What to do about label printer…

[Blake2]

Hello! 

So as of a few month ago I believe, i can no longer get printer paper for the TSP640ii SK label printer in Canada, saw that Square has the zebra barcode printer but its not compatible with Square Restaurants Plus (which we currently use). We are a quick grab and go cafe so having the ability to print the drink orders and stick them to the cups was great! Any ideas on how to get a label printer setup? Has anybody else been having this issue in Canada? 
Whenever I do find paper it’s normally a US site and wont ship to Canada, or you find a Canadian retailer selling 6 rolls for almost $300!! Not sure how to work around this so any insight would be appreciated!! 

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi, @Blake2 ! Welcome to the Square Community! We are so happy to have you here! 

I can provide some insight here and potential solutions:

1. Current Situation

• The TSP640ii SK label printer paper shortage in Canada is indeed a known issue
• The high prices you're seeing ($300 for 6 rolls) are unfortunately common due to supply chain issues and limited availability

2. Alternative Solutions:

a) Compatible Printer Options:

• While the Zebra printer isn't compatible with Square Restaurants Plus, there are other Star Micronics models that are compatible and more readily available in Canada:
  • The Star TSP654II is a direct replacement and uses more commonly available thermal paper
  • The Star mC-Print3 is a newer model that's fully compatible with Square Restaurants Plus

b) Paper Alternatives:

• Consider using standard 80mm thermal paper rolls with a paper cutter
• You can create a DIY label solution using thermal paper and adhesive tape
• Some restaurants have switched to using removable adhesive labels that can be applied to thermal paper

3. Workaround Solutions:

• Use a standard receipt printer with clear ticket holders that can be attached to cups
• Implement a color-coded system with standard receipt paper
• Consider using a standard laser printer with adhesive label sheets

4. Sourcing Options:

• Check with Canadian restaurant supply companies like Postech, JJ Mackay, or POS West
• Consider buying in bulk with other local businesses to share shipping costs
• Look into Star Micronics's official Canadian distributors

Recommendations:

1. Short-term:

• If you still have your TSP640ii SK, consider using standard thermal paper with adhesive labels as a temporary solution
• This can help you continue operations while you evaluate long-term options

2. Long-term:

• Consider upgrading to the Star TSP654II or mC-Print3, which have better paper availability
• These printers are fully compatible with Square Restaurants Plus and use standard thermal paper

I hope this helps! 

[Blake2]

Thanks for your reply!! 

Just noticed now i made I mistake in the original post, we were using the TSP654II before trying the Zebra printer. 

I still cant find any adhesive paper though for that original printer. It seems like all the options i can see in Canada are not compatible with Star printers. 

Do you think i just need to find something that matches the required outer and inner max diameter if the paper roll the printer would take?

[Summer2024]

@Blake2 Here is what I am thinking (in outline form because bullet points are my life🤣)

Compatible Paper Types:

• Any 80mm thermal adhesive paper that matches these dimensions should work, even if not specifically branded for Star printers
• The key is matching the physical specifications rather than looking specifically for "Star-compatible" paper
•  
• Potential Sources:

• ULine Canada carries thermal label rolls that might be compatible
• Staples Business Advantage (commercial division) can sometimes source these
• Local POS supply companies might have generic alternatives
•  
• Alternative Solutions to Consider:

• Some restaurants are using standard 80mm thermal paper with separate adhesive labels
• There are "sticky note" style thermal papers that might work (though they're typically slightly narrower)
• Some businesses have switched to using label printers like the Dymo LabelWriter series, which might be more readily available in Canada