Blog

Celerant and Star Offer Safeside Tactical a Solution to Increase Profits and Effortlessly Meet Federal Regulations

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

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

The Challenge

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

The Solution

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

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

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

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

The Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download Success Story

February 16, 2021
The Restaurant of the Future: What it Looks Like and Why It’s Successful

As the new year begins, restaurateurs and their loyal customers wonder what the restaurant of the future will look like as the industry continues to adapt to changes brought on by the ongoing pandemic. Shifting consumer trends and attitudes have changed the trajectory of the industry in mere months.

The world is in the middle of digital transformation and many restaurants have recognized that. The shift toward online services won’t pass with the pandemic – from QR codes to digital marketing campaigns, future success depends on how well restaurants adapt to changing consumer trends. Read on to discover how and why digital, self-service, and contactless technology will be a part of the successful restaurant of the future.

Self-Service

One technology that is sure to be found in the restaurant of the future is the self-service kiosk. Although self-service kiosks used to mainly be found in large restaurant chains, in recent years the technology has become accessible to small business owners as well. Self-service kiosks offer the ability to shorten lines and free up staff to provide an even better customer experience and handle more pressing tasks that can’t be done by machine.

Kiosks, tableside tablets, and other self-ordering point of sale (POS) devices allow customers to personalize their orders and forced modifiers prompt them to add side dishes or increase their drink size. While these additions cost only cents to customers, that profit adds up over time for the business.

Self-service can create sticky business, as well. Easily being able to customize meals encourages diners to come back again and again, allowing restaurants to improve loyalty while addressing the needs of the modern guest.

The benefits of self-service extend to health and safety, too. Social distancing is made simple when customers complete their transaction at a kiosk or by themselves at their table. An added bonus is improved order turn times, as orders get submitted straight to the kitchen versus having to go through the added step of being submitted by a waitstaff member.

The benefits of the customization that self-service allows for continue. Many self-ordering solutions include the ability to build customer profiles to help staff predict their needs and tailor every experience like they’re a welcome friend. With the right online ordering platform, guests can quickly log in to reorder favorites and this information gives restaurants valuable access to data they can incorporate into targeted marketing campaigns to increase revenue (or contact trace, if needed).

Online Ordering: Delivery and Curbside Pickup

With dine-in services being limited around the world, many people are turning their focus to off-premises ordering channels instead. Delivery and takeout systems are growing; they helped restaurants survive the past year and recent additions like drive-throughs and curbside pickup are likely to stick around now that restaurants have recognized the resulting ROI. According to Restaurant Business Magazine, 60% of business owners report that opening up delivery channels produced incremental sales.

To make the most of the online ordering trend, restaurants should optimize their online ordering platform and streamline operations so they’re ready to handle the influx of business that will flock to the new off-premises channels. Advanced restaurant technology can do just that, improving communication between the front- and back-of-the-house but also from customer to employee. In fact, the best POS systems submit orders directly to the kitchen display system (KDS) and improve order accuracy for enhanced guest satisfaction. Linerless labels, which contain order details and can be easily applied to (and repositioned on) online orders, can also greatly improve order accuracy.

In the restaurant of the future, technology and manual labor work together to create a streamlined ecosystem of shared responsibilities. Restaurants may assign available waitstaff to direct traffic for a new curbside service or reorganize the seating area to become a zone for socially distanced takeout orders. Advanced POS systems incorporate seamlessly into operations to make life easier, customers happier, and staff more productive.

6 Crucial Technologies for Successful Curbside Service

Ignite your curbside service’s full potential with these six crucial technologies.

Download free eBook

QR Codes and Digitization

Contactless technologies will likely remain a pillar of restaurant businesses when dine-in services open again at full capacity. Over half of U.S. restaurants already use QR-code menus (Beaconstac, 2020) to provide patrons convenience, personalization, and enhanced safety along with the comforts of sitting down at a restaurant. Meanwhile, servers can use their time to improve the customer experience by chatting with patrons, cleaning and sanitizing, and more.

