A mobile printer earns its place when staff lose time walking to a fixed printer, or when the customer is standing in front of them. If labels are printed in one place all day, a desktop printer is usually the better buy.
Where they help most
- Warehouses: relabelling stock in the aisle, and bin and shelf labels.
- Delivery and collections: receipts and proof-of-delivery slips at the door.
- Retail: shelf-edge and markdown labels on the floor, and line-busting receipts.
- Field service: job receipts and asset labels on site.
Choosing the width
| Width | Suits |
|---|---|
| 2-inch | Receipts and small labels, where weight matters |
| 3-inch | Longer receipts and shelf labels |
| 4-inch | Shipping and carton labels |
Choose the smallest width that fits your label. A lighter printer is more likely to be carried all day.
Connection and software
- Bluetooth: pairs with one phone or handheld, and is the common choice for one user.
- Wi-Fi: prints from your network, and suits shared printers in a building with good coverage.
- Your app: this is the part most often missed. Confirm your app can print to the model on your phones, including iPhones if you use them.
Battery and durability
- Match the battery to a full shift at your real print rate, and keep spares if shifts run long.
- Check the drop rating and sealing against where it will be used. Industrial models suit rougher work.
- Decide how it will be carried: a belt clip, shoulder strap or vehicle mount.
- Check how batteries are charged at the end of the day.
Media
Most mobile printers use direct thermal paper, so no ribbon is needed. Print can fade with heat, so keep this in mind for labels and receipts that must last, and store rolls away from sunlight. Choose a roll size that lasts a shift without overloading the printer.
Before you order
- Test printing from your app on your actual phone or handheld.
- Print a full day’s worth of labels on one battery charge.
- Check that the printed barcode scans first time.
Example
Illustrative: a warehouse team relabelling stock in the aisles could carry a 4-inch mobile printer, while a delivery team issuing receipts could use a lighter 2-inch model.
Talk to Mindware
Mindware (Indian Barcode Corporation), based in Dwarka, New Delhi, can help you choose and test the right option. See the Godex MX30+ 3-Inch Mobile Label and Receipt Printer or send an export or domestic enquiry to our sales team.
