> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.florists.digital/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Barcode Scanners

> USB barcode scanners for the POS till — plug in and go.

Any USB barcode scanner works with Digital Florists — there's nothing to set up in Connect. Scanners present themselves to your computer as a keyboard, so they "type" the barcode and press Enter for you. That means they work in any input field, on any screen, with zero configuration.

## How they work

A barcode scanner is just a keyboard device that reads codes very quickly. In the POS, scanning a product barcode adds the item straight to the cart. The same scanner can also read the QR codes Connect prints on delivery labels and worksheets — handy for drivers checking off the manifest as they load the van.

## What to buy

Any USB barcode scanner will do the job. Budget options from Amazon (brands like Inateck, Tera or Netum) at around £15-£35 are perfectly fine. There are just two things to look for when you're shopping:

* **Both 1D barcodes AND 2D QR codes** — many cheap scanners only read 1D barcodes. You want one that handles both, otherwise it won't pick up the QR codes on your delivery labels.
* **USB cable** — not Bluetooth.

For full buying detail and where to order, see [Tested kit](/guides/hardware/tested-kit).

## Do I need a scanner?

Barcode scanners are completely optional. Most florists don't bother with one, especially if the majority of your sales are bespoke arrangements rather than pre-packaged items. They're worth having if you sell pre-priced bouquets, plants with stuck-on barcodes, or you just want to speed up checkout at a busy till.

## Printing barcodes for your products

Digital Florists can generate and print barcode labels for your products — either one at a time through your label printer, or as A4 sheets you can cut up and stick onto stock. Once a product has a barcode, scanning it at the till adds it straight to the sale.

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need to set up the scanner in Connect?">
    No. USB scanners are keyboard devices — plug them in and start scanning. There's nothing to install or configure.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will a Bluetooth scanner work?">
    Probably not reliably. Stick with a USB scanner — they're cheaper, more reliable, and don't need batteries.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does the scanner need to read QR codes too?">
    If you want drivers to scan delivery labels off the manifest, yes — Connect prints a QR code on every delivery label. Look for "1D and 2D" support when shopping.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What's next?

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Label printers" icon="tag" href="/get-started/connect-label-printers">
    Print delivery labels with QR codes your scanner can read.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tested kit" icon="circle-check" href="/guides/hardware/tested-kit">
    What to buy and where to order.
  </Card>
</Columns>