So, how do QR code menus work? First, place the QR code on each table, the host stand, storefront windows, or as part of the décor – anywhere that is accessible to guests from their seats so they can easily review the menu and enter their orders from their smartphones. Patrons can also complete their transactions at their tables, with faster, secure payment methods that work via mobile menu. By providing in-house, EMV-enabled devices that can take NFC, mobile wallet, tap and swipe payment method, every customer will be satisfied.

How is all of this possible? With eatOS or similar technologies, you get a POS device that can handle all of these new sales channels and extra traffic without any added effort from your team. Get all of the convenience of cutting-edge digital solutions to common industry problems and see the benefits of implementing online ordering, QR codes and other contactless service options in your restaurant.

Future of Food Service

The restaurant of the future is digital. Long after the threat of COVID-19 has passed, these trends will likely continue to evolve along a similar trajectory with technology unburdening manual labor, cutting costs, and improving profits, all in one fell swoop. As customers come to rely more and more on a touch-free experience, their favorite businesses will have to adapt to become more efficient. In 2021, that means shifting services to the digital world.

POS systems are getting faster, more accurate, more capable, and more profitable as consumers come to prefer self-service and automation. As the new year unfolds, the restaurant industry will continue to digitize with the aid of contactless technology that puts them online and launches them toward greater success. Self-service technologies, like kiosks, combined with online ordering platforms, QR codes, and other contactless technology solutions are bringing restaurants all over the world into the future.

Looking for a cloud-based restaurant management and payment processing ecosystem?

Looking for a cloud-based restaurant management and payment processing ecosystem?

Explore eatOS Point of Sale

About eatOS

At eatOS, we build cloud-based technology solutions exclusively for restaurants.

Our experience in the restaurant industry and specialized teams help us understand the complexity of running a restaurant. These tools allow us to build a customizable solution to help restaurants adapt to the industry’s needs.

Our cloud-based platform works on both iOS & Android, giving restaurants flexibility. Our management solutions simplify operations regardless of restaurant size. Guest engagement features improve the overall guest experience and reduce friction in the operations for staff.

Our technology gives restaurants the ability to engage with their community in new and innovative ways and automate operations from payroll to inventory management. eatOS point of sale handles all the busywork and allows restaurants to focus on their customers.

At eatOS our main priority is helping restaurateurs succeed. We strongly believe in giving our clients the ability to simplify management, exceed customer expectations, and provide a true cloud-based POS solution. Using these three values at the core of our focus to bridge the gap between the community and technology.

February 11, 2021
Technology for Retail Stores: What’s New in 2021
Needless to say, the retail industry faced monumental changes during 2020. Many brick-and-mortar locations closed their doors, and omnichannel retailing and health and safety quickly became the focus of the industry. As we enter 2021 and the world continues to slowly reopen and move further into the “new normal,” what technology for retail stores can be expected to make a splash in the industry? Read on to find out.

Online Ordering / eCommerce

It comes as no surprise that online ordering will continue to be pivotal to retailers around the globe. In fact, 69% of Americans have shopped online and that percentage is expected to hit 91% by 2023. And did you know that shopping app downloads reached 2.8 million on Black Friday 2020, a new single-day record?

As shoppers everywhere continue to enjoy the convenience and extra level of safety that comes with placing their orders online, it’s more critical than ever for online ordering software to be an important piece of technology for retail stores. Some online ordering features retailers should look for in a POS application include:
- Secure payment technology, automatic tax calculation, automatic carrier shipping rates
- Customer account creation and customer profile abilities
- Inventory management
- Sales analytics
- Web and mobile applications
- Professional, attractive online store layouts that are easy-to-brand
- Marketing tools like social media integration and search engine optimization
- And more
Equally important to having the right eCommerce software is having the right eCommerce hardware. Using a POS printer like the mC-Print3 with CloudPRNT technology can greatly streamline omnichannel retail operations. CloudPRNT technology enables printing directly through a cloud service by working with the online ordering service to store and create print jobs and communicate status with the printer. This seamless online order fetching makes it so that retailers can automatically receive online orders without the need for an additional tablet, software, or SSL certificate. And better yet, the mC-Print3 features USB hub functionality, allowing for connecting peripherals like cash drawers, customer displays, scanners, and more. There’s no reason for omnichannel retailing to cause complicated logistics for business owners!

