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6 Technologies Resellers Need to Equip Retailers for Success

When the COVID-19 wave first began rippling across the globe, many underestimated the full impact it would have on retailers. Now that we are in the throes of it, we are finally recognizing how different the brand-new business climate that we’ve found ourselves in really it. Consumer behavior has shifted in major ways, and retailers all across the country are trying to navigate how to operate and eventually reopen in this brave new world.

What retailers are truly looking for is guidance and leadership. Like everyone else, retailers feel like they are trying to develop clairvoyance in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. Without having experience a pandemic like this before, it is difficult for them to determine how to reopen safely and successfully.

Resellers are in a unique position to provide that guidance, as well as the tools retailers need to set themselves up for success.

1. eCommerce Point of Sale Integration

Social distancing is top-of-mind for everyone these days. As such, consumers are drastically reducing the amount of time they’re spending in brick-and-mortar location. They prefer shopping online from the safety of their homes instead. It’s going to be crucial that you offer retailers solutions that integrate with eCommerce.

2. Shop-by-Appointment and Curbside Pickup

Consumers are shopping less. Concerned with spending a lot of time in brick-and-mortar locations, and the number of other customers they’ll come into contact with, they’re hesitant to venture out. Because of this, some retailers have started implementing shop-by-appointment operations, which helps control the number of customers within the store at any given time and helps provide peace of mind to shoppers.

Similarly, curbside pickup is booming for many different retailers. This functionality was traditionally used in restaurant takeout operations but has quickly been adopted by retail to help boost brick-and-mortar operations while continuing to keep their customers safe.

3. Mobile POS Technology for Line Busting and In-Aisle Payments

With how easily this strain of the coronavirus can be spread from person to person, it’s critical that retailers take additional measures to keep customers from congregating throughout the store. This includes checkout lines, which are especially ripe for spreading viruses due to the close contact.

Star’s mobile printers allow retailers to conduct transactions throughout the store to keep customers from gathering in one area. Click here to view all of Star’s mobile offerings.

4. Self-Service Kiosk

For a virus that can be spread easily through face-to-face contact and tiny respiratory droplets, it is critical that retailers especially strive to reduce the amount of contact between their customers and their employees. When sanitized properly and regularly, self-service kiosks can help. These devices curtail the spread of infection by limiting the amount of face-to-face contact between staff and customers, helping them feel safer shopping in stores.

5. Protective Shields

Offering protective shields that retailers can install at the checkout counter can help them provide some additional protection during the most vulnerable and high-risk time of the shopper’s journey: the point of sale. This is the time where shoppers and employees come in close contact and lines can develop at the counter. It can be difficult to maintain the recommended distance of six feet for this reason. Because of the risks associated with the point of sale, it is necessary for retailers to install additional protection.

Click here to learn more about Star’s POSShield protective sneeze guard for retail checkout counters.

6. Contactless Payment Options

Ultimately, the goal of any retail operation right now is to be able to operate effectively without exposing anyone to the virus. The virus can easily be picked up and carried on hands, so for retailers, implementing contactless payment options will go a long way in preventing its spread.

The success of your customers directly reflects your own success, so during this time, helping them succeed is paramount. Star Micronics is here to help! We provide the critical solutions that can help your customers overcome their most pressing business challenges – such as online ordering printers, portable printers for mobile payments, self-service kiosk printers, protective barriers for the point of sale, and more.

Our free eBook provides all information needed to retail resellers, at a glance.

Download Retail eBook

Free Resources During COVID-19 & Beyond

Now more than ever, safety is a priority in retail and hospitality environments. Star Micronics is proud to offer a line of solutions and resources for businesses during this challenging time, designed to keep consumers and employees safe, as well as mitigate business impact caused by COVID-19.

Visit Our Health & Safety Toolbox

September 14, 2020
Star Micronics and Crunch Systems Team Up to Provide Online Ordering Solution for Restaurants

Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that Crunch has added support for Star’s new mC-Print3. With the Crunch Manager and Star Micronics, receiving and printing online orders has never been easier.

Crunch is an app built to seamless receive and accept online food orders. Restaurateurs are able to confirm the order, review important order details, provide status updates to hungry customers, and more through Crunch. Crunch also provides its customers with a custom-designed self-ordering kiosk and mobile ordering apps built specifically for their business. With food images, nutritional information, varied menu options, and more, Crunch allows restaurants to stand out from their competition and other online ordering platforms.

Star Micronics’ new mC-Print3 is compact and sleek with exceptional functionality. With front paper loading, and a splash- and insect-proof design, the mC-Print3 is perfect for restaurant environments. The new printer comes with multiple connectivity options and hub functionality to power up to three peripherals, such as a kitchen buzzer, scanner, or line display.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Star Micronics,” says Shmuly Preizler, CEO of Crunch. “Together we are able to offer an amazing product for restaurants across the country and help them with the Crunch Self-Ordering Kiosks and online ordering platform to be more efficient and successful.”

