Setup for Mobile Businesses

Mobile businesses are merchants that don’t always operate in the same fixed location, such as food trucks. Learn about common network setups for this business type and how to connect our recommended hardware.

Table of Contents

Network Setup

Mobile businesses typically access the internet through a hotspot or go without connectivity. Depending on your needs, there are two main ways to set up your hardware with a hotspot.

Before purchasing a hotspot, visit our Best Practices guide for speed and coverage recommendations.

Hotspot + Bluetooth Printer

If you don’t need to print tickets, a hotspot and Bluetooth receipt printer is the simplest setup option.

  1. Set up your hotspot according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Connect a register to the hotspot’s WiFi network.
  3. Set up your Bluetooth receipt printer.

Hotspot + Extender + Ticket Printer

If you need to print tickets, use a WiFi range extender to connect an ethernet ticket printer to the register.

  1. Set up your hotspot according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Configure a WiFi range extender to connect to the hotspot’s network.

    The extender repeats the hotspot’s network. The printer connects directly to the extender which is connected wirelessly to the hotspot.

  3. Connect your register to the extender's WiFi network.
  4. Set up your ethernet ticket printer.

    The Epson Bluetooth Receipt Printer can also print tickets, but the ethernet ticket printer is better suited for harsh kitchen environments.

Hardware Setup

Different businesses have different needs, but here’s a look at some common hardware configuration setups.

Quick Service Hardware

Mobile quick service businesses handle buy-and-go customers in fast-paced settings, such as food trucks.

Essential Hardware

  • Set up your Ethernet or Bluetooth Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer.
  • Set up your Ticket Printer.
  • Recommended Extras

  • Set up a Credit Card Reader.
  • Add a case of Printer Paper.
  • Retail Hardware

    Mobile retail businesses include pop-ups and stands for seasonal events with high sales volume.

    Essential Hardware

  • Set up your Ethernet or Bluetooth Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer.
  • Recommended Extras

  • Set up your DYMO Label Printer
  • Set up a Credit Card Reader.
  • Add a Stand or Charging Dock for your Socket Barcode Scanner.
  • Add a case of Printer Paper.