Printing with BCSS

BCSS prints address labels, price (with or without bar codes), consignment agreements, invoices, checks and reports using any laser, inkjet, bubble jet or dot matrix printer. (Dot Matrix printers are suitable for printing bar codes.)

Printer Setup

1. Install the printer if it is not already installed.
2. Open Notepad, WordPad or any text editor.
3. Type just a few letters and print.
4. Troubleshoot the printer using the printer's manual if printing fails.
5. In BCSS click on File (upper left) then Program Setup then Printers.
6. Select the printer in the top section named 'Print Documents'.
7. Try printing something like a Consignment Agreement.

Purchasing Printers

Hewlett Packard printers are known for their dependability.

Buy printers from Dell Computers for added support. Shop online and have equipment delivered to your door.

If you don't need color printing capability, purchase HP's 5510 All-in-One copier-fax-printer-scanner. These may be purchased from Dell in conjunction with the purchase of a new PC and shipping may be free if the total order exceeds a stipulated amount (around $500).

If something goes wrong, Dell will have a technician come to your place of business within 1-2 business days to get you going again.

Printing Sheet Labels

Adhesive labels are available at local supply stores. Non-adhesive hang tags (available with colored borders) and prices are available from Markat CC, markatcc@att.net, Toll Free 888-947-7734.

If hundreds or thousands of price tags are to be printed, consider purchasing a Zebra Thermal Printer. It does not use ink and allows labels to be printed one at a time or 2 across. For thousands of labels the cost per label is around one cent.

Printer Troubleshooting

Every printer should have a User's Guide with a section for troubleshooting. If a manual is not available, search online for the make and model for an online version of the User's Guide.

Here are some basics:

• Before attempting to print with BCSS, type a few characters in Notepad or WordPad and attempt to print.
• Check for paper jams. A worn pick-up roller will grab the paper incorrectly and paper will being partially fed.
• Open the printer in the Control Panel and clear any print jobs in queue.
• Check all settings in Printer Properties. The most common settings are portrait and 8.5 x 11.
• If the queue won't clear, turn the printer off and back on. Attempt to print.
• Perform a self test. If that fails, contact the printer provider who may ask you to make sure the printer is turned on, has paper properly loaded and is connected to the PC properly with a functional cord.
• Clean the inside of the printer with a small vacuum or compressed air.
• Check status messages in the LED window.
• Determine if the toner cartridge is the problem by replacing it. Don't shake cartridges but rotate them 40 degrees or so.
• In BCSS, click on File then Program Setup the Printers. Make sure the correct printers are chosen for printing documents, receipts and thermal labels (if applicable).
• Free support may be available from the manufacturer. Paid support is available from Computer Mechanics, 800-448-1436.

Please see Labels Used with BCSS.

For free email support, send us an email. (Add the domain name mm.st to your email program's Approved Senders List or White List to lessen the chance that spam filters will block our emails to you. (Instructions) For phone and remote PC help, contact: Joy Archer, enJoy Consigning Services, 972-898-7921 (NY), Email, or Computer Mechanics, 800-448-1436 (MI), email.