What Are The Best Standard Retail Barcode Scanners

Essential Retail Tools

The scanning of barcodes is a ubiquitous system for almost all products and inventory management transactions. It is now just a question of which reader to choose from when setting up or refurbishing your business. There are several different kinds, from industrial scanners to presentation scanners. Today we will be explaining some of the differences and looking at some good choices of barcode scanners currently on the market.

How Do We Use Barcode Scanners?

Barcode scanners emit a light beam absorbed by the dark bars and reflected by the light spaces in the code. The reflected light is captured by a photosensitive cell inside the reader, transforming it into an electrical signal. These “pulses” are transformed into binary codes to be interpreted in alphanumeric characters.

Industrial Or Standard Barcode Scanners

The mode of operation suggests that these devices are difficult to use. However, these days, they are pretty straightforward and user-friendly. Their practicality largely depends on the scanner model’s shape; this is why it is essential to choose wisely. Before we dive deep, let’s get a bit more familiar.

Industrial barcode scanners are heavyweight, and best suited for extreme outdoor conditions. Their build, design, and technology are directly proportional to the price. On the other hand, standard scanners are plug-and-play, making them less expensive and best suited for small and medium-scale businesses.

Having a barcode scanner is essential for most businesses as these devices pull up prices, categorize products and ensure that the inventory never runs out. But there are over 100 barcode scanners, so which one should one buy? Here are some tips:

Retail Scanners – Ease Of Use

Preferably you want a scanner that is easy to use. You do not wish to have a scanner that requires software to work. You would download or purchase this software in addition to the scanner. Ready-to-go barcode scanners are the way to go.

Barcode Scanner – Ergonomics

If you are going to be scanning hundreds of products every day, you’ll need an ergonomically designed device so that it will not hurt your hands or fingers.

Affordable Scanner

The price of barcode scanners varies from $30-$500. Avoid the cheapest scanners as they are usually fragile and will not last long. A decent barcode scanner should not cost more than $250, depending on your needs. Of course, the more rugged scanners with numerous functions are over $1500.

Retail Scanners – Speed

Ideally, you want a scanner that can scan up to 100 scans a second and enables you to scan at an angle. 

Retail Scanners – Readability

Ideally, you want a scanner that can read all barcodes (1D, 2D), including shipping barcodes (e.g., FedEx, UPS).

Barcode Scanner Hardware Compatibility

The scanner should be compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux computers, including tablets, Ipads, and iPhones, and work well with business software like Excel and Quickbooks.

Wireless Retail Scanners

If you are working inside and outside the store, you preferably want a scanner connecting via Bluetooth or Wifi from at least 50-100 meters. 

Barcode Scanners – Storage

Select a scanner that also has a large internal memory. The latest barcode scanners can store up to 10,000 barcodes.

Retail Barcode Scanners – Durable

The rugged scanners are durable as they come with anti-shock properties. You also want water and dust-proof scanners when working with wet products or if you’re outside.

Wearable Scanner

It would be best if you generally avoided the ring barcodes. These scanners look like a ring; People wear them on their fingers. These scanners are difficult to use, tire your finger quickly, and are very fragile.

Handsfree Scanner

Better known as presentation scanners, these hands-free scanners are high-speed and often used in grocery stores. But you need to bring the product to the scanner. If the products are heavy, this may not be an excellent scanner to buy.