Which barcode scanner to buy for Kasenso

Kasenso doesn't sell scanners and doesn't need a particular brand. Almost any scanner from an electronics shop or online marketplace works — as long as it does two ordinary things, which this guide shows you how to check before you pay.

Which barcode scanner works with Kasenso?

Any USB or Bluetooth barcode scanner that works in keyboard mode and sends Enter after each scan. Most scanners ship set up that way. Kasenso needs no driver or app: the scanner "types" the barcode and presses Enter, and the product goes into the order. A 2D scanner for about $25–60 suits most small shops.

Do I need a scanner at all?

Maybe not. Tap Scan beside the search box on the till and the phone or tablet's own camera reads barcodes, for free. Each item goes into the order with a beep and the camera stays open for the next one. See scanning with the camera.

The camera is fine for a few items at a time. Buy a scanner when:

• you scan most of the day, or a customer's basket often has ten or more items
• the light at the counter is poor
• you need both hands free, or the goods are too big to hold up to a phone

What should I look for in a barcode scanner?

Look for	Why it matters	What the box or listing says
Keyboard mode	Kasenso reads the scanner the way it reads a keyboard, with no driver	"HID", "keyboard emulation", "plug and play"
Sends Enter after each scan	Enter is what tells Kasenso the code is finished	"CR suffix", "Enter suffix" — usually on by default
2D imager	Reads crumpled or shiny labels, codes on a phone screen, and QR codes	"2D", "CMOS", "image scanner"
The right connection	Decides whether it works with your phone, tablet or computer	"Bluetooth", "USB", "2.4G wireless"

A 1D laser scanner is cheaper and works for ordinary product barcodes, but it struggles with damaged labels and can't read a code on a screen. A 2D scanner reads everything a 1D one does.

Bluetooth or USB?

Connection	Best for	Watch out for
Bluetooth	Phones and tablets; carrying the scanner to a heavy item on the floor	It needs charging. It pairs as a keyboard, which can hide the on-screen keyboard (fix below).
USB cable	A computer at the counter; the cheapest and most reliable	A phone or tablet needs a USB-C OTG adapter (about $3–5).
2.4G wireless with a USB dongle	Moving around a shop without pairing	Same OTG adapter needed on a phone or tablet.

If Kasenso runs on an Android tablet or phone, Bluetooth is usually the easiest choice.

How much does a barcode scanner cost?

Type	Typical price	Good for
USB 1D laser	$15–25	Ordinary barcodes on a computer, tight budget
Bluetooth 2D	$25–60	Most small shops on a phone or tablet
Rugged brand (Zebra, Honeywell)	$100–300	A busy counter where it gets dropped every day

Budget 2D Bluetooth scanners are sold under names such as Netum, Eyoyo, Inateck and Tera. Kasenso isn't tested against particular models — use the 30-second test below instead of trusting a brand name.

How do I test a scanner in 30 seconds?

Before you buy, or the moment you unbox it:

1. Plug it in or pair it with the phone, tablet or computer.
2. Open any notes app and tap into a blank note.
3. Scan a product's barcode.

If the number appears and the cursor jumps to a new line, the scanner works with Kasenso. If the number appears but the cursor stays put, it isn't sending Enter — scan the "Enter suffix" or "CR suffix" code in its manual to turn it on. If nothing appears, it isn't in keyboard mode — scan the "HID" or "keyboard" code in the manual.

Using a scanner with Kasenso

1. Give each product its barcode under Products — type it, scan it into the Barcode box, or tap Scan beside the box to use the camera.
2. On the till, scan. You don't need to tap the search box or open a category first; the product goes straight into the order. Scan it again for a second one.
3. A code Kasenso doesn't know shows Barcode not found. Add it to the product under Products.

Scans are ignored while a window such as payment or the receipt is open, so a stray scan can't add to an order you've already charged. Close the window and scan again. More in scan barcodes at the till.

The on-screen keyboard disappeared after pairing

Android treats a paired Bluetooth scanner as a physical keyboard and may hide the on-screen keyboard, so you can't type a customer's name. Turn it back on in the phone's Settings → System → Keyboard → Physical keyboard → Show on-screen keyboard. The exact words vary by phone brand; search Settings for "physical keyboard".

Frequently asked questions

Will a cheap barcode scanner work with Kasenso?

Usually, yes. Kasenso needs only two things: keyboard mode and Enter after each scan, which most scanners do out of the box, including $15–25 ones. Test it in a notes app: if the number appears and the cursor moves to a new line, it will work.

Do I need to install a driver or app for the scanner?

No. A scanner in keyboard mode works like a keyboard, so the phone, tablet or computer recognises it on its own. There is nothing to install in Kasenso or on the device. Plug it in or pair it over Bluetooth and scan.

Can I use my phone's camera instead of a scanner?

Yes, for free. Tap Scan beside the till's search box and hold each item's barcode in the frame. It reads product barcodes, Code 128, Code 39, ITF and QR codes, works offline, and never saves or sends the picture. A scanner is faster for a busy counter.

Does a barcode scanner work offline with Kasenso?

Yes. The scanner talks only to the device it's connected to, not the internet, and Kasenso keeps selling without a connection. Scanned sales are saved on the device and reach the cloud when you're back online.

Can a barcode scanner read QR codes?

A 2D scanner can; a 1D laser scanner can't. If you might ever scan QR codes or codes shown on a phone screen, buy a 2D scanner — it costs only a little more and reads ordinary barcodes too.

Why does my scanner add the code to the search box but not the order?

The scanner isn't sending Enter after the code, so Kasenso can't tell the code is finished. Scan the "Enter suffix" or "CR suffix" setting in the scanner's manual. Until then, pressing Enter on the keyboard after each scan adds the product.