You’ve got your new mPOS setup or you’re in the market for one. The thought of manually keying in your inventory SKU numbers is dreadful. You want, no you need, a barcode scanner. There are quite a few options out there, prices vary and so do the options.
First let’s overview the different options available:
Communication Methods:
- Bluetooth: This allows you to wirelessly connect a Bluetooth scanner via Bluetooth on your iPAD.
- Pros: Wirelessly connect to any Tablet style system. No wires and freedom of movement
- Cons: Price, Charging reader every night. These Bluetooth scanners are popular with all iPad Register Applications due to utilizing the iPAD’s Bluetooth connectivity.
- USB: Standard USB Type-A connection. You will need to make sure you have a USB Port to utilize to use a USB Style Barcode Reader. These barcode scanners are very popular with the Square Stands.
- Pros: Price
- Cons: Wire Management, Need a USB Port to plug into.
Barcode Types:
1D Barcode: 1D Barcodes, or Linear Barcodes are your traditional UPC style barcode we’re used to seeing on SKU Barcodes.
2D Barcode: 2D Barcodes are often a design style barcode such as QR Codes. The use case for your business might include Campaigns, Discounts, or other fun customer interaction.
Models to consider:
| Bluetooth Scanners: | |
|---|---|
| Socket Scanners 7ci | 1D, 33ft Range BT, programmable modes, 14 hours or 15,000 scans. Raster Scanner, Stand optional. |
| Socket Scanners 7mi | 1D, 330ft Range BT, programmable modes, 14 hours or 15,000 scans. Raster Scanner, Stand optional. |
| Socket Scanners 7xi | 1D/2D, 330ft Range BT, programmable modes, 10 hours or 1000 scans. Raster Scanner, Stand optional. |
| USB Scanners: | |
|---|---|
| Motorola LS2208 USB | Single Line Laser Scanner. Stand Optional. |
| Honeywell Voyager 1200 USB | Single Line Laser Scanner. Stand included. |
Already have a barcode scanner and need help setting it up? Check out our troubleshooting guides »