Feature Request | Thermal Transfer Printer Support

[ExoticBotanic]

I own and use square in a garden centre and the regular direct thermal (paper based) barcodes that are supported with the current printer range just don't cut it.

Issues

1. Most of our products are outside, the barcodes last about a month in good weather, a week top in harsh weather

2. They aren't waterproof so when we water, or it rains the barcodes are damaged.

3. The heat from the sun discolours and damages the labels. even out indoor shelf labels created through our square supported printers get damaged after several months with light exposure from the sun.

Solution

A supported thermal transfer printer would solve all these issues as they are waterproof and much longer lasting in all weather.

A variation of one of the square supported direct thermal printers (ZD411DT) actually has an option to be thermal transfer (the ZD411TT) it would be awesome if this could be a supported model. However it would also be good the have a larger/more commercial option. It would also be super helpful if we could have more customisations/freedom when it to the barcodes e.g. making price larger (i have also raised a request for this)

I have attached an image of our sun damaged shelf labels for reference we have to replace these every few monthsSun Faded Shelf Labels

[#2]

Thank you for getting back to me, @ExoticBotanic!

I had a brief discussion with our Partnerships Team today regarding your feedback and the other models you mentioned. They mentioned that other Zebra models may be able to connect in the same way as our tested, compatible models do, but they haven't undergone extensive testing by our team. So, we're interested in hearing how you go with the transfer model you purchased!

I've also inquired about the likelihood of the above models being tested and added to future compatibility lists. While it's often tricky to get advance information about which devices will be added to the list (as it's continually updated), I do know that you're not alone in wanting a transfer thermal option. Many Sellers who sell products outdoors share the same sentiment, and I hope I'm able to offer you an update when I hear back from this team.

[Laurie_]

Hi @ExoticBotanic,

I've noticed you've reached out several times recently regarding printer and barcode feature requests, and I'm in the process of addressing all your inquiries shortly!

I completely understand your concern about labels fading and needing frequent replacement. Not only that, but I'd be more than happy to relay your feedback.

Upon reviewing the label printer and label options currently available through the online Square Shop, I've found the following:

1. USB Barcode Label Printer (Zebra ZD411 Direct Thermal Label Printer)
2. Barcode Labels 51x25mm (6 rolls) (For Zebra ZD411 & ZD410 Label Printers)

My understanding is that you're looking for a thermal transfer printer model, rather than the direct thermal models we currently offer. You mention a preference for a larger model. Is there a particular model you've inquired about for outdoor label use? Would you be able to send me a link in your response?

I'd be happy to raise the question with my team.

[ExoticBotanic]

Hey Laurie,

That's correct the direct thermal is what we currently use but comes with the mentioned issues. The ZD411 does come in a thermal transfer model which we have purchased hoping that it is a similar enough unit that it will be compatible (I can update when it arrives).  However this unit is a bit limited as it only has a small format in roll size (126mm) and printing width (57mm). It would be good to also use a thermal transfer unit to print shipping labels. and 57mm may not be wide enough.

The keeping with Zebra

ZD621 has a 104mm printing width and offers 300DPI 

ZT231 has a 104mm printing width and offer larger roll diameters and printing speeds

Thanks,

Steven

Brand or model isn't really an issue for us it would just be great to be able to

1. connect straight to square register

2. Print thermal transfer

3. 300DPI would be great

4. 100mm+ printing width would be good

[Laurie_]

Thank you for getting back to me, @ExoticBotanic!

I had a brief discussion with our Partnerships Team today regarding your feedback and the other models you mentioned. They mentioned that other Zebra models may be able to connect in the same way as our tested, compatible models do, but they haven't undergone extensive testing by our team. So, we're interested in hearing how you go with the transfer model you purchased!

I've also inquired about the likelihood of the above models being tested and added to future compatibility lists. While it's often tricky to get advance information about which devices will be added to the list (as it's continually updated), I do know that you're not alone in wanting a transfer thermal option. Many Sellers who sell products outdoors share the same sentiment, and I hope I'm able to offer you an update when I hear back from this team.

[Laurie_]

Hi again @ExoticBotanic,

I haven't received confirmation from the team that those two models will be added to our compatibility lists in the future. However, the team did make a note of these models for future consideration. They'll contact me again if there is any further news to share.

In the meantime, how did you go with your ZA411? Did you run into any issues connecting it to your POS?

[ExoticBotanic]

Thanks Laurie,

Still waiting on it to arrive there's a bit of a delay in the supply ill update when it arrives

[Laurie_]

No worries, I'll keep a lookout for your reply @ExoticBotanic (please tag me when you're ready)! 🙏

I'll continue to raise this feedback about expanding our supported printer range internally.

[ExoticBotanic]

@Laurie_ We received the printer and it connects and works fine only issue (which i should have remembered) is that you can't adjust the heat/darkness setting on the square register so the barcodes are not dark enough to use. Currently seeing if there is a work around like using different media or finding a way to get the printer to store the darker value. Will update if i find a way to make it work 

[ExoticBotanic]

@Laurie_ There is a manual way to set darkness values directly to the printer see video here

I can confirm the the ZD411 Thermal transfer does work with square with some minor adjustments

[Laurie_]

Hi @ExoticBotanic 👋,

I wanted to follow up now that you’ve had your ZD411 for a while—how’s it been working for you? We’ve had a few other Sellers asking about alternative options, and I’d like to highlight your case as an example for my team.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

[ExoticBotanic]

@Laurie_ 

Yep works no problem at all they will just need to manually set the darkness on the printer (can find videos on YouTube for this) 

we did have some trial and error with the correct ribbon. Zebra branded thermal ribbon works perfectly we tried some third party ribbon with mixed results. We currently use synthetic BOPP stickers from labelmate.com.au (sku 1002) 50.8x25.4mm. These are waterproof and can be used outside.