Buy-Online-Pickup-in-Store (BOPIS)

Another retail trend related to eCommerce is buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS). While the same POS software mentioned above can likely field BOPIS orders, the technology that retail stores may need for BOPIS may be slightly different.

While many online orders are paid for by credit card, retailers may still experience some shoppers who wish to pay with cash. In that case, a space-saving, all-in-one POS featuring a small cash drawer – like the Star Micronics mPOP™ – may be ideal. A thermal printer (like the Star Micronics TSP654IISK) capable of printing linerless labels – which are repositionable, residue-free, and can improve order accuracy up to 99% – may also be helpful in preparing BOPIS orders for customer pickup. Last but not least, if a store is offering curbside payments, portable receipt printers with magnetic stripe readers (MSR) can allow employees to complete transactions at the customer’s car, eliminating the need to run back inside and ultimately saving the business time and money.

Did you know that 85% of shoppers said they have made additional in-store purchases while visiting stores to pick up their BOPIS orders, and 15% of them say they make those additional purchases “somewhat frequently?” Because of that, it is worth noting that if a retailer experiences a high volume of BOPIS orders, it may be useful to invest in a higher-volume cash management solution. Star Micronics proudly offers three lines of cash drawers with a variety of features, sizes, and price points, to meet any retailer’s cash management needs.

Health and Safety Products

While recent events have undoubtedly expanded the eCommerce market, brick-and-mortar is here to stay. In fact, according to Tinuiti,

“Last year, real estate experts predicted that digitally native brands would open 850 brick-and-mortar stores in the next 5 years, with New York being the most popular destination. And while the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly slowed the openings of new brick-and-mortar stores, we’re still seeing offline experiences from previously online-only brands, and will continue to in 2021.”

Star Micronics POSShield Sneeze Guard

While physical retail locations will remain, so will health concerns. Businesses can put their employees’ and customers’ minds at ease by deploying the right health- and safety-focused technology for retail stores. One tool is a sneeze guard, or a plexiglass divider placed at the point of sale to limit the spread of germs. Not all sneeze guards are the same, and retailers may find a lightweight, portable guard (like the Star Micronics POSShield) that doesn’t require any drilling or mounting is a more convenient choice for both their short-term and long-term needs.

Another simple yet effective health and safety tool is antimicrobial covers. This film, which is safe to use and easy to apply, reduces germ transfer on high-touch surfaces like door handles and push bars, checkout counters, restroom surfaces, elevator buttons, and more. Antimicrobial covers can help build consumer confidence in a retailer, as the film is printed with an eye-catching message conveying that it limits the spread of germs. This message lets customers know the store is doing what it can to protect the public health.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Purchasing products online isn’t the only web-based tool making a splash in the retail industry. A Nielsen survey has revealed that consumers listed augmented and virtual reality as the top technologies they’re seeking to assist them in their daily lives, with 51% saying they would be willing to use AR to evaluate products.

And AR isn’t just for big name brands. In 2020, Shopify launched Shopify AR, a toolkit for small- and medium-sized businesses to create immersive AR experiences showcasing realistic and interactive versions of products to shoppers. AR helps shoppers get a better understanding of a product’s size, scale, and details, and apparently digitally “trying it on” works – Shopify reported that interactions with products having AR content experienced a 94% higher conversion rate than products without AR.