About Crunch Systems

Crunch is a point-of-sale and restaurant management platform built exclusively for food service businesses on an affordable cloud-based platform. Crunch offers advanced functionality including self-ordering kiosks, quick menu modifications, real-time enterprise reporting, online ordering, mobile ordering on an easy-to-use interface, and more!

Crunch gives restaurant owners the ability to have their customers order online using their website directly from any device. Crunch offers a feature rich and user-friendly ordering solutions, including online web ordering, mobile app and self-ordering kiosks. Crunch also offers a full back office portal and integrates to over 35 POS systems. For more information, visit https://www.gocrunch.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

September 4, 2020
Pythian Market Improves the Customer Experience with CloudPRNT from Star Micronics

In downtown New Orleans, Pythian Market stands as a celebration of the spirted and creative community it serves. As a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, Pythian Market features local food purveyors, locally-sourced food and art, and delectable craft beverages. Because of its cultural significance and central location, Pythian Market is a popular area where vendors of all kinds can set up shop.

The Challenge

Because of the multiple food vendors working within the same marketplace, Pythian takes great strides to improve the customer experience. Recently, Pythian had developed its own custom online ordering solution that would allow customers visiting the website to input orders ahead of time for any and all food vendors at once, and then check out with a single transaction.

As they already use Square to accept transactions in-house and they developed their own online ordering solution, they required a third-party solution that was independent of any existing POS software to transmit the online order to the kitchen.

The Solution

Pythian Market realized integrating their custom online ordering software with existing POS software would be timely and costly. They needed a solution from a third party that would be simple and easy to integrate.

After an online search, Pythian Market came across Star Micronics. They began researching the Star Micronics CloudPRNT solution, and quickly realized it addressed their needs. CloudPRNT, compatible with Star Micronics mC-Print3 receipt printer, transmits the order from the online ordering platform directly to the kitchen receipt printer. The mC-Sound buzzer from Star Micronics rings, alerting the kitchen staff of an incoming order and then the printer creates a paper ticket with the detailed order.

Star’s SDKs made it easy for Pythian to build out their software and integrate the CloudPRNT solution. In total, the turnaround was a week and a half, and the installation was completed in a matter of minutes.

The Results

With the Star Micronics mC-Print3 with CloudPRNT and mC-Sound solutions in place, Pythian Market had everything it needed to begin taking online orders from customers. Now, as soon as an order is placed on the Pythian website, the market is alerted to the total order and each different vendor receives an individual paper ticket with the order details.

This solution allows customers to place orders from different food vendors without needing to make individual orders and ring up each transaction separately. They simply need to select which orders they want from which vendors and the total is then compiled and the
order is completed with a single transaction.

Orders received from the website are sent to a central location, who are alerted by the buzzer that an order is incoming. The kitchen can
begin working on prepping the order, and once all the dishes are prepared from all vendors, the orders can be compiled together and picked up by or delivered to the customer.

This process provides greater convenience to customers and vendors alike. Vendors can use the existing Square POS to ring up and process in-house orders, but can also take additional orders from the website without worrying about the transaction step. Since transactions are carried out online, the entire process is faster and more efficient. Pythian Market also received the benefit of full control over data. Since they could customize the CloudPRNT solution and build it out on their own server, all data stays in their system. They are able to keep a log of every print job that has been done, and even see it in real time.

“It has been an extremely positive experience in the few weeks since it has been launched. The mC-Sound helps alert the kitchen staff of incoming orders, emitting a sound before and after the print job—really helpful to not miss any orders,” says Michael DePaolo, Managing Director of Pythian Market. “We plan to install multiple printers at each individual vendor so they no longer have to physically be handed print jobs of the order.”

Download the full success story to learn more about how Pythian Market leveraged Star Micronics CloudPRNT technology.

Download Success Story

September 1, 2020
Provide a Touch-free Experience to Your Dine-in Guests with Contactless Digital Menus
One of the major concerns for restaurant dine-in was the use of traditional (printed) menus because they are found to be the dirtiest thing on a restaurant table. Guests are hesitant to touch these traditional menus and also the CDC regulations have made it clear that disposable menus should be provided. But printing disposal menus are not ideal given the rising costs. Restaurants are quickly pivoting by offering their guests a touch-free experience with contactless digital menus/QR menus.

Why Contactless Digital Menus?

1. Contactless is here for the long haul

The global pandemic has literally been life changing. More than ever, society is concerned and obsessed with their health. With COVID-19 cases still surging guests are looking for more ways to go contactless to protect themselves from the possible contact with the virus. These measures are even more heightened when it comes to ordering food at the restaurant. Therefore, contactless digital menus are ideal for restaurants like yours to adapt to.

2. Cost-effective

If you are going for disposal menus, a single paper menu, uncoated, in black and white print costs about 50 cents. If you are doing over 100 for lunch and 100 for dinner that’s $100, adding up to about $3,000 a month. QR menus are very cost-effective. You only have to print and place the table tents on the table and this can be used for a more extended period of time.

3. Easily accessible

Accessing the menu is as simple as scanning the QR code from their phones or tablets, and then accessing the web page to place their orders.

