Hardware for Consignment Software

The ION Barcode Scanner ($99) is an inexpensive USB scanner which connects to the PC with a 6.5' cable. It has a 5-inch read range and a 4.7" read width. It reads all popular bar-code symbologies by pulling the scanner's trigger.

This scanner is included in BCSS Special Offers. The scanner can be upgraded to the EVO Laser Scanner that can sit in a stand for hands-free operation (by passing the barcode in front of the LED light). (Add $56.)

Consignment Software and Cash Drawers

A cash drawer (or 'till') is part of a cash register. It's the 'drawer' that pops open when a sale is rung up and it's the place where currency, checks, papers and valuables can be stored.

A cash register is a cash drawer plus a receipt printer plus sales processing and end-of-day reconciliation of sales with the total of money collected in the drawer.

A register typically prints a receipt on 3-inch-wide receipt paper. The receipt includes the date, name of store (and address), invoice or transaction number, items purchased and quantity of each, sales tax, discounts, notes about the purchase and slogans like "Thank you for shopping with us".

Registers can be connected to barcode scanners, scales, check stands and credit-card/debit-card terminals. They can calculate sales tax and discounts, record details of transactions and record payment methods.

Registers can be used in conjunction with BCSS but that does require some additional double entry (unless the register is only being used as a cash drawer).

Best Consignment Software combined with a receipt printer and cash drawer supplant a cash register and perform the same functions including printing sales receipts.

The Cash-Drawer-Balance feature in Diamond or Virtual tracks each salesperson's balance in real time and determines how much cash should be in the till at any time. Multiple employees can transact from the same POS station or on the same network by logging in and out and maintaining separate drawers.

The POS-X Heavy-Duty Cash Drawer ($133 or $183) attaches to the receipt printer and opens when a sales receipt is printed. (There's an option to only open the drawer for cash and check transactions.) The drawer can connect directly to the PC if a receipt printer is not used ($183). The drawer includes a key for locking it.

Consignment Software and Thermal Receipt Printers

A receipt printer prints sales receipts, not price labels and tags.

A receipt printer prints on 3-inch-wide roll paper with the details of the sale: date, items, quantity, price, subtotal, tax, total amount.

The ION Thermal 2 Receipt Printer (5 x 6 x 6, $284) is a 'silent' jam-free thermal printer which prints 1 or more copies of 1-ply RECEIPTS (not price labels). Font size and density can be changed. Messages and logos can be printed.

The TSC Label Printer can be substituted for the Receipt Printer for $100 more.

The following receipt printers work with BCSS to varying degrees. They are not supported (for free) or recommended: EASYSET A9 MiniPrinter (some odd characters possible), Epson M-188A, TM6000II, TM-T88, TM-T88IV and TM-U220, Samsung SRP350, SNBC BTP-2002NP, Star SP212, TSP600/700, TSP 613 and DP8340, and all refurbished printers.

Is a Receipt Printer Necessary?

Consignment store customers understand that items are used and mostly sold 'as is'. They typically accept (if not expect) a 'no-return policy' so in many cases, it is not necessary to print a receipt (for return purposes). Moreover, many customers are satisfied with the credit-card transaction receipt. Of course hand-written receipts would also be acceptable for purchases with few items.

Every edition of BCSS has a built-in receipt that can be printed in the Excel Invoice format with any laser-style printer on a full sheet of paper, which may be sufficient for an occasional receipt.

Thermal Label Printers

Direct thermal printers use a thermal printhead that applies heat to chemically-treated paper, creating the print on labels. A black line (adhesive) or gap (non-adhesive) across the back forces the printer to print before moving forward, so there is less waste.

BCSS prints 2" to 4"-wide horizontal thermal labels (adhesive labels and non-adhesive hang tags) - from 1" to 4" high using the TSC TDP-244/246/247/DA210 or 2" horizontal labels with the TSC TDP-225. Bar codes may be printed on labels (or not).

There are 3 options with sheet labels: Adhesive 2 5/8 x 1 (with bar code) and 1 3/4 x 1/2 (too small for bar codes); Non-adhesive 4 x 1 'hang tag' (with bar codes).

There are 16 varieties and sizes of thermal labels, all with optional bar codes, ranging from a 2.25 x .5 jewelry label to a 2-part tear-off hang tag to 4 x 4 adhesive label.

Refer to the label chart in the BCSS Manual for label types and sizes. (Labels and tags are available from Barcode Warehouse.)

The TSC DA210 printer (9 x 6 x 11) is $349, and 2550 2" x 1" labels are $8.60 (as of 11/11/2022). Printing cost is less than printing sheet labels because labels are cheaper, there's no ink or ribbon and fewer labels are wasted (from paper jams, out-of-ink runs, smeared labels, etc). It is also considerably easier to print one or several labels.

Used/refurbished printers and Zebra printers are compatible but they are neither recommended or supported, however, (paid) support for any hardware is available: 888-427-5779 or email.

BCSS System Requirements

Best Consignment Shop Software is a Windows program. Apple says Windows programs can run on a MAC with Windows and their Basecamp software installed.

Windows

The following are the MINIMUM requirements for Windows alone:

• Processor = 2 GHz or faster
• RAM = 4 GB
• Disc Space = 16 GB 32 bit; 20 GB 64 bit
• Video = DirectX 9 capable device with WDDM 1.0 or higher
• Clean installation suggested with no bloatware.

For BCSS purposes, RAM should be at least 4GB (8-16GB for larger stores) and the processor should have a clock speed of 3.0 GHz or more.

Touchscreen Monitors

BCSS supports touchscreen technology. In the program go to File > Program Setup > Sales and check 'Use Touchscreen for Sales'.