Tag: Retail

How To Build A Self-Service Experience You’re Proud Of
Self-service, or “unattended” environments, are the new expectation, and 2022 will officially be the watershed moment for self-checkout technology, adoption, and innovation. Let’s break down some key pieces you’ll want to consider when building out your strategy.

Self-Serve Is So Self-Serving

Consumers now expect payment solutions that both anticipate and address their needs no matter where, when, or how they choose to shop. The same rules apply to unattended retail and contactless payments, including “just walk out,” buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS), self-order kiosks, self-scan kiosks, and in-store mobile, along with the rest of your traditional in-person or online payment journeys.

The buyer’s journey – once envisioned as a fairly straight path from the first point of contact between the retailer and the customer to the eventual purchase – now resembles nothing so much as a spiderweb. Customers enter, leave, and re-enter the “journey” from multiple touchpoints, zipping along threads from app to social to in-store to website to AI-driven kiosks and more, with the entire process seamlessly focused on one central goal: an invisible checkout.

Your payment solution must provide consumers with as many options as possible to make purchases on their terms, whether that’s via mobile wallets, a mobile app, a QR code, traditional credit cards, or more.

Autonomous Retail Is Not Just For Big Players

Once considered a “high-tech” experiment, autonomous retail is the future of retail.

Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology set a new bar for frictionless consumerism. We like to help brands like Nourish + Bloom adopt this high-tech business model and level-up the experience by adding hybrid features like 24/7 availability, a bistro, and robotic delivery to the mix.

With these solutions, customers scan their phones to walk in, grab their items and walk out (see more on this UST solution here). Customers can also order food from the bistro and pay by scanning a QR code that connects to their digital wallets, or they can pay at vision-checkout kiosks with traditional methods like credit cards and e-wallets. The best part is that they can even have items delivered to the comfort of their own homes with the help of automated robots that interact with customers.

E-Wallets: The Safe & Contactless Way To Shop

Digital wallet usage has skyrocketed. Seventy-one percent of consumers will at least sometimes use a digital wallet instead of entering credit card information directly, according to a 2021 ClearSale consumer behavior study. This is very, very good news for Technology Providers, better known as ISVs. Why? More than 78% of consumers who paid for a recent purchase using a digital wallet say they prefer to shop in unattended environments – making digital wallet users almost four times likelier to choose self-serve contactless options.

Payments Are Complicated… You’re Going To Need A Bigger Boat

Although ISVs have expertise in all things software, when it comes to autonomous retail transactions and workflows it’s best to get a payments partner who’s got the knowledge needed to create an all-in-one solution for them and their merchants.

One of the biggest challenges we see is folks coming to us after being burned by having to deal with multiple integrations, distributors, processors, hardware providers, and payment gateways. The key to building a self-service experience that’s truly remarkable is to get a partner on the payment side that can help you integrate things because payment is a completely different discipline than point-of-sale. You don’t want to be dealing with one payment partner for eCommerce, one for in-store, and another for your unattended or mobile solution.

It’s A Big Eco-System

We recommend one relationship with a partner who understands all the different environments in which your merchants operate. One who has experience simplifying complex integrations. They’re there to help you build a superior solution that you can monitor and report on all in one place. Ultimately, you need support in simplifying any implementation and troubleshooting issues so you can focus on growth and running your business.

Build A Self-Service Experience That’s Frictionless

ISVs, or Technology Providers, have a unique opportunity to deliver new solutions that help merchants embrace the changing consumer behaviors driving the demand for self-service.

To help you build out your self-service strategy we went a little deeper with an industry report called: “Self-Serve Experiences Are Driving the Future of Payments” which goes into both unattended and contactless payments solutions that set self-service environments apart.

Read this Report to Discover:
- Why unattended solutions are now the expectation
- Which new types of self-serve solutions are on the horizon
- Unique ways to engage shoppers and deliver memorable experiences
- How to integrate these solutions into your existing channel mix
Download Your Whitepaper!

Get To Know Us Better

Worldnet’s GoChip software, paired with Star Micronics’ printing technology makes it easy for merchants to adopt unattended and contactless payments. One of our strengths is listening, which makes relationship-building and partnerships easy. We’ve become the leading integrated payments gateway, specialized in self-service solutions, not just because of our technology, but because we strive to offer the best services and support to our partners.

Our software and APIs allow you to unify your unattended, in-store, online, and mobile payment experiences. Worldnet’s GoChip SDK is EMV certified with major processors and provides Integrated Contactless/NFC and EMV options. The Cardholder-Not-Present suite covers eCommerce, in-app payments, Virtual Terminal, and Tokenization solutions, allowing merchants to accept any payment, anywhere, with all major credit and debit cards, as well as digital wallets.

Let our team of experts make payments their problem, so you can focus on growth.

Guest Post Written By John Clarke, CEO and Co-Founder of Worldnet Payments

A Payments veteran, with over 23 years of experience driving technology innovation in the Payments Industry, John co-founded WorldNet in 2008. He has since achieved many significant firsts in the Payments Industry, including developing the first iPhone Payment App in Europe. At WorldNet, John continues to drive technology innovation in Payment Processing.

Liked this post? Here’s another:

How QR Codes Can Benefit Your Business
March 11, 2022
Star Micronics Introduces the TSP143IVUE Thermal Receipt Printer

Star Micronics releases the new TSP143IVUE, an ultra-connected and innovative thermal receipt printer.