4. No app download

With QR menus or digital menus, guests do not need to download heavy apps to their phones. They can simply place their orders online through a web URL.

5. Flexible menu updates

Restaurateurs can instantly add, edit, and delete menu items and update item descriptions. If the menu is updated once, it updates on every menu scanned.

6. Attention with images

Traditional menus do not have images mostly because it is costly to print high-quality images on paper. But with contactless digital menus, you can have mouth-watering images to make customers want to order more. Having images help them decide what they want, which therefore makes their ordering process easier.

7. Less wait-staff assistance

Wait-staff can be re-allocated to add value to other parts of the business. When orders are placed through contactless digital menus, the order can be sent directly to receipt or kitchen printer.

8. Cashless payments

Guests and staff do not have to handle cash. Cash being passed from hand to hand and can be contaminated, and compromises the safety and health of both customers and staff.

9. Re-ordering

Guests can re-order their favorite dishes, or a beverage refill without having to wait for the staff approach the table, and eliminating more human contact.

10. Quicker table turns

With seating capacity reduced to allow tables to be placed at least 6 feet apart, restaurants are not getting their normal amount of guests, resulting in less revenue. Contactless digital menus increase the speed for ordering and payment and so you can turn more tables and increase the potential for revenues.

11. Collect guest information and traceability

You do not need to manually take down customer information. With contactless digital menus, the guest will have to input their information to complete their order.

12. Run targeted campaigns

Ordering through contactless digital menu captures guest information like email, contact number, etc. This helps you run future targeted marketing campaigns such as email campaigns on your latest offers, SMS on going discounts, and more.

How to get Contactless Digital Menus/QR Menus?

When you sign up for a demo with Applova, the team will get in touch with you to set up contactless digital menus. This can be ready in a couple of days. The Applova team will build the menu with enticing food imagery. Then the team will also provide you with a free marketing pack to launch contactless digital menus at your restaurant. The marketing pack would include customized table tent designs with QR codes on it for each table (each QR code will carry the table number so that the restaurant staff can easily track the table that made the order).

How is the process contactless? How does it work?

When you get your table tent designs, you can print them and place them on each table.
1. Your dine-in guest scans the contactless digital menu to view the menu on their phone or tablet.
2. They can select their food and beverages
3. Tip the waiter and make their payment online
4. Orders will be directly pushed to the POS and printed in the kitchen printers
5. When the order ready, the order will be sent to the correct table.
To wrap it up, ever since the wake of COVID-19 restaurants are quickly adapting to contactless digital menus. These contactless digital menus are hygienic and easy to roll out. They are cost effective, environmentally friendly, engaging to customers and they are mobile-optimized, simple to search and navigate. They are easy to update instantly. Adapting to contactless digital menus is a new experience for guests and it is now the way of dining life.

Access Contactless Menus with Applova
August 27, 2020
Star Software Update: mPOP™ Firmware Update (HID Support)
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.

In this edition:
- mPOP™ Firmware Update via the mPOP Utility App. mPOP can now support most HID devices
Read on to learn what this month’s update entails.

What is Included in the Update?

The latest mPOP firmware update includes functionality enabling the mPOP to support most human interface device (HID) devices like scanners, RFID readers, and more.

Please note that HID device support has already been released for the mC-Print Series (mC-Print Firmware Update (v3.0) via the mC-Print Utility App (v1.5.0)).

What are HID Devices?

According to Wikipedia,

“A human interface device or HID is a type of computer device usually used by humans that takes input from humans and gives output to humans. The term ‘HID’ most commonly refers to the USB-HID specification.”

Common HID devices include:
- Scanners
- RFID readers
- Bump bars
- Keyboards & refreshable braille displays
- Magnetic Stripe Readers
- And more
Next Steps

The new HID device support functionality can be accessed by updating the mPOP’s firmware, which you can do via the mPOP Utility App. The mPOP Utility App is available for download on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android.

Learn More About mPOP

The functions and connectivity of the mPOP make processing customer transactions smooth and effective for small shops, cafes, florists, bars, and many more. Aesthetically simple and elegant, the mPOP provides the ultimate point of sale solution for the new face of mPOS.

Key Features:
- Printer – cash drawer – scanner – device stand
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows
- Cable management with multiple exit options
- Cash drawer: 4 bill and 6 or 8 adjustable coin slots
- Bluetooth 2.1 and USB connectivity
- “Drop-In & Print” paper loading
Click here to learn more about mPOP.

Questions or Concerns?

Contact Star Integration Now
August 20, 2020
3 Self-Service Kiosk Trends Restaurant ISVs Can Capitalize On
The rise in demand for self-service kiosks is undeniable – in 2019, the market was valued at $28 billion and it’s expected to reach $68 billion by 2025. During this period of such vast growth that also happens to be occurring as the world navigates the new normal, what are the hottest self-service kiosk trends in the hospitality industry?

In this blog post, we’ll explore three self-service kiosk trends that restaurant ISVs can capitalize on – while providing peace of mind to restaurant staff and consumers alike.

