Are the SAM4s ER-650 and Sharp ER-A320 still available?

What do the Sharp ER-A320 and the SAM4s ER-650 have in common? They were both the best selling cash registers for their brand and they have both been retired.

In the case of the SAM4s ER-650 it has been replaced by the SPS-300 series which is made up of the following

The SAM4s SPS-320 cash register with large flat keyboard and single station printer. Capable of credit card interface with Datacap Twin Tran

 

 

The SAM4s SPS-340 also features large flat keyboard with the addition of a receipt and journal printer. Also the ability to integrate credit card payments with a Datacap device

The SAM4s SPS-345 is the retail version of the SPS-300 series with a raised keyboard and receipt and journal (not picture shown is with the expanded keyboard not the standard 21) this register works great for liquor stores, hardware, gift stores, C-Stores and more. You can add value added options such as scanning and credit card interface.


Now returning back the Sharp ER-A320 cash register which we miss dearly, there really is no replacement. yes there are new models but not a comparable replacement. The problem is the A320 used bond paper and was capable of validating . Sharp currently DOES NOT make a cash register that can validate or used bond paper rolls instead of thermal. If you don't need to validate then the closest choice to replace in the Sharp line is:

The Sharp ER-A347 featuring a large 8 line LCD display, receipt and journal printers. This is a great machine and I think easy to program because of the 8 line LCD display however some find it cumbersome. I think you will need to be the judge on that!

If you need help selecting a register give us a call at 1-800-863-2274

Cash register ink ribbons and paper

It seems like cash register supplies are getting harder to find and I only noticed this because my company is shipping more 44mm bond paper rolls and IR-90/1 ink rollers all over the country.

We also sell keyboard covers for all the SAM4s cash registers and most of the Sharp register models too. 

Another type of paper we have been selling more of is 44mm thermal which is used in a few of the Sharp cash register models. Feel free to give us a call and see if we have supplies for your cash register, chances are good that if your register is commercial grade we do. 1-800-863-2274

Why should I interface my credit card machine and cash register?

I read a great article this morning about a customer being over charged by $1600.00 at a breakfast house restaurant. Of course the error was found and fixed after several days and with a lot of bad publicity.

If this restaurant would have had their cash register interfaced to the credit card machine this error probably would have never happened. When you integrate the two you eliminate the need to re-enter the sale into the credit card machine where so many errors occur.

Now in this case the error was found quickly because it was so large. Also when a customer is overcharged they are more likely to point it out maybe even days or weeks later when they receive their statements. What happens when they are undercharged? Most say nothing at all and you lose money! Don't let this happen any longer, interface your cash register to credit card payments!

There are two lines of cash registers that are also credit card machines and they are SAM4s and Sharp both making a wide variety of machines for every type of business.

Here is the story in the news, you should check it out yourself http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/waffle-house-charges-man-over--1600-for-breakfast-194502721.html?soc_src=copy

Looking for support for your SAM4s cash register?

Over a week we receive numerous calls from people that have bought cash registers for a cheap price online maybe on Amazon or another online discounter. Of course we all want a great deal and value for our money but make sure you count in service or support into the equation. Like I mentioned we get calls every week from people looking for support for SAM4s Cash Registers or maybe a Sharp. They like the fact they can reach us, we answer the phone, we have an online chat support tool, and we know what we are doing. What they don't like is the fact that if you did not buy your cash register from us we have to charge for support. We do have quite a few of these calls turn into paying customers and we appreciate their business, however had they bought from us in the first place the support may have been free!

We hear from end-users that often do contact the people they bought their cash register from and they would like to help but they don't know how! Don't let this happen to you. You can still buy online for a discounted price but buy from cash register companies like us in the first place.

If it is too late and you have already bought a Sharp cash register or maybe a SAM4s model from someone that can't help you then call us. We can help you learn to use the register, program the register, take reports and more we just charge for our support. Please keep in mind that commercial grade Sharp registers and SAM4s machines are all sold by independent dealers and none of us are paid for support or service from the factory and of course can't help one another customers for free.

If you are interested in getting support for your cash register please give us a call at 1-800-863-2274 we are open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm PST.

Please note we support commercial grade Sharp cash registers. We don't support models that begin with XE, sorry those are not commercial grade.

Is the new year bringing higher sales taxes?

