A cash register printer is an important piece of equipment for any business that has a point of sale (POS). A POS receipt printer works with many types of technology, including computers and credit card machines. A terminal printer is a quick way to produce customer receipts.

Business receipt printers are often cheaper than other models, and are often very portable for businesses that have roving points of sale. POS printers can cost $100 to $500 depending on the model's features, how compatible it is to your equipment and what type of paper it uses. Receipt printers pricing and costs will depend on:

1. Which printing method a model uses.

2. If a receipt printer performs functions besides printing.

3. The size of the machine and printer roll.

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Choose an impact receipt printer that makes two-ply receipts

An impact receipt printer is the best choice for businesses that need to print two-ply receipt rolls. This allows both the customer and the the business to keep a copy. Impact printers are also very durable and can withstand higher temperatures than other types of receipt printers, so they're especially useful in kitchens in restaurants. Impact receipt printers cost $175 to $200.

I recommend: POS Micro offers many models of impact printers with different features and sizes. The Point of Sale Software Buyers Guide offers advice on choosing the right type of printer for your business.

Consider a thermal POS printer for portability

If you want a portable POS printer, look to a thermal printer. These models are easy to travel with because you do not need to worry about ink cartridges leaking, like ink jet printer cartridges can. Thermal printers cost $275 to $300.

I recommend: TotalBarcode.com offers many types of thermal POS printers, including models with or without an interface. M-S Cashdrawer sells one of the fastest thermal printers in the world. Able Systems provides an introduction to miniprinters used for points of sale. The tutorial outlines the differences between printing options and functions.

Buy a multi-function POS printer for additional services

If you own a business that accepts checks, consider a multi-function printer that combines regular receipt printing with check validation and slip printing. This can save your company money because you won't have to buy a separate check validation system for one or more POS areas. Multi-function printers cost $550 to $600, depending on the number of additional functions it can perform.

I recommend: POSSavings.com offers a full line of multi-function printers by made by Epson. Epson provides information on its series of point of sale printers, including user guides and tips. Star Micronics is another supplier of multi-function receipt printers that can handle check endorsement, franking and validation and slip printing.

Receipt printers are necessary in almost every kind of business from retail to restaurants. Your customers need a receipt for the goods they purchase. Impact receipt printers and thermal POS printers replace the old cash register receipt printers. There are even portable POS printers, so which one is right for your business?

Restaurants need a durable, heat resistant POS receipt printer, while outdoor businesses need the flexibility of a portable cash register printer. Look for the following features when deciding which POS receipt printer is right for your business:

1. Choose a thermal cash register printer for speed and silence.

2. Select an impact receipt printer for low price.

3. Go portable with portable POS printers.

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Use a terminal printer that gets your customers cashed out fast

A thermal terminal printer speeds up the check out process. They run quietly with practically no discernible noise, and the only ongoing consumable used is the thermal receipt paper. The initial cost is a bit higher than the cost of an impact receipt printer, but over time, the thermal printer is more efficient.

I recommend: Star Micronics offers an entire line of thermal printers. Their top of the line terminal printer produces receipts at the rate of 45 per minute. This also comes with "plug and play" USB drivers and "drop-in and print" paper loading. View all of their thermal receipt printers, and choose the right one for your business. POSMicro stocks all kinds of receipt printers including thermal, impact, ink jet, multifunction and portable receipt printers along with information on all of them so you make the right choice for your business.

Get rugged and reliable cheap receipt printers

Impact receipt printers cost less and withstand heat making them ideal for use in restaurant kitchens to print order tickets. They also are ideal for high use areas due to their strong construction. These printers typically cost less to buy but more to operate since you must purchase both receipt printer paper and the inked ribbons.

I recommend: Epson offers a line of impact receipt printers with the features you need such as fast 2-color printing, easy operation, flexible paper widths and a 2-year warranty. Other industries such as banks and pharmacies also benefit from the newest printers made especially for them. Special receipt printers read checks and print them fast while label and barcode printers make printing prescription labels fast and easy. DGA Houston offers dot matrix point of sale printers. All of their receipt printers feature 3-year warranty included with the price, so look at these printers for quality and affordability.

Bring your portable point of sale printer to your customers

Flea market vendors and other retailers who work outside need a small durable portable receipt printer for their customer's receipts. These printers work without the need to hook up to your computer.

