New ranges of receipt printers are coming out, and I decided to research with my clients their requirements. What was unexpected to me is that in our digital age, where nearly every aspect of our lives has been streamlined by technology, one might assume that paper receipts would be on the brink of extinction. However, this is far from the case. So I decided to investigate.

Here are some recent surveys conducted in the United States and Europe, revealing a surprising trend - that most consumers still prefer paper receipts over their digital counterparts. One point is clear, the older they are, the more they prefer paper.

This blog post explores the reasons behind this preference and sheds light on the enduring appeal of tangible proof of purchase.

The American Preference for Paper

According to a survey conducted by Tulchin Research on behalf of the Paper Receipt Converting Association (PRCA), 72% of American consumers preferred paper receipts. Based on responses from 1,000 randomly selected adults, the study highlighted several factors contributing to this sentiment. One of the key reasons cited was greater confidence in information security. Many respondents felt that paper receipts offered control and privacy, reducing concerns about personal data exposure. This survey revealed that 85% of Americans preferred paper and digital receipts. This desire for choice highlights that consumers value flexibility and control over their purchasing experience, pushing against the presumed digitalization trend. Some comments from consumers who prefer paper receipts are:

"I will never willingly leave a store without a physical receipt."

"I prefer handling paper receipts, especially when I need to submit them for reimbursement from work, and it is easier to store for tax purposes at the end of the year to give to my accountant."

"I just don’t want to give everyone my email and then get bombarded with fucking marketing garbage."

"I don't care if Walmart has my phone number, but I'm too lazy to enter it each time I check out to get a text receipt."

European Consumer Sentiment

Similar sentiments were observed in a European survey indicating a preference for paper receipts. The study surveyed European consumers and found that 54% preferred paper receipts, with an additional 27% expressing no preference. This indicates that most European consumers still value the tangible nature of paper receipts. One significant reason cited by Europeans for their preference was practicality. Most respondents (59%) believed paper receipts were more convenient for returning goods or obtaining refunds. The physicality of paper receipts allows for easier record-keeping and ensures a smoother process in cases of product returns or exchanges.

The Human Touch

In an era where digital interactions dominate, there is something undeniably personal about receiving a paper receipt. Holding tangible proof of purchase can evoke a sense of satisfaction and security that digital receipts often fail to replicate. Many consumers appreciate the physicality of paper receipts, especially when submitting them for work reimbursement or tax purposes. Storing and organising paper receipts provides a tangible sense of control and peace of mind.

Privacy Concerns and Marketing Overload

Another factor contributing to the preference for paper receipts is the apprehension regarding personal information security. Some consumers are wary of providing their email addresses to every retailer and being bombarded with marketing emails. In this context, paper receipts protect against intrusive marketing campaigns, maintaining privacy and control over one's inbox.

Conclusion: Paper or Digital Receipts?

The choice between paper and digital receipts is not a simple one. Both options have pros and cons.

A merchant must be able to offer both digital and paper receipts.

For businesses that want to produce receipts of high quality using their POS software quickly, thermal receipt printers are the most popular option.

They function by applying heat to the thermal paper from the printhead. This triggers a chemical reaction on the thermal paper's heat-sensitive layer.

People frequently encounter this issue: they insert a new roll of paper, and the paper moves, but nothing prints.

Don't worry if you're experiencing this issue because there are a few common causes.

Please follow the steps below.

FAQ

> You may have pulled the wires or loosened the connections of the wires.

Solution: Verify that every wire and cable is connected correctly.

> Examine the receipt paper roll; you may have brought the wrong one.

Solution: There is no "one size fits all," so the roll may need to be returned. It is essential to select the appropriate paper roll. Contact our support team if you need help with what to use. They can help you choose the best paper for your needs.

Low-quality paper rolls can damage or build up dirt inside your printer, a related issue. Make sure to distinguish cheap from low-quality; I've seen low-quality sold as expensive.

> The roll might have been inserted from behind, so the paper is fed upside down due to this.

