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Health and Safety Checklist for Retail Stores
In many parts of the world, the time is here, and a full retail reopening is upon us. But even as business returns to (almost) usual, health and safety concerns are likely to remain a priority to shoppers, and rightfully so. Read on to discover a complete list of health and safety considerations that retailers should keep in mind as they fully reopen the doors at their brick-and-mortar locations.

Health and Safety Checklist for Retail Stores: 6 Key Considerations

1. Antimicrobial Covers

A lot of seemingly minor behaviors that people used to commonly do have become uncomfortable during the COVID-19 pandemic – and they will continue to be behaviors that people avoid. Examples of this include touching dirty door handles, bathroom surfaces, payment terminal pin pads, and more.

As a retailer, you can put your customers at ease and help them avoid uncomfortable and potentially unsanitary situations by installing antimicrobial covers*. These covers reduce the transfer of germs, are easy to apply, and are available in precut shapes as well as custom application rolls. Certain antimicrobial covers last up to six months and are designed to complement a standard cleaning schedule.

2. Employee Handwashing

Handwashing protocols are nothing new, but it’s important to revisit and reiterate the importance of handwashing as your retail store reopens.

Some handwashing tips and considerations include:
- Are your employees are aware of handwashing standards and CDC best practices, like washing for at least 20 seconds before and after eating, after using the toilet, after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing, and after handling garbage?
- Have you posted your handwashing policy by all sinks?
- Are your sinks and restrooms supplied with soap, hand sanitizer, and clean towels?
- Are employees aware they should avoid touching their face?
3. Store Sanitization

Just like handwashing, sanitizing your store is something that has always been important but has become even more critical in the past year. Store sanitization considerations include:
- Do you have gloves, masks, and other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand?
- Are your employees trained on how to properly use sanitizing chemicals and equipment?
- Are your store’s most recent cleaning protocols prominently posted in employee areas?
- Are all public areas frequently cleaned (door handles, checkout counters, restrooms, dressing rooms, payment pin pads, self-service kiosk screens, etc.?)
- Have you installed plexiglass sneeze guards at the point of sale (POS)?
- Are all employee areas frequently cleaned (POS terminals, cash drawers, scanners, break rooms, inventory rooms, etc.?)
- Is all shared employee equipment regularly cleaned (keys, tablets, headsets, etc.?)
- Are sanitization practices and restocking of cleaning supplies assigned to specific employees and regularly scheduled?
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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4. Store Interior

In addition to sanitization, there are other important considerations inside your store to prioritize, like:
- Is there ample lighting?
- Are all emergency exits clearly marked?
- Is the store free of tripping and slipping hazards? Are safety mats used near entrances and exits during snowy or icy weather?
- Are all ladders in good condition?
- Do you have an abundance of child-friendly carts available?
- Have you installed wall guards and corner guards?
5. Store Exterior

The outside of your store is as important as the inside when it comes to safety. Some things to keep in mind include:
- Is there ample lighting?
- Are all walkways clear of leaves, snow, and holes?
- Are all railings secure and in good condition?
- Are any obstructions well marked?
- Are any parking areas or traffic lanes marked?
- Are emergency areas (that don’t allow parking) labeled?
- Are all carts being collected on a regular basis?
6. First Aid and Fire Safety

