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Every supermarket, cafeteria, pharmacy and restaurant in Qatar runs on receipt rolls. When the roll runs out at a busy hour, the queue stops. Buying the right size the first time saves money and trouble. Here is a simple guide.
What do the numbers on a roll mean?
A roll named 80x80 or 80x70 has two numbers:
- The first number is the width of the paper in millimetres. 80mm is the normal width for most POS receipt printers in shops and restaurants.
- The second number is the diameter of the roll, also in millimetres. A bigger diameter means more paper on the roll, so you change it less often.
Smaller card machines and handheld printers usually take narrower rolls, often 57mm. Always check the width your machine needs before you order.
80x80 or 80x70: which one fits?
Both rolls are 80mm wide. The difference is how much paper is on them. Look at the paper holder in your printer. If an 80mm diameter roll fits easily, you can use 80x80 and change rolls less often. If the space is small, use 80x70. A smaller roll will usually fit a printer made for a bigger one, but a bigger roll will not fit a small holder.
The easiest way: measure your old roll or read the label on the box, and order the same size.
Thermal paper or normal paper?
Thermal printers do not use ink. They use heat, and the special coating on the paper turns dark. So a thermal printer needs thermal paper.
A quick test: scratch the paper with your fingernail. If it leaves a dark line, that side is thermal. Put the roll in with this side facing the print head.
Some kitchen printers and older machines use plain paper rolls with a ribbon instead of heat. These are different rolls, such as 2-ply 76mm rolls. If your printer has a ribbon, ask us before you buy.
Label rolls for barcode printers
Shops that print price labels or shipping labels use thermal label rolls. Sizes like 100x50mm and 50x25mm are the size of each label. Match the label size and roll core to your label printer. You can see our thermal label rolls and other label rolls.
Tips to make receipts last
- Keep rolls away from sun and heat. Qatar summers are hard on thermal paper, so do not store boxes in a hot car or a warehouse without AC.
- Keep receipts away from plastic sleeves and oily hands, which can fade the print.
- If you need to keep a receipt for a long time, take a photocopy or a scan.
- Keep at least one spare box in the shop so you never run out at closing time.
- Clean the print head gently from time to time if prints look light or patchy.
How much should you buy?
A busy shop can use several rolls a day. Count how many rolls you use in a normal week, then keep enough stock for two or three weeks. Buying by the box is easier than running out to buy a few rolls at a time.
Order thermal rolls in Qatar
See all our thermal receipt rolls, or look at a receipt printer if you are setting up a new counter. Need paper invoice books too? Read our guide to NCR invoice books.
Not sure which size you need? Send a photo of your old roll or your printer on WhatsApp. Raifa Centre is in Doha with branches in Barwa Village and Matar Qadeem. We deliver across Qatar and accept cash on delivery.
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