A bar, liquor store, casino, or convenience store requires some type of ID verification system to identify that the customer purchasing sensitive items, such as alcohol, is not underaged. This is important to eliminate legal implications and avoid selling alcohol to underaged individuals.
However, due to a lack of information, businesses often end up purchasing the wrong type of ID scanner that is not consistent with their needs. Therefore, to fully utilize 2D barcode scanners, we have discussed five points that you should remember before making this purchase.
5 things to remember when selecting a 2D barcode scanner
2D barcode scanners help you restrict the entry of underaged individuals into your bar or nightclub. Thus, before purchasing a 2D barcode scanner, business owners must understand a few things about this product. Read on:
1. What does it do?
A 2D barcode scanner is utilized at stores or by businesses to scan IDs for individuals entering the premises. This scanner should be equipped to scan every type of license and business ID.
For example, in the US, a large percentage of driving licenses are scanned by the 2D barcode scanner because they contain a barcode that has the date of birth and address of the individual. However, remember that different magnetic stripes and barcodes need different types of scanners. Hence, finding the one that scans most of the IDs and barcodes is imperative.
This purchase will offer you a wide range and help you validate the IDs of most of the customers entering your bar or making a purchase from you.
2. Where is it useful?
The use of an ID barcode scanner depends on where it is being used. If your store or bar has a consistent in-flow of customers, then you should consider this purchase.
For example, nightclubs have multiple entries during holidays or weekends, and the staff may not be able to accurately validate everyone’s identity under so much pressure.
Therefore, these business owners can take a 2D barcode scanner to quickly scan the ID of a customer and allow them to enter the nightclub or bar.
A local business owner, such as an alcohol shop, can take the ID barcode scanner to check IDs for locals who visit to make a purchase.
3. What data can it store?
Depending on the quality of your 2D barcode scanner, they can or cannot store data read from the identity card. Some scanners don’t have in-built memory or are not equipped to store data. However, high-quality scanners have in-built memory to store data of customers who have visited your nightclub or bar.
What is the use of storing this data?
The data stored on a 2D barcode scanner is used to prove that a customer visited your bar at a particular time. This is imperative when you are operating in a business that can’t sell to minors. Therefore, scanning birthdate, license number, and time of visit is necessary according to many state laws.
If your store or bar experiences a surge of visitors daily or on weekends, you should consider purchasing a 2D barcode scanner that allows you to download data or transfer data when the memory is full. This will help you keep track of visitors, utilize this data for marketing and sales, and save yourself in case of legal inquiries.
4. How user-friendly is it?
Most of the 2D barcode scanners are extremely easy to use. They may have a scanner to check the barcode on the ID, and once this is scanned, it gives clear instructions for original or fake IDs. They may even have an in-built alarm to inform that the ID is fake. More advanced ID barcode scanners also help the staff check the customer’s birthdate to ensure eligibility for the purchase.
When purchasing a 2D barcode scanner, it is best to take a demo or ask the provider to offer installation services. This will allow your staff to understand how the barcode scanner operates, methods to transfer data and ways to check entries in the in-built memory.
5. Is it durable?
2D barcode scanners may be utilized by a bar or nightclub regularly. Hence, selecting a scanner that is durable and can withstand years of use is important. You can check the quality of the scanner via a demo.
Check protruding wires, odd designs, and external battery packs. These products may easily break and may not be quite user-friendly.
It is best to consider a scanner with shock-resistant plastic, screen protectors, and hand straps. This will allow your staff to carry the scanner with ease without breaking it.
Additionally, check the warranty and covered parts. If there is an option, extend the warranty of the product for long-term use.
Conclusion
There are several factors to consider when selecting a 2D barcode scanner. This is an important purchase for your bar, nightclub, or liquor store. Therefore, spend some time researching the qualities of barcode scanners, shortlist a few brands, and then make a purchase. Utilize the above information as a benchmark for your research and make the right decision for your business.