1. Simple, One-Piece Screen Design

Style has always mattered when it comes to self-service kiosks, but since COVID-19 has rocked the world, hygiene is becoming even more of a priority. As the globe adapts to the new normal, providing solutions that help people stay safe is going to become not just an ongoing self-service kiosk trend, but a need.

Did you know that leveraging a one-piece, bezel-free kiosk screen design can provide aesthetic and hygienic benefits? A single, completely flat glass touch interface for customers to use can easily be cleaned and avoids mechanical keys and buttons which can contain germs and viruses.

The simple screen design is possible even if the self-service kiosk’s use case requires some grooves to help users feel their way across a surface, thanks to the ability for the glass to be precision machined without giving up the sleek, safe, and easy-to-clean one-piece design.

2. Antimicrobial Glasses/Coatings

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of a bezel-free screen design, how can you go about making sure that glass stays as clean and germ-free as possible? The answer is antimicrobial glasses and coatings.

Antimicrobial glass – or glass that includes an ionic silver component that effectively reduces bacteria’s ability to multiply – exists on the market today. Additionally, this glass is designed to be scratch- and crack-resistant, helping to prevent cracks and crevices that bacteria can call home.

Just like self-service kiosks are growing in popularity, so is antimicrobial glass. It’s projected that the North American antimicrobial glass market alone will grow over 6% – to $270 million – by 2023. Additionally, the food and beverage market is expected to see a growth of over 7% over by 2023.

Free Self-Service Kiosk Resources

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

Visit Self-Service Toolbox

3. QR Codes on Receipts

Contactless payments – or payments that can be made by consumers via a quick tap of their credit/debit card, smartphone, or smart watch – are in high demand, especially during the new normal. Luckily, there are many ways for restaurants to take advantage of the trend even if they do not want to adopt a payment terminal that accepts NFC (near field communication) payments.

A more affordable option for restaurants that are looking to easily take advantage of contactless payments so that their customers don’t need to touch a card or pin pad to pay is by taking advantage of QR codes printed on receipts. Whether the receipt is printed at the point of sale terminal or at a self-service kiosk, providing the customer with a printed QR code enables them to simply scan the code with their smartphone which then opens a direct link between the restaurant and the customer, where they can complete the transaction. This method is easy, cost-effective, and contactless.

According to Kiosk Marketplace,

“As restaurants, independent retailers and micro-businesses begin their recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of merchants are embracing QR code technology as a simple, low cost alternative for payments and customer interaction as demand grows for a safe and cost efficient payments solution.

While widely popular in China and other overseas markets, QR codes have generally lagged NFC as the preferred methods of digital payment technology in the U.S. However for a growing number of micro-businesses and boutique merchants, they are giving QR codes a hard look as the safest, fastest and most cost efficient path to get customers willing conduct in person transactions.”

QR codes aren’t just for payments, either – restaurants can take their business to the next level with them. Restaurants can create QR codes that when scanned direct customers to join a loyalty program, visit social media accounts, access special promotions, and more. And when restaurants use a Star Micronics printer, they can easily customize and design these promotions and QR codes for free with PromoPRNT.

Star Micronics Self-Service Kiosk Printers

Always leading and always innovating, Star Micronics is proud to offer a full range of self-service kiosk printers that accommodate multiple paper widths, operating systems, and more. The compact, reliable, and high-speed printers are designed to bring any restaurant self-service solution to life.

Kiosk Printer Family Features:
- 2”, 3”, and 4” paper sizes
- Compact or modular footprints
- Available with multiple accessories including bezels, presenters, large paper roll holders, and more
- Support Windows, Linux, Android, Mac, and iOS
- Print receipts, tickets, coupons, or adhesive labels
- Interfaces include serial, USB, parallel, and Ethernet
- Available with StarPRNT emulation, allowing software developers to take advantage of the full stack of Star Micronics technology, like StarPRNT SDKs and Star’s powerful line of drivers
Download Brochure

Infographic: Self-Service Kiosks in Foodservice

Looking to learn more about the impact of self-service kiosks on the restaurant market? Explore the infographic below to discover more about:
- The growth of the industry
- How kiosks help restaurants boost profits
- Operational benefits of kiosks
- Marketing, branding, and loyalty perks of kiosks
- And more!
August 13, 2020
Star Micronics Unveils New Version of mC-Print3 with USB-C® Interface and Power Delivery

The new interface will enable Android, Windows, and Mac devices to leverage SteadyLAN®™ technology

Somerset, NJ – August 10, 2020 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to announce the release of a new version of the mC-Print3 with a new interface including a USB-C® connection.

With the growing adoption of the USB-C® standard, Star Micronics has added new mCP31C and mCP31CB models to the mC-Print3 family, equipped with a USB-C® port supporting standard communication as well as USB Power Delivery to USB-C® devices such as Android™ and Windows phones and tablets, PCs and Macs. The mCP31C and mCP31CB also allow a USB-C® tablet to charge while connected to the printer.

The MCP31C interface includes one USB-C® port, two USB-A® ports, one Ethernet port supporting Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT and WebPRNT technologies, and one DK-Port. The MCP31CB interface includes the same connection options as the former model, as well as Bluetooth (non-MFi).

