Good cash register for esppresso stands and shops

SAM4s cash registers are the best cash registers for coffee shops and espresso stands for many different reasons. They have many models to select from, they have many options like credit card and gift card interfaces.

One of the most compelling reasons to buy a cash register over a POS system is the total cost of ownership. Why buy a tablet POS system that you have to pay a monthly fee for or be locked into an expensive merchant services account when you can buy a high end durable cash register that will last for years. I think a good life span for a cash register is 5 to 7 years and often much longer. That give you a great return on investment.

If you need help selecting a cash register for your coffee stand please give us a call at 1-800-863-2274

Start the new year off with a cash register that will help you make money!

Yes a cash register can help you make money. They need not be just a box to collect payments at the counter. When utilized correctly they can help you extend controls allowing you to keep more profit where it belongs. So how does this happen?

• Integrated credit card payments - Interface your SAM4s cash register directly to credit card payments using a Datacap Twin Tran. Increases speed and reduces or often eliminates error entry in the process. Reduces fraud as it enforces a sale be registered before a credit card can be used.
• Use bar code scanning - When you take advantage of a simple bar code scanner with your SAM4s cash register you increase accuracy and make certain that if your price for a product is $5.99 it won't be rang up as $0.59 when left to chance! Scanning also speeds up your customer lines as well.
• Implement gift cards - Most SAM4s cash register can also integrate with your own private label gift card program. You sell a gift card and the cash register and merchant services does all the tracking and work and you keep all the cash! Increases sales, and customers often never cash in a gift card received as a gift.
• Reporting - At the end of the day or month a SAM4s cash register that has been set up properly can save you hours of time in compiling and filing sales tax reports.

So a cash register should be far more then a box to put money in. If you need help selecting a SAM4s cash register call us at 1-800-863-2274

SAM4s SPS-2000 sales and support

SAM4s SPS-2000

The SAM4s SPS-2000 is a great cash register. Yes it is a cash register not a computer, it does not run software it includes firmware. All of those points make it very stable and trouble free system. This system will do most of what all the high end POS systems do with the exception of some of the reports.

The SPS-2000 features integrated credit card and gift card with the Datacap Twin Tran. Kitchen printing no problem including forced modifiers. Bar code scanning is a snap too should you need that feature.

This machine is great for restaurants of all kinds, fast food, cafeteria, bars, clubs, yogurt shops and much more.

Need help deciding if this register is for you then give us a call 1-800-863-2274

SAM4s cash registers and credit card interface

We continue to experience great success installing SAM4s cash registers with credit card readers built in. When the SAM4s cash register is combined with the Datacap Twin Tran or other Datacap product turns your system into a complete solution saving you time and money.

Most of the SAM4s registers will interface to credit card payments as well as gift cards. The question we also get is will the SAM4s process with Brand X processor like First Data, Chase, or other big brand names. The simple answer is yes in every case I have seen in the last 5 years we can interface with all the major networks.

Need help selecting the correct register and Datacap? Call us at 1-800-863-2274

Free cash registers with credit card interface

Is there such a thing as a free cash register? Well kinda. There are two companies that supply cash registers when you use them for merchant services. There are several different levels of service. One offer from Harbor Touch offers an entry level cash register with a credit card interface when you sign up for merchant services with them. Although it is called Free there are some cost however minimal for what you are getting. The Casio offer is $79.00 per year plus shipping. For that fee they give you a cash register that is custom programmed for you, twenty-four hour a day support and a free gift card program.

Another popular program is offered by Mercury Payments. Their program allows you to chose one of the SAM4s 900 series cash registers, the ER-920, ER-925, ER-940 or the ER-945. All you pay in $12.50 per month for the credit card interface which is a Datacap Twin Tran. Mercury also will include a free gift card program which can be very valuable for you. There is also a program with Mercury that includes custom programming and support for an additional $20.00 per month.

So yes there is such a thing as a free cash register. Need more details then please call us at 1-800-863-2274

The Sam4s ER-650 gone for good?

SAM4s ER-650 Cash Register

So at long last the SAM4s ER-650 cash register is gone....or is it? Officially the ER-650 has been discontinued and the factory has no more. Because the popularity of this machine we know it will still be in demand for a couple more years. So to fill that need we have bought quite a few of it's sister model the ER-650R, which is the same machine with a raised keyboard. Now we are turning the ER-650R into the model 650 by replacing the keyboard with the flat keyboard and changing the chip set on the main board. The case will say 650R however the machine will be a 650 so we are calling it the ER-650 modified.

