Category: Solutions & Use Cases

Why It’s Time to Invest in Dispensary POS

As more states legalize cannabis use, it’s time for dispensaries to invest in the right dispensary point of sale (POS) technology. New Jersey, Arizona, Montana, South Dakota, Vermont, Oklahoma, and Maine have opened their doors to legal cannabis use, and thus have created a huge opportunity for business owners. In fact, the cannabis industry market value is expected to reach $30 billion by 2025.

Something that every cannabis business owner needs is dispensary POS technology solutions. Whether you operate a brick-and-mortar location or a delivery service – or both – dispensary POS is a must-have business essential. Read on to take a deep dive into several reasons why it’s time to invest in dispensary POS.

More States Legalizing Adult Use

Recently, each year has brought the news of more states legalizing cannabis usage or loosening their laws surrounding its usage. There may be no better time for those changes to occur than now. As the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, states are urgently looking for ways to bolster their economies and cannabis can certainly fit that bill. The pandemic has undoubtedly had a huge economic impact across the country and globe, and cannabis tax revenue could be used to assist in economic recovery.

As mentioned above, New Jersey, Arizona, Montana, South Dakota, Vermont, Oklahoma, and Maine have officially legalized cannabis usage, and more changes are coming. In 2021, Marijuana Business Daily predicts that Texas’s CBD-centric medical program may see reform, and several states could legalize adult-use marijuana markets including New York, Virginia, Connecticut, New Mexico, and Maryland. In the case of New York, the state is projecting a go live date of April 2021, and Governor Andrew Cuomo has requested legislature to include a measure in the 2021 fiscal year budget to enact cannabis state law.

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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Major Merger in Canada, Micro-Growers Gaining a Foothold

Sometimes too much of something is indeed not a good thing. Take cannabis in Canada, for example. Some of Canada’s largest licensed producers are grappling with oversupply. According to Cannabis Business Times, last year Health Canada, the federal agency that oversees Canadian cannabis producers, reported producers had an excess of 600,000 kilograms (1,322,773 pounds) of unpackaged dried cannabis and 46,413 kilograms (102,323 pounds) of unpackaged flower – not counting what is held in stock by distributors and retailers.

This oversupply makes it unsustainable for all of the large producers to operate at one time with how the market is evolving and has caused a large merger to occur. According to Marijuana Business Daily, in December 2020 Canadian cannabis giants Aphria and Tilray announced plans to merge. This merger would create a very large international marijuana firm with a combined equity of nearly $3.9 million USD.

This mass scale of cannabis production doesn’t mean smaller producers are out of luck. Because of this large-scale merging, Canada’s small-scale micro-growers are finding a foothold in the market, thus creating a craft cannabis market. It’s likely that many consumers are interested in cannabis not produced on a mass scale and are willing to locate and open their wallets to smaller, craft producers.

USDA Re-Evaluating Hemp

Another reason why it’s time to invest in dispensary POS is because it is anticipated that new leadership at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will result in the agency taking a second look at rules for nationwide hemp regulatory framework. What exactly does this mean? One example is that the USDA could give the hemp industry a win with remediation of hot hemp – “hot hemp” has more than the 0.3% limit of THC and must be disposed of by a federal agent under current rules. There is potential for a rule change so that hot hemp could be remediated with certain equipment, reducing THC levels – this shift would eliminate the need to destroy it, saving the industry millions of dollars and leaving space in producers’ budgets to invest in dispensary POS technology.

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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Cannabis Delivery

Delivery has become a staple of modern living: takeout, groceries, household goods, pet food, and more are delivered … and now, cannabis is no different. Many cannabis retailers who weren’t previously delivering, now are. One reason for this is that during the COVID-19 pandemic many cannabis retailers were deemed “essential businesses” and thus needed to pivot and meet their customers’ demands in a safe, socially distanced way. Delivery, as well as drive-thru and curbside pickup options, will surely stick around well beyond the pandemic. After COVID-19 fades, consumer behavior will remain entrenched in what provided them the most convenience during the pandemic which means consumers will still expect pickup and delivery options when it comes to getting their cannabis orders filled. To be prepared, cannabis business owners must be sure they have the dispensary POS technology to facilitate all of these delivery methods.

