Choosing a Printer for Your POS System

One of the most critical decisions for your POS system is choosing the right printer for your needs. Your printers are among your most critical long-term business supplies. Let’s take a look at things to consider when making this decision. 

Types of Printers

The first thing to consider when choosing a printer for your POS system is the types of printers available. There are three basic types. 

Thermal Printers

These printers use heat to generate images on chemically treated receipt paper. They don’t need any ink or toner and are known for printing quickly with high quality images. 

Impact Printers

This type of POS printer uses tiny pins and an ink ribbon to produce a series of dots that form letters and images on each receipt. They typically print in black and red. Printers in kitchens at restaurants often favor this type due to high temperatures. 

Inkjet Printers

This is probably what you think of when you consider a “normal printer” as inkjets were the standard for home printing. These use drops of liquid ink to generate text and images. Most businesses do not have a need for inkjet printers. 

Considerations When Choosing Your POS Printer

Once you’ve selected a type of printer, the most important thing to consider when selecting a receipt printer for your POS system is the specific needs of your business as well as the environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating the different options. 

Budget

One of the prime aspects for most people is their budget. When considering your printer budget, also keep in mind aspects such as maintenance needed and whether or not a printer needs periodic ribbons or ink. 

Space Available

Where your printer will be stored is another thing to consider. There are very small printers that can function with limited counter space and larger ones that may not be convenient for some retail spaces or businesses. 

Printing Speeds

How fast do you need a printer to be able to print? Most businesses need receipts to print quickly. Typically, you’ll want a print speed of at least 200 millimeters per second, particularly if you frequently have lines of customers. 

Amount of Use

Will your printer be in constant use or have a lower volume? Durability is important to consider. Additionally, a printer that will be frequently used will need more maintenance and ribbons unless it is a thermal printer which operates with heat. 

Portability

If you plan to move your printer around a lot (i.e., food trucks or businesses that set up at remote sites), you’ll want one that is small, lighter weight, and can easily operate with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These are important considerations. 

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the type of receipt printer you decide to purchase, you can find the top lines as well as all your receipt paper and ribbon needs at POS Paper, your go to location for quality printing products.