Somerset, NJ – March 8, 2022 – Continuing its “Always Leading – Always Innovating” philosophy, Star Micronics presents the TSP143IVUE, a modern and ultra-connected point-of-sale (POS) printing solution.

Already a leading player in the mobile POS (mPOS) market, the new Star Micronics TSP143IVUE offers multiple ways to connect. It has a USB/LAN Dual Interface and cloud printing capabilities for traditional POS and mPOS solutions.

Built with all the capabilities you have come to expect, the TSP143IVUE has a more compact and sleek design, with added features like AOA (Android Open Accessory) support and CloudPRNT. AOA technology gives the printer full communication with your Android device while keeping it powered and charged.

The TSP143IVUE is high-speed and can print up to 250 millimeters per second. Its innovative design boasts a 20% smaller footprint, with a protected internal power supply and fast “drop-in and print” paper loading. This printer has exceptionally easy installation, making it simple to incorporate into your existing POS system.

The Star TSP143IVUE is also Cloud Ready, able to connect to any cloud application that supports Star’s CloudPRNT technology. It’s part of a new generation of devices that can connect to the Star Micronics Cloud Services platform, where users can customize and enhance their receipts by adding graphics or logos and triggering coupons, enhancing customer experience.

Love industry trends? Check out our podcast:

Rising Stars Podcast

About Star Micronics

Star Micronics, one of the world’s largest POS providers, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment in POS and mPOS environments. Embracing the mobility wave, Star’s complementary SDKs allow users to utilize Star printers in tandem with Android™, iOS iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts for all of its printers. In addition, Star Micronics is always leading and innovating, enabling web-based printing solutions, including remote cloud printing, wireless cash drawer solutions, proximity-based printing, and secure cash management. For more information, visit www.starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318

March 8, 2022
6 Ways POS Hardware Can Keep Your Dispensary Competitive
The cannabis market is rapidly growing day by day. In order to meet the high consumer demand, dispensaries seem to be emerging left and right. If you’re in the business, you have to run your cannabis dispensary’s day-to-day operations successfully to stay competitive. An efficient point-of-sale (POS) system, specifically designed to meet the particular requirements of the recreational cannabis industry, is what you need.

A cannabis dispensary’s key POS requirements differ from that of a regular retail establishment. One of the most critical elements in making your dispensary more competitive and better managed is the selection of the right POS system. This not only includes software but the proper hardware as well. This POS should have all the latest technology to help you transform your cannabis dispensary into a competitive, profitable business.

Essential POS Hardware For Dispensaries:
- Computer
- Receipt Printer
- Barcode Scanner
- Label Printer
- Cash Drawer
- POS Scale
Computer: A computer system with the minimum requirements to run the POS software of your choice is first needed. You must make sure the POS software runs on whichever computer operating system (OS) you want to use. Make sure you have a high-grade processor and enough RAM, plus a good internet connection. Many retailers are using tablets these days to run their POS software.

Receipt Printer: Although digital receipts are an option, most consumers want stores to be able to print them a receipt of purchase if requested, especially for credit card transactions. Unlike digital receipts, printed receipts don’t require any contact details from the customer, such as email address or phone number.

Finding a receipt printer of high quality and versatility to be able to take you into the next era of point-of-sale is absolutely vital. Not every printer is created equally. You want a receipt printer that can connect to different computer operating systems, in case you ever update. Being able to print from the cloud is also another must-have feature. You also want quick and easy installation so you can get to more important things.

Barcode Scanner: Barcode scanners are designed to recognize, record, and read any information contained in a product barcode or QR code. Dispensary employees can use scanning technology for POS, inventory, and marketing purposes. You’ll want an easy-to-connect and use scanner that reads accurately and quickly.

Label Printer: Labels are essential in the cannabis industry. Many states in the U.S. require QR codes on retail cannabis products that easily show the customer important information about the origins and properties of what they’re purchasing. Having your own label printer, like the TSP743II, can save a lot of money, instead of buying custom-made labels from a third party. With your own label printer, you can easily print your own, updating them exactly when you need to, and controlling the size and shape yourself.

Cash Register/Cash Drawer: Cannabis has not yet been authorized on a federal level. As a result, federally authorized banks generally refuse to hold cannabis dispensary owners’ earnings over the risk of losing their license to operate legally. Therefore, most dispensary transactions are made in the form of cash. A durable cash drawer with adequate storage that effortlessly connects to your POS receipt printer is a must.

Scale: A legal-for-trade scale is the final requirement for a cannabis dispensary POS. Not all scales will serve as a proper dispensary scale, however. The scale must be an NTEP-certified scale (or Measurement Canada certified in Canada). A scale that directly connects to the POS system is basically expected these days, as it streamlines the POS, saving time and money. A direct connection between the weight and price of your cannabis for sale lessens the chance of human mistakes and enhances the customer experience.

Check out Star’s line of POS scales, NTEP-certified and made for the cannabis industry>

Importance of POS Software

Before we continue, now would be a good time to mention the importance of your POS software. Your dispensary’s point-of-sale software can have a significant effect on staff productivity and client satisfaction. Pick software and services that work for you to earn the most out of every sale.

Obviously, the POS software should be user-friendly and assist you in handling the dispensary’s cash flow, keeping a record of your sales. Your budtenders should have easy access to your POS system. Cannabis laws differ from one state to the next. Because of this, certain POS software designed for the cannabis industry will make sure that each sale complies with your state’s standards. This makes life easier for your budtenders and prevents potential legal problems.

