| We have all at least seen a cash register if not used | | | | enters it into the computer so they can begin preparing |
| one. Cash registers are an integral part of retail | | | | immediately. This makes for a much more efficient |
| businesses and most cannot operate without one. | | | | restaurant. Many of these pos systems also come |
| Invented by James Ritty after the Civil War out of | | | | with age verification software which is handy for |
| necessity for the running of his saloon. His main goal | | | | those in the bar business. These registers also allow |
| was to stop employees from skimming money and he | | | | for unique user id's that keep track of each person |
| got the idea after seeing a tool that counted the | | | | who uses the register, their orders and their sales. |
| revolutions of propellers for steamships. Patented in | | | | Most are able to download your business for that day |
| 1883, the cash register soon took on a life of its own | | | | or week into tax programs such as Quick-books. |
| and after being sold a few times, finally settled into | | | | The importance of cash register tape might seem little, |
| what it is today. | | | | but this is an important addition to any system and |
| Today the cash register does not require you to break | | | | should be allowed some consideration before |
| a nail while pushing down huge buttons that were | | | | purchase. Today, most register systems and credit |
| known for sticking down and causing all sorts of | | | | card machines use thermal paper for receipts. This |
| problems. There are no longer number tabs that pop | | | | paper requires special thermal printers that burn the |
| up to show you the amount being rung up, but rather | | | | image into the paper. Laser printers are also used and |
| most registers are computerized. Computer cash | | | | they have their own special type of receipt paper as |
| registers are available in many forms today and may | | | | well. These types of printers do not require ink, which |
| consist of just a simple program that you run on your | | | | is one less expense because in the long run ink will |
| desktop computer that uses an interface just like a | | | | cost you a fortune, but they are much pricier up front |
| regular cash register to entire pos systems that come | | | | than your regular paper receipt printers. |
| complete with bar code scanners, a till drawer and | | | | Below is a list of registers and prices that you can |
| receipt printer. Pos cash registers are what most of us | | | | expect to pay: |
| are familiar with today as all the large retailers use | | | | - 8 Department Standard Electronic Cash Register |
| them. | | | | (recommended for small businesses) starting at around |
| Computer cash registers or pos cash registers are | | | | $100 - These registers are very basic, but for the small |
| highly advanced and will do everything from ringing up | | | | retailer they are perfect - They use standard paper |
| the customer's purchases to doing your taxes. Many | | | | for their receipt printing |
| of the systems will come with a program that keeps | | | | - 40 to 99 Department Standard Electronic Cash |
| track of your inventory which will save you time and | | | | Register (recommended for small to midsized |
| money by streamlining the process and not having to | | | | businesses) from $200-$350 - Same considerations |
| do physical inventory. Don't forget the options like bar | | | | as register above |
| code scanners and laser receipt printers that will help | | | | - Touch Screen Cash Register (varies depending on |
| keep your business running smoothly. | | | | size and bundles/options, recommended for |
| Touch screen cash registers are the first choice | | | | restaurants and bars) $500-$2500 - These registers |
| among restaurants and grocery stores. These | | | | will almost always be used with thermal or laser |
| registers will display menu choices and options that will | | | | receipt printers |
| make ordering quicker by just pressing the screen. | | | | - POS Systems (varies depending on size and options) |
| Restaurant cash registers are designed so that the | | | | $1500-$3200 - Used almost always with laser or |
| kitchen will receive the order when the wait staff | | | | thermal printers. |