POS hardware and peripherals

Plan POS hardware around each counter's tasks: entering sales, taking payment, issuing receipts, handling cash and scanning products where needed. A matching plug or wireless connection does not establish software compatibility.

Map the counter

A service counter may need only a supported checkout device and payment reader. A shop with packaged stock may also need a scanner, receipt printer and cash drawer. Kitchen tickets are a separate job from customer receipts.

For each station, record the POS app or mode, checkout device, payment account, network and available power. Then build the hardware list from the tasks:

Check connection paths before ordering

Treat the connection type as part of the model check. Square lists the Star Micronics TSP143IV UE in USB and Ethernet versions; the USB version is listed as compatible with Square Terminal and Square Handheld, but not Square Stand or Square Register. A model name alone does not verify a fit.

Square's accessory categories include printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, scales and other accessories. Supported models and connection types vary by POS device. Before buying, check what else the connection requires: a printer-driven drawer needs a compatible receipt printer.

The Star Micronics mPOP combines a receipt printer and cash drawer, and connects by USB to a hardware hub. Include any required hub, interface cable and power supply in the station plan.

Supported POS Devices and Accessories in Australia

Check how payments reach the sale

A terminal may work within the POS, connect through a named integration, or process payment separately. Square Terminal can connect to a POS app as a customer-facing display and payment point, subject to Square's pairing and app limits.

For any proposed setup, ask which device sends the amount and where staff see an approval, decline or cancellation. Confirm what staff must do before retrying a payment.

Match each printer to its job

Receipt, kitchen and barcode-label printing have different requirements. A checkout device with a built-in receipt printer, such as Square Terminal, may remove the need for another receipt printer.

If a receipt printer drives the cash drawer, check the printer, drawer and cable together. Square documents both USB and printer-driven drawers; the latter needs a connected printer for automatic opening.

Key Hardware Requirements for Australian POS Setups

Check scanning and labels separately

A scanner reads a code; a label printer creates one. The scan must also find the correct product or variant in the POS. Square lists scanner support by POS device.

Label production has extra limits. Square for Retail Plus and Premium can print barcode labels through specified devices or Square Dashboard, but Square Terminal cannot create or print them.

Square for Retail notes that only a limited selection of printers and labels is available on Square Shop, and some may be out of stock. Check trusted retailers online or contact manufacturers directly.

Specify the whole station

Ask the supplier to identify model numbers, cables or hubs, software plans and connection methods. Check that staff can reach the screen, receipt slot, paper door and drawer in the planned counter layout.

Before opening, request a demonstration with the proposed devices: select or scan an item, take each intended payment type, print a receipt and open the drawer if cash is accepted. Include a failed print or unreadable label. Record any failed step against the precise POS and hardware combination.

For a Square printer-driven drawer, connect the printer and create its printer profile before attaching the drawer's interface cable to the printer. Then use Test Cash Drawer in settings to confirm the hardware works, even if the drawer does not appear in the available-device list.

For the mPOP, Square specifies connecting its power and plugging its USB cord directly into the hardware hub. On Square Register, create a printer station, select the printer model and enable receipts when the mPOP is connected by USB, then test the printer. Test the drawer separately before relying on it at the counter.