How POS Hardware Can Keep Your Dispensary Competitive

A modern POS system will assist a retail cannabis dispensary’s ultimate goals of keeping customers satisfied and maximizing profit. Here are six ways your POS system can help your dispensary stay competitive:

Simpler Dispensary Arrangement

Most point-of-sale systems are much simpler these days, and many can even be used on the go. This enables a dispensary to get rid of a traditional checkout counter. It is convenient to have budtenders equipped with tablets or other devices to meet consumers across the dispensary to finish payments. Any handheld device can be turned into a mobile checkout alongside a portable printer. This means the dispensary can be redesigned to have more room and a better flow that isn’t centered on a single cash register.

Compliance With Regulations

The cannabis sector is shackled by many rules, regulations, and tax concerns. On top of this, these regulations are constantly changing. Failure to live up to these regulatory requirements could result in severe penalties. As mentioned before, POS software is out there that can help with regulatory compliance. This software is made specifically for the cannabis industry. Thanks to a central database and built-in analytics, you can get real-time data reports for ensuring compliance.

Having the proper information on product labels and customer receipts is also handled with the right receipt and label printers. You can’t afford to miss any required data, and having printers that can be updated with little hassle can make your job easier.

Explore POS receipt and label printers here>

Aid Budtenders & Staff

A great POS system can help your employees better serve your customers. From wait times to simple inventory data, a POS system can enhance the experience of your customers and keep them coming back. With the right setup, details regarding the types of cannabis available allow budtenders to better respond to consumer inquiries. It simplifies the job of dispensary employees in many ways.

Improving Customer Experience

Having the right receipt printer, like Star’s TSP143III, allows you to design and print promotional material right onto your receipts. This can help boost any promos you may want to schedule.

You can also use QR codes for loyalty programs, scanning them from your customers’ phones with the proper scanner, and seeing all of their previous purchases. As a result, you can provide a more personalized experience to them. When budtenders have access to a customer’s previous purchases, they can make informed recommendations for future purchases. This could potentially lead to more long-term relationships.

Star has a robust collection of NTEP-certified POS scales

Inventory Management

The majority of cannabis retailers recognize the importance of effective inventory management. Nevertheless, this procedure can take considerable time. Alongside good POS software, POS scanners and scales can help provide key inventory management. Scales are absolutely necessary for any dispensary, but one that connects to your POS system makes transactions easier, faster, and much more accurate. These tools allow a dispensary to quickly determine the top and worst-selling products.

Ensuring that popular items are always available will keep customers coming back, and you can be assured that space in your dispensary is never wasted.

Take a look at Star’s NTEP-Certified precision POS scales>

Increase Sales

Filling customer demand, staying compliant, having the right inventory stocked, having a sleek and clean store–these are all things that keep your dispensary full of repeat customers, increasing sales. Increasing your sales keeps revenue rolling in, putting your dispensary two steps ahead of your competitors.

Cannabis is a fast-paced and profitable market, and many players are moving in on the space. Having a modern POS system is essential, especially with hardware that not only helps you grow but can grow with you. Customers have a lot of expectations these days and having a POS system that helps you meet those demands can be the thin line that separates you from the rest.

Have A Look At Star’s POS Hardware:

Star Micronics Cannabis Solutions
February 25, 2022
The Rising Stars Podcast: Retail Technology Trends For 2022
Episode 22 – Retail Technology Trends For 2022

In this episode of the Rising Stars podcast, join us for an exciting talk about the coming trends for retail technology in 2022 and beyond. Host Brianna Moriarty interviews Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, the Founder of Retail Minded, an internationally recognized industry blog and publication that delivers news and education to independent retailers.

Together, Brianna and Nicole discuss:
- Consumer behaviors and retail tech trends coming down the pipeline
- Tech for inventory control
- Payment technology options
- Social and augmented reality shopping
- Facial recognition technology and how it can greatly impact the space
Enjoy the show!

Click here to connect with Nicole on LinkedIn. And as always, to stay up-to-date on all things Star, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Loving the podcast? Subscribe now to never miss a beat, and be sure to let us know what you think by leaving a review!

Step into the future of market tech with the Rising Stars Podcast, a bi-weekly show covering emerging and innovative market trends and technology in the retail, cannabis, and hospitality space. Join Brianna Moriarty, Partner Development Manager at Star Micronics, as she tackles eye-opening subject matter with some of the best minds in retail technology across the globe.

Always leading, always innovating, Star Micronics has been an industry pioneer in point-of-sale and customer experience technology for over 40 years. Let’s share our ideas and partner together as we head toward a bright future full of rising stars.

Head on over to Retail Minded for more!

7 Key Technologies For Retailers In 2022
February 16, 2022
How QR Codes Can Benefit Your Business

In the Information Age, technological advancements are changing every aspect of life as we know it, especially due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. QR codes have become more widespread than ever, making the hectic information-sharing process easier for us. It might not come as a surprise, but more and more businesses are adopting this technology to make shopping easier for their customers.

QR codes, also known as quick response codes, are two-dimensional images that can provide a function or store large amounts of data. QR codes can show whoever scans them all about a business or they can be used to facilitate payment transactions. To read the details of a QR code, all you’ll need is a smartphone.

QR codes are a huge technological advancement in the field of retail and have made product details and other information easily accessible for both customers and employees. They have enhanced the customer experience.