The addition of the USB-C® connection will allow Android, Windows, and Mac devices to leverage Star Micronics’ SteadyLAN® technology. A world first solution, SteadyLAN® provides stable wired Ethernet service and power to a device connected to a networked printer via the USB-C® cable. SteadyLAN® is also available for iOS devices on the mCP21LB, mCP31L, and mCP31LB mC-Print3 models.

An industry-leading thermal printer for retail and hospitality, the mC-Print3 provides a simple user experience, is easy to integrate, and features a sleek IPX2-rated splash-proof design. The mC-Print3 is compatible with Star Micronics PromoPRNT receipt marketing technology and is a part of the Star Micronics mCollection, a line of mPOS hardware including printers, cash drawers, scales, tablet POS stands, and more.

“We are very excited to launch this new version of the mC-Print3,” said Jon Levin, Director of Product Management at Star Micronics. “The addition of a USB-C® connection will allow modern host devices to enjoy the reliable network connection and power supply that SteadyLAN® provides, all through one USB-C® cable.”

August 10, 2020
mPOS: How it’s Revolutionizing Payments
Mobility is rocking the point of sale world. From line busting to omnichannel marketing, it’s changing the way retailers and restaurateurs do business. The payments branch of the POS world has not been isolated from mPOS and its effects. In fact, as margins shrink and the competition in merchant processing grows fierce, the payment industry is rushing to adopt tablet POS systems. This is due to ISOs (Independent Sales Organizations) needing to add value to their solutions to stay competitive; tablet POS is a prime way to do this.

What’s more, with the EMV liability shift having gone into effect October 2015, now is the time to look into the latest and greatest in mPOS solutions and what they mean for your payment and transaction options. When you upgrade, you might as well go the extra mile and ensure that you’ve got the edge on your competition.

Hardware and Software Upgrades: EMV Liability Shift

EMV Acceptance

The Oct. 1, 2015 EMV liability shift is driving equipment upgrades across the industry. This shift means that retailers without payment processing equipment certified to the Europay, Mastercard, Visa (EMV) security standard — i.e., credit and debit cards featuring secure microprocessor embedded chips — are liable for any fraudulent activity committed with chip-enabled cards, instead of holding the card issuers liable. Javelin Strategy and Research estimates that U.S. businesses will invest $8 billion to become EMV compliant.

At an estimated cost of $150 to $1,000 per terminal, retailers must upgrade both their hardware and software systems to become EMV compliant. The good news is that vendors in the retail payment processing industry already have taken the crucial first step of ensuring their product offerings meet the latest standard. When undertaking your EMV upgrade, consider the following:
- Enlist your vendor: Check with your POS hardware vendor to ensure that your equipment is certified to be EMV compliant.
- Double-check the app: Is your software EMV compliant? From each of the Big Four card networks (American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa), you will need to secure EMV certification through your acquiring bank.
Now that you know what steps you will need to take, it’s time to determine your options, and to leap into the 21st century, not only to gain the edge on your competitors, but also to deliver a superlative customer experience.

Graduating from the Electronic Cash Register (ECR)

Upgrading from the traditional electronic cash register (ECR) to a mobile point of sale (mPOS) platform is one solution to addressing the new payments conundrum.

mPOS is your POS — unleashed. mPOS, also known as EPOS, generally includes a small, portable, handheld wireless device, such as a lightweight tablet or smartphone combined with a small, usually Bluetooth-based, swipe-and-chip-based payment device and payment app (and any other pertinent peripherals), so that employees can assist customers with transactions from any location in a restaurant or retail store. While traditional POS calls for fixed checkout areas, the accompanying long customer queues, and also takes up considerable floor space, mobile POS enables greater flexibility in the store or restaurant layout, while also enabling superior customer service.

One solution to the need for EMV compliance is to choose a modern tablet POS platform. Consider the following benefits of tablet POS versus ECR:
- Lower total cost of ownership: While the initial cost of a tablet POS may be higher than an ECR, the mobile platform will earn back more than its investment over time. ECR does nothing more than accept transactions. With tablet POS, you not only can conduct transactions (including cash payments and returns) and queue-bust during peak volume times, but you can also “save the sale” by looking up inventory information for stockouts. In addition, the tablet POS is built to be durable for any retail or restaurant environment.
- Easy to setup and use: Tablet POS is user-friendly and compatible with AndroidTM, Apple® iOS, and Windows® — the very same mobile software platforms your employees use on their personal mobile devices. In no time at all, your tablet POS can be up and running, and earning its ROI.
- Expanded features: ECRs offer few, if any, features beyond basic sale and return transactions. On the other hand, tablet POS offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity so you can add on peripherals that will be useful to your associates and to your customers. Some tablet POS hardware comes with a built-in cash drawer, scanner and receipt printer, so you simply need to pick the tablet that best matches your needs to go live with your new system.
- Cloud POS offers better data security: Tablet POS software backs up data to the cloud, enhancing your data security. With transactions backed up outside of the local tablet device, you can rest assured that your information is still available in the event that the equipment is lost or stolen.
- Versatility: Tablet POS gives you options. Restaurants using mobile POS can generate higher table turnover and accelerate order processing during peak hours. Users also have the option to dock your tablet POS as a fixed terminal to checkout customers primarily in one location. What’s more, your tablet POS can seamlessly integrate with loyalty and rewards programs, inventory software, or workforce scheduling and optimization applications.
The Benefits of mPOS are Endless

Discover more reasons why mPOS is a wise decision.