For eCommerce, brick-and-mortar, and everything in between, Star Micronics proudly offers a complete range of POS technology for retail stores.
February 4, 2021
4 Reasons Why It’s a Great Time to Open a Retail Store
Nearly one year ago, no one was sure how the new COVID-19 pandemic would impact retail. Seemingly quickly, shops closed their physical doors and the country began to stay at home. Over the months to follow trends emerged and the market changed in ways that now make it an enticing time to start a business. There are four major reasons why it’s a great time to open a retail store. Read on to discover how 2021 provides great opportunities to open a retail store, and create a strong business plan withstrongtechnology you need both during the remainder of the pandemic, and for post-pandemic retail.

1. Low-Interest Loans

If you are considering opening a retail store and purchasing a commercial space, now might be the perfect time to do so. Why? One result of the pandemic is that real estate loan interest rates have dropped significantly. According to ValuePenguin.com,

“Currently, the average interest rate on a commercial real estate loan is about 3% to 12%. The actual interest rate you secure on a loan depends on the type of loan you choose, your qualifications as a borrower, and the type of building or project you’re financing.”

Additionally, according to investment management firm Colliers International Group Inc., in 2021 investors expect to see pricing discounts of over 20% on retail and hospitality real estate, presenting a valuable, cost-efficient opportunity to repurpose these vacant storefronts.

Securing a commercial real estate loan comes with many benefits, including the ability to build equity and make the most of additional tax benefits. But what kind of loan is best for your needs? The various commercial loans available today offer different terms, rates, and uses. Click here to read more about different commercial loan options on the market.

2. Affordable Leases

Looking to lease, not buy, a retail space? It’s still a great time to open a store.

Due to the pandemic, commercial landlords have been providing rent relief in many ways to its retail tenants. Some examples of this include granting concessions on lease payments, lengthening payment terms, extending or shortening leases, permanently lowering rents, and forgiving past-due payments, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Another alternative some commercial landlords have been offering a turnover rent model to its tenants. According to Retail Gazette,

“Turnover rent is calculated by reference to the income and other receivables generated at the leased property – usually it’s an agreed percentage of turnover. Because turnover-based rents are closely aligned to individual stores’ performance, it arguably creates a symbiotic relationship between landlord and retail tenant. During a successful sales period, both parties benefit, but less favorable times can create an incentive to seek improvements.”

It’s important to commercial landlords to agree to providing rent relief so that they can avoid their occupancy rates from decreasing during the pandemic. While making concessions is not ideal to landlords, it is better than their tenants leaving all together. Because of that, it can be an affordable time to open a store, whether you are expanding an existing retail franchise or starting a new brick-and-mortar business.

3. Business-Boosting Omnichannel Technology

So, you may be wondering how to open a retail store and survive in the current market. One essential way to boost your business is to leverage omnichannel retailing, or the seamless merging of physical and digital storefronts.

Incorporating e-commerce into your business plan was important before COVID-19 rattled the world, but due to lockdown requirements and the hesitancy some currently have to shop in physical stores, it’s simply a must in the current retail landscape. By embracing both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce, you can increase your store’s visibility. Some other benefits of omnichannel retail include:
- Improving sales
- Higher margins
- Building brands
- Better data collection
- Increased staff productivity
Taking advantage of all that omnichannel retail has to offer requires the right technology. First, you must be sure that you use POS software that facilitates both in-person and online shoppers. Some features to look for in a POS software include a white-labeled online shopping platform, curbside pickup and buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) functionality, multi-store inventory management, detailed reporting, and marketing capabilities.

The Star Micronics all-in-one mPOP™ is built for modern retail.

Equally important is choosing POS hardware that works with your chosen modern POS software. It’s a good idea to confirm that all of your POS hardware – including your receipt and label printers, cash drawers, and more – are compatible with your software. An easy way to ensure that is to choose a POS hardware manufacturer that is a one-stop shop that can provide a full retail POS hardware solution and is integrated with the industry’s top retail POS applications. Another must-have is online order printing capabilities.

