What to Look for When Choosing a Receipt Printer

A receipt printer (POS printer) is an essential part of every shop, restaurant and service business. The right printer means fast service, clear receipts and happy customers. Here are the key points to consider before buying.

1. Print technology: thermal or impact

• Direct thermal — no ink required, fast and quiet; ideal for checkouts and cafés.
• Impact (dot matrix) — uses an ink ribbon; suited to kitchens and anywhere a copy is needed.

💡 For most businesses today, thermal models such as the Epson TM-T20II or Citizen CT-S310II are the right fit.

2. Connectivity options

Check how the printer connects to your POS system:

• USB — standard and dependable;
• LAN (Ethernet) — good for multiple tills at once;
• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth — for mobile setups;
• RS232 (Serial) — for older systems.

💡 Wireless connectivity is convenient where space is tight or when you run the till from a tablet.

3. Paper width and cutter

The most common paper rolls are 58 mm and 80 mm.

• 80 mm produces wider, more professional receipts.
• An auto-cutter saves time and gives every customer a clean result.

4. Print speed and reliability

Fast printing keeps queues short.
Choose a printer rated at 200 mm/s or faster, with a highly reliable mechanism.
💡 Established brands such as Epson, Citizen and Star Micronics are dependable here.

5. Software compatibility

Make sure the printer supports your POS or ERP software (e.g. Erply, Odoo, Vend, Shopify).
Check for emulations such as ESC/POS or ZPL, which ensure broad compatibility.

Summary

A good receipt printer makes every transaction faster and more professional.
When choosing, consider your business type, speed requirements and connection options.

Scanshop.ee offers a wide range of reliable receipt printers from manufacturers such as Epson, Bixolon, Citizen, Star and TSC, suitable for both retail and hospitality.