A Continuous Need: Dispensary POS

Recent and ongoing changes to legislature and market mergers – as well as the continued growth of online ordering, delivery, drive-thru, and curbside pickup services – are creating a lasting need for all kinds of cannabis industry technology, including dispensary POS solutions. Indeed, there has never been a better time to invest in dispensary POS.

Interested in learning more about Star’s latest dispensary POS technology solutions?

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January 14, 2021
UBMe Partners with Star Micronics to Launch New System That Increases Accuracy, Efficiency and Safety

UBMe and Star Micronics’ new system provides automatic printing of online orders in restaurant kitchens

Bethlehem, PA – January 5, 2021 – With their new partners, Star Micronics, the founders of UBMe have launched a new technology service centered around the automatic printing of online orders. This technology is geared towards the restaurant industry and will provide a significant amount of efficiency and ease on the restaurant end. Once a customer places an online food order, the order is automatically printed on the Star Micronics printer in the restaurant kitchen, ensuring that no orders are delayed or skipped.

One of the largest technical problems in the restaurant industry is that once online orders are placed by a customer, a restaurant staff member needs to manually send the order to the kitchens. This process allows for a lot of delays due to unintentional skipping of orders. These errors add up and contribute to a negative customer experience. With COVID-19 regulations becoming stricter, it is imperative for restaurants to keep customers not only satisfied, but returning frequently.

This is where UBMe and Star Micronics’ new technology will be instrumental within the restaurant industry. UBMe provides automatic printing of online orders to Star Micronics’ mC-Print3 Thermal Printer, which is set up in the restaurant’s kitchen. This partnership alleviates the need for a staff member to send the order to the kitchen, so delays from that are eliminated.

When restaurant owners sign up for their 30-Day Free Trial with UBMe, they receive a custom landing page where customers can place direct online orders. From there, the order is automatically printed in the kitchen and ready to be prepped. Following that, the customer can park outside and check-in with the UBMe app to let a restaurant staff member know they have arrived. With safety being a top priority right now, through the UBMe app, the restaurant staff member can make the customer aware of any policies they have in place regarding the pick-up. This makes the process completely contact-free.

“We already have restaurants that are excited and ready to have access to this technology. Eliminating errors and increasing efficiency is a big appeal to restaurant owners, and we are really excited to deliver,” said co-founder David Bougard.

The purpose of automatic order printing is to provide benefits to both the restaurant and the customer. The customer no longer has the inconvenience of delays from their orders not being received, thus giving them a positive online ordering experience. Restaurants right now are relying heavily on online orders, so having happy, satisfied returning customers is their main priority.

“Automatic printing of ordering will be a major technological advancement in the restaurant industry, and this partnership and launch is very exciting for us. We look forward to seeing the impact it has on local businesses and the positive responses,” said CEO and co-founder Val Arzunian.

UBMe is also welcoming business owners onto their platform by offering a 30-Day free trial to new customers. To learn more about UBMe and claim a free trial, visit www.ubme.com/restaurants

About UBMe

UBMe is a start-up technology company based in Bethlehem, PA. Operating in the hyperlocal business-to-consumer industry category, UBMe’s proprietary mobile application helps businesses in dense market areas provide targeted and real-time interaction directly and immediately to local residents.

January 5, 2021
Why Contactless Solutions will Be Indispensable for Retailers in 2021

If you could summarize the hottest retail technology trends from 2020, contactless solutions would undoubtedly make the list. Between the fact that retail technology is constantly advancing, and the COVID-19 pandemic that rocked the world earlier this year, contactless solutions will simply be indispensable for retailers in 2021. Read on to learn more about what exactly contactless solutions are, the importance of going contactless, and how to get started with contactless solutions so that you can not only keep up, but stand out, from your competition in the new year and beyond.

What are Contactless Solutions?

Simply put, contactless solutions are retail solutions that don’t require shoppers to come in contact with other people or any public surfaces, where viruses and germs can lurk. Two popular contactless solutions – especially in the new normal – are contactless payments and contactless fulfillment.

Contactless Payments

Contactless payments, which as a retailer you have surely seen, are payments that are made through EMV cards or smart devices like smartphones and smartwatches.

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.

When it comes time for customers to pay, they simply hold their card, smartphone, or smartwatch one to two inches from the contactless symbol on the payment terminal. When the payment has been accepted, the terminal will alert the customer with a beep, green light, or checkmark.