It’s no question that first aid and fire safety are critical for any retail store. Below is a (partial) list of considerations to keep in mind:
- Is your store’s first aid kit fully stocked and free of any expired items?
- Does all staff know where the first aid kit is located and trained in basic first aid?
- Does staff know what to do if they are injured on the job? Does management know what they should do?
- Sprinklers
  - Valves are locked in their open position
  - Stock is kept at least 18” from sprinkler heads and heater units
- Smoking
  - No smoking signs are visible
  - Any smoking areas are clearly designated
- Extinguishers
  - Fire extinguishers are mounted and accessible to employees, and are regularly inspected and tagged
  - Employees are trained to use extinguishers
  - Extinguisher records are adequately maintained
- Electrical
  - Electrical panels are accessible and properly labeled
  - All electrical wiring is installed in accordance with city codes
  - Compressor room is free of combustibles
- Flammables
  - Garbage cans are made of noncombustible material and have suitable covers
  - Any flammable liquids are kept in approved containers
  - Areas that experience heat buildup (heaters, appliances, etc.) are clear of combustibles
As you begin the journey of reopening your business’s doors and entering the “next normal,” we hope that this health and safety checklist for retail stores is helpful to you. Please note that this health and safety checklist for retail stores is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Please consult your local authorities and resources with any specific health and safety questions or concerns that you may have.

Star Micronics proudly provides antimicrobial covers, the POSShield sneeze guard, and more.

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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.
May 18, 2021
sVang Teams Up with Star Micronics to Provide Online Ordering Solution for Universities

Paired with Star’s mC-Print3, sVang offers an affordable, seamless way for university students to place online food orders

Somerset, NJ – May 17, 2021 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that sVang has added support for the Star mC-Print3. sVang offers affordable food services to university students and helps restaurants near universities grow their business by solving day-to-day front office and kitchen operations difficulties.

By eliminating extra fees and commissions, sVang makes ordering food online from participating restaurants or on-campus vendors less costly for students. Additionally, sVang’s comprehensive platform allows students to easily pay online using their integrated meal plan card (for participating restaurants).

By providing an automated solution, sVang makes it easy for restaurants and vendors to provide affordable menu options and automate order processing. Once an order is placed, Star’s mC-Print3 with CloudPRNT technology automatically retrieves orders, saving time and increasing order accuracy. The mC-Print3 also features a splash-proof design with USB hub functionality to connect additional peripherals, making it ideal for kitchen printing in dining halls and restaurant environments.

“sVang realizes how costly online ordering can be for students and we’re proud to provide them with an affordable solution that also benefits local businesses,” says Sudesh Mukhami, Co-Founder of sVang. “Star’s mC-Print3 with CloudPRNT is at the heart of that by making it easy for restaurants to receive and manage online orders, resulting in happy, repeat customers.”

May 17, 2021
How Contactless Dining Technology Will Impact Restaurants
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the restaurant and food service industry dramatically. The pandemic has forced restaurant owners and operators to adapt, pivot, and move quickly to keep up with government regulations and consumer expectations. One of the ways business owners have done this is through embracing contactless dining technology.

What is Contactless Dining Technology?

Contactless dining technology refers to a dining experience that limits physical contact with the restaurant’s staff, surfaces, menus, and so on. This means that diners can view a menu, and order and pay for a meal directly from their smartphones.

A contactless experience has become a necessity as research shows that 57% of consumers say they are more likely to do business with those who offer a contactless payment option. Not only is this a faster way to order and pay, but limiting physical contact is also a genuine desire of diners.

With restaurants jumping on the bandwagon of contactless dining technology, it doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. In fact, Gartner predicts that 80% of all ordering, payment, and checkout services will be contactless by 2024. So beyond safety in a post-pandemic recovery, what are the benefits of adopting a contactless dining solution for restaurants? Here are 5 proven outcomes of using contactless dining technology:

1. Increase Operational Efficiency

By definition, operational efficiency is the metric that measures the efficiency of profit earned as a function of operational costs. For restaurants, there tend to be three main operating costs:
- Labor costs
- Food costs
- Rent/lease costs
So, when we talk about operational efficiency, it’s a matter of how efficiently costs are producing profit, and the relationship between those costs and profits.

Arguably one of the most important restaurant metrics is table turnover, which is directly correlated to operating costs and efficiency. The faster you can turn tables, the more tables you can seat, and the more products you can sell. Contactless dining technology can greatly increase table turnover times through increased staff and labor efficiency.