We have quite a few of these available and could even build with whatever ROM version you needed to match your existing machines if needed. If you are looking for one of these machine give us a call at 1-800-863-2274

These machines will interface with credit card and gift card with the Datacap Twin Tran for a complete POS system. We of course sell the replacement for this machine the SAM4s SPS-300 series cash registers as well.

SAM4s SPS-520FT Cash Register

SAM4s SPS-520FT Cash Register

The SAM4s SPS-520FT cash register is one of the most popular registers in the powerful SPS-500 series line up. The SPS-520FT like all the models of the 500 line features both a traditional cash register keyboard as well as a 7" color touch screen. When combined in one machine the keyboard and screen must make the best selling Hybrid cash register on the market.

This register serves a great niche market where so many business owners are being forced to buy a large expensive POS system find the SPS-500 series will do the job at a fraction of the cost. Not only is this option less expensive but you also won't miss the features that most of us really need. This machine will operate very well in table service, bars, fast food, cafeterias and many other food service operations.

One unique feature of the machine is the ability to interface the cash register to credit card payments while also adding a private label gift card system. This works by using the datacap TwinTran interface with the register.

Because of the large screen this register is very easy to program and use when compared to traditional cash registers. You do not need a back office computer for this system however you can add one as an option if you wish.

Save time and money with this hybrid system call us for more details 1-800-863-2274

SAM4s cash registers



SAM4s cash registers

In the last year SAM4s has released several new models of cash registers that include some much awaited features. The first improvement is they release the new models in several formats. Each new model is available in a flat keyboard with restaurants in mind or raised keys thinking of retail applications. They did not stop there however because they also released a version of each with a receipt only or a receipt and journal. In the past people might have passed up a cash register that was perfect for them in every way other then it only had a single station printer, well know you chose with printer configuration you want!

The newest models from SAM4s cash registers offer interfaced credit card options and gift card interfaces. Other then the choices in keyboard and printers they also all have in common is that they the all have an SD card port that we in the business have been dreaming about for a long time. Now you can back up the program that may have taken hours to complete, send reports to the SD card and even update the software version of the cash register! This can save the dealer and the end-user hours in the long run!

The new models I'm talking about are the following

• SAM4s SPS-320
• SAM4s SPS-340
• SAM4s SPS-345
• SAM4s ER-920
• SAM4s ER-925
• SAM4s ER-940
• SAM4s ER-945

All of these models are very scalable and programmable to meet a wide range of stores and restaurants. If you need help selecting one let us know and we can help you out 1-800-863-2274

SAM4s SPS-2000 review

SAM4s SPS-2000

The SAM4s SPS-2000 is easily configured to meet the needs of various table service, quick service and retail applications. It supports a full complement of POS peripherals, including printers, a comprehensive kitchen video system (KVS), POS scales, scanners, order confirmation board and connects to a back office or remote PC for polling and program maintenance.

 

It can be used in numerous types of businesses like:

• Table Service: Casual Dining, Family Style Restaurants, Bar/Restaurants
• QSR: Sandwich, Bakery, Pizza, Coffee, Taco, Hamburger, Ice Cream
• Retail: Specialty Foods, Specialty Gourmet, Deli's, Liquor, Beer/Wine, Gift Shop

Here are some of the highlights I really liked about the SAM4s SPS-2000

• No Hard Disk Drive. By using compact flash memory instead of a hard disk drive, the SAM4s SPS-2000 is inherently more reliable and requires less maintenance.
• EPROM Program Storage The SPS-2000 application program is bundled with each terminal and preloaded in EPROM, providing exceptional reliability, stability and speed – with significantly faster booting than traditional PC-based POS.
• No Single Point of Failure Each SPS-2000 is fully functional without a server or network, meaning that there is no single point where an unexpected failure could completely disable your system.
• Quiet Fanless Operation With no fan to draw contaminates into the register, the SPS-2000 will perform better and last longer.

The SPS-2000 has a great list of value added options available:

• Credit card interface with the Datacap TwinTran or other Tran devices
• Gift Card Interface
• Kitchen Video Interface
• Scale Interface
• PC Interface
• Bar code scanning interface
• Many other very usefull interfaces.

Keep in mind the SAM4s SPS-2000 is a cash register with a touch screen NOT a touch screen computer. This fact accounts for the great pricing and why the 2000 is so durable and trouble free. Have questions about a SPS-2000 please giv us a call at 1-800-863-2274

SAM4s 900 series cash registers

SAM4s last year released the highly anticipated ER-900 series of cash registers. There are four registers in this series. two are made for retail stores and two designed with food service in mind.