Contactless Fulfillment

Another common contactless solution is contactless fulfillment. For shoppers that would rather not shop in a brick-and-mortar location, contactless fulfillment solutions include curbside pickup and several online ordering options like traditional delivery and BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store). These solutions allow customers to safely receive their orders when and where they want, something that became highly demanded during COVID-19 and will likely continue to remain popular.

The Importance of Going Contactless

Maybe you already implemented some contactless solutions in 2020 or previous years, but in 2021 it will be crucial for you as a retailer to fully leverage these technologies and processes. As the world moves even further into its new normal, consumers will continue to seek shopping methods that minimize how much contact they have with other people and mitigate their risk of contamination.

Contactless payments have been around for some time and are already very popular globally – approximately 20% of all transactions in Australia, Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are completed with contactless technology. The contactless payment trend is present in the United States, too. TD Bank saw a surge in contactless payments following the onset of COVID-19, and it’s likely that shoppers will continue to pay for their orders in this quick and easy way well after the pandemic ends.

Contactless fulfillment methods like delivery and curbside pickup/BOPIS, are also going to be a critical retail offering in 2021. According to Retail TouchPoints,

While the surge in contact-free pickup and delivery offerings has been tied to the current pandemic, it’s likely that their popularity will remain even after the crisis passes. Many retailers will need to figure out ways to incorporate these offerings on a regular basis while still keeping a tight rein on additional labor, operational and systems integration costs.

How to Get Started

Contactless payments can be surprisingly easy to roll out. Many banks offer contactless credit and debit cards, as well as the payment terminals that process contactless transactions. These terminals have a contactless payment symbol to show shoppers that contactless payment methods are accepted. To better communicate to your clientele that they may now make contactless payments, you may have your staff inform customers in person, communicate the update via social media or email marketing, place a sign at the point of sale, or promote the news on your receipts by using free receipt marketing software, like Star Micronics PromoPRNT.

When it comes to contactless order fulfillment, check in with your POS software provider to see if they offer online ordering and curbside pickup/BOPIS functionalities. To successfully roll these methods out, your POS hardware also matters. Be sure to use a receipt printer that comes with built-in online ordering technology, like the Star Micronics mC-Print3 that includes CloudPRNT technology which enables the printer to automatically fetch and print online orders without the need for an additional tablet in your store. Star Micronics printers are also integrated with many industry-leading retail POS software programs, meaning they are a truly an easy, one-stop shop solution for your retail store.

To wrap up, contactless solutions are already popular, and all signs indicate they will continue to be in 2021. While it may sound intimidating, it can be easy for retailers like you to adopt these solutions if you are working with the right, one-stop shop POS software and hardware companies. Keep your customers happy and safe, and stand out from competition for years to come, by adopting contactless solutions like contactless payments and contactless order fulfillment methods in the new year.

Star Micronics has full technology solutions to help prepare your retail store for 2021.

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December 30, 2020
How to Prepare Your Retail Store for 5 Challenges 2021 Will Bring

Most years, there are one or two emerging trends that are expected to become big over the following 12 months. And this can make it relatively straightforward for retailers to prepare for the changes. But of course, 2020 hasn’t been like most years. The COVID-19 outbreak has shifted customer behaviors more rapidly than ever before, and many of the effects of the pandemic are expected to roll over to next year.

This means that there’s no single way that retailers can prepare for 2021. Preparing to succeed next year means carefully considering what new challenges the pandemic has introduced to the retail world, and identifying innovative and effective ways to overcome these challenges to meet customer expectations.

So what challenges are retailers likely to face next year, and how can you prepare for them?

Let’s take a look…

Challenge 1: Fluctuating Demand

“While traffic has begun to rise again over the past few months, there will most likely be variability moving forward. With active cases in a state of flux, store traffic can be expected to do the same”.

That’s according to the National Retail Federation, which believes that the ebbs and flows of localized outbreaks will create ongoing variability in foot traffic. As local cases rise, foot traffic may slow either due to a personal preference to remain at home or due to changes in legislation. And as cases drop, it can be expected that many shoppers will flock to stores to grab items they need during periods of lower risk.

And this is set to create one of the biggest challenges for retailers in 2021; knowing when the store will require the greatest level of cover – and when it won’t – to ensure retailers are getting the most value from the workforce. The best way to prepare for this unique challenge is to prioritize data analysis and forecasting, using both real-time and historical data to facilitate improved employee scheduling.

