How can I use barcodes or QR codes with my android phone using the POS app?

[EricLivesay]

Hello all.

I'm using the POS app on my android phone to sell items at craft shows. Is there a way to use barcodes or QR codes so I can scan my items instead of scrolling through a long list? I don't use, and can't justify, square for retail. I know there is a square bluetooth scanner, but it's for apple only (why is square so against android?). 

I know I can create QR codes for individual items, but that is for letting customers scan it and go to the item, but not for me to scan and pull up the item in my POS app to sell.

Any help would be appreciated.

Eric

[JJ_]

Hello there @EricLivesay 

At this time, our hardware team hasn't tested any wireless barcode scanners for Android. We apologize for this inconvenience. You can find all our compatible Hardware by device here.

[Candlestore]

As JJ said there is not a Supported way to do this with Square.

Some people have used an OTG cable adapter to use a Scanner with an Android device.

Which one?  Which Scanner again??  I heard some worked some would not.  People would not say weather it was the Scanner or the OTG that would not work with the Android device.  Maybe they did not know either which part was not connecting correctly, the scanner or the OTG.

This would be trial and error or success on your part and could be costly.

My suggestion is go the route I did, buy an Used Refurbished Ipad Tablet just for sales and a Square Stand. Then connect a supported Scanner.  Since your mobile you might want to just use an Ipad and a Bluetooth Scanner.  Save the receipts for your Accountant to write these off since they are a business investment or expense. 

1. The section 179 tax deduction helps businesses claim immediate tax relief on equipment they purchase throughout the tax year. If you've recently purchased a new point-of-sale (POS) system for your retail store, for example, that would qualify for a section 179 tax deduction. 
2. Since you would need an Ipad to use a Scanner over the Android device this should be a tax write off.  Ask your Accountant to make sure.

5980-compare-square-for-retail-and-square-point-of-sale 

You only need the paid version to Create barcodes but all three can read barcodes.

Now to read QR or 2D barcodes you need a 2D scanner not a 1D Scanner.

With the Ipad the only Bluetooth Scanner that is Sold by Square is the $230 1D Socket Mobile scanner.  

Link here: socket-mobile-barcode-scanner-bluetooth 

Will other Scanners work with the Ipad??  Yes but will they work with Square... That is the problem.  I have a Terra scanner connected to IPAD but would not get recognized by Square, now I use it with my Chromebook for Inventory.  The current scanners I use for my Square Stands were not supported for Square, but again I tried and since they were by the same manufacturer as the USB one on Squares hardware site I tried a Zebra DS6878 2D usb to base wireless scanner.   This works fine for my use and is better than the 1D LS2208 or Zebra 6707 but still is not on Squares Hardware page.  So can a 2D Socket Mobile Bluetooth Scanner work with an Ipad..... IDK.  You may have to contact Socket Mobile to find out.

Here are the Scanners that are compatible with Square, anything else you would be on your own to connect to the equipment and to Square as I was.  : accessories/barcode-scanners   Square does not mention if they are 1D or 2D scanners though.

Now buying a refurbished Scanner through the manufacture or amazon maybe cheaper than buying new, just make sure it is the model that Square recommends.

[EricLivesay]

Thanks for your response. None of those options work for me. What if I buy the Square Terminal ($299) and attach the hub ($39), can I then attach the USB barcode scanner to the Terminal? And also be able to create barcodes that I then can scan and add items to checkout? Without having to use Square for Retail?

[Candlestore · Accepted solution]

@EricLivesay ;

According to a Link I provided a Square Terminal can be connected as you mentioned to a USB Scanner.  Of course it has to be compatible with Square also.  : accessories/barcode-scanners 

As for creating Barcodes:

You can get software to create your own, which is what I do even though I have Square for Retail.  My label printer came with its own software for creating barcodes, so I use that.  The problem is I had to create my own SKU and keep it from being duplicated in my inventory. Squares Barcode creator Label Printer feature has limits on what it allows you to put on a Label with Barcode, but Square can create SKU's for you with the $60 monthly fee.  With using my printers software, I have only the printers limits, and barcode that are installed as limits.  With creating your own SKU, and printing your own barcode you have to know the rules for how different barcodes can be formatted or the Length of characters you want to use or have the software that creates the correct starting or ending Check digit(s).  With a 1D Barcode the more characters your SKU has the longer the Barcode.  My printer came with software that prints 2D barcodes also so my barcodes are 2D and about the same size no mater if my SKU is 8 characters or 30 characters.  You also need to know which Barcode fonts your Scanner can read before printing your barcodes.  You can also use free Barcode generators online but that can be a pain since most online sites create barcodes as a picture and enlarging or shrinking them to fit may not always work.  Some Spreadsheets you can add Barcode fonts and then copy your SKU to another column and change the font to the Barcode font you desire.  Before buying a Label printer see if it comes with software that can print Barcodes, or that you can download their software to print barcodes.

Here is a Guide to tell you about Barcodes:  the-comprehensive-guide-to-1d-and-2d-barcodes/ 

In my store I use the vendors supplied 1D barcodes I think they are UPC-A, code 128 and code 39 -- Both are 1D Barcodes.

I use QR codes on my inventory Shelves, Aztec and Data Matrix on my products that I make -- These are all 2D Barcodes.

My Label and Product Labels are all Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer label printers by Zebra, same manufacturer as my Scanners. 

Since a Barcode is just a Font, as long as your scanner can read XYZ font, it will work with Square.  

The scanner just Reads the Font, translates that to characters, Then Translates those characters to characters the Hardware it connects to understands, which then send these characters to Square.

So like I use my 2D scanner with my Square Stand, but will it work with a Terminal???  Since I do not have a Terminal and do not work for Square I can not say it will or it will not and it is not on the Square Supported Scanners.  Also Square does not show if their Scanners are 1D or 2D type scanners.  You would have to search the scanner you are interested in and see if it will work for your needs.  Square uses Code 39 or Code 128 when it prints barcodes using its software I believe which are  2 common retail barcodes, besides the GTIN versions that are usually GS1 barcodes. 

[EricLivesay]

Very comprehensive answer. That's everything I need to know.

Thanks a bunch!