POS (Point of Sales) receipt printers, when connected to a computer with a cable interface, receive data from the POS software application running on the computer. The data is interpreted through the printer's device driver and gets printed. You will have to consider a variety of factors when selecting the type of POS receipt printer for your business. You will have to bestow special attention to your software requirements, device drivers, cable interfaces, receipt cutting, extra features etc.
The types of POS receipt printers available in the market are:Impact - These printers are arguably the most flexible and low-priced and fairly widely used. They feature ink ribbons to impact the receipt like any dot matrix printer. They print 2-ply receipts - a copy each for the vendor and customer. You have the option to print up to two colors- the standard colors are black and red.
Direct Thermal - These types of printers, as the name suggests, use heat to create the impression on paper. This receipt printer does not use a ribbon to print but a special paper. Direct thermal printers have its advantages as they are economically-priced, with no ribbon to replace, and thus the most popular one.
Ink Jet - These printers are fast and typically offer two-color printing mostly black and red. They are versatile and capable of producing graphic-intensive designs and thus fit for printing coupons and logos for a one-of-a-kind look. These printers are ideal for use in a POS environment where direct marketing on receipts is the norm.
POS Multi-function - These types offer a host of features such as receipt printing, slip printing, MICR font reading, and check endorsement. These configurations vary by model, and the print methods can be Thermal, Inkjet to Impact. By virtue of its added advantages, these printers are more expensive than the standard single-function one.
Portable Receipt Printer - These are mobile units that run on rechargeable batteries. A portable POS printer will print receipts using BlueTooth wireless technology, or will attach directly to a PDA-style handheld device to receive the printable data. These printers are understandably costly. These printers are recommended for use by mobile field sales force taking orders on PDA devices, hectic large-scale floor sales environment, or any other outdoor marketing environment.
Please know that some software applications only work with specific receipt printer drivers, it is therefore necessary for you to check with the software supplier to ascertain the compatibility of a specific receipt printer with the software. For instance, if your software requires OPOS drivers, an Epson or POS-X receipt printer should be the right choice.
Please also know that a device will connect to your PC via a Serial, Parallel, USB, or Ethernet connection. Please find out the types of cable interfaces available in the market. You have to check the type of connections found on your computer so that you can select the right type of interface for your receipt printer.
These POS are available with either a manual tear bar or an auto cutter for delivering the paper receipt. This is a question of your personal preference based on the quantum of your workload.
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