Some of the most time-consuming aspects of an employee’s shift are collecting orders, punching them into a POS, and then splitting the bill manually. With a contactless dining solution, guests can send orders directly to a chit printer or kitchen display system (KDS), then split the bill amongst the table whenever they’re ready to settle up. This entire process eliminates some low value steps for staff and is almost guaranteed to shave off a few minutes per table – which adds up.

2. Increased Customer Satisfaction

One myth about contactless dining technology is that it will take away from the hospitality and service aspect of dining at a restaurant. This is false! In fact, in the State of The Industry Webinar led by the National Restaurant Association revealed that, “52% of Americans want restaurants to use technology to make ordering and payment easier.”

Contactless dining leads to increased customer satisfaction because it speeds up the entire process of ordering and payment, while giving the customer more control and autonomy over their orders. With contactless ordering, the diner can be confident that exactly what they ordered is exactly what the back-of-the-house prepares. This can include special instructions, add-ons, dietary preferences, or allergies.

The end result? A better, faster service that leaves guests satisfied and happy with their experience.

Star Micronics Restaurant Solutions

Star proudly provides a variety of POS hardware for the modern restaurateur, including receipt and label printers for online ordering, cash drawers, tablet stands, and more.

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3. Increased Average Check Size

Although contactless ordering and payment for restaurants is relatively new, the concept and logic behind it makes sense. Take e-commerce for example; about 35% of Amazon’s e-commerce revenue comes from “suggested for you” items and add-ons. The same is true for restaurants. Restaurants that adopt contactless technology will be able to leverage the same trend and capitalize on this type of buying behavior. While it may not be to the tune of 35%, initial modeling from contactless dining providers have noted an an increase in average check size by about 12%.

For example, a $10 cheeseburger can easily become a $14 cheeseburger when given the option to add bacon and sauteed mushrooms, at $2 apiece.

This is just the beginning of how complex and smart digital menus can be. It’s even possible to have suggested food and drink pairings. While this can again drive revenue, it also supports the diner’s positive experience by guiding their decision-making process with the best possible outcome.

4. Environmental Impact, Opportunities, and Saved Costs

Not only does contactless dining technology help drive sales and increase efficiency, it’s also extremely environmentally friendly. Especially with the onset of COVID-19 and the increased usage of single-use menus, a digital menu can save thousands of dollars a year on printing costs while saving the trees. Generally, one tree produces about 8,333 pieces of generic A4 paper – when you think of all the single-use paper menus, that’s a lot of trees!

On the other hand, consumers are looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly and support businesses that are environmentally conscious. One study showed that Americans are willing to pay up to 36% more for ethically sourced and produced foods. Using a digital menu makes it very easy to highlight your food sources and maybe even justify a higher price tag. At the very least, restaurants can test this, without spending money on re-printing menus.

5. Menu Optimization Opportunities

Perhaps the most exciting opportunity of a contactless dining experience is the ability to continually test and optimize your menu in real time. No more spending hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on reprinting menus, changing prices, and adding and removing items.

By using a contactless digital menu and ordering system, restaurant owners can make changes and run tests in real time, meaning they can finetune a menu for maximum revenue on the fly. Some examples are:
- Finding the price elasticity of demand for your items: Find out exactly how much the average diner is willing to pay for a specific item, drink, or add-on. Having the ability to adjust prices in real time based on time of day, weather, and other factors presents a huge opportunity for restaurants to drive revenue.
- Test images: Items with images next to them on a digital or mobile menu have been shown to sell 5% more than items without an image. Understanding this gives restaurant operators the ability to test different imagery for items and conclude which type of image results in the most purchases. Of course, this can be done in tandem with testing prices, naming conventions, item descriptions, and add-ons.
- Testing item placement: In general, restaurants should have one high-margin, high sales volume item per section on their menu. On a traditional menu, these items should be highlighted at the top-center of any given page. But on a digital menu, restaurateurs can adjust and test where items appear on the menu. One advantage of this is testing where high-margin but low sales volume items appear. Perhaps your restaurant has a dish that’s highly profitable, but just doesn’t sell that often. Restaurants are now able to experiment with the price, imagery, and placement of these items to try to increase the sales volume.
The opportunities are truly endless, and restaurant operators can get as granular or as broad as they see fit.