While e-commerce is important, the aesthetics of your brick-and-mortar location is still crucial. Choose POS hardware that is sleek and compact, like the Star Micronics all-in-one mPOP™ that combines a printer, cash drawer, scanner, and tablet stand. It’s also essential to protect both your staff and customers, so don’t forget to install sneeze guards and antimicrobial film on commonly touched surfaces.

Case Study

Dry cleaner leverages Sudzy POS software and Star Micronics printers for a spotless, cloud-based operation.

Download Now

4. Brick-and Mortar is Here to Stay

Yes, really. The pandemic has shown people do indeed value going out and visiting brick-and-mortar retail locations. According to The New York Times, consumers still like to shop in person, even if that only entails picking up their orders curbside. Furthermore,

“The popularity of curbside pickup reveals that the future of retail is not just more packages piling up on people’s doorsteps. Beyond satisfying the need for contactless shopping in the pandemic, it taps into Americans’ desire to drive to a store, a pull that can be just as strong as, or even stronger than, the convenience of home delivery.

‘Americans are used to their cars and actually do like stores, so this is kind of a hybrid where you’re getting the best of both worlds,’ said Oliver Chen, a retail analyst at Cowen.”

For those shoppers that do enter the store to browse or pick up their BOPIS orders, it’s important to keep your store safe by social distancing, wearing masks, and using equipment like sneeze guards and antimicrobial film covers, and embrace omnichannel retail technologies.

While the retail landscape certainly looks different now, it’s still a great time to open a store and with the right technology, you have a great chance for success.

Is it time for you to open a retail store?

Discover Star Micronics’ full POS solution for retailers like you.

Download Retail Brochure
January 28, 2021
Star Software Update: SteadyLAN® SDKs 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 multiple SDKs to GitHub, which are now available for download and use. Each SDK is meant for changing the SteadyLAN® setting on the mC-Printer.

SteadyLAN is a patent-pending technology available on certain mC-Print Series printers. It provides wired Ethernet service to iOS, Android, and Windows devices connected to a networked printer via the Lightning or USB-C® cable.

Release Date:

The SDKs were officially added to GitHub by the Star Micronics integration team on December 20 and 21, 2020.

What is Included in the Update?

Four SDKs were added to GitHub, including:
- “StarIO-Device-Setting-SDK-UWP” in C#
- “StarIO-Device-Setting-SDK-Windows-Desktop” in C#
- “StarIO-Device-Setting-SDK-Android-Kotlin” in Kotlin
- “StarIO-Device-Setting-SDK-iOS-Swift” in Swift
Next Steps

Visit Star Micronics on GitHub to get started with these new SDKs, as well as several other Star SDKs for our printers and cash drawers.

Visit Star on GitHub

Learn More About SteadyLAN

Say goodbye to unstable Wi-Fi signals with SteadyLAN! Available on the Star Micronics mC-Print 2 and mC-Print3, SteadyLAN™ provides:
- Direct data transfer between iOS, Android, and Windows devices and the printer via Apple Lightning or USB-C® cable
- Direct Ethernet connectivity to devices from the wired Ethernet port of the printer
- Device charging via Apple Lightning cable or USB-C® cable
- Peripheral control (scanner, display) via printer USB host ports
Learn more in the below video:

Questions or Concerns?

Contact Star Integration Now
January 26, 2021
Star’s Top 5 Point of Sale Blogs from 2020
2020 was a year like no other. No one could have predicted the impact this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has had on the world. First and foremost, Star would like to extend our sympathy to anyone affected by the coronavirus and we extend our heartfelt wishes for a full recovery.

Retail and restaurant businesses everywhere had to pivot suddenly in early 2020 and our blogs reflect that deep need across the industries. Read on to explore our top 5 point of sale blogs from last year, many of which you will find continue to remain relevant as we approach the “new normal” way of living.