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How Do Payments Factor into the Equation?

Many modern mPOS and tablet POS don’t require upgrading — they’re already purpose-built to accept the latest advancements in payment technologies. To be EMV compliant, your mPOS needs a dip-in card reader that holds the card to read the embedded chip until the entire transaction is complete (unlike previous cards that just needed to be swiped).

NFC (Near Field Communications) enables touchless payment applications, such as AndroidTM Pay and Apple® Pay. Customers today expect to be able to pay without pulling out their credit or debit card. These proximity-based payments offer security benefits, as your business never actually receives the customer’s card number, thereby reducing your liability.

While many mPOS devices aren’t designed to accept cash transactions without forcing the associate back to a fixed station to dock the device, some of the latest tablet POS offerings are built with a sleek and secure, wireless drawer to store cash, receipts, and other essentials. This enables you to serve a wider variety of customers, and not just those seeking cashless transactions.

In order to complete transactions, you’ll need to print off receipts on-the-fly. Tablet POS can be easily paired, or connected, with wireless, mobile printers that can be carried by, or displayed closely to, the sales representative. These wireless, mobile printers deliver a neatly printed receipt quickly and quietly, offering an end-to-end transaction experience from anywhere in your restaurant or store.

Why Choose an Ergonomic Mobile Solution?

When considering mPOS, look at ergonomic mobile solutions. These solutions recognize that some businesses need peripherals beyond the basic tablet POS, such as a combination cash drawer/receipt printer. Here’s what ergonomic mobile solutions offer:
- Convenience: With an ergonomic tablet POS plus cash drawer/receipt printer, you can accept all payments anywhere, anytime. This is a big improvement over common mPOS, which traditionally only handles electronic payments.
- Space saver: Ergonomic solutions reduce your POS footprint significantly. With their small size and sleek profile, these platforms are attractive and unobtrusive in your retail or restaurant environment, freeing up space in which you can add tables or expand merchandise displays.
- Assist mPOS solutions: Because these ergonomic mobile solutions rely on Bluetooth technology for connectivity, they’re fully mobile when needed and rid you of tangled wires and a jumble of dongles.
- Full functionality: Ergonomic mobile solutions offer robust features and functionality for a wide range of applications.
- Receipt printer: Small and compact, a built-in printer lets you quickly and quietly print a receipt as soon as the transaction closes. Additionally, sometimes single accessories are needed without a full system. In this case, you should check to see if your system can support additional printers for your bar, kitchen, and other areas.
- Barcode scanner: If your tablet or mobile device lacks a barcode scanner, your ergonomic mobile solution easily accommodates an optional plug-and-play scanner for reading merchandise.
- Cash drawer: A secure cash drawer stores currency, checks, receipts and other important items. The size of cash drawer you choose will depend on the number of cash transactions you process a day.
- Software application: To get the greatest value of your ergonomic mobile solution, pick a software application that supports the latest payment options such as NFC and EMV. This will help you to avoid another technology upgrade in the near future.
- Tablet/device: When evaluating tablet and mobile device options on the market, be sure to select hardware that’s designed to process NFC and EMV payments, preferably without requiring add-ons or peripherals to do so. Choose a device that’s compatible with your preferred software application. Most software applications have a preferred operating system, however if you need a software application to be cross compatible, make sure to do your research and find a web-based solution.
- Digital receipt: More and more retailers want to deliver an in-store experience that provides digital support. There are innovative, downloadable apps on the market today that are supported by many POS systems. These apps allow your customers to receive a digital copy of their receipt on their smartphones. Some of these apps even allow functionality for customer satisfaction surveys, so retailers can always get a gauge on how they are perceived by their customers.
Conclusion

As the payments landscape proliferates at a dizzying speed, retailers and restaurateurs are now facing significant pressure to keep up with the latest technology, and let consumers pay how they want, when they want. mPOS — and tablet POS in particular — is emerging as an essential means of ensuring compliance with the new EMV standard while delivering the brand-building customer experience that your consumers have come to expect.

mPOP™: An All-in-One mPOS Solution

The sleek, all-in-one mPOP is an ideal solution for businesses looking to implement mPOS. The functions and connectivity of the mPOP make processing customer transactions smooth and effective for small shops, cafes, florists, bars, and many more. Aesthetically simple and elegant, the mPOP provides the ultimate point of sale solution for the new face of mPOS.