OrderUp Contactless Dining Technology

Contactless dining is here to stay. Restaurants who choose to invest the time into developing a contactless dining experience put themselves in a position to impact revenue, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency, all while making an effort to be more environmentally conscious. Even if your restaurant likes to do things “the old-fashioned way,” it’s always a good idea to have a contactless option for guests who have safety concerns or demographics that are more accustomed to contactless ordering and payment.

There are several services that provide contactless dining solutions such as OrderUp. OrderUp is a completely free platform that provides digital menus, and contactless order and pay, among other services such as email collection. They have an easy-to-use menu builder that allows restaurants to make changes in real time, all while reaping the many other benefits of contactless dining.

Explore Order Up’s Solution
May 13, 2021
Star Micronics and Rhombus POS Provide Free, Flexible Point of Sale Solution

Rhombus POS’ and Star Micronics’ end-to-end solution is designed for cost-conscious restaurants and retailers

Somerset, NJ – May 6, 2021 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies is excited to announce that Rhombus POS has added support for Star’s mPOP®, TSP143III, mUnite tablet stand, and mG-S8200 scale. Rhombus POS provides free, flexible software for restaurants and retailers that is designed for use on Apple iOS and Android devices, and PAX terminals.

Rhombus POS includes a robust set of features like advanced reporting, multi-store support, sophisticated item categorization, inventory tracking, and employee timekeeping. Designed for intuitive and functional operation, Rhombus POS gives customers the ability to apply order modifiers, put orders on hold, split payments, use multiple printers or a second screen for the kitchen, integrate scales, perform extensive reporting, send customer text notifications, and more. Additionally, Rhombus POS is a cloud-based continuity, meaning that all platforms work together under the same account.

To print receipts, Rhombus POS can communicate with virtually any Star printer, including the popular TSP143III model and the all-in-one mPOP. Customers can also take advantage of integrated scaling with support for the entire line of NTEP-certified Star mG-S series scales, and further streamline customer and merchant experiences with the Star mUnite tablet stand featuring clean cable management.

“We are proud to have an affordable solution for businesses of all types,” said Michael P. Hogan, CEO, at Rhombus POS. “From a restaurant chain to a boutique retailer, Rhombus POS provides an agile yet complete solution for any company looking to leverage the latest technology without breaking the bank.”

May 6, 2021
4 Benefits of Choosing a One-Stop Shop POS Manufacturer
Whether you are a reseller, a software provider, or a business owner looking for easy-to-use point of sale (POS) solutions in your establishment, there are many benefits to choosing a one-stop shop POS manufacturer. Read on to explore the many reasons to choose one POS hardware supplier, including a full product portfolio, marketing support, and more.

1. A Full Portfolio

This first benefit really applies to resellers, software providers, and business owners alike. One of the most obvious advantages of choosing a one-stop shop POS manufacturer is that they can provide a full portfolio of solutions. No one likes to spend time and energy piecing together a solution. Choosing a sole supplier who can offer you everything you need – including receipt and label printers, cash drawers, scales, tablet stands, and health and safety solutions – is the best possible option. Other benefits include:
- Stress-Free Integrations: As an end user, when you choose a one-stop shop POS manufacturer that already has integrations with hundreds of software publishers you can rest assured that your entire hardware deployment will work seamlessly with your POS software of choice.
- Cohesive Design: Whether you are the one using the hardware, or you’re reselling it, a perk of choosing one manufacturer is that the entire POS hardware package you use or offer will have the same clean, cohesive design.
2. Technical Support