This is why QR codes aren’t going anywhere.

QR Codes are the Future of the Customer Experience

QR codes are becoming increasingly essential tools in today’s society, which is why you’ll see them everywhere. The QR code was developed for business needs but was slow to catch on. The booming cannabis industry has been using them for a specific purpose by law, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that QR codes became widely utilized in the retail and hospitality industries. Here are some of their uses:

Advertising A Product

A QR code can be used to run advertisements for products. Consumers can now open a website faster by simply scanning a QR code rather than inputting the URL into their browser. The unique codes can also be used to transport the scanner to a landing page displaying products for sale. This makes the purchase decision easier and quicker for the customer, helping save time.

Informative

QR codes are made up of hyperlinks and can be found on business cards, product labels, magazines, websites, email newsletters, and any other items where words and images can be displayed. Users can scan QR codes to acquire information on a specific subject with ease.

Payment

QR codes can securely hold information about bank accounts, credit/debit cards, and other credentials. By connecting the store’s website to an account or card, the customer can pay simply by scanning the QR code with their smartphones.

Various payment options can even be incorporated into a QR code, enabling customers to select the most convenient payment option for them. Customers can even show stores their own unique QR code, which the cashier or attendant then scans, taking payment that way.

Many companies, like PayPal, use QR codes all the time but anyone can use them.

Check out Star’s QR code scanners: desktop, handheld, and wireless handheld

Explore Our Scanners

The Advantages of QR Codes

There are seemingly an unlimited number of advantages that QR codes can have for any business. From marketing to inventory control, below are just a handful of examples:

Ideal For Marketing

QR codes are often used as marketing tools that can direct customers to a company’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites. Getting your customers to interact with you on social media means increased engagement, promoting brand recognition and driving sales.

Increased Chances Of Sales

QR codes make it easy for customers to explore more of what your company has to offer. All they have to do is point their smartphone camera and they’re instantly taken to wherever you as the business owner want to take them. Everyone knows that the more traffic a store has, the more opportunities they have of making a sale. Making it easier for the customer to see and buy your product is just smart business practice.

Improves Customer Experience

QR codes are popular with customers for a variety of reasons. To begin with, they are simple to use. The customers only have to scan the QR code to be directed to your company’s webpage or email. They don’t have to memorize anything.

Moreover, only a tiny percentage of consumers remember to return to your website afterward. QR codes make it much easier for your clients to visit your website by enabling them to scan the code. Again, there’s a significant possibility your customers will buy if you make it easier for them to access the latest offerings and engage with your business.

Versatility

One of the advantages of QR codes is that they may be used in a variety of ways. Social media marketing, online purchases, landing pages, special announcements–the possibilities are nearly endless. This is why they are so useful and, dare I say, fun? People like the excitement of seeing where a QR code will take them, so make it memorable!

To add to this, companies can make their QR codes different shapes, having uniquely-designed codes that set them apart from their competitors, potentially attracting a larger audience.

Digitalize Your Business

Businesses can save time and money on traditional advertising campaigns by going digital, and that includes using QR codes. These days, going digital is a necessity. You don’t have to buy banners, flyers, or other printed materials to market your business anymore. A QR code is a one-time investment that can potentially provide a lifetime of marketing efforts.

Check out Star’s QR code scanners: desktop, handheld, and wireless handheld

Explore Our Scanners

QR Codes in the Cannabis Industry

In many states where cannabis retail is legal, it is the law that dispensaries use QR codes on their products linking to verified licenses and testing results. This way, customers can immediately determine whether or not their cannabis purchase has passed state-mandated regulatory testing.

Not only that but these QR codes can also be integrated with point-of-sale systems to keep track of inventory.

QR codes can display all the relevant information about the cannabis product for sale, both for customer satisfaction and for dispensary needs. This can be done in any industry.

How to Get QR Codes for Your Business

Getting QR codes for your business is easy. Simply find a website that offers a code generator, fill in the required information, click to generate your code, and then stylize it. After downloading the image, you can display it on whatever you want.

Since their creation, QR codes have gained widespread use, but their popularity is just beginning. Get in on the action before it’s too late and start using this wonderful technology today!

Love industry news? Explore our podcast:

The Rising Stars Podcast

February 10, 2022
How To Choose The Best POS Cash Drawer
Choosing the best POS cash drawer might seem straightforward, but it’s more intricate than it appears. While cash drawers may seem like simple metal boxes designed to secure money, selecting the ideal one for your business involves several critical considerations.

For business owners and decision-makers, the complexity increases with questions about fit, capacity, and functionality. How will the cash drawer fit into your workspace? Does it have sufficient space to handle your daily transaction volume? What type of till best suits your operational needs? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you balance these requirements against your budget?

Star is dedicated to simplifying your decision-making process. Let’s examine some key factors you should consider to ensure you choose the best POS cash drawer for your business.

1. Connectivity

First, let’s discuss connectivity options when it comes to cash drawers. Many overlook this important factor, only to realize how critical it is. Making sure your cash drawers work with your point-of-sale (POS) system is a must! Researching what hardware works with your POS software ahead of time will save you headaches. You’ll want to make sure the cash drawer works with your system’s peripherals and accessories as well, such as a POS scale or scanner.

The most common type of connectivity for cash drawers is a printer-driven interface, which means the cash drawer is controlled through the printer’s DK port. The DK port, which stands for Drawer Kick, sends a 24V DC signal that opens the drawer. The majority of cash drawers use this function.

