1: Online Ordering Platform

One thing is for sure: to succeed at cannabis delivery, you need a robust online ordering platform to not only manage orders but to help you facilitate all of the logistics involved in delivering product to your customers, too.

Some key features to look for in an online ordering platform for cannabis delivery are:
- The ability to facilitate order placement and documentation
- Deciphering which counties and cities allow or don’t allow cannabis delivery
- Dispatching and tracking cannabis deliveries
- Analyzing deliveries and optimizing them to increase delivery speed and lower delivery costs
- Customer ID verification
- The ability to dynamically calculate sales tax per region
- Detailed, real-time inventory tracking
- Integrated loyalty program and marketing tools
Cannabis Delivery Technology #2: Point of Sale

Related to your cannabis delivery online ordering platform is your point of sale (POS). Without a complete, integrated POS, your online ordering strategy will not live up to its full potential. So, what do you need?
- Online ordering printer: When a customer places an online order for cannabis delivery, they trust that your dispensary is immediately receiving and preparing their order. Meet those expectations by choosing an online ordering printer with cloud printing technology. An added bonus of some online ordering printers like Star’s mC-Print3 is that it communicates directly to the cloud server, meaning you do not need an extra tablet – customers simply place their order, and it prints immediately at your POS.
- NTEP-certified scale: When it comes to selling cannabis, accuracy is everything, and an NTEP-certified precision POS scale is non-negotiable. Further enhance your measuring by choosing a scale that features Bluetooth, USB, and serial connectivity.
- Linerless label printer: Linerless labels are repositionable thermal labels that stick to nearly any surface and can be removed and reapplied without leaving any residue behind. These labels can be very helpful in preparing online orders and cannabis packaging, and a linerless label printer can be a great addition to your POS.
- Integrations with aforementioned software: The POS and the online ordering software should ideally work hand-in-hand to create a seamless, headache-free sales cycle. Be sure to choose POS hardware that is integrated with the industry’s most popular software applications.
Successful Software Needs Successful Hardware

That’s where Star comes in. CDG proudly integrates its software tools with a variety of Star hardware including the all-in-one mPOP®, TSP654IISK linerless label printer, Value Series Cash Drawers, and more.

Download Brochure

Cannabis Delivery Technology #3: Delivery Service

When it comes to managing your own cannabis delivery service, there are several legalities to keep in mind. Per IndicaOnline,

“If you’re a storefront dispensary and you want to implement a marijuana delivery service, you must apply for the regular Retailer business license. It is extremely important to remember that once your delivery service has been approved for a license, every driver must carry a copy in their authorized vehicle. For a complete list of all the necessary documentation that must be submitted, please visit the Bureau of Cannabis Control website.”

In addition to documentation, other rules apply to cannabis delivery. For example, in California, the below rules are in place:
- Deliveries must be made in unmarked, enclosed vehicles with security boxes attached to the vehicle
- GPS units track each delivery route and drivers may not deviate from the route or make extra stops
- Drivers can only carry $5,000 of product and that amount is reduced to $3,000 if the driver is carrying products to fill tentative orders that have not yet been placed
- Only the driver is allowed to be in the vehicle
- Drivers must carry and update an inventory ledger that includes in following information about all of the products in their possession: brand, weight, value, track-and-trace identifier, and price.
Please refer to your local authorities to determine your cannabis-related laws.

If you are looking to manage your own deliveries, it is also worthwhile to invest in the proper security technology, like surveillance cameras for delivery vehicles that monitor product pickups and drop-offs, activity around vehicles, and more. You will also want to make sure you have software that records when product moves and gives you real-time access to that data.

If all of that sounds overwhelming, it is okay. You can also choose a third-party delivery service like Eaze, which is often called “the Uber of marijuana” and delivers cannabis products in California. Eaze and other similar companies offer delivery service to licensed retailers and dispensaries. The services often automatically confirm delivery addresses are legal for delivery, and can deliver various products like flower, vapes, edibles, concentrates, and accessories.

Star’s Cannabis POS Hardware Lineup

Cannabis stores and dispensaries need technology solutions to match unique industry requirements and regulations. Star has developed a POS product line tailored for use in cannabis stores and dispensaries, The Cannabis POS Collection.

Download our cannabis brochure to discover:
- NTEP-approved cannabis scales
- POS printers and cash drawers
- Mobile printers
- Star Micronics Cloud Services
Download Brochure
May 25, 2021