So it is the time of year to be programming your cash register. Many cites and States increase sales taxes this time of year. If you forget to increase the rate your cash register charges you still have to pay the state the correct amount. Don't lose profit get your SAM4s cash register programmed for the correct tax. We also program Sharp cash registers. Most changes are quick and the current fee for 2013/14 is $50.00 for most models. Call us at 1-800-863-2274 to schedule a time to program your cash register

SAM4s cash registers in California

We have installed many SAM4s registers in the Golden State. The entire line of SAM4s machines work very well for the specific laws and regulations of the state. All of the models support multiple sales tax rates, and most support EBT and credit card interface.

So if you are on the West Coast looking for a  simple POS make sure and look at these sites who all have years of experience in the field

• SAM4s Cash Registers in California
• Sharp Cash Registers in California
• Cash Registers in California

If you still need help selecting a register and want to work with a pro then call us at 1-800-863-2274

Reprogram your Datacap TwinTran or IPTran

Datacap Twin Tran

Do you need to reprogram your Datacap Twin Tran to work with a different merchant services? We do that all the time for people that own a Datacap and a SAM4s cash register or a Sharp cash register. It is pretty easy and we can walk you and your merchant services through the process. The cost depends on how old the existing Datacap device is and if it requires upgrading or mot. We also offer the same services for the IPTran and the DialTran. If you need help sorting it out please give us a call at 1-800-863-2274

Programming the sales tax on your SAM4s or Sharp cash registers

We are just a little bit more then a month out from the new year. Do you live in an area where the sales taxes are increasing and you will need to program your SAM4s cash register or your Sharp register?

We do programming for cash registers over the phone for all commercial Sharp registers and all the SAM4s models. Don't wait to get in line for the tax change, call early and arrange for a technician to call you back and walk you through the process of changing the sales tax.

Keep in mind you will need you program key and a phone at the register. The program key for a SAM4s is a "P" key or a "C" key as they both will work. For a Sharp cash register is needs to be a "MA" key

To schedule call 1-800-863-2274 and there is a fee for this service. Here are some sites you can visit as well

Programming sales tax on SAM4s cash registers

Sales tax programming on Sharp cash registers

Happy New Year and wishing you all a great 2014

cash register supplies

Cash register keyboard cover

Flat keyboard cash registers need to have the overlay (keyboard cover) replaced from time to time. There is no definitive time frame as it all depends on use and environment. If your place is busy and you cook items near the register or allow smoking in your establishment chance are you will need to replace your keyboard cover more often. Having said that I do think once a year is about average for most machines.

Keyboard covers are made for flat restaurant style registers as well as registers designed for retail with raised keys. Of course in food service your machine is facing more dangers but don't forget in the retail world dangers lurk too!

Most keyboard covers no longer cover the key or the credit card reader. There are a few older models that the key area is covered however the key hole is still vulnerable.

Over the years we have seen $20.00 keyboard covers save a machine from spills of everything possible! You can never be too safe and the cost of doing business without a register is far greater then the cost of a cover.

Here are a few places that offer keyboard covers

• Sharp cash register keyboard covers
• SAM4s cash register keyboard covers

Need help finding one not listed then call us at 1-800-863-2274

Cash registers with wireless kitchen printer

Bluetooth Kitchen Printer Adapter

You can install a kitchen printer on a SAM4s or Sharp cash register without running cables! Use the LM048 Bluetooth Adapter to your cash register and a standard serial kitchen printer.

 

Eliminate cables and the labor cost to install them. Use the LM048 Adapter anywhere you would ordinarily run a serial (RS-232C) cable. In many applications equipment is located in environments that would normally require a cable run under a floor, or above a ceiling. The expense of an electrician or qualified cable installer may be significantly more than the cost of this simple, reliable wireless device.

 

Run Remote Printers and Other RS-232C Devices Without Wiring

Compact, Affordable, and Easy-to-Install

Uses Reliable Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Range of up to 328 Feet (100m) Without Obstructions

The Only Wireless Adaptor That Supports “Out of Paper / Cover Open” Printer Status to the ECR

The Smallest RS-232C Bluetooth Adaptor Available

Pre-Configured for Easy Setup

You can call 1-800-863-2274 to order.

cash register support and programming

The cash register guys can help with most of your programming needs for your Sharp or SAM4s cash registers. We can help you change your sales tax, receipt logo, departments and more. We can even help with more advanced functions like credit card interface using the Datacap TwinTran, kitchen printers, integrated scales and computer interface.

