What Is A Till Roll?
If you've ever worked in retail, shopped in store or dined at a restaurant, you've likely encountered a till roll. Despite being a common item, many people are unaware of what exactly a till roll is and why it's essential. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this everyday item and its significance in various industries.
A till roll, also known as a receipt roll, is a long, continuous piece of paper wound around a cardboard core. It is used in cash registers, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and credit card machines to print receipts for customers. Till rolls are a crucial part of the transaction process, providing a tangible record of purchases for both businesses and customers, displaying cost, item and VAT information.
A till roll is a vital component of any retail business, ensuring that customers have a record of their purchase. There are different types of till rolls, each with its own specific characteristics:
- Thermal Till Rolls are coated with a special chemical that changes colour when exposed to heat. They are commonly used in thermal printers, which use heat rather than ink to produce text and images. These rolls are ideal for environments where printing speed and clarity are important, such as retail stores and restaurants. They're often used in smaller businesses due to their affordability.
- Bond Till Rolls are made from plain paper and require an ink ribbon to print. They are typically used in dot matrix or impact printers. Bond rolls are durable and provide high-quality prints, making them suitable for businesses that need long-lasting receipts.
- Carbonless Till Rolls consist of multiple layers of paper that create duplicate copies without the need for carbon paper. These are useful in situations where a business needs to keep a copy of the receipt for their records while providing one to the customer. They are often used in restaurants and service-based businesses.
Till rolls offer several advantages that make them indispensable in various industries. They enable a physical record of transactions, essential for accounting and auditing purposes. It allows businesses to track sales, returns, and other financial activities accurately. Customers also have a proof of purchase with a receipt paper, which is necessary for returns, exchanges, and warranty claims.
Receipts can be used as a marketing tool. Businesses can print promotions, discounts, and loyalty program information on the back of receipts to encourage repeat business and increase sales.
How to Choose the Right Till Roll
Selecting the appropriate till roll for your business depends on several factors, including the type of printer you use, the volume of transactions, and your specific needs. Till rolls come in various sizes to fit different types of cash registers. The most common sizes are 57mm, 80mm, and 58mm. Here are some tips to help you choose the right till roll size and quality:
- Check Printer Compatibility
Ensure that the till roll you choose is compatible with your printer. Thermal printers require thermal rolls, while dot matrix printers need bond rolls with an ink ribbon.
- Consider Print Quality
If print quality is crucial for your business, opt for high-quality till rolls that produce clear, legible text and images. This is especially important for businesses that print detailed receipts with logos or barcodes. Using low-quality till rolls to save money can backfire by producing unreadable receipts, or fade quickly, leading to customer complaints and potential financial discrepancies.
Choose till paper that is durable and resistant to fading. This ensures that receipts remain readable for an extended period, which is important for record-keeping and customer satisfaction.
When storing till rolls, ensure it is in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming damaged by heat or moisture. This is particularly important for thermal rolls, as thermal paper can become discoloured if exposed to high temperatures.
Till rolls are a fundamental component of the transaction process in many businesses. Understanding the different types of till rolls, their benefits bespoke to your business, and how to choose the right one can help ensure smooth operations and enhance customer satisfaction.