Challenge 2: Evolving Customer Needs

It’s clear that the global pandemic has had a huge impact on what customers want from their in-store shopping experience. Post-pandemic shoppers want contactless payments, with research by Mastercard suggesting that 80% of shoppers now use contactless, citing ‘safety and cleanliness’ as the primary reason. Next year, customers are expected to place more importance on store sanitation than ever.

Improving your store’s existing hygiene and sanitation practices – and communicating with shoppers the changes that are being made to facilitate a safe and secure in-store shopping experience – is key to preparing to succeed in 2021. If you haven’t already dipped a toe into the world of contactless payments, now is the time to invest in new payment technologies or upgrade older technologies.

Challenge 3: Altered Spending Habits

COVID-19 hasn’t just sparked a health crisis; it’s sparked an economic crisis, too. The US unemployment rate rose from 3.8% in February 2020 to 14.4% just two months later, resulting in many people facing financial uncertainty and difficulties. In turn, this has created a major trend for shoppers to spend more cautiously, and many are taking a more savvy approach to shopping in a bid to lower their outgoings.

This creates a new challenge for retailers who will need to introduce innovative tactics to re-normalize spending. The secret to preparing for this challenge is to focus on getting traffic through the door with savings, offers, and promotional deals. Coupons can be a highly effective option, particularly printed coupons which research shows have an 18% higher return on investment than digital alternatives.

Challenge 4: A Need for Speed

One of the biggest impacts the pandemic has had on the retail sector is that it’s sparked a new trend for ‘shopping with purpose’, which replaces the former trend of leisurely browsing. That’s because shoppers have a new desire to spend less time in enclosed spaces such as busy stores where it’s not always possible to practice social distancing. Retailers should now focus on creating swift in-store experiences.

The best way to prepare for this 2021 challenge is to introduce advanced technologies such as self-service kiosks or mobile point of sale solutions which can reduce line length and in some cases even eradicate traditional queuing systems in a bid to get shoppers through the store faster. By spending less time in busy queues, shoppers can reduce the risk of viral spread and maintain a safe distance from others.

Challenge 5: Shifting Customer Preference

Many countries around the world were together making huge strides towards a greener future. And sadly, the pandemic has caused a significant setback. It’s reported that 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves are used – and disposed of – every month, and for hygiene reasons, single-use plastics are back in fashion. It’s reported that waste levels have grown by 30% as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Today, customers are actively looking to support retailers that do their part to protect the environment. And for those retailers that have not introduced eco-friendly processes, this presents a new challenge. The good news is there are lots of ways to prepare. One such way is to switch to eco-friendly POS solutions, such as receipt printers from responsible suppliers that use BPA-free, recyclable paper.

COVID-19 and Beyond

While the COVID-19 outbreak is expected to be temporary, the impact that the pandemic has had on the retail sector – and on the world – is not. The global crisis has introduced many long-lasting changes that will be witnessed throughout 2021, and beyond. That’s why preparing for the new challenges that have arisen in 2020 is so crucially important for retailers. These challenges are not one-offs; these are challenges that retailers are going to face long into the future, so taking measures now to facilitate great shopping experiences in the future is one of the best ways to ensure you don’t just survive, but thrive.

December 22, 2020
8 Must-Have Features for Cloud Kitchen Point of Sale
With the rise of ghost kitchens, some companies are tackling the ghost kitchen model’s challenges head-on for restaurateurs who are struggling to stay profitable in the current business climate.

As these companies purchase facilities and outfit them with the essential commercial grade appliances, they must also give careful thought to the restaurant POS technology chosen. The restaurant management software and hardware selected must streamline ghost kitchen operations as much as possible.

The ghost kitchen company is responsible for choosing technology to address tenets’ pain points as much as possible. Pain points like:
- Dual or multiple operations per kitchen
- No face-to-face payment processing
- And more
Discover eight must-have features for cloud kitchen point of sale.

Online Ordering and Delivery Management Software

Whether third-party or custom, a ghost kitchen needs a seamless online ordering solution for desktop and mobile. Choose a technology provider with the flexibility to integrate with third-party apps and accommodate custom solutions for delivery management. Using a third-party option like DoorDash or Uber Eats ensures access to a large market. It’s also simple to install and doesn’t require a large initial investment.