The SAM4s ER-925, ER-945 For Retail Merchants Applications like Retail, Gift Shops, convenience Stores, Beer/Wine/Liquor, Specialty Food, Produce, Meat, Main Street Merchants. The traditional raised-key keyboard provides 21 keyboard PLU keys and can be expanded by your SAM4s dealer to
63 PLU keys. Keyboard PLUs act like traditional departments for open-priced entries or can be set as preset price keys. Large key size ensures easy-to-read key labels. Merchants who wish to scan can build their PLU file on the fly using the not-found PLU registration feature.

The SAM4s ER-920, ER-940 For Food Service Applications Cafeterias, Quick Service, Concessions, Ice Cream /Frozen Yogurt Stands, Hamburger Sandwich, Pizza, Coffee, Bakery, Deli’s, Bars Preset PLUs facilitate fast and accurate registrations. With 150 key locations, the flat, spill-resistant keyboard can easily accommodate large menus with preset keys for each item. Where menus change daily with breakfast, lunch or dinner times the paper key-sheet under the overlay is easily exchanged. A simplified check tracking feature is available for bars and cafes

Thermal Printer choices include a single printer or traditional receipt and journal model. Both versions provide fast, quiet thermal printing. Drop-in loading simplifies paper changing and
virtually eliminates paper jamming. Receipt & Journal Printer Models; ER-940, ER-945. Use a two-printer model when a  customer receipt and a traditional real-time printed journal is needed for sales archival. Single Printer Models; ER-920, ER-925 Single printer models are best for receipt-only or
journal-only applications. If you choose a single printer model for printing receipts, you can record your journal electronically in the register’s memory.

Integrated Credit, Debit and Gift Card Payments. Electronic payment sales can be processed in a single step at the SAM4s ER-900 with an optional DataTran™ integrated payment appliance.  The ER-900 Series is electronic payment and gift card processing ready – no additional software
modules are required. Free gift card processing is available through selected processing partners.  Transactions can be processed in two seconds or less using the latest IPTran or TwinTran technology and a persistent internet connection.

Need help selecting which one would work best for you call us at 1-800-863-2274

Buy your own Datacap TwinTran cash register credit card interface

If you are looking for a Datacap to interface credit card payments directly on your cash register this is the only site I'm aware of that is currently offering all three models of Datacap Tran products so you can use the credit card providor of your choice.

They sell all three models which consist of:

1. Datacap TwinTran
2. Datacap IPTran
3. Datacap DialTran

If you don't want to shell out the dough for your own Datacap you can always get one through Mercury Payments starting as low as $12.50 per month and they take care of it for you.  When you stop processing with them you send it back, easy as that!

All three major Cash Register makes in the country use Datacap for credit card interface. There are two Sharp cash registers that use something else, a few Casio models can also use the PAX unit but all the SAM4s that can do integrated credit card all use the Datacap products.

Connecting a credit card terminal to a cash register is not for a begginer and in almost every case you should not attempt it!

Datacap TwinTran

Ordering a Datacap can be a bit confusing because you have several different models, different applications, and whether you need an MSR or not.

Datacap Models: 

• Datacap Dial Tran = This model of Datacap connect with dial up only. Requires phone line and has a slower transaction time compared to the other Datacap models.
• Datacap IP Tran = This model of Datacap connects to your merchant services via an Internet connection only, it has no other connection. You must have inter-net access to connect the IP Tran to.
• Datacap TwinTran = This model of Datacap has an IP connection as a default and a dial connection as a back up. You must have an Internet connection and a phone line. This is the most popular model of Datacap.
• MSR= Magnetic Stripe Reader. Do you need to add a MSR to the Datacap device or will you be using the MSR on your cash register.

 Datacap Applications:

• Standard Single Lane = One cash register only will be connected to the Datacap device.
• Single Lane with Gift = One cash register only will be connected to the enhanced version of Datacap device that support gift card transactions.
• Standard Multi Lane = Two or more cash registers connected to one Datacap Device. Check your cash register specifications for capability.
• Multi Lane with Gift = Two or more cash registers connected to one enhanced version of Datacap device that support gift card transactions. Check your cash register specifications for capability.

Support Required

• Your Datacap device will be shipped to you with your merchant parameters installed. Price does not include ANY support time at all. Connecting and operating your Datacap device and your cash register is not covered in the price of the device, is not covered by warranty. Two hours support is our recommended amount of support required for the typical installation. Every install is different and this is the amount we recommend however you may require more. 

