POS Glossary
Point of Sale (POS) Terms
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API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules that allows POS software to communicate with other applications, like accounting or inventory platforms.
Batch Processing
Grouping and settling credit card transactions in bulk at the end of the day.
Card Reversal
A cancellation of a card payment, usually due to an error, duplicate charge, or immediate refund request—before the payment is finalized.
Chargeback
A transaction reversal initiated by a customer through their credit card issuer.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
POS-integrated software that tracks customer interactions, purchases, and preferences.
EBT Card
A debit-style card that allows people to use government benefits to buy approved items like groceries.
End of Day (EOD) Report
A summary generated by the POS system showing daily sales, payments, and transaction types.
Gift Card Integration
POS feature that allows businesses to issue, redeem, and track gift card usage.
Gratuity
voluntary or automatic tip given to thank someone for good service.
Hardware Compatibility
The ability of POS software to work seamlessly with components like printers, scanners, and cash drawers.
Keypad or Pin Pad
A peripheral device used to enter PINs or other secure data during a payment transaction.
Loyalty Program
A marketing feature in POS systems used to reward repeat customers with discounts or points.
Merchant ID (MID)
A unique identifier assigned to a business by its payment processor.
Omnichannel POS
A system that unifies in-store, online, and mobile sales into a single platform.
POS Terminal
The device or tablet where the transaction is entered and completed by staff or customers.
Tokenization
A security process that replaces sensitive card information with unique tokens during transactions.
Thermal Printer Terms
Direct Thermal Printing
A printing method that uses heat-sensitive paper and requires no ink or toner. Ideal for short-term applications like receipts or shipping labels.
Thermal Transfer Printing
A printing method that uses a heated ribbon to transfer ink onto labels, producing more durable prints compared to direct thermal.
Printhead
The component in a thermal printer that applies heat to create images or text on labels or receipts.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
A measure of print resolution. Higher DPI means better print quality, especially for barcodes or small text.
Label Roll
A continuous roll of adhesive labels designed for use in thermal printers. Rolls come in various sizes and core diameters.
Core Size
Refers to the diameter of the inner cardboard tube on which label rolls are wound—typically 1” or 3” for POS or industrial printers.
Media Guide
An adjustable bracket inside a thermal printer that helps align the label or receipt roll for accurate printing.
Peel-Off Mode
A printer setting where the printer separates (peels) each label from the liner after printing, ready for application.
Cutter Option
A built-in or add-on blade that cuts printed labels or receipts automatically after each print job.
Thermal Printhead Cleaning Swab
A tool used to gently clean the printhead and remove buildup, ensuring optimal print quality and printer longevity.
Printer Calibration
The process of aligning the printer sensors to detect label size and gaps for accurate label feeding and printing.
Print Speed
Measured in inches per second (IPS), this indicates how quickly a thermal printer can produce labels or receipts.
Label Gap Sensor
A sensor that detects the space between labels, helping the printer feed and print correctly.
Liner
The backing paper that supports adhesive labels until they are peeled off for use.
Void Label
A type of tamper-evident label that leaves behind a "VOID" pattern when removed, indicating the item has been accessed or tampered with.
Printer Driver
Software that allows the computer or POS system to communicate with and control the thermal printer.
Self-Test / Configuration Report
A test print generated by the printer that displays settings like print speed, darkness, and network info.