Another way to open a cash drawer is quite obvious: manually with a key. Most cash drawers actually have both DK port connectivity and manual key access. This allows the drawer to be opened in case the electricity acts up.

There are also wireless cash functions controlled by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These tend to be more expensive and not as common, but they are an option.

Finally, don’t forget to check how a cash drawer is powered before you buy. Some use the USB interface only, getting power from the computer they’re attached to, while others need to plug into an outlet. Make sure to put your cash drawer in an area that works.

2. Security

Needless to say, security is a huge consideration when looking to purchase a cash drawer. To start, here are some options to look for:
- An additional lock that secures the drawer itself to the counter.
- A locking till cover, so when you need to take the till to the back office at closing time, cash can’t be stolen during transport.
- A universal key, so that cash drawers are easier to open in a rush and during an emergency. There is no need to look through a huge key ring for the correct key.
- A manual release option, so you can open the cash drawer no matter what. Manual release is quicker than waiting for a Bluetooth signal and even faster than some DK port signals.
- Hidden locked compartments, which require extra space and likely a higher budget.
How many people will be using the drawer at one time? How much money do you want to keep inside? Think about your day-to-day operations and how the money will be handled, then make a list of necessities for security and be sure your new cash drawer fulfills each one.

3. Size & Cash Flow

Next, you want to make sure your new cash drawer is going to fit in its space. Either there’s already an allotted area you have in mind, or you have some different options to play with. Whichever it is, you’ll need to measure the space correctly (width, height, and length) and consider your cash flow to find the right-sized cash drawer for you.

Some important questions to ask yourself are: will your drawer be on top of the counter or mounted below? Will there be important items on top of the cash drawer? Is there enough space for the till to fully open with a person comfortably behind it?

Some cash drawers specifically come with below-counter mounting options, so it’s important to figure this out ahead of time. You’ll also want to know the height of the drawer.

On the market, there are normally two different sizes for cash drawers: a smaller option (typically 13” x 13”) and a larger option (typically 16” x 16” and larger). Most cash drawers are 4-5 inches in height, but be sure to check.

Star’s cash drawers come in a variety of sizes to suit multiple industries.

Currency & Media

Now, which currency do you use? Cash drawer tills (the part of the cash drawer that holds the money) come in several different sizes with distinct layouts for different currencies. Some tills have room for the US standard (five bills and four coins).

Other tills come with room for more coins or bills if larger, higher-value bills, such as $100, are accepted. They could also have options to adjust sections or remove coin trays entirely. There are also tills available specifically for Canadian and Latin American currencies.

Finally, you’ll want to know how your POS system opens your cash drawer (if it opens electronically). Some systems open the drawer on every transaction, while others open for cash transactions only.

Especially if you handle a lot of credit card slips, coupons, or checks, be sure to choose a cash drawer with media slots in the front. Media slots are openings in the drawer that receipts or other documents are fed into. These documents are securely stored beneath the till, in a hidden space. You may even want added space beneath the till for extra coin rolls or bills.

Use the Cash Drawer Selector Tool

Effortlessly find the ideal cash drawer for your business with our Cash Drawer Selector Tool—filter options by width, region, connection type, and more to ensure a perfect fit.

Cash Drawer Wizard

4. Durability

Next on the list of considerations is durability. Why would anyone want a cash drawer to be of poor quality?

You’ll want to know exactly what a cash drawer is made of. Cash drawers like Star’s are made of steel, which not only makes your investment worthwhile, but is also a security feature.

A cash drawer should also have a multi-year warranty. Be sure to choose a warranty that includes at least 1 million opens. It would also be smart to have a strengthened key, so it doesn’t break, while having an outer finish that can withstand abuse from the surrounding environment.

5. Style & Design

Although not as important as the above considerations, how your cash drawer looks should factor in your decision at least a little. Usually, you’ll want a cash drawer that matches the look and feel of your counter space and other POS components.

For example, if you have a white receipt printer and white tablet-based POS stand, choosing a white cash drawer will help provide a sleek look to your counter.

The look of your cash drawer is something that only you can decide. Cash drawers come in many different colors, sizes, and styles, but I would recommend you consider the top factors first.

Cash drawers are must-have items for the majority of businesses. Knowing how to choose the best POS cash drawer for yours can save time and money, all while creating a secure, efficient, and productive business.

Meet Star’s Cash Drawers

Star Micronics is proud to offer feature-rich cash drawers for any budget or application.

Value Series

The Value Series includes cost-effective cash drawers that integrate seamlessly into any retail or hospitality environment. Connected to a standard printer communication interface with a bottom exit cable, Star’s Value Series cash drawers are reliable and come with a standard warranty. They also feature four lock functions: locked, closed, online (opens electronically), manual open, and locked open.

Choice Series

Our Choice Series cash drawers include features businesses already know and love, but with added strength to support touch tablets and POS terminals on top. They also have a secure dual-drawer cable, enabling the Choice Series to work as either cash drawer 1 or cash drawer 2.

These drawers also include a foldable hinged key which minimizes the possibility of breaking off in the lock, with over 10 different lockset options for added security.

Max Series

Max Series cash drawers are the premier choice for retailers. Featuring durable, high-quality drawers with Kensington lock compatibility and sleek Star branding, these cash drawers are designed to securely manage cash while delivering professional looks and reliability. They also feature four lock functions: locked, closed, online (opens electronically), manual open, and locked open.