So yes we can do all this but please don't call and expect to have someone get on the phone with you to solve your problems at no cost. We have to charge for our services in order to have technicians on staff to do all this. If you bought your cash register here I'll always provide limited support for free and often that will take care of the issue. If you did not buy your cash register here you are still welcome to call just have your credit card ready. To arrange support call 1-800-863-2274

If you casnt find a Sharp cash register try a SAM4s

Sharp cash registers are in very short supply. We have been unable to get models ER-A410, and the ER-A520 for quite some time. We are now being told they may show up in late October 2013 if you need a cash register in the meanwhile try looking at a SAM4s cash register as they seem to have plenty of stock.

Need cash register support? Think about it before you buy

When you are looking for a cash register you may want to skip the big box stores and head to a dealer that offer commercial grade equipment. Every day we receive calls from people that have bought registers from a big box store and have no idea how to use it, program it or fix it. Every day we have to tell these callers that we can't support registers that we don't sell and in the case of the Sharp XE models or the Casio PCR models we don't offer support period.

So make sure if service and support is important that you buy your cash register from a source where you can get help. Also remember that help is not always free especially if you did not buy the register from the company you are calling.

What is a cash register Z report?

Cash register reports are grossly miss-understood. In this age of endless complex reporting and analytics from websites and computers people expect the same from a cash register.

So the first miss conceptions to tackle is that cash registers know the date. Cash registers do in fact print the date and time on receipts and reports but that is where it ends. Cash registers do not associate sales to dates and time, they simply print the date and time and know when to roll it over.

So with that in mind lets look at so called daily reports. The only reason they are daily reports is because you take them daily, should you forget a day it will be combined with the next day. All cash registers sales are really period to date. Most registers do have several report levels known as Z1 and Z2 or Daily and Monthly. However remember it is only daily or monthly if taken daily and monthly. Here is how they work. A Z1 or daily is the first level of report. Example lets say you use the machine Saturday and at the end of the day you take the report or reports (will get into type of reports later). When you take the Z1 it will print the info and reset it back to zero, as well as take that data and dump it into the Z2 totals. Yes that is correct sales do not count in Z2 until a Z1 has been taken! So now Sunday you take another Z1 at the end of the day, that will be the sales from after the Z1 Saturday to right then, again that data is then added to the Z2 totals. OK now you forget to take a report on Monday night and you realize it Tuesday night and you think OK I'll just take the Monday report and the Tuesday report! NOPE both days have been added together now. When you take the report Tuesday night it will now be all the sales from the time you Z'd out Sunday night to right then, and again it will add to the Z2 at that point.

OK so now you want the monthly report or Z2. First make sure you have taken the last Z1 of the month you want (remember days to not add to Z2 until the daily Z1 is taken. So now you take the Z2 and it will be the entire period of time's sales from the last time you took the report. So if you last took the report May 1st before you did a Z1 on May 1st and it is now June 1st before you have taken the Z1 for June 1 the report will contain all the sales of May. Make sense? If you take that report every two months then it will be a bi-monthly report, take it every three months it will be the quarterly reports, take it every six months it will be a bi annual report. Get it?

What you should take away from this.

• All cash register reports are period to date, they total from last report to present report.
• Cash registers print date and time but don't report or filter by it.

Also once a Z report is taken you CAN NEVER reprint it! Lose the paper report you lose the report forever!

I hope that helps you understand cash register reports. Both SAM4s cash registers and Sharp Cash Registers work the same, yes they have different reports available but the Z1 and Z2 works the same way!

Need help selecting a cash register? Call us at 1-800-863-2274

Where to buy a cash register

When you buy a cash register make sure you are buying from a dealer that can help you after the sale should you ever need support for example when your local sales tax rate increases. That does not mean that support is always free, however make sure it is available. Every day we hear from people that bought disposable cash registers from the big box stores, they call us for support which most often we can't help with and even if we could there is a fee for that.

The top commercial registers sold in North America are Sharp cash registers models starting with ER or UP and of course the SAM4s cash registers which have many options for all types of stores and restaurants.

Most of these sites feature cash registers with credit card readers that also process gift cards too. They almost always use the Datacap Twin Tran interface.

Need help selecting which register is for you? Call us at 1-800-863-2274

Good entry level cash registers

SAM4s makes several great entry level cash registers for both retail stores and restaurants. You should stay away from the cheap cash registers offered at the big box store when looking for an entry level cash register. Buy a cash register that you can get support for if needed.

