Thermal paper is cleaner than your standard ink, produces a crisper resolution, and is ultimately cheaper. Though thermal paper used to be considerably more expensive, the price has come down in recent years, thanks in part to better technology that allows its manufacturers to produce it at a more reasonable cost. Moreover, a thermal paper roll is quieter than bond paper, which is an added bonus for any shopper at the end of a long day.

A wide variety of color combinations are available by using different colored rolls of paper. Choose from various color printing on white paper, or black printing on a various colored papers. Standard paper is even available in fluorescent yellow.

Thermal transfer ribbons come in three main types - wax, wax-resin or pure resin and are almost always black (other colors sometimes used are red and blue). These different types are made to print onto different label materials and are used when the life of the label needs to be long or the labels needs to survive harsh environments. Wax ribbons are for printing onto paper labels, where the life of the label can be years but must be kept dry and must not be abraded or subjected to certain chemicals or oil, which would melt the wax image. Wax-resin ribbons product a finer image on very smooth paper or coated paper labels. The printed image is much more durable than wax, but can still only stand slight contact with water. Finally pure resin ribbons are formulated to print onto plastic labels such as polyester, polypropylene and vinyl. The "ink" is designed to slightly dissolve into or adhere to the plastic surface of the label and becomes extremely durable, depending on the plastic material and ribbon make used.

You can buy thermal paper from your local office store and pay more, or you can order it in bulk along with your POS paper and other cash register supplies. Purchasing over the Internet also gives you added convenience -- you can modify your order with just a few mouse clicks, buy additional products, or speak with customer service about any questions you might have. So don't spend precious hours sitting in your car trying to cram in a quick stop at the office store between work and home. Go online and save your money--both on thermal paper and other office necessities.