Receipt printers can cost as little as $175 and as much as $800. (Image, right: “Drop in and print paper load,” used with permission from Star Micronics).
Is the receipt printer compatible with your POS software? Most are, but it’s best to check with the software vendor before purchasing.Make sure to think through what types and how many ports are available on your computer, as well as any other peripherals that will also need to be connected through the existing ports. How will your receipt printer connect, or interface, with your computer? The 3 types of interfaces are RS-232 Serial, Parallel, and USB.They may worth considering if you want high quality, color logos, or coupons printed on your receipts, but the cost of replacing ink cartridges is substantial. Ink jet printers have print heads that shoot tiny droplets of liquid ink onto the paper. (Image, right: Thermal Paper Rolls, used with permission from POS Supplies Online.) (Image, left: Star TSP100ECO Thermal Printers, used with permission from Star Micronics.) More recent developments in thermal printing include multi-colored thermal printing, and double-sided printing for receipts. Therefore thermal printers do not require ink or toner, and over time this helps to make up for the higher initial cost. Thermal printers print by direct contact between the thermal head (which generates heat) and thermal paper (which is thermally coated to be sensitive to heat). Thermal printers cost more than dot matrix printers (ranging from $300 to $500), but are more popular due to their improved print quality, faster speed, and quieter functioning. (Image, right: Star SP700 Ink Ribbon, used with permsission from POS Supplies Online.) (Image, top: Star SP700 Impact Printer, used with permission from Star Micronics.) They are popular for kitchen environments, since kitchen temperatures are not optimal for thermal printers to work effectively. They can often print in two colors, black and red, and are capable of printing graphics.ĭot matrix printers usually range from $175 to $350.
Dot matrix printers have tiny pins that are mounted on the print head, which work with an ink ribbon to produce a series of dots that form the letters on the paper. The main options for choosing receipt printers include thermal printers (most common), dot matrix printers, and ink jet printers.ĭot matrix printers, also known as impact printers, are the least expensive option, are very reliable, and involve minimal operating costs (replacing paper and ribbons). Restaurants also use receipt printers to print off orders back in the kitchen or at the bar.
They are used in retail environments to print credit card slips and customer receipts.
Receipt printers are an important part of a point of sale (POS) system.