Forward-thinking companies should also explore custom solutions that integrate with digital display and barcode scanners to complete a full, delivery-only kitchen solution.

Proper Printers

Besides online ordering and delivery management software, ghost kitchens need a reliable impact printer for kitchen use that produces heat and humidity resistant, easy-to-read tickets fast. The SP742 Impact Printer from Star Micronics is explicitly built to work in environments where heat and humidity can erode the type on the kitchen orders, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen, ghost or non. For kitchens where heat and moisture aren’t an issue, consider our reliable mC-Print3 receipt printer.

Ghost kitchens also require a reliable sticky label printer and tamper-proof labels to go with their delivery-only operations. Star Micronics’s TSP654IISK thermal printer for sticky paper works with liner-free labeling applications, producing labels that stick to virtually any surface and that can be easily reapplied. Our tamper-proof labels are also a must-have to keep to-go bags and boxes properly sealed and secure.

Scalability, Reliability, and Flexibility

Scalability, reliability, and flexibility are crucial. For startup delivery operation, a simple tablet is often all that is necessary. From this host, the kitchen can receive the order and define preparation time and order delivery. However, once the operation is functional, many accessories are necessary for a smooth process. Tablets do not have ports to support the connectivity, and therefore a technology connecting hub is needed. The mC-Print supports a USB hub where many operation-streamlining peripherals, such as those listed below, can be connected.

Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity and hardwired tethered Ethernet connections, such as Star Micronics’ SteadyLAN® provide ultra-reliable internet connectivity.

Scanner

Provide your restaurateur tenants with scanners so they can better monitor their meal preparation process. Restaurateurs simply scan the order at every stage of order prep. Armed with this data, restaurateurs can give more accurate delivery time estimates to customers. More precise delivery estimates mean happier customers and a more efficient cloud kitchen operation.

Digital Display

Digital display is an excellent way for tenets to understand better what action must be taken with commands like accept, cancel, and delay order. It also provides next steps, such as Press #1 for the next step, or press #2 for order ready. Star’s digital display fits perfectly on top of the printer for a smaller footprint.

Buzzer

A buzzer will ensure that chefs know precisely when a new order comes into their kitchen. An ideal buzzer will enhance printer functionality by offering a better way to alert the tenet of incoming orders and more information about order type, source, and urgency. Choose a buzzer with high sound quality and speech recording capability for full understanding. A buzzer needs to be compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android SDKs for future flexibility. Users can choose from various sound types and volumes, and ISVs can assign individual custom sounds to different order types and playback sounds sent from a host device.

Bump Bar Connectivity

Bump bars are a crucial part of kitchen operations, bringing convenience and flexibility to the commercial kitchen. A small keyboard allows kitchen staffers to see and shift orders in the queue if necessary, bump bars work to decrease service times and efficiency, order accuracy and improve communication between staff. Any hardware and software you choose should have the ability to integrate with bumper technology so that operations are organized and visible.

Printed Promotions

Since many ghost kitchen operations are opening as a virtual restaurant, the entire customer experience is centered around delivery service. The to-go bag or box delivered to the customer’s door is the only tangible representation of the business; they can’t rely on their physical storefront to enforce their brand. Offering each cloud kitchen tenet the opportunity to create custom printed promotions that can be dropped into each to-go box is crucial to building their brand.

Printed promotions can include special offers or coupons for the next meal, customer service surveys with QR codes, samples of other dishes, or even links to the full menu. With PromoPRNT, tenets can create printed promotions that will drive customer experience and build loyalty.

It is crucial to choose restaurant management solutions that will help your tenets optimize their business. Ghost kitchens operate slightly differently from traditional ones and therefore require specific solutions to ensure their success.

Star Micronics’s hardware is perfect for ghost kitchen operations. We provide solutions that solve every day IT challenges to every day delivery-only kitchen challenges. If you’re ready to entice tenets to your facility with top-of-the-line technology that will meet their day-to-day business needs, connect with one of our distributor partners today.
December 17, 2020
How to Set Retailers Up for Success with a Technology Upgrade
Retail technology is always on the up-and-up, and in order to stay relevant retailers need to prioritize taking advantage of the latest retail technology innovations. As a reseller, it’s equally important for you to act as your retail customers’ trusted advisor and serve as a one-stop, solution-selling shop. Your customers expect their solutions to be reliable, come from one place, and have an easy installation process. So, what is the best way to set your retailers up for success by providing a technology upgrade? Read on to find out.

