Buying a point of sale printer would become an easy job if you know your needs and the options available. You require a printing machine to make your POS system fully functional but this machine should not become a burden on your business.
Let’s discuss the popular options for POS printing
1. Dot Matrix Printer
A dot matrix printing machine is an economical option, specifically when you want to print multiple copies of a receipt. The operating cost of a dot matrix machine is minimal and for this reason, it proves to be more economical than the others. A dot matrix printer is identified by the tiny pins on its head. The pins work with the ink ribbon to print the paper. It prints a series of tiny dots that take the shape of letters on paper. It can print in black and red colors.
Advantages of dot matrix technology:
Least upfront and running cost
Good for printing multiple receipts in one-go
Can work in hot and humid conditions
Reliable and easy to use
2. Thermal Printer
A thermal printing machine uses heat to print papers. It has no pints and nor does it needs ribbons to print. Heated ink makes imprints on paper and these imprints are sharper than prints a dot matrix machine gives. Take, for example, a Posiflex Rugtek RP80USE thermal receipt printer that can give your sales staff a smooth and error-free printing experience. The cost of thermal printing is higher than that of dot matrix, but it is profitable in terms of time savings and long-run benefits.
Advantages of thermal technology:
It works silently
The image quality of the print is quite high
Prints faster
Lasts longer
3. Inkjet Printers
The technology used in inkjet machines involves print heads that use droplets of liquid ink onto paper and deliver high-quality prints. Considering print quality, inkjet technology is better suited for creating colorful logos or graphics-oriented coupons. Small and medium businesses do not need this technology and for this reason, it is not an option for them.
Advantages of inkjet technology:
Low upfront cost
Sharper print quality with detailed and smooth printing
Fast printing for dense graphics
Produces lesser sound than dot matrix
If you are looking for a pos printer for a grocery store where you need to print a single receipt for each sale then you should use a thermal printing machine. But if you need multiple receipts for record then you should buy dot matrix machine.
Why should you opt for a thermal printing machine?
Most restaurants, retail shops, and grocery stores use thermal printing machines. They choose quality over price. Thermal technology actually consumes more electricity but it can save time which can be used to make more sales.
If you buy printer online, you can easily save some money. E-commerce sites give lucrative discounts. Also, you can shop around to get maximum benefits. But first, you should be sure which printing machine to buy. Explore your options and shortlist that match your needs most.
Final Thoughts
If price is a concern, you should buy a dot matrix printer that can save you some money while providing you with better-quality receipts. But if you want to print only one receipt for each customer then you should choose a thermal printing machine that has long-term benefits.
There are many websites where you can find printers for sale, explore options, compare models and choose the best machine for your needs. While most retailers choose a thermal machine, you can invest in a dot matrix printer if you find it more suitable. Also, go through