Key Features:
- Printer – cash drawer – scanner – device stand
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows
- Cable management with multiple exit options
- Cash drawer: 4 bill and 6 or 8 adjustable coin slots
- Bluetooth 2.1 and USB connectivity
- “Drop-In & Print” paper loading
Learn More about mPOP
August 6, 2020
The Benefits of Self-Service Kiosks During the New Normal
During the COVID-19 pandemic, times are challenging for most businesses that are working hard to remain afloat while keeping up with continuing fixed operating costs and coping with less revenue being generated. The question of, “What can be done?” is a part of almost every conversation.

The benefits of self-service kiosks have been and will continue to be a key element in supporting not only the trying businesses, but companies integrating and selling solutions in those markets. As the market demand for contactless solutions continues to grow and those solutions become a part of the new normal, self-service kiosks will become even more of a focal point in the industry.

Read on to learn more about the various benefits of self-service kiosks during the new normal, whether it’s traditional kiosks taking on a new twist, or new kiosk concepts coming to light as market demands rapidly evolve.

Tried-and-True Kiosks Will Remain Relevant

Many things are changing right now, but many well-known and fully tested self-service solutions will remain in the market for specific sectors.

For example, simple and cost-effective queue management systems using small footprint kiosks will likely remain relevant, and ATMs will probably remain untouched, with some operational processes being adjusted by banks and financial institutions to accommodate the new normal.

Not all solutions will stick around, though – it’s probable that many solutions that used to work wonderfully will fade away and start being replaced with new trends.

Fresh Kiosk Concepts for the New Normal

Speaking of new trends, you most likely have noticed that some companies are not only remaining open, but are actually thriving because of the new opportunities generated by the current challenges we all face. It’s hard not to notice how dynamic a motivated company can be in reinventing themselves and their solution offerings in such a short period of time.

In terms of self-service, some of these innovations include:
- Temperature screening kiosks
- Kiosks featuring touchless technology and contactless payment acceptance
- Automated cleaning operations, such as UV-C devices which disinfect kiosks in between uses
- Contactless hand/palm vein pattern scanning, which is just as accurate as a fingerprint scanning but contactless
- Kiosk screen mirroring using a customer’s personal smartphone to prevent touching the kiosk screen
Free Self-Service Kiosk Resources

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

Visit Self-Service Toolbox

What Remains Important

Regardless of the solution being designed and presented to the market, the quality of the final product, its ability to provide the needed service as expected, and its post-sale support will separate a successful solution from the rest. Because that aspect of business is not expected to change, selecting the right kiosk manufacturer, integrator, and components are essential.

Consumer needs also remain a priority. Focusing on consumer expectations and making sure they feel safe and accommodated when using these new or adapted self-service solutions will dictate which companies and solutions succeed in the new normal.

For example, as QSR franchises temporarily closed their dine-in areas (essentially leaving indoor kiosks unused) some businesses decided to repurpose the kiosks by moving them outside to serve the growing online delivery and takeout markets. This is a prime example of thinking outside the box and using self-service resources to better accommodate consumers’ current demands.

Together as an industry, as we wait for the economy to stabilize, it’s important and worthwhile to think creatively and become a part of the process of adapting to the new normal – while also remembering that product quality, technical support, and consumer needs remain a priority.

Star Micronics Self-Service Kiosk Printers

Star Micronics is proud to offer a robust lineup of self-service kiosk printers for virtually any business need. Available with 2”, 3” and 4” printing capabilities, the kiosk printers include options such as LED bezels, anti-jam receipt capturing, and large paper roll holders so that the printers require fewer paper roll changes. Easy to integrate, the kiosk printers are fully compatible with all operating systems and platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows tablets with easy to integrate universal SDKs, and are backed by a dedicated integration team.

Capable of printing receipts, tickets, and labels, Star Micronics’ kiosk printers are ideal for:
- Quick service/fast casual restaurants
- Stadiums and parks
- Banks
- Retail
- Parking facilities
- Transportation hubs such as airports and bus and train stations
- And more!
Take a closer look at the Star Micronics kiosk printer family in the below video:

Star Micronics’ self-service kiosk solutions are ideal for restaurants, retail, and more.

Explore Solutions
July 28, 2020
Why You Should Recognize Coupons as a Promotional Tool

Coupons? Really?

Yes, really. Coupons have been around for more than 100 years and they’re just as effective today as they were in 1887, when a hand-written coupon for a free glass of Coke was issued by the Coca-Cola Company. According to TIME Magazine, the coupon campaign was so successful that more than eight million free drinks were served between 1894 and 1913. By the 1900s, cereal companies jumped on the savings bandwagon and began issuing coupons.

Coupons as a Promotional Tool

More than a century after Coca-Cola first introduced coupons to consumers, they are still a win-win, making these discount offers the top-performing marketing and promotional tools for businesses. Your customers love saving money and receiving free items or services, and coupons give them an incentive to make repeat purchases. In fact, the “2K17 Valassis Coupon Intelligence Report” revealed that 84% of shoppers surveyed said that coupons influence what products they buy, while 86% of people said that they were persuaded to purchase a new product because they had a coupon for it. And once people try something at a discount and like it, they are more willing to pay full price in the future.