Find the Ideal Cash Drawer for Your Business

Explore Star Cash Drawers
February 1, 2022
Star Micronics Launches New Solutions Line at NRF 2022

At NRF 2022, Star’s latest in their famed TSP100 line-up of POS printers, the TSP143IV, sat pretty on a shining podium, ultra-connected and feature-rich.

Somerset, NJ – January 27, 2022 – Star Micronics recently exhibited at the National Retail Federation (NRF): Retail’s Big Show where they not only displayed their traditional line of products, but also introduced their latest lines of receipt, label, and kiosk printers, scales, and stands as well. Perhaps their most anticipated product launch was the latest generation of TSP100 printers, the new TSP143IV. This cutting-edge printer offers advanced connectivity and a sleek design to enhance any retailer’s point of sale system.

Other new product launches include scales specifically designed for restaurants and retailers, and a new line of stands with modern functionalities, designed to clean up any retail counter. Proving once again that Star Micronics is not only your go-to provider of receipt printers but a one-stop shop for all your POS hardware solutions.

In lieu of a traditional press conference, Star Micronics has chosen to promote the show’s events via video. This has allowed them to ensure the safety of their team, as well as the health and safety of the dedicated reporters and employees at the show.

“In 2022, we’re so excited to introduce you to our expanding printer product portfolio, along with our complimentary solution products we are launching this year. I think our solution products would be perfect for your business because they’re simple and easy to use with the right features that you and your customers need.”

Mike Hanson, Executive Vice-President of Star Micronics America

About Star Micronics

Star Micronics, a world’s leader in point of sale, has designated a portfolio of printing, secure cash management, scanners, scales, stands and customer engagement solutions for any retail or hospitality establishment in POS and mPOS environments. Embracing the mobility wave, Star’s complementary SDKs allow users to utilize Star in tandem with Android™, iOS iPad®, and iPhone® devices to generate receipts, Chit and label for its printers. In addition, Star Micronics is always leading and innovating, enabling web-based printing solutions, including remote cloud printing, wireless cash drawer solutions, proximity-based printing, and secure cash management. For more information, visit www.starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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Media Contact

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318

January 27, 2022
Labor Shortage Solutions: The Most Helpful Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked many unexpected changes in the economy and the way we live our lives. At the beginning of the pandemic, jobs were lost – in April 2020, as a result of the lockdown, the unemployment rate peaked at 14.8%. But now small businesses are facing a similar yet entirely different challenge: there are millions of job openings but a shortage of workers. Read on to learn more about the labor shortage and how the right technology can help businesses not just survive but thrive.

The Labor Shortage: Facts and Figures

The current labor shortage is a historic one. According to CNBC, as of August 2021 there were 4.3 million people leaving their jobs, the highest level on records dating back to 2000. Additionally, per the most recent U.S. Labor Department Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, there were 10.4 million job openings as of August 2021.

Service-heavy industries that traditionally required abundant manual labor, like accommodation and food services, are being majorly affected by the labor shortage. That puts you, a small business owner, under pressure to pivot your operations to keep up with consumers’ needs. Read on to explore how the right technology can help your business succeed during the labor shortage and beyond.

Labor Shortage Solutions

Self-Service Kiosks

Self-service kiosks can be extremely beneficial when your business is short-handed. A kiosk can enable your customers to take matters into their own hands (literally), avoiding potential long lines and bottlenecks.

Kiosks allow customers to order their own meal at a restaurant, check themselves in to an appointment, and check prices or pay for their own purchase at a retail shop. All the while, kiosks allow precious available staff to dedicate themselves to improving the customer experience in more worthwhile ways, like providing more personal customer service, restocking shelves, preparing online and curbside orders, and more.

Mobile Checkouts

A mobile checkout at Target (source: thekrazycouponlady.com)

In the retail and QSR space, long lines are a serious danger. According to a study conducted by payment platform Ayden, retailers lose a collective $37.7 billion in potential sales due to long checkout lines (and that figure is surely even higher now during the labor shortage).

The answer? Mobile checkouts. Instead of requiring customers to queue up at a traditional point of sale, mobile checkouts enable staff to process payments anywhere in the store or restaurant as long as they have a mobile point of sale device and a mobile receipt printer. Implementing mobile checkouts not only help your business with line-busting, but they offer a more convenient method of payment for your customers and allow staff to be out and about in the building completing other tasks while also being able to ring up sales along the way.

Reopening Toolbox

Now more than ever, safety and convenience are priorities in retail and hospitality environments. As businesses reopen their doors, Star is proud to offer a line of solutions and resources designed to keep consumers and employees safe and satisfied.

Visit Toolbox

POS Software & Online Ordering

If there’s ever been a time to upgrade your POS software and become a part of the online ordering scene, the pandemic is it. If you’re considering upgrading, be sure to choose a POS software that includes features like:

Online and brick-and-mortar selling capabilities

Mobile checkouts and mobile payment acceptance

Inventory management and menu management

Employee reporting, management, and payroll

Customer management and loyalty programs

Stock transfers

Detailed reporting

Online ordering is not only widely sought after by consumers but can help you optimize your in-store and in-restaurant labor by having customers pay online and simply drop by to pick up their item or meal (or have it delivered to them). This can help keep your remaining brick-and-mortar business flowing, while allowing staff to package orders in-between ringing up customers or providing other customer support.