I recommend: BarcodesInc offers the Citizen CMP-10 receipt printer along with other portable receipt printers. The CMP-10 comes complete with battery, charger and a soft case. Semicron Systems offers portable receipt printers from many manufacturers. Look at their selection, and choose the right portable receipt business for your unique need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do not forget to buy the accessories for your receipt printer such as receipt printer paper and ribbons if your printer needs them. Receipt printer software and receipt printer drivers for your printer usually come in the box, but you must purchase the cable to connect to your computer.

No matter what business you're in, most likely you will require a terminal printer. Whether you run a retail store, restaurant or even have a small business where you make sales while traveling, a POS receipt printer is a must in order to give your customers a valid receipt. Since business receipt printers come in many different types and styles, it's important to learn about them so you can choose the best printer equipment for your business.

Restaurants may find a resilient, temperature resistant POS receipt printer best for them, while businesses that operate in places without electricity can benefit from a portable cash register printer. There are a few different ways to help you decide what is best for you such as looking at portable printers, learning about thermal POS printers and understanding the benefits of purchasing used equipment in the form of cheap receipt printers.

1. Consider a portable cash register printer.

2. Gain knowledge of thermal POS printers.

3. Learn about used POS printers in order to save on your budget.

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Utilize the benefits of a portable cash register printer

Whether you run a small business at a flea market or do roadside vending, a portable cash register printer has many benefits such as you being able to offer customers a genuine receipt showing their purchases. A portable printer can show the professionalism your business can benefit from. Customers can be assured of having a receipt for their purchase and you can keep up with each sale.

I recommend: NTS has rugged portable printers with IrDA, Bluetooth, WiFi and optional card swipe. Radix offers portable thermal printers with a one-year warranty.

Learn about the varieties of thermal POS printers available

Thermal POS printers are excellent for high traffic businesses where your customers want to be able to check out fast and efficiently. These printers run at a faster rate than other printer styles and are quiet and easy to set up.

I recommend: POS Paper offers thermal printers as well as other types to choose from and POS Micro also offers a wide variety of thermal printers.

Consider the cost savings in purchasing used POS printers

If you are on a budget or just want to focus on other needed items, used POS printers are an excellent way of getting the printer you need at a much lower price. Most come refurbished and have warranties in case you encounter any problems with their functionality.

I recommend: MTIPC has refurbished POS printers that include a 90 day warranty. Cheap HP Printers has refurbished printers with free shipping.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always have plenty of receipt printer paper on hand when using a cash register printer in your business.

Receipt printers are necessary for all types of businesses that sell products. If you're starting to look at different printers for your business, you may be surprised by the many different styles. You need to decide if you want an impact receipt printer or a thermal receipt printer. If you process checks, consider a multifunction receipt printer. Whatever your needs, it's helpful to learn some of the words associated with these printers. Get started with the following key terms.

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Impact receipt printer

An impact, or dot matrix, receipt printer prints receipts with small pens that hit against an ink ribbon. This style of receipt printer is loud and slow, but it is one of the cheapest options.

I recommend: See an impact receipt printer at Hallogram.

Thermal receipt printer

A thermal receipt printer uses heat to print the receipts. It prints receipts quickly and does not make a lot of sound when printing. However, it does require purchasing special thermal paper that responds to the heat.

I recommend: Epson offers a thermal printer for point of sale systems.

Multifunction receipt printer

Multifunction receipt printers don't only print receipts. They also process checks and print credit card receipts for the customers to sign. This is a great solution for businesses that accept many different types of payments.

I recommend: Consumers Choice POS shows an example of a multifunction receipt printer.

Portable receipt printers

A portable receipt printer allows you to print receipts wherever you go. Select this model if you sell goods outside of your store, such as at a flea market or craft show.

I recommend: National Technology Services shows its portable receipt printer.

Drop-in paper loading

Drop-in paper loading is a technique for loading a new roll of paper in a receipt printer. It can be inconvenient for customers to have to wait for a cashier to change the printer paper. Drop-in paper is easy to reload -- you simply drop it in the machine and it's ready to use. You can find this feature in both impact and thermal printers.

I recommend: See a printer that offers drop-in paper loading at Discount Till Rolls.

Auto-cut

Some machines have an auto-cut feature, which cuts the receipt as it is finished printing. This eliminates the error of a cashier accidentally tearing the customer's receipt.

I recommend: NuRol shows a receipt printer than has an auto-cut feature.