Digital vs. Print

More than 289 billion printed coupons were distributed in 2015, compared with six billion digital ones, according to statistics released by Kantar Media. And even though digital coupons and offers are growing in popularity, paper coupons are still dominating the savings landscape.

If you want to issue a coupon, are paper or digital more effective? If you are looking to get the most bang for your promotional buck, printed coupons provide a higher return on investment (ROI).

Although the redemption rate of digital coupons is a whopping 77%, which also means an increase in the number of sales and heightened brand awareness, these benefits come at a cost. Issuing digital coupons costs more than issuing paper coupons. You’ll shell out more money to mine data, collect email addresses, coordinate social media and develop an electronic marketing campaign. The higher redemption rate of digital coupons balances the costs, but the average ROI is still about 18% lower than the ROI from printed coupons.

On the other hand, print coupons make up 44% of coupon usage, according to Knowledge Network. And even though the popularity and ease-of-use of digital coupons for consumers make them an attractive option, research shows that 70% of shoppers still look for coupons in printed media and mailers.

A smart strategy may be to create a coupon campaign that integrates both the digital and print universes. A campaign that seamlessly marries the two solutions together will generate the highest return on investment since you’ll be increasing your reach and reaping the benefits of each method.

Who Wants Coupons?

The answer is: everyone. But you should pay especially close attention to the buying habits of millennials — customers born between the years 1980 and 2000. This generation, now the biggest in the U.S. wields tremendous buying power. This doesn’t mean consumers in this age group are big spenders — research shows they are cost-conscious and tech-savvy. Good branding or budget pricing isn’t enough to attract their business — millennial consumers love a good deal. According to research released by PPRI, 87% of shoppers in this age group used coupons last year. Of the people surveyed, 91% reported they used paper coupons, 85% used coupons that arrived in the mail and 48% took advantage of digital offers.

Why does this matter? Now that many millennials are established in the workforce and have disposable income, their buying habits have started to reshape the shopping landscape as we know it. Thanks to the buying power of this generation, off-price retailers like Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx are thriving as they provide millennials with the thrill of the (bargain) hunt, smart marketing and the right price points.

Yes, really.

Coupons are still the top-performing marketing and promotional tools for businesses. Learn more in our free eBook.

Download eBook

What Else Can I Use Receipts For?

Although it seems like a minor detail, the receipt is the last thing a customer receives before leaving your store. It’s your final chance to make a great impression — so make sure your receipt is a personalized take-away that is an extension of your brand. Every receipt should be customized with your store’s logo, brand messaging, website and tag line so people can easily identify where it came from.

The receipt is also another vehicle to engage your customer. Including a customer service survey is a direct channel of communication that gives you an inside look at how your business and products are performing. Typically, customers are offered an incentive like a discount coupon, free item or a chance to be entered into a contest for completing the survey. These surveys help you understand your customers’ needs, evaluate employee performance and remedy any issues before they become a larger problem. Receipts can also be used to announce upcoming sales, promotions or special in-store events.

Finally, receipts can help you gauge the effectiveness of a promotion because they connect the promotion directly to a purchase. If a printed coupon for a new product is issued in a magazine and sales of that product jump as a result, you’ll know it’s a successful way to draw in new business, and it’s a strategy you should repeat. This is especially important when trying new promotional vehicles. if you want to try a digital promotion via Facebook or Twitter and the desired effect doesn’t materialize, you’ll know to allocate your marketing dollars elsewhere in the future.

There is a way that SMBs can reduce the cost of printed coupons: by using the receipts they already issue. Star Micronics’ Cloud Services has added a new solution, PromoPRNT, to its service lineup. Star’s Cloud Services was created to bring next generation customer engagement solutions to retailers by transforming their receipt printers into cloud-connected devices. Its newest offering, PromoPRNT, allows retail stores and small business locations to advertise their promotions in the most simple and effective way — printing coupons and promotional materials right onto the receipt that is issued to a customer.

What is PromoPRNT?

PromoPRNT is the newest tool merchants can use to raise product or service awareness, create unique discounts and monetize in-store traffic in an effective way. Thousands of SMBs have already started using PromoPRNT, which allows them to deliver promotions using nothing but their Star Micronics cloud-connected thermal printers. Printing coupons on customer receipts allows you to reach a higher percentage of shoppers for a fraction of the cost of a print or digital campaign and compliments the marketing campaign you already have in place.

Merchants can reduce the cost of printing coupons and digital campaigns through external services and engaging customers at the POS terminal. Retailers can choose from the templates of coupons, store offers and messages to customize their receipts, giving them ability to advertise and run promotions at their POS system. You also have the option to integrate barcodes of discount codes and include validation dates. The coupons or promotional messages can be deployed to every store printer from the comfort of your desk.

Printing a coupon on the receipt takes the guesswork and cost out of delivery–you can be sure the customer receives it. And as an added bonus, employees can talk about the coupon/promotion while they are processing the transaction and circle or highlight the promotional offer on the receipt so the customer doesn’t forget.

Learn more about PromoPRNT in the below video:

PromoPRNT is free and easy to use.

Learn More

July 21, 2020