Antimicrobial Film Covers

Between the Delta variant and the upcoming flu season, avoiding germs is a priority for all shoppers and diners, whether they’re browsing your brick-and-mortar establishment or simply dropping by to pick up a curbside order.

Help protect your customers and staff alike by applying antimicrobial film covers (like the ones from Star) to various surfaces in your store. Antimicrobial covers take seconds to apply, last up to 6 months, and can be placed on anything from door handles and checkout counters to restaurant tables and bathroom surfaces. Additionally, the covers provided by Star are thoroughly tested, EPA-compliant, and latex-free.

The Labor Shortage: A Trying Time, but Also a Time to Improve

The labor shortage is without a doubt one of the most stressful times the retail and restaurant industries have endured in recent years. However, the technology needed to help businesses through this challenge should be considering an investment in long-term success. Solutions like self-service kiosks, mobile checkouts, top-of-the-line POS software, and antimicrobial covers help you survive the now – and thrive in the tomorrow.

From antimicrobial film covers to mobile receipt printers, Star has the right POS technology to boost your business – whether you’re fully staffed or short-handed.

Star Micronics Product Catalog

Explore POS printers, label printers, kiosk solutions, and accessories for retail, restaurant, self-service, and more.

Download Now

Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.
November 4, 2021
The Best Tech to Help with the Holiday Retail Rush

It’s hard to believe, but before we know it the holidays will be here. While the holiday season always brings an uptick in consumer spending, this year is slated to see a rise in sales. This would normally be positive news, but with the ongoing labor shortage, it may be stressful to some retailers. Read on to learn more about estimated holiday spending trends and what technology can help retailers tackle the holiday rush.

Expected 2021 Holiday Retail Shopping Trends

Despite the ongoing pandemic and the COVID-19 Delta variant, retailers should be prepared to handle an increasing number of holiday sales.

According to CBS News,

“U.S. consumers will spend up to 9% more this holiday period compared to 2020, when consumers spent a total of $1.2 trillion during the key shopping period between November and the end of the year, according to a forecast from Deloitte. That would be an improvement over holiday spending over the last two years, when sales grew less than 6% in 2020 and just over 4% the previous year.”

Which Tech Can Help the Holiday Retail Rush

An increase in sales is, of course, the goal of any retailer. But what happens when you’re expecting a steep rise in sales when you are simultaneously experiencing a labor shortage?

The right technology can help short-staffed retailers not only survive the holiday season but thrive in it. After all, making a positive, lasting impression on shoppers by providing a seamless customer experience is something that will pay off well into the future, not just this winter.

Self-Service Kiosks

Self-checkout kiosks can really be a “two birds, one stone” solution for the holidays: they can alleviate your limited staff’s workload while also giving customers the option to pay at their own pace and without having to worry about coming in contact with another person. And shoppers love them, too. According to TotalRetail, 60% of surveyed shoppers said they would rather pay at a self-checkout than with a cashier. And that’s not all: the survey also found that over one-third of consumers say they have been using self-checkouts “much more” in the past 12 months.

Online Ordering

When a store is short-handed, it’s especially important to streamline and quicken transactions. Being able to rapidly process a purchase or retrieve a buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) order means more sales and happier customers at the end of the day.

If your store isn’t already online, it should be. Shipping to customers can keep your brick-and-mortar location flowing smoothly. Even if you don’t ship to customers, having an option to place a BOPIS order can not only make your shoppers’ lives more convenient, but lighten the load of your salesfloor staff so they can focus on more important initiatives like customer service and swiftly processing the remaining in-store purchases.

You can make your online ordering operations even more streamlined by utilizing technology like linerless labels. Ideal for quickly and efficiently labeling orders, these peel-and-stick labels eliminate the pesky, messy traditional label liners and can easily be removed and reapplied.

Mobile Payments

There’s a solution for you even if you are still experiencing long lines in your brick-and-mortar: mobile payments. With a mobile card reader and portable receipt printer, your staff can ring card- or mobile wallet-paying customers up anywhere in the store. Another “two birds, one stone” solution, mobile payments can allow staff to provide customer service or restock shelves while also having the technology on-hand to ring up any purchases that nearby customers may have.

Health and Safety Solutions

We must not forget that we are still in a pandemic. You can make holiday shoppers feel safe and confident by incorporating a variety of health and safety solutions into your brick-and-mortar store. Examples of these solutions include a sneeze guard at the point of sale and customer service counters, readily available hand sanitizer, and antimicrobial covers on door handles, bathroom surfaces, and more.

Star’s Holiday Retail Solutions

Whether you are a retail store looking for products to help you this holiday season, or you are a reseller hoping to offer your retail customers a relevant solution, Star has what it takes. Explore our holiday retail solutions below.

Kiosk Printers

Printers are an integral part of self-checkouts, and Star is proud to provide a range of reliable self-service kiosk printers available with a variety of print widths and connectivity options.
Learn more >

CloudPRNT

Star makes online ordering easy. By choosing a printer equipped with CloudPRNT technology, you can print online orders automatically – no extra tablet needed.
Learn more >

Portable Printers

Looking to line-bust? Star’s portable printers are what you need. With Bluetooth, Apple BLE, and USB connectivity, these on-the-go printers not only print receipts, but labels, too. Better yet, they have a rugged housing and feature a long battery life, as well.
Learn more >

Antimicrobial Covers*

Keeping a variety of surfaces cleaner doesn’t have to be complicated. The antimicrobial covers provided by Star enable you to protect door handles, checkout counters, bathroom surfaces, and more – and application takes 30 seconds or less.
Learn more >

POSShield Sneeze Guard

Protect both shoppers and employees at the point of sale and customer service area with a durable, protective sneeze guard. The POSShield takes the sneeze guard to the next level by accommodating any existing POS terminal and not requiring any countertop mounting or drilling (making it futureproof, too).
Learn more >

Explore Star’s complete product line – for the holiday season and beyond – in our product catalog:

Download Catalog

*Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.