Needless to say, when it comes to technology, the quality of technical support that you receive is critical. A solid one-stop POS manufacturer candidate should offer responsive, expert support for every facet of the business.
- Software Providers: As a software publisher, a dedicated integration team that not only can provide easy-to-use SDKs, but the time and energy to help you build out a custom solution is key.
- Resellers: Businesses rely on resellers to provide complete, easy-to-use solutions. As a reseller, a worthwhile POS hardware manufacturer will provide an all-inclusive product line as well as product training and assistance in building out appealing, relevant solutions that sell.
- End Users: Support should remain readily available well after the sale, and as an end-user you should choose a one-stop POS manufacturer that offers robust tech support resources like live chat, a telephone hotline, a website where you can submit tickets, and an online help center filled with resources like FAQs, how-to guides, drivers, and more.
3. Marketing Support

Business executive Beth Comstock says it best: “You can’t sell anything if you can’t tell anything.” That is, marketing is essential to a fruitful business. Marketing can also be daunting – but the right POS hardware manufacturer can help in those efforts.
- Resellers and Software Providers: For the best chance at success, choose a POS manufacturer that offers a partner and/or loyalty program that includes perks like co-branded marketing collateral, tradeshow sponsorships, lead referrals, and more.
- End Users: As a business owner you’re likely acutely aware of how competitive the market is for restaurants, retailers, and more. It’s important to choose a POS manufacturer that prioritizes helping you market your business by developing products that help you with promotion – like receipt marketing tools – and involves you in case study opportunities, if desired.
Star Empower Partner Program

Available to Star’s software and reseller partners, the Empower Program includes exclusive discounts, marketing benefits, and more.

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4. A Total Focus on YOU

For some companies that produce POS hardware, their POS division is just a drop in the bucket of their overall business architecture. When that is the case, they may not be fully dedicated to creating the most innovative POS solutions because they have their attention spread among multiple industries.

On the other hand, many POS manufacturers that provide the entire POS solution – and just that! – have their focus entirely on your needs. Read on to learn more about what that means for your business.
- Resellers and Software Providers: A POS-focused manufacturer likely has its entire sales channel devoted solely to you – and is always focused on how to improve and strength your relationship and mutual solutions.
- End Users: Your POS is your priority, and a POS-focused manufacturer’s job should be to care about your entire solution and make sure your business is doing the best it can and adapting to current circumstances. They can do this by adapting their solutions constantly so you can enjoy future-proof and cutting edge solutions at any given time.
Choosing the Right POS Manufacturer

The benefits and guidelines outlined above are just a starting point when it comes to what to consider while choosing the right POS manufacturer. In a nutshell, choosing a provider (like Star Micronics) that specializes in POS hardware and can provide an entire solution can help you enjoy innovative, plug-and play technology, as well as advanced marketing and technical support. The right partner will be with you before and after the sale – and only succeeds when you do, too.

The Star Empower Partner Program

The Star Micronics Partner Program offers our reseller and software provider partners the best pricing and support available. It is built to support our loyal partners and help them to grow their business with Star. If our partners win, we also win.

The Empower Partner Program offers the following:
- All registered partners receive product discounts
- Sales and marketing support and resources
- Development resources from Star’s dedicated Integration team
- Deal Registration
- Star Micronics Partner Portal access with custom dashboard
- And much more!
Sign up today to unlock your full benefits.

Star Micronics proudly provides a complete POS hardware solution designed to benefit resellers, software providers, and small business owners.

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May 4, 2021
Star Micronics Names BlueStar as 2020 Distributor of the Year

The award marks the 17th consecutive win for BlueStar

Somerset, NJ – May 3, 2021 – Star Micronics has announced BlueStar as its 2020 Distributor of the Year, a title BlueStar has now achieved an impressive 17 consecutive years. BlueStar is a leading global distributor in solution-based distribution of digital identification, mobility, POS, RFID, digital signage, and security technologies.