Assess Their Current Technology Landscape

First and foremost, it’s important to look at your retailer’s existing technology landscape. Take inventory of the different technologies they are currently utilizing.

Most importantly, don’t assume the path they want to take with their technology upgrade. Arguably the most important aspect of being a trusted advisor is simply listening. Ask your customer what they’d like to improve and fully understand their priorities before you propose a solution. Do they want to take advantage of online ordering? Do they want to change the look and feel of their point of sale (POS)? Do they want to leverage mobile payments for line-busting and curbside pickups?

Next, when you feel confident that you have fully identified the customer’s technology upgrade wish list, start thinking about how you can help them make their wishes become reality. If you identify additional areas for improvement based on your industry experience, let the customer know but do not force the sale.

Provide the Right Solution for Them

Once you have mapped out your retailer’s priorities and have agreed on their technology upgrade roadmap, it’s time to get busy providing the right solution. Keep in mind that a complete and proper technology upgrade is multi-faceted and not “one size fits all.” A full retail technology solution keeps your customer’s priorities in mind at all times, and includes things like:

POS Software

Be sure to propose a modern POS software that is capable of online ordering, can provide detailed sales and marketing data, includes loyalty program functionality, and more.

POS Hardware

Next, consider what POS hardware the customer needs. To provide a simple user experience, remember to propose receipt printers and other POS hardware that is already integrated with industry-leading retail POS software and features connectivity options that accommodate your retailer’s business. Even better, some printers include technology to take your retailer’s POS to the next level, like Star Micronics SteadyLAN® which enables devices of all kinds (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac) to receive stable WLAN connection and power delivery, all through one cable.

When proposing POS hardware, don’t forget the accessories! Sleek, modern, and future-proof POS accessories can really help to tie the customer’s POS together, both visually and functionally. Important POS accessories include simple yet stylish tablet stands that can accommodate a variety of tablets, extra-strong cash drawers that come in a variety of colors to match the rest of the POS, NTEP-certified scales, 1D and 2D scanners, customer displays, and especially in the new normal, sneeze guards to protect both retail staff and shoppers.

Online Ordering Technology

Online ordering is here, and it’s here to stay. When considering POS software and hardware options be sure to propose choices that include online ordering functionality. When it comes to POS hardware, you can provide a “two birds, one stone” solution by proposing a receipt printer that comes equipped with built-in online ordering technology like the Star Micronics mC-Print3. The mC-Print3 includes CloudPRNT technology which enables the printer to directly fetch and print online orders with no need for any additional POS hardware within the store.

Modern Payment Solutions

Shoppers are no longer satisfied by paying in traditional ways and this shift in the way consumers pay will continue. Account for this in your retailer’s technology upgrade by proposing contactless payment terminals, mobile payment methods for line-busting and curbside pickup orders, and more. Don’t forget: when in doubt, ask what your customer needs and wants.

Self-Service Kiosks

Self-service kiosks are another trend that is steadily growing. In the retail industry, kiosks can be used by shoppers for looking up product details, pricing, inventory, and gift registries. They can also be used by shoppers to pay for their order, or even by job candidates for the job application process.

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

Provide Ongoing Support

As a reseller, your job should not be over once the technology upgrade sale is made. Be sure you don’t leave your customers out to dry by regularly checking in with them and partnering with POS software and hardware companies that provide quality customer and technical support, like online help centers, web chat support, and a telephone hotline.

Star Micronics Retail POS Solutions

Star Micronics is proud to offer a complete retail POS hardware upgrade offering, including:

Receipt printers with built-in tablet POS connectivity and online ordering technology

Tablet stands featuring universal VESA mounting and clean cable management

NTEP-certified retail scales

Portable printers for line-busting and curbside pickups

A full range of self-service kiosk printers

A variety of accessories like sneeze guards, customer displays, scanners, etc.

And more

Furthermore, Star Micronics hardware is integrated with the retail industry’s top POS software providers and has a dedicated technical support team and online help center, helping you become a true one-stop shop reseller.

Ready to learn more? Click here to learn more about Star Micronics’ retail POS solutions.