A real popular machine for both small restaurant, fast food, snack bar is the SAM4s ER-285M. The reason people like this machine so much is features and price. This cash register is very small with a decent size cash drawer, options include interfaced credit card, bar code scanner, pc interface etc. Easy to program and very durable.

If you need a simple open entry cash register you might want to look at the SAM4s ER-5215M. This register comes with 5 dept./group buttons, receipt and journal printers, great cash drawer and pretty simple to use.

Need help selecting a register give us a call 1-800-863-2274

Commercial grade cash registers from SAM4s

There are two great brands of commercial grade cash registers and they are SAM4s and Sharp. Both of these companies make cash registers designed for medium and higher volume stores and restaurants. In today's sluggish economy it is even more important then ever to maximise your profit and cut cost. Well cutting cost on your cash register system may save you a few bucks but it will cost you in profit. Why you ask? Well because a good cash register will do the following

• Increase customer through put. You make a customer wait in line to long and they don't come back or the leave in the first place.
• Commercial grade registers are capable of four sales tax rates. You may only have one today but revenue hungry states, counties and cities keep inventing new sales tax rates. You could end up charging two or maybe four rates in one transaction!
• Interface credit card payments with your cash register reduces fraud, stops expensive ten key errors and speeds up lines!
• A good cash register will produce detailed sales reports daily and monthly saving you expensive time compiling reports for sales taxes etc.

There are a lot more reason but those are some of the top. Here is a good place to buy a Sharp cash register however you should make sure and check out the SAM4s Cash Registers before you buy any of them. Need help then give us a call 1-800-863-2274

Programming a cash register

Do you need help programming a cash register? Did your sales tax increase and you don't know how to change it? Well we can help but before you call please be aware that our support is not free? Everyday people call us that bough cash registers from big box stores and they don't know how to program them. They call us and become mad that we charge for our services. Why would any company support something for free that they did not sell? Does that make any sense at all? So if you don't mind paying for service give us a call and we will see if we can help. There are many cash registers in the big box stores that we CAN'T help with because we lack the manuals. Call us with the make and model and we will let you know right away if we can help. If your register model starts with XE then we probably can't help, if it starts with PCR we can't help.

Here is a small list of the registers we can support

• All SAM4s registers
• Most all Samsung cash registers
• Sharp models that begin with ER, or UP such as Sharp ER-A520 or UP-700

On a daily basis we support Sharp Cash Registers as well as SAM4s Cash Registers. We also support add on products like the Datacap Twin Tran cash register credit card interface

You can reach us at 1-800-863-2274

Is a SAM4s cash register right for you?

Make sure when you are looking for a new cash register that you think about service after the sale. I find the average life span for a good cash register 5 to  7 years depending on the working environment (That does not mean they all last 5 year plus) and I have seen many last 10+ no problem.

Your new register is something you will have for a long time over many different sales tax increases, numerous employees and managers. If you walk into a big box store and buy a register who is going to help you with it in the future? Every day I have people calling me to change a tax rate on a cheap cash register they bought at the big box store and they want me to tell them how to change the tax rate for free! NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, call the big box store you bought it from. So if support is important then buy from a real cash register dealer like us who supports the registers they sell and often at no cost (not all services and support is free anywhere)

There are only three commercial grade cash register brands in the US and probably Canada too. They are SAM4s, Sharp and Casio. Of those our favorite is SAM4s because of price and features, followed by Sharp and lastly Casio.

All three of the big three manufactures offer cash registers that interface to credit card payments with the Datacap Twin Tran, DVR, Kitchen Printers, PC's and more.

Give us a call at 1-800-863-2274 if you need help selecting and buying a new SAM4s cash register.

Software for cash registers

Many people call and ask us about software for cash registers which we do have. Not every cash register works with software but most do. we have a software package we like and it is PC Poll Cash Register Software and it works for both SAM4s cash registers and Sharp.

The software is known as polling software which means it "Polls the cash register" and retrieves the sales data. The software also in most cases allow you to do all of your programming from the PC as well.

PC poll can be connected directly to the cash register, or via the Internet. PC Poll will work for up to 99 stores/registers.

Make sure your cash register has enough serial ports to connect to a computer especially if you have other options connected like credit card interface or bar code scanning.

Feel free to give us a call for more information or if you already own PC Poll and require support we can help you there too. 1-800-863-2274