The Distributor of the Year title is awarded annually to the distributor that accomplished the highest sales achievement throughout the year while promoting the Star Micronics’s innovative solution expansion through exemplary VAR and ISV business development partnerships throughout North and South America.

“BlueStar remains a dynamic participant in Star’s vision and success,” said Christine Duffy, Director of Distribution at Star Micronics. “As we continue to manufacture innovative solutions, BlueStar in turn continues to surpass expectations and support the reseller channel with advanced technology solutions, superior sales support, and services that exceed the growing demand of the market.”

“Star Micronics has been manufacturing world class point of sale products to the POS reseller channel for more than 35 years,” said Steve Cuntz, President at BlueStar. “We are honored to be recognized as Star’s Distributor of the Year and look forward to a continuing partnership. I also would like to commend the entire Star Micronics team for continuing to provide the channel with essential products and services during the pandemic; they certainly have overcome many obstacles over the past year!”

As one of the world’s largest POS solution providers, Star Micronics has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, and customer engagement solutions for retail and hospitality establishments. Star Micronics produces technology to accompany web applications designed for brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and online ordering, and partners with BlueStar to supply the demand needed for channel innovation.

To learn more about Star Micronics’s innovative solutions for mobile POS and customer engagement, visit www.starmicronics.com.

May 3, 2021
Star Software Update: CloudPRNT for WooCommerce on GitHub

Welcome to the Star Software Update, the regular series of blog updates where Star’s Integration Team informs you about the latest important Star Micronics software updates.

What’s New:

Star Micronics has added its CloudPRNT for WooCommerce WordPress plugin to GitHub.

What is CloudPRNT for WooCommerce?

Star’s free CloudPRNT for WooCommerce plugin for Star receipt printers can be used to quickly create a remote order or receipt printing solution for restaurants, bakeries, boutique retailers, and more – with minimal cost and setup time.

By offering online purchasing options, retail stores and restaurants are able to grow their business and expand to a larger market. Star CloudPRNT allows businesses to seamlessly integrate online purchasing into their stores and enables the automatic printing of receipts on Star’s CloudPRNT thermal receipt printers including Star mC-Print2 and mC-Print3, and TSP600II, TSP654IISK, TSP700II, and TSP800II.

CloudPRNT provides intelligent printing from a web server from any network to connected Star printers anywhere in the world, without the need for a local POS terminal. This enables unparalleled flexibility for remote receipt and remote order printing using a standard receipt printer.

Additionally, CloudPRNT technology provides benefits to both restaurant and retail stores alike by eliminating the need for an extra tablet to send an online order to the printer. Instead, the ordering service communicates directly with the printer. The store owner or service provider does not need to maintain an SSL certificate for CloudPRNT printers since they communicate with the server as a client.

Learn More about CloudPRNT

Next Steps

Click here to access CloudPRNT for WooCommerce on GitHub.

CloudPRNT for WooCommerce installation instructions are available here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/star-cloudprnt-for-woocommerce/#installation

You may also learn more about the installation in the below video:

Questions or Comments?

Contact Star Integration Now

April 29, 2021
UBMe Technology Transforms Restaurant Curbside Operations

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

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

Click here to download the full case study.

The Challenge

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

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

The Solution

Source: UBMe

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

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

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

Star Restaurant POS Solutions

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

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The Results

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

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

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

Download Case Study

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

Reopening Retail Stores: 4 Tips

1. Create a Long-Term Health and Safety Plan

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

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

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

Health & Safety Solutions Brochure

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

Download Now

2. Assess Your Tech Needs

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

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

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

3. Evaluate and Adjust Store Setup

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

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

4. Communicate

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

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

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

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

mPOP®

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

POSShield

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

Antimicrobial covers*

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

Ready for a reopening refresh?

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

What to Look for in a Dispensary POS System

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

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

Download eBook

5 Benefits of a Dispensary POS System

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

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

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

Download Cannabis Brochure
April 15, 2021