Barcode Printer Limitations

[SNP_Cape_Cod]

Is there anyone out there with a better technical grasp of printer drivers who can explain why Square's options for barcode label printing are so ridiculously limited? Why am I restricted to a handful of printer models (some of which are no longer in production by the way) and a dozen or so label sizes? I came over from shopify due to some specific requirements that were easier on the website side but for POS I am stunned to see I cannot use my Zebra ZSB series printers / label sizes. Anyone have similar issues and ever get any kind of explanation as to why Square cannot offer more flexibility, especially since this feature is a paid add-on? 

[Candlestore]

@SNP_Cape_Cod ;

As I see this is your First post here let me welcome you to the Square Sellers Forum where users help users of Square.

3 things:

1. I do not have a Zebra ZSB Label Printer..... I use 5 different Zebra 420 models (Not Supported by Square)
2. I am not good with Print Drivers
3. I am good at figureing out how to get stuff to work with What I have even when Square says I can't

#3 is why I am writing this.

What Type of Labels are you trying to print form your POS?

Price Tags?  Scannable Barcode Tags?  or Other type of a label?

With the ZSB printer and using the Zebra Software you can use your Square catalog.csv as a data file that the ZSB software will use to make your label.  This should work for Price tags and Barcode labels for items.  By doing this way you also have now opened up the possibilities to use any Label that is supported by your ZSB printer.  This is basically how I use my 5 different Zebra 420 models.  

Here is a link on how to use the csv file to print with the ZSB printer:  https://zsbsupport.zebra.com/s/article/000020549 

In the link they use an XLSX file which is basically multiple csv Sheets in one File.

How to export your Square Catalog to work with Zebras ZSB software : https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/5820-transfer-items-between-square-accounts 

I hope this helps, and yes I know it is not using Square but it lets you use what you have and make different size and different text on the labels as you want.

[SNP_Cape_Cod]

Hi Keith,

I so appreciate this quick and thorough explanation! 

Yes, I'm just looking to make scannable barcode tabs. I did come across a youtube video along these lines and can definitely give it a go. My frustration is that, as you mentioned, I need to work around rather than within Square to do something pretty basic for retail purposes, adding several steps and requiring a laptop vs. just the iPad that runs my POS system. Not the end of the world for me but limits my ability to have the teenagers who work here handle new shipments without me right from the register. FWIW, this is super easy to do with Shopify (which I had assumed would've been a lesser POS system to Square but I've found just the opposite a few days into my attempted transition!). 

Again, couldn't be more thankful for your response and I only wish Square would address this feature gap themselves vs. relying on helpful community members like you to come up with alternative solutions for them! I will definitely give this a go so we can get our store ready for the upcoming summer season!

[Candlestore]

@SNP_Cape_Cod ;

You're welcome for the work around, and what I have done is when I place and order and know its coming in or even as we get it I will Print off the labels then give it to staff to put on the items.  This is good for 2 reasons, if I print 100 labels and staff has 2 left over, we can check the quantities then and there to see if we are shorted.  I have already printed Barcode labels the day the order is shipped, and then hang them with the order by our receiving area.