In today’s fast-paced business world, the quality of your POS system’s receipts can have a surprising impact on both customer satisfaction and day-to-day operations. Clear, professional-looking receipts rely heavily on the paper you use—making high-quality receipt paper an essential investment.
Let’s explore why paper quality is more important than you might think, what can go wrong with low-grade alternatives, and how to choose the right paper for your business.
Why Quality Paper Matters for Your POS System
Clear and Legible Receipts
High-quality paper ensures crisp, sharp printing, making receipts easy to read and scan. This matters especially in industries like retail and food service, where receipts are used for returns, reimbursements, or expense claims. In contrast, low-quality paper can result in blurry or faint text, which reflects poorly on your brand.
Better Print Quality
Thermal or ink-based printing works best on smooth, high-grade surfaces. Quality paper holds print better, so receipts don’t smudge, fade, or become illegible with time. This is key for businesses that require receipt retention for record-keeping or customer service.
Professional Appearance
Receipts are often the last thing customers see from your business. Clean, crisp receipts printed on quality paper leave a lasting impression and reinforce your brand’s reliability and professionalism.
Durability and Longevity
Some receipts need to last—whether for tax purposes, warranties, or expense tracking. High-quality thermal and bond paper is designed to withstand daily handling and environmental factors better than cheaper alternatives.
Problems Caused by Poor-Quality Paper
Paper Jams
Inconsistent coating, thickness, or texture in low-grade paper often leads to paper jams. These jams can slow down service, damage printers, and frustrate both staff and customers.
Faded and Unreadable Receipts
Cheap thermal paper is more likely to fade quickly—sometimes within weeks—especially when exposed to heat, light, or friction. This leads to unreadable receipts, customer complaints, and accounting issues.
Increased Printer Wear and Tear
Poor-quality paper can wear down your printer faster. It may not feed smoothly or can leave behind dust and debris that cause print head damage or misalignment.
Poor Customer Experience
Faded, incomplete, or torn receipts can negatively affect a customer’s perception of your business. Even something as small as the receipt paper can influence repeat visits and brand trust.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Prints
Low-grade paper can cause skips in printing, leaving out prices, items, or tax information. This can result in misunderstandings, returns, or compliance concerns.
How to Choose the Right Paper Quality for Your Business
- Paper Type: Use high-quality thermal paper for thermal printers, and bond or carbonless paper for ink-based or impact printers.
- Printer Compatibility: Check your printer’s specs for correct paper width, diameter, and type to avoid jams or misprints.
- Storage and Environment: If receipts need to last, choose paper with fade-resistant coatings or BPA-free thermal options.
- Cost vs. Value: Quality paper might cost more upfront, but it reduces equipment issues, enhances the customer experience, and minimizes long-term costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cash register paper may seem like a simple product, but there are several factors to consider when choosing the right type for your business. Below, we answer common questions to help guide your choice.
What is the difference between thermal and bond paper?
Thermal paper uses heat to print and is used in most modern POS systems. Bond paper requires ink or ribbons and is better for older printers or those that need multi-part receipts.
Does thermal paper fade over time?
Yes, especially if it’s low-quality. Choose thermal paper with fade-resistant coatings for receipts that need to last longer.
Can poor-quality paper damage my printer?
Absolutely. Inferior paper can cause jams, increase wear on print heads, and reduce the lifespan of your printer.
What size paper do I need for my POS system?
That depends on your printer. Common sizes include 2.25” and 3 1/8” (or 3 3/8”) widths. Always check your printer model's specifications.
Is BPA-free paper important?
Yes, especially in foodservice. BPA-free paper is safer for both customers and employees, and many businesses now prefer it for health and compliance reasons.