Top 5 Point of Sale Blogs

1. Retail During COVID-19: How to Safely Succeed

We are all very aware of the impact COVID-19 (coronavirus) is having globally and on countless business and personal levels. With many retailers forced to close (physical) shop, what’s the best plan of action to succeed while maintaining public safety?

In this blog post, we discuss how the COVID-19 situation is multi-phase, and which steps retailers can take during each stage to ensure business survival – while keeping everyone involved safe and healthy.

Read More

2. 3 Advantages of Online Food Ordering for Customers

Online ordering has been around in the restaurant industry for quite some time – in fact, the first online food ordered was placed in 1994! However, in recent years and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, online ordering has gone from a desirable convenience to an absolute must for restaurant survival. In addition to helping businesses stay afloat, online ordering offers many advantages to customers. In this blog post, we dive into three advantages of online food ordering for customers today and beyond.

Read More

3. 4 Survival Tips for Restaurants During COVID-19

You are already aware of the impact that coronavirus (COVID-19) is making on restaurants across the world. Unfortunately, this crisis has put a halt on a majority of dine-in service, leaving restaurants dependent on alternative service options like delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. While this is a difficult time, there are several ways for restaurants to keep business flowing. Read on to discover four survival tips for restaurants during COVID-19 – and after.

Learn More

4. How Your Restaurant Can Implement Curbside Pickup During the COVID-19 Crisis

People everywhere still love to continue to order from their favorite restaurants if they are provided witha safe opportunity to do so. To meet this need, restaurateurs can introduce methods of takeout with minimal human interaction for their customers, such as curbside pickup.

The first step is to choose an online ordering provider that provides a website and mobile-responsive app which allows restaurants to quickly roll out curbside pickup services. Sounds nifty doesn’t it? By offering curbside pickup, businesses offer many benefits to you their customers. Read this blog post to discover three main reasons customers will love curbside pickup.

Read More

5. CloudPRNT: The Best Google Cloud Print Replacement

Are you (or were you) a Google Cloud Print user? If so, you are probably aware that as of January 1, 2021, Google Cloud Print is no longer supported. Migrating to a new service sounds daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Read our blog post to learn more about Google Cloud Print, its depreciation, and why Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT technology is an ideal Google Cloud Print replacement.

Read More

WHAT ELSE WAS NEW WITH STAR IN 2020?

So, besides point of sale blogs, what happened with Star in 2020? You will find our newest solutions, all released last year, below:

SteadyLAN® is a patent-pending technology available on certain mC-Print Series printers. It provides wired Ethernet service to iOS, Android, and Windows devices connected to a networked printer via the Lightning or USB-C® cable.

Learn More

POSShield

The POSShield, which acts as a sneeze guard and limits the spread of germs, is placed in between the cashier and the customer, and is comprised of a durable steel frame and a protective plexiglass partition.

Learn More

Choice Series Cash Drawers

Choice Series cash drawers include features businesses already know and love, but with added features such as extra strength to support touch tablets and POS terminals, a secure dual-drawer cable to enable the Choice Series to work as either cash drawer 1 or cash drawer 2, a foldable hinged key which minimizes the possibility of breaking off in the lock, and over 10 different lock set options for added security.

Learn More

TSP654IISK Liner-Free Label Printer with Taken Sensor

The TSP654IISK liner-free label printer is designed to work with liner-free labeling applications. Repositionable thermal labels can stick to virtually any surface, and can be removed easily and reapplied leaving behind no residue. The liner-free labels are an alternative to using silicone-lined labels or tape. New to theTSP654IISK is the addition of the Taken Sensor, which enables the printer to hold print jobs until the first print job is taken.