October 26, 2021
Retail Rebound: 5 Expected Post-COVID-19 Consumer Trends

The retail industry has seen some interesting times in the past couple of years, to say the least. Pre-pandemic, the industry was dappling in omnichannel capabilities. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, after a brief shutdown and calibration period, the Retail Rebound emerged. Contactless payments, QR code technology, online ordering, and more have blossomed – but what is here to stay? In today’s blog post, explore some of the top solutions that have grown during the pandemic and which are predicted to remain in the Retail Rebound and beyond.

1. Contactless Payments

Payments are changing as we know it, and contactless payments are on the rise. In fact, according to Forbes, over 35% of consumers claim they use contactless payments for at least 75% of their retail purchases.

Contactless payments can take several forms but the most popular are mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay that are available on smartphones and smart watches, and NFC credit and debit cards. These technologies allow customers to simply hold their device or card over a compatible payment terminal instead of having to use cash or swipe or insert their card. While these payment methods first gained traction as a way to avoid germs, their speed, convenience, and security make them liable to remain popular for the foreseeable future.

2. BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up in Store)

Buy online, pick up in store (commonly called “BOPIS”) is a prime example of a retail offering that was slowly emerging before COVID-19, but exponentially grew in popularity during the pandemic and continues to do so during the Retail Rebound.

According to research by Kibo Commerce, BOPIS orders grew over 500% by the height of the pandemic in 2020. However, while many shoppers turned to BOPIS as a way to stay safe, it’s been found that over half of them actually favor it for its convenience, meaning we can expect for it to stay around for good. Who would want to turn back the dial to more inconvenient methods of shopping?

3. Omnichannel Shopping

As the pandemic began to unfold, one thing was true for retailers: if you aren’t online yet, you need to be now. The safety and convenience offered by providing customers an omnichannel shopping experience quickly went from a “nice to have” to a “must have.” It appears shoppers continue to consider online shopping a necessity – according to GWI, as of spring 2021, 76% of consumers in the US and UK said they’re still doing more online shopping compared to before the pandemic.

BOPIS, which we mentioned above, is part of an omnichannel strategy, as is having an informative and functional website, real-time inventory management, and more. Click here to learn more about a successful omnichannel strategy.

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

Antimicrobial covers offered by Star

4. Cleanliness

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but its effects may be more long-term than you initially thought. Germ avoidance is of course extremely important, especially during the peak of the pandemic. However, even as the worries of COVID-19 eventually fade, the desire to avoid touching other people’s germs is likely to stay. Things that we used to touch regularly without a second thought, like door handles, now have us feeling some hesitation. Flu season is an example of a recurring scenario in which people will likely be a lot more cautious about germs than before the pandemic.

Businesses can ease these worries by installing the right solutions. Most retailers probably already have a plexiglass sneeze guard installed at checkout counters, but something they may not have yet are antimicrobial covers. These peel-and-stick covers can be applied to door handles, checkout counters, elevator buttons, and more. With an easy application process and a lifespan of up to six months, they’re a great way to consumers’ ongoing need to stay safe and healthy.

5. Self-Service

Whether you’re ordering your meal at a restaurant or checking in to your doctor’s office, self-service kiosks are growing in popularity across several markets – and for good reason. Kiosks help minimize the risk of spreading germs via face-to-face contact, they can help with line-busting (especially during the current labor shortage), and they provide a prime opportunity for upselling and brandingThese benefits are expected to remain present during the pandemic and beyond; according to Infiniti Research Limited, during 2021-2025 the self-service kiosk market is expected to grow by $2.97bn, at a CAGR of almost 6%.

Retail Rebound: The “Here and Now” is Here to Stay

Retail has changed for good. The unprecedented pandemic brought on a slew of challenges seemingly overnight, and the solutions the market has created to adapt to those challenges are likely here to stay as they provide ongoing safety, convenience, and security to shoppers worldwide. Now is the time for retailers to assess and optimize their operations.

Always leading, and always innovating, Star is proud to offer a range of retail POS hardware solutions to accompany the ever-evolving retail market trends.

Star Micronics Product Catalog

Explore POS printers, label printers, kiosk solutions, and accessories for retail, restaurant, self-service, and more.

Download Now

Disclaimer: NeverGerms® makes no claims regarding the safety or health of the general public or those interacting with its products. “NeverGerms®” and “Touch Less Germs®” are registered trademarks and not intended to have literal interpretation. NeverGerms products are manufactured by NeverGerms and distributed by Star Micronics. Although these products are designed to reduce microbe populations on commonly-utilized surfaces and have been tested by the manufacturer for their antimicrobial properties, Star Micronics cannot guarantee that they will eliminate all risk of germ, including virus, transfer from such surfaces. Star Micronics, as distributor, relies entirely upon claims made by manufacturer as supported by prior research. For further information, please visit www.nevergerms.com.

October 5, 2021