More Information

•  If you have any questions regarding support please contact us before you purchases a Datacap device at 1-800-863-2274

SAM4s ER-920 Cash Register

The SAM4s ER-920 is a great entry level cash register for restaurants. It is based on the same firmward as the popular workhorse the SAM4s ER-5200M which is still available. Several improvments were made however. The first improvment is the SAM4s ER-920 is that they included a SD card port, which is in important for two huge reasons. The first reason is it allows you to back up your cash register program even if you don't connect it to a PC. Second it allows you to upgrade the ROM version of the register so as SAM4s makes improvments you can upgrade your cash register to keep current. They also include free programming software if you want to program your register on the PC, this software does not include reporting. This machine is only available in black however they have a version with two printers if you would like a journal tape which is the SAM4s ER-940 The entire 900 series has optional credit card and gift card interface available by using a Datacap Twintran.

I would give this machine 4 out of 5 stars. The reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the memory is fixed and not expandable. For restaurants this is not a big problem however keep that in mind when selecting your register.

SAM4s SPS-500 series cash register support

If you are looking for support for your SAM4s SPS-500 series cash register we can help. If you bought your machine from us we will offer support for free (does not include traning or programming) however if you bought from someone else that maybe went out of business or does not know what they are doing with that cash register give us a call.

We have several techs that program, repair and install all four of the 500 series models and all the options. We have deployed the 500 series all over the world with great success. The 500 series is made up of the following four models

• SAM4s SPS-520F cash register
• SAM4s SPS-520R cash register
• SAM4s SPS-530F cash register
• SAM4s SPS-530R cash register

We also support and install the following options.

• Cash register credit card interface
• Computer interface
• Kitchen Video
• Scale
• Gift Card Interface
• Kitchen printer
• Coin changer
• Graphic Display
• Datacap Twin Tran
• Magnetic card reader

This cash register series is the most advanced register we have ever seen. With a large keyboard and a great 7" touch screen this register reall competes well with the far more expensive POS systems. Why spend 20K on a POS system when you will never use all the features when this register sells for an average of $1100.00 (plus options) and you will have all the POS basics in an easy to use package.

With a cash register system like this I think you will find they are more durable that a computer based POS because there is no hard drive, no OS to worry about, no playing games on it, no virus worry and many more advantages.

You can reach us at 1-800-863-2274 8am to 5pm PST

Cash Register with credit card reader

Several SAM4s and Sharp have quite a few models of cash registers with credit card reader. However please keep in mind with a cash register with a credit card reader won't process credit cards all by itself. The card reader simply reads a card but does process it. The card reader needs to hand off the information to a device that processes the data. What most cash registers need is a Datacap Twin Tran device to complete the system. With a Datacap you can process credit cards and many brands of gift cards directly on your SAM4s or Sharp cash register.

Need some help sorting out what to buy you can call us at 1-800-863-2274 if you already own a cash register and datacap and need to have it re-programmed we can help with that too just keep in mind that is a service we charge for.

Can cash register process credit cards?

People are looking for cash registers that process credit cards and they are very smart to do so. Ten years ago no one did this but now it is the new normal. When you interface a cash register to credit card payments you speed up your lines, improve accuarcy, reduce fraud and make more profit!

SAM4s and Sharp cash registers can interface with credit card and gift card payments. The SAM4s and most of the Sharp registers use the Datacap Twin Tran and a few Sharp models can use a specific Hypercom terminal. You should be able to use any processor you want but many use Mercury Payment Systems because they will provide the Datacap at no up front cost and also provide a free gift card system for you to offer your own gift card system.

Check it out you won't be sorry.

Say goodbye to the SAM4s ER-650 cash register

Well we knew it was coming for quite some time but it was still a small shock when the factory told us they were pulling the plug on one of the most popular and successful cash registers they ever made the ER-650 and the version with raised keyboard the ER-650R

The good news is they will have parts and support available for awhile and we have quite a few of the ER-650 and ER-650R models available so get your while they last which won't be long.

The ER-650 series was the first cash register to come out with the multi line LCD display which was the big game changer in regards to programming and using simple registers. They followed up by making this a cash register that can process credit cards using the Datacap Twin Tran that also allows gift card transactions as well.

Users also appreciated the fact that the SAMs 4 650 series also interfaced to DVR systems, kitchen printers, scales, computers and coin changers.

The ER650 series has been replaced by the SPS-300 series that includes the SPS-320, SPS-340 and SPS-345 all with some unique features of their own. One great improvement with the SPS300 series is that it includes a SD card port and available with a single station printer as well as a dual station version with a receipt and journal.

Best selling cash registers are SAM4s

In my opinion the SAM4s Cash Register line is the best brand of cash registers being sold in the US and Canada. Several reasons for my thoughts after being in the business for a very long time. SAM4s is coming out with new models every year with cutting edge features (for cash registers). They are aggressive with their marketing and dealers services. SAM4s is very active in integrating with third party vendors like the Datacap Twin Tran and Mercury Payment Systems for credit card and gift card interface.

