2020 was a year like no other. No one could have predicted the impact this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has had on the world. First and foremost, Star would like to extend our sympathy to anyone affected by the coronavirus and we extend our heartfelt wishes for a full recovery.
Retail and restaurant businesses everywhere had to pivot suddenly in early 2020 and our blogs reflect that deep need across the industries. Read on to explore our top 5 point of sale blogs from last year, many of which you will find continue to remain relevant as we approach the “new normal” way of living.
Top 5 Point of Sale Blogs
1. Retail During COVID-19: How to Safely Succeed
We are all very aware of the impact COVID-19 (coronavirus) is having globally and on countless business and personal levels. With many retailers forced to close (physical) shop, what’s the best plan of action to succeed while maintaining public safety?
In this blog post, we discuss how the COVID-19 situation is multi-phase, and which steps retailers can take during each stage to ensure business survival – while keeping everyone involved safe and healthy.
2. 3 Advantages of Online Food Ordering for Customers
Online ordering has been around in the restaurant industry for quite some time – in fact, the first online food ordered was placed in 1994! However, in recent years and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, online ordering has gone from a desirable convenience to an absolute must for restaurant survival. In addition to helping businesses stay afloat, online ordering offers many advantages to customers. In this blog post, we dive into three advantages of online food ordering for customers today and beyond.
3. 4 Survival Tips for Restaurants During COVID-19
You are already aware of the impact that coronavirus (COVID-19) is making on restaurants across the world. Unfortunately, this crisis has put a halt on a majority of dine-in service, leaving restaurants dependent on alternative service options like delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. While this is a difficult time, there are several ways for restaurants to keep business flowing. Read on to discover four survival tips for restaurants during COVID-19 – and after.
4. How Your Restaurant Can Implement Curbside Pickup During the COVID-19 Crisis
People everywhere still love to continue to order from their favorite restaurants if they are provided witha safe opportunity to do so. To meet this need, restaurateurs can introduce methods of takeout with minimal human interaction for their customers, such as curbside pickup.
The first step is to choose an online ordering provider that provides a website and mobile-responsive app which allows restaurants to quickly roll out curbside pickup services. Sounds nifty doesn’t it? By offering curbside pickup, businesses offer many benefits to you their customers. Read this blog post to discover three main reasons customers will love curbside pickup.
5. CloudPRNT: The Best Google Cloud Print Replacement
Are you (or were you) a Google Cloud Print user? If so, you are probably aware that as of January 1, 2021, Google Cloud Print is no longer supported. Migrating to a new service sounds daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Read our blog post to learn more about Google Cloud Print, its depreciation, and why Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT technology is an ideal Google Cloud Print replacement.
WHAT ELSE WAS NEW WITH STAR IN 2020?
So, besides point of sale blogs, what happened with Star in 2020? You will find our newest solutions, all released last year, below:
SteadyLAN® is a patent-pending technology available on certain mC-Print Series printers. It provides wired Ethernet service to iOS, Android, and Windows devices connected to a networked printer via the Lightning or USB-C® cable.
POSShield
The POSShield, which acts as a sneeze guard and limits the spread of germs, is placed in between the cashier and the customer, and is comprised of a durable steel frame and a protective plexiglass partition.
Choice Series Cash Drawers
Choice Series cash drawers include features businesses already know and love, but with added features such as extra strength to support touch tablets and POS terminals, a secure dual-drawer cable to enable the Choice Series to work as either cash drawer 1 or cash drawer 2, a foldable hinged key which minimizes the possibility of breaking off in the lock, and over 10 different lock set options for added security.
TSP654IISK Liner-Free Label Printer with Taken Sensor
The TSP654IISK liner-free label printer is designed to work with liner-free labeling applications. Repositionable thermal labels can stick to virtually any surface, and can be removed easily and reapplied leaving behind no residue. The liner-free labels are an alternative to using silicone-lined labels or tape. New to theTSP654IISK is the addition of the Taken Sensor, which enables the printer to hold print jobs until the first print job is taken.
mC-Print3 with USB-C Interface and Power Delivery
The mC-Print3 is the mCollection’s 3-inch POS printer. Star’s compact mC-Print3 is 40% smaller than the TSP654II. The mC-Print3 provides an IPX2-rated splash-proof design, as well as front-loading paper loading with exceptional functionality. This 3-inch thermal printer offers multiple connectivity options including USB, Lightning, Bluetooth, LAN, and CloudPRNT/WebPRNT. The five connections are all a part of the mC-Print3 model, making the printer adaptable to any future POS system changes. Additionally, the multiple connectivity options allow for the easy integration of common software.
mPOP Flat Bill™
The new mPOP with Flat Bill cash management stacks the till, providing a total of 4 slots for bills, and 4 or 6 adjustable spaces for coins. The individual tills will offer 2Bill-2Coin slots, with the top till easily sliding back to expose the bottom till section. This allows for US retailers to store and manage their cash in a more natural way and keep their cash payment organized, compared to the previous vertical-slot version of the mPOP.
Tamper-Proof Labels
Star’s tamper-proof labeling solution is designed to securely seal delivery, catering, and to-go food and beverage orders. Available in three sizes, the labels are a part of Star Micronics’ full restaurant solution which includes online ordering printers, durable cash drawers, kitchen printers, and more.
Extended Platter for mG-S8200 Scale
The new Extended Platter for the mG-S8200 is a simple addition that will allow Star to provide a wider range of support to those who are currently using the mG-S8200 and need additional platter space. The lightweight platter measures 8.5” x 9” (WxL), with a stainless-steel finish. It is easy to install or reposition, as it simply gets placed on top of the original platter, with pegs to keep the extended platter in place. Fit for the mG-S8200, the extended platter will allow retailers such as yogurt shops, produce stands, or candy shops to measure more items at one time, helping to make the entire transaction a quicker and smoother process.
Star Micronics values our partnerships and understands that we are only successful when our partners are successful. The Star Empower Partner Program offers our partners the best pricing and support available. It is built to support our loyal partners and help them to grow their business with Star. If our partners win, we also win. The Star Empower Partner Program offers the following benefits:
- All registered partners receive product discounts
- Sales and marketing support and resources
- Development resources from Star’s dedicated Integration team
- Deal Registration
- Star Micronics Partner Portal access with custom dashboard
- And much more!