Solution: 

 1. Make sure the right side of the paper is facing up when you open the printer.

2. If not, take out the roll of paper.

3. Reload it after you've turned it over.

> The printer may be jammed if these solutions do not resolve the issue.

Solution: Remove the printer's power and try resetting it. Although resetting a printer may delete the document you are trying to print, our POS software allows you to reprint the receipt without losing any data.

> It's possible that the printer itself is the issue.

Solution: Unfortunately, printers are mechanical gadgets. They eventually fail, like any mechanical device. Parts can slack off.

1. First, entirely cutting off the printer's power.

2. Clean the printer by opening it up. Use a dry rag; If you have to use a liquid, only use a small amount and then dry it off.

3. The printer be assembled

4. Only then should the power be turned on and tested once more.

If it still does not print, you may need a new one or professional help to fix it.

Conclusion

A thermal printer's age does not necessarily determine how long it will last. A printer's lifespan is largely determined by how well it is used and maintained. A printer may fail sooner than anticipated if it is frequently used and improperly maintained. On the other hand, a printer may continue to function correctly for longer if it is well-maintained. It is essential to adhere to the usage and maintenance instructions if you want your printer to last as long as possible. This could mean cleaning the printer regularly, replacing worn parts, and using the right kind of paper to get the most out of your printer and extend its lifespan. 

To print receipts quickly and efficiently in a busy shop, you need a good thermal receipt printer.

Print speed

The print speed is affected by many factors. Generally, faster is better. This is especially true if you are often in a high-volume situation. Seconds here mean the difference between keeping the customer queue moving and people walking out.

I have noticed that modern receipt printers tend to have faster speeds but not always.

Another point to notice is that your receipt printer suddenly slowed down or waited longer than it used to before printing. If so, check the setting on your computer and make sure you have the most recent driver for that receipt printer.

Paper jams!

This will happen all the time, probably when the queue is big. It can be stressful and frustrating. Make sure that everyone knows to keep cool.

As a rule, it is best to turn off and on the receipt printer; this often releases the paper then try and fix it.

Make sure that the receipt printer is easy to open the lid. That it is easy to pull the paper at the jam and gently remove it.

Memory

Another excellent function is that it has a memory, and if you lose the last receipt, e.g. paper jam, it can be reprinted.

Warning light

It is an excellent function for the receipt printer to show a flashing light when a receipt is printed. It alerts people nearby. This can be very useful in the back office or the kitchen.

Roll load

The paper regularly needs to be changed. Everything will stop till this is done.

It needs to be simple as you may not be around when it needs changing.

You want something that all you need to do is remove the paper roll from its box. Lift the printer top up. Insert the roll into the printer, lower the top and start printing. This needs to be done in seconds.

Receipt printing

Some receipt printers print too much space on the top and bottom of the receipt. You only need a small receipt. Save some trees, print smaller receipts.

Support and documentation

Some receipt printer comes with very little documentation. If the documentation is only in Chinese, it can be a problem.

Standard size printer rolls.

It would help if you had a receipt printer that uses receipt rolls that you can get quickly. You will run out, and then you are going to need some new rolls ASAP. Often that is days to get more rolls.

Cutters

What they do is separate the receipts.

This will make life so much easier.

Common problems without it:

-The paper will often tear in the middle of the receipt

-That you accidentally give someone two receipts there and some else's.

The other advantage is less force is required.

If your receipt printer has cutters, despite what some salespeople say, it does not matter what type of cutter it has, just that it has cutters.

On/off switch

It makes life much easier if it has an On/Off switch. There are times that you will want to turn the receipt printer off. The switches is much better than pulling the cable out.

Looks

Something important in retail but often overlooked is that these printers are usually on the front counter and so viewed by the public. If it looks old and antiquated, it will send your customer a message.

Lastly a bonus tip.

Do you have enough spare receipt printer rolls?

This is always a problem. Running out of receipt rolls can be a significant problem as it may take a few days to get more. Plan ahead.

Also, immediately after you buy, check that the printer came with a whole roll of receipt paper. If not, you may run out very quickly.

A good receipt printer can increase your speed and efficiency in your shop.

Make sure you have a good one.