Star Micronics Product Catalog

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December 10, 2020
Star Micronics Introduces USB Cash Drawers for Value and Max Series

Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to announce the new USB versions of the Value Series and Max Series Cash Drawers. The new cash drawers provide retailers and restaurants an affordable option to uniquely identify each cash drawer’s connection and status through their software.

The CD3 Value Series and SMD2 Max Series cash drawers will still offer the same design, size, and reliability that users love, but with the option for a USB driven interface. This provides a solution when dual cash drawers are needed in high-cash environments and the user wants to manage each drawer independently.

The USB Cash Drawers requires no external power supply and allows the host to see if the cash drawer is connected, or if it gets disconnected. Star Micronics provides StarPRNT SDK for Android, and Windows drivers for the CD3 and SMD2 USB cash drawers. Up to 8 USB cash drawers can be connected to one host device, making it the ideal solution for large bars or restaurants, retail, and more.

“Star is proud to offer expanded solutions to our Value and Max Series of cash drawers,” says Christophe Naasz, Business Development Director of Star Micronics. “The USB Cash Drawers help retailers and restaurants to use Star CD3 and SMD2 cash drawers in a wider range of environments, and with or without a receipt printer.”

December 9, 2020
Star Micronics Introduces a New Extended Platter for the mG-S8200 Scale

Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is pleased to announce the new Extended Platter for the mG-S8200. The platter will be a simple addition that will allow Star to provide a wider range of support to those who are currently using the mG-S8200 and need additional platter space.

The lightweight platter measures 8.5” x 9” (WxL), with a stainless-steel finish. It is easy to install or reposition, as it simply gets placed on top of the original platter, with pegs to keep the extended platter in place. Fit for the mG-S8200, the extended platter will allow retailers such as yogurt shops, produce stands, or candy shops to measure more items at one time, helping to make the entire transaction a quicker and smoother process.

The NTEP certified mG-S8200 is ideal for large capacity measurements. With the ability to measure substances up to 8200g or 18lb, this scale is ideal for retailers that are offering heavier weighted items, or may need to weigh multiple items at once. Designed for modern retail, the POS scale is compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS, and features interfaces including Bluetooth, USB, and serial.

“Star released our mG-Scales with the intention of providing full point of sale solution to any retail market,” says Michael Hanson, Executive Vice President of Star Micronics. “We are now releasing the extended platter to help larger retailers complete weighted transactions with complete accuracy and ease.”

December 7, 2020
Star Micronics Teams Up with Cannabis Tech E-Commerce Store to Provide Dispensary Solutions

Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies is proud to announce that GeekTek has added Star product to its lineup of offerings on Cure8, an e-commerce site dedicated to providing IT and related services for companies operating in the cannabis sector.

Cure8 features more than 100 curated products in more than 20 different categories, including Point of Sale (POS) hardware, security systems, label printers, and barcode scanners. In addition to the curated selections on the site, customers can also search through an inventory of tens of thousands of products. All products on the Cure8 platform have been selected by GeekTek’s expert team of consultants and engineers.

Star’s cannabis offerings include the mC-Print3, TSP143III, Cash Drawers, and Receipt Paper. The mC-Print3 is Star’s latest receipt printer offering, featuring a sleek and compact footprint with multi-interface connectivity and a simple user experience. Star also offers three series of cash drawers for any sized dispensary, including the Value Series, Choice Series, and Max Series. With Star Micronics cannabis point of sale solutions, you can prevent sales from exceeding state regulations, validate customers, and provide compliant receipts, state reports, audits, and more. It’s never been easier to get – and stay – compliant.

“Technology is crucial to cannabis businesses, especially in terms of operations, compliance, security, and customer experience,” said Eric Schlissel, CEO and founder of GeekTek. “We offer Star products to our customers because they are high-quality and reliable solutions that are trusted by retailers everywhere.”

To make the shopping process even simpler, Cure8 intends to create vertical-specific procurement guides, standardized product bundles for specific POS, seed-to-sale software and other offerings.

November 18, 2020
How Tamper-Proof Seal Labels Boost Customer Confidence in Restaurant Pickup and Delivery
Pickup and delivery have been increasing in popularity in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic took that popularity to a new level. Now, despite many restaurants being open again for table service, pickup and delivery remain a customer favorite – but these methods come with some concern.

