Barcode Label Printer Buying Guide in Egypt for a TtaKkaa Store
A barcode label printer isn't essential for every shop, but it's essential if you have locally made or repackaged products with no factory barcode. This guide explains when you actually need one and how to choose the right printer.
The difference between a receipt printer and a label printer
The two devices are completely different even though both are "thermal printers":
- Receipt printer: prints on continuous roll paper (usually 57 or 80mm), designed for invoices and receipts.
- Label printer: prints on fixed-size, adhesive-backed labels, designed to stick directly on products.
You can't use a receipt printer to print barcode labels — the specs and the mechanism are completely different.
When you actually need a label printer
If all your products come from the factory with ready barcodes, you might not need a label printer at all. But if you have:
- Locally made products (like baked goods or in-house packaged items).
- Products you repackage into different quantities from the original package.
- Products whose original barcode was lost and needs replacing.
In these cases, a label printer saves a lot of time, especially combined with the batch label printing feature from the dashboard.
The right size
The most common size for small and mid-size shops fits most products stuck on ordinary cans or packages. If you have unusually small or large products, confirm the label size matches the printer type before buying.
Tied to selling products by weight
If you sell products by weight and also want to sell a packaged version at a fixed price (like a ready-made kahk box at a bakery), a label printer becomes very useful, as explained in the story of Al Ferdaws Bakery.
If you want to set up the full barcode selling journey
Start with our step-by-step barcode selling guide, then our label printing guide, or check our receipt printer buying guide if you need both together.
Written by The TtaKkaa team
with the Ttakka team
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Try Ttakka freeFrequently asked questions
Can a thermal receipt printer print barcode labels?
No, a receipt printer is designed for continuous roll paper, while a label printer is designed for fixed-size, adhesive-backed labels. The two are different in use and specs.
I run a small shop — do I need a label printer from opening day?
No, if all your products already have factory barcodes, you may not need one at all. It's more useful if you have locally made or repackaged products that need an internal barcode.
Are there different label sizes?
Yes, there are different sizes depending on the product type, and the most common size for small shops fits most products, but you need to confirm the label size matches the printer you buy.