Learn More

mC-Print3 with USB-C Interface and Power Delivery

The mC-Print3 is the mCollection’s 3-inch POS printer. Star’s compact mC-Print3 is 40% smaller than the TSP654II. The mC-Print3 provides an IPX2-rated splash-proof design, as well as front-loading paper loading with exceptional functionality. This 3-inch thermal printer offers multiple connectivity options including USB, Lightning, Bluetooth, LAN, and CloudPRNT/WebPRNT. The five connections are all a part of the mC-Print3 model, making the printer adaptable to any future POS system changes. Additionally, the multiple connectivity options allow for the easy integration of common software.

Learn More

mPOP Flat Bill™

The new mPOP with Flat Bill cash management stacks the till, providing a total of 4 slots for bills, and 4 or 6 adjustable spaces for coins. The individual tills will offer 2Bill-2Coin slots, with the top till easily sliding back to expose the bottom till section. This allows for US retailers to store and manage their cash in a more natural way and keep their cash payment organized, compared to the previous vertical-slot version of the mPOP.

Learn More

Tamper-Proof Labels

Star’s tamper-proof labeling solution is 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.

Learn More

Extended Platter for mG-S8200 Scale

The new Extended Platter for the mG-S8200 is 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.

Learn More

Star Micronics values our partnerships and understands that we are only successful when our partners are successful. The Star Empower Partner Program offers our 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 Star Empower Partner Program offers the following benefits:
- 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!
Learn More

Want to stay up to date on all things Star and point of sale?

In addition to tuning in to our point of sale blogs, check out our main website, too.

Visit Star’s Website
January 21, 2021
Bagels n’ Cream Partners with KitchenHub and Star to Offer Streamlined Online Ordering and Delivery

Bagels n’ Cream bagel and deli shop has been located in Robbinsville, New Jersey for over 21 years. They specialize in serving breakfast and lunch, as well as hot grill specialties. From breakfast sandwich specialties, to reubens, omelets, gyros, burgers, and custom orders – Bagels n’ Cream is a top-rated deli restaurant in the area.

The Situation

Bagels n’ Cream started using four tablets in their restaurant with no printers. Each tablet received incoming orders that were then handwritten to a checkbook, causing major time loss in preparing orders and calculating costs. The restaurant required additional personnel just to run and follow up on the orders coming in. As business increased, so did the operating costs. Bagels n’ Cream would have to occasionally put a stop to receiving new orders as customers lined up and preparation fell behind.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, business dropped 70%, forcing them to nearly close shop.

The Solution

Restaurant management knew they needed a solution to handle pre-pandemic high customer demand, as well as to simply survive once the pandemic hit. That’s where KitchenHub and Star Micronics came in. After installing the KitchenHub solution and connecting more delivery providers, Bagels n’ Cream saw a 30% increase in business compared to their standard orders (pre-pandemic). KitchenHub, paired with Star’s mC-Print3 printer, provided the restaurant with an organized way to manage orders. The solution let kitchen staff know how much prep time was needed for each order prior to driver pickup.

With that, Bagels n’ Cream was ready to accept and manage online orders from Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub all in one place with the KitchenHub solution. With Star’s CloudPRNT, the restaurant no longer had to handwrite orders. Instead, orders are automatically routed to and printed in the kitchen.

Bagels n’ Cream saw so much success that they received a top award from Uber Eats for best service, best preparation and timely orders, and best food quality with no complaints or order returns.

The Results

Bagels n’ Cream implemented the KitchenHub online ordering solution with Star printers in February 2020. Prior to the installation, the average number of orders received per day was 15.54. In April 2020, the daily average orders increased to 37 per day. Since then, orders have increased up to 230%.

“KitchenHub may have saved our restaurant,” says Vedat Saygili, Owner of Bagels n’ Cream. “Prior to COVID-19, we struggled to manage the high volume of orders coming in – not allowing us to reach our earning potential. Once COVID-19 hit, it became a ‘must-have’ to implement a better online ordering system. KitchenHub and Star provided us with just that.”

Download the full success story to learn more about how Bagels n’ Cream leveraged Star Micronics online ordering technology.

Download Success Story

January 19, 2021
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.

Download eBook

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.