How do customers know that their food isn’t being tampered with in the time between when the food is prepared at the restaurant and when they receive it at their door? Let’s explore this concern – and how tamper-proof seal labels can boost customer confidence by providing peace of mind during the delivery and pickup processes.

Why the Concern?

No one wants to think about their delivery driver munching away on their fries on the way to their home but sadly, it happens. Did you know that according to a recent US Foods study, approximately 30% of drivers admitted to eating some of the food that they deliver? Furthermore, 54% of deliverers reported they are tempted by the smell of the food the deliver, and 21% of customers have at one time suspected a delivery driver of taking some of their food.

While these numbers are shocking, the benefits of delivery services are vast and the average person has two food delivery apps and uses them three times each month. So, how can a restaurant ensure a food order remains perfectly intact after it leaves the restaurant’s kitchen and doors? Tamper-proof seal labels are the answer.

3 Ways Tamper-Proof Seal Labels Boost Customer Confidence

1. They Show Evidence of Tampering

The most important way that tamper-proof seal labels boost confidence is simple: they provide visible evidence if an order is tampered with. How do they do that? Many tamper-proof labels feature security slits that become slashed open if a person tries to (or succeeds to) open a food bag or container.

This obvious evidence of tampering (or on the contrary, evidence that an order hasn’t been touched) can allow restaurant customers to rest assured that their food was not tinkered with at any point – from the restaurant kitchen, to the delivery car, to their doorstep.

Star Micronics Label Solutions

From printing product labels in a warehouse to quickly attaching linerless labels to coffee cups in a café, Star Micronics understands labeling solutions aren’t “one size fits all.” Designed with the application and user in mind, Star Micronics offers label printers with the technology needed for today’s digital, fast-moving world, and label paper for virtually any business scenario.

Learn More

2. They Adhere to Multiple Order Types

Customers don’t just order entrees – they order beverages, desserts, snacks, and other items that require a variety of food package sizes.

Tamper-proof labels are available in a variety of sizes for a range of food containers like large and small bags, pizza boxes, beverage cups, and more. Because these labels can adhere to multiple order types, they can help keep every menu item safe and secure. As a restaurant, leveraging different sizes of labels can provide security and peace of mind to your customers for their entire order (no matter what they order) – and that’s truly priceless.

3. They Build Trust in the Business

Trust is important in all aspects of life, but when it comes to the restaurant industry, trust can make or break a business. Customers want to know that they can count on a restaurant to safely prepare and deliver consistently delicious, high-quality meals.

In fact, in the same US Foods study referenced above, 1,500 American adults were asked if they ordered a burger and fries and the delivery driver grabbed a few fries along the way, how upset would they be on a scale from 1-10 (1 being “no big deal” and 10 being “absolutely acceptable”). Unsurprisingly, the average answer was 8.4 … and who can blame them?

Those same customers were asked if they would like restaurants to use tamper-evident labels to address this issue, and a whopping 85% of them said yes – another unsurprising, understandable answer.

Leveraging tamper-proof seal labels shows restaurant customers that the business values and prioritizes safety and security – something that can not only be assumed but has been proven to be very important to customers. By using tamper-proof labels restaurants can build trust with customers, something that encourages diners to continue to order from the restaurant in the future … and what is better than sticky business and happy patrons?

About Star Micronics’ Tamper-Proof Seal Labels

Always leading, and always innovating, Star Micronics is proud to include a tamper-proof labeling solution in its restaurant POS offering, designed to securely seal delivery, catering, and to-go food and beverage orders. Available in three sizes, the labels are a part of Star Micronics’ full restaurant solution which includes online ordering printers, durable cash drawers, kitchen printers, and more.

Designed with security as a priority, the labels provide added post-preparation quality control by delivering visual evidence if a label has been removed or repositioned. To signal an order has been tampered with, security seals become slashed. With proven on-packaging performance, the labels are an ideal solution to securely seal food for delivery or pickup orders.

Key Features:
- Delivers visual evidence if the label has been removed or repositioned
- Each roll includes 500 easy-to-apply labels
- 3” round labels to seal takeout bags
- 2” X 4” labels to seal large bags or close the mouths of bags
- 0.75” X 7” labels to close drink lids
Learn More about Star Micronics’ Tamper-Proof Labels
November 12, 2020