SAM4s has models in their line for any type of retail business or restaurants. Almost all their models can interface to PC and even include free programming software and optional reporting software. Before you buy your next cash register make sure you look twice at them.

Interfacing a cash register and credit card terminal

Sharp cash registers are one of the first on the market to release a commercial grade cash register that  interfaces to a traditional credit card terminal made by Hypercom. Although It is only one specific model of Hypercom it is a step in the right direction. The registers that can do this are the ER-A347 and the ER-A247 from Sharp. I do not beleive gift cards have been introduced to this interface yet.

The interface with the standalone credit card terminal is good, however I don't think it is as fast or secure as the old standby of interfacing cash registers to credit card payments with a Datacap. When you interface with the Datacap product such as the TwinTran it really turns your cash register into a credit card terminal as well. Most SAM4s Cash Registers and Sharp Registers interface with Datacap and also allow Gift Card interface as well.

There are several credit card merchant services compaines that specialize in cash register to credit card interfaces and the unique aspects of this interface. The company I have worked with the most and with the higest rate of success for everyone involved is Mercury Payment Systems. They will offer you a no upfront cost Twin Tran, a no cost gift card program (you do buy the cards, but never a discount fee or transaction fee for gift cards), they pay me to manage and support  your register and cash register interface.

We have not even talked about if you should interface or not. After doing this now for over ten years I can assure you interfacing your cash register or POS system directly to credit card payments will make you more money. How can I be so sure you might ask? I have seen first hand with my own eyes store owners we have installed going through thier receipts before and after interfacing. Before interfacing reconciling credit card payments on the register to the actual charges on the credit card terminal are drasiclty different. After they match penny for penny! Before interface entry mistakes were common where a cashier might turn a $19.99 sale into $1.99 on the credit card terminal. Fraud also is reduced greatly when you interface the two.

Question number 9 or 10 should I buy commercial grade or consumer grade cash register

Number nine of our series is "Do I need a commercial grade cash register or a consumer grade register?"

First lets look at this question in more detail. Two of the three major cash register companies in the US sell both commercial grade and consumer grade registers. Commercial grade machines are found only through cash register dealers and never through big box stores. Consumer grade registers are sold through big box stores however you will find the rare dealer that sells a few as well.

The biggest problem with a consumer grade cash register is lack of support. If support is not that important to you than maybe that is not an issue. What you should know is every day my office gets calls from people who own consumer grade cash registers looking for support or more importantly looking for free support. When I say every day I literally mean every day without fail we will receive numerous calls from people looking for support for consumer grade registers. The consumer grade registers are most often very inexpensive and some have some great features you may not even find in a commercial grade register. If you are a high volume retail outlet or restaurant it is unlikely a consumer grade machine will hold up to the stress or you will be replacing them every 12 to 24 months. A good commercial grade register in our experience have a work life of 5 to 7 years and often much longer. Sure some don't last that long and the care and environment make a huge difference in lifespan.

Were we see a tremendous amount of frustration is the owner of a consumer grade register that needs to change the sales tax rate on their register. Before you call us you should also know that the commercial grade dealer like we are does not receive factory support from the manufactures of the consumer grade registers which is one reason we elect not to even attempt to support them any longer. Another huge sticking point is replacement parts. In most cases we are unable to get parts for the consumer grade registers and when we do they are outrageously over priced and I mean BAD! This just leads to very angry people yelling at our staff over pricing for a part for a machine that we had nothing to do with so of course we no longer even attempt to look up a part.

Where does a consumer grade register work? Well if you store/restaurant is owner operated, lower volume, not as much security requirements, no need to integrate with options like scanning, software, credit card etc! But most important they are for the person that will be a "Do it yourselfer"

A commercial grade register is for the person that does a little more business, needs interfaces to credit card, gift card, DVR etc. These registers are for people that need more security, or help with understanding the security features built into a machine. They are for people that when the tax changes want to be able to reach out to someone and get support. Commercial registers in most cases are scalable meaning they can grow and adapt with your business.

So really weigh the differences before you buy any register. If you are looking cheap cheap cheap than consumer grade is for you. If you need stability and support than maybe you should look at commercial grade. And please don't get me wrong there are some very successful stores and restaurants operating on consumer grade registers but there are far more using commercial grade.

Remember all of your return on investment from you business is coming back to you via the register or POS system. If used properly a commercial grade or consumer grade register can help you maximise the return!