Download Brochure

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?

Contact Star Integration Now

January 14, 2021
Visit Star’s Virtual Booth at NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter 1
Needless to say, NRF (Retail’s Big Show) looks a lot different this year than it did last year. However, just like previous years, this January’s show (NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter 1) is sure to be the most informative show in the retail industry. In fact, with the current landscape of retail, this may be the show’s most important year yet. The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic has catapulted online ordering, social distancing, and more to the top of retailers’ priority lists, and the show is sure to deliver the best and latest solutions for retail businesses during the ongoing pandemic – and well beyond.

About the Show

Per the show’s website,

“This January, plugging in starts with logging in.

This has been an unprecedented year, with the retail industry showing tremendous resilience, agility and leadership in the face of a global pandemic. It’s with that spirit that the National Retail Federation is proud to announce Retail’s Big Show will continue as a virtual event in January 2021.

NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter One is meant to address the immediate needs facing retailers today. It’s a jumping-off point that will lead the retail industry forward until we can meet in person at NRF 2021 – Chapter 2, taking place June 2021 in New York City.

NRF 2021 – Chapter 1 is an online version of Retail’s Big Show that includes all new curated sessions, networking programs and a virtual Expo where you can easily connect with the industry’s brightest solution providers.”

When: January 12-14, 19, and 21-22, 2021

Where: Online! NRF 2021 – Chapter 1 is virtual, while an in-person NRF 2021 – Chapter 2 event is scheduled for June 2021 in New York City.

How to Get Started: Click here to register for NRF 2021 – Chapter 1

Reminisce about Star’s NRF 2020 booth

What to Expect from Star at NRF 2021 – Chapter 1

The Star team is excited to see you at NRF 2021 – Chapter 1 and show you our latest offerings for COVID-19, online ordering, retail, and more. Keep reading to explore our featured products and click here to access our custom virtual booth link that will be live to registered attendees during the show.

mC-Print3

The mC-Print3 receipt printer with multiple interface options and HUB connectivity to power up to three peripheral devices.

• Sleek, compact, connected
• Unique Print Flat technology feature
• Easy to integrate through common SDK
• Bluetooth, USB, Lightning, LAN, CloudPRNT, USB-C
• IPX2 splash-proof design
• SteadyLAN® technology (mCP31L, mCP31LB, MCP31C, MCP31CB)
• Peripheral device connectivity – cash drawer, customer display, 1D scanners, HID class devices (keyboard mode)
• Fast charge and communication via USC-C® power delivery port (MCP31C/CB)

Learn More

POSShield

The POSShield, which acts as a sneeze guard and limits the spread of germs, is placed in between the cashier and the customer, and is comprised of a durable steel frame and a protective plexiglass partition.

• Limits the spread of germs
• 30” wide and 33” tall
• No countertop mounting or drilling required
• Adjustable mounting pole
• Compatible with any existing POS or mPOS terminal
• Lightweight and portable

Learn More

TSP654IISK

The TSP654IISK liner-free label printer is designed to work with liner-free labeling applications. Repositionable thermal labels can stick to virtually any surface, and can be removed easily and reapplied leaving behind no residue.

• Repositionable, liner-free thermal label solution
• Improves order accuracy up to 99%
• Liner-free yields 60% more labels/roll than diecut
• 80mm and 58mm paper support
• High reliability and performance at a low cost
• Optional vertical stand

Learn More

Choice Series Cash Drawers

Choice Series cash drawers include features businesses already know and love, but with added features such as extra strength to support touch tablets and POS terminals, a secure dual-drawer cable to enable the Choice Series to work as either cash drawer 1 or cash drawer 2, a foldable hinged key which minimizes the possibility of breaking off in the lock, and over 10 different lock set options for added security.

• Industry standard, extra durability
• Feature-packed for any POS system
• Available in two sizes: 14” x 16” and 16” x 16”

Learn More
January 7, 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