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What Is a Till Roll?

What Is a Till Roll? A Complete 2025 Buying Guide

Till rolls might seem like a small part of running a business, but for anyone in retail, hospitality, or service industries, they’re as essential as the cash register itself. If you’re new to the world of point-of-sale (POS) systems, you might wonder: what is a till roll, and why does it matter?

What Is a Till Roll

In this comprehensive guide, we break down what is a till roll , how it works, which types to buy, and what to look for in 2025.


Quick Answer: What Is a Till Roll?

A till roll is a roll of paper used in cash registers, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and credit card terminals to print customer receipts and record sales. Common materials include thermal paper and bond paper. Thermal rolls require no ink and use heat to print, making them perfect for quick, low-maintenance operation.


What Is a Till Roll Made Of? Understanding Paper Types

  • Thermal till rolls : Heat-sensitive paper, no ink required

  • Bond paper rolls: Traditional paper, needs ink ribbons

  • Carbonless till rolls: 2-ply or 3-ply paper for duplicate receipts


What Is a Till Roll Size? Standard Dimensions You Should Know

  • 57mm x 40mm: Ideal for mobile POS and card terminals

  • 76mm x 76mm: Standard for many restaurants and retail stores

  • 80mm x 83mm: Used in high-traffic environments


What Is the Best Till Roll in 2025? Top 5 Products Reviewed

We’ve tested and compared the best till rolls available on the market. Here are our top recommendations:

1. 80mm x 83mm Thermal Till RollWhat Is a Till Roll

Best for high-traffic retailers

  • Paper Type: Thermal
  • Dimensions: 80mm wide x 83mm
  • Pros: Long-lasting, high-quality printing, universal fit
  • Cons: Slightly pricier
  • Buy now

2. 57mm x 40mm Thermal Paper Rolls

Great for card machines and mobile POS systems

  • Paper Type: Thermal
  • Dimensions: 57mm x 40mm
  • Pros: Compact, affordable, widely compatible
  • Cons: Shorter length, needs frequent replacement
  • Buy now

3. Bond Paper Rolls (76mm x 76mm)

Ideal for traditional dot matrix printers

  • Paper Type: Bond (non-thermal) Thermal rolls 76 x 76
  • Dimensions: 76mm x 76mm
  • Pros: Inexpensive, ink-compatible
  • Cons: Requires ink ribbons
  • Buy now

4. 2-Ply Carbonless Till Rolls

Best for duplicate receipt systems

  • Paper Type: Carbonless
  • Dimensions: Various (commonly 76mm x 76mm) 2-Ply Bond Rolls
  • Pros: Automatically creates duplicate copy
  • Cons: Bulkier, more expensive
  • Buy now

5. Custom Branded Till Rolls

For businesses that want to advertise on receipts

  • Paper Type: Thermal or bond
  • Dimensions: Custom sizes
  • Pros: Great for branding, advertising
  • Cons: Requires custom order
  • Learn More

 


What Is a Till Roll Comparison Table?

ProductPaper TypeDimensionsBest ForPrice RangeLink
80mm x 83mm Thermal RollThermal80mm x 80mmHigh-traffic retailersR650 – R680Buy Now
57mm x 40mm Thermal RollThermal57mm x 40mmMobile POS, card machinesR330 – R350Buy Now
76mm x 76mm Bond RollBond76mm x 76mmDot matrix printersR600 – R650Buy Now
2-Ply Carbonless Till RollCarbonlessVariesDuplicate receipt requirementsR850 – R900Buy Now
Custom Branded Till RollThermal/BondCustom sizesAdvertising on receiptsCustomLearn More

What Is a Till Roll Buying Checklist?

1. Check Printer Compatibility thermal paper used at retail checkout

Thermal rolls won’t work in ink-based printers and vice versa. Match the roll type with your machine.

2. Measure Paper Width and Diameter

The most used widths are 57mm, 76mm, and 83mm. Larger diameters last longer and need fewer replacements.

3. Select the Right Paper Type

  • Thermal paper: Requires no ink, works with heat, is clean and fast.
  • Bond paper: Uses ink, suitable for older systems, sometimes preferred for official record-keeping.

4. Carbonless Copies

If you need a duplicate receipt for the customer or business, use 2-ply or 3-ply carbonless paper.

5. Branding Opportunities

Custom printed till rolls can include logos, websites, promotions, or return policies—perfect for marketing.

6. Price & Supplier Reliability

Buy from trusted local suppliers like Country Paper to ensure consistent quality, fast delivery, and good support.


What Is a Till Roll Used For? Industry Applications

Retail Businesses

Supermarkets, pharmacies, and clothing stores use thermal till rolls for smooth, fast transactions.

Restaurants and Cafés

Used for receipts and kitchen tickets. Thermal rolls are preferred for their clarity and speed.

Hotels and Hospitality

Front desks and lounges print customer invoices using thermal or bond.

Mobile Businesses

Food trucks and pop-up shops use small thermal paper rolls compatible with portable POS machines.


What Is a Till Roll That’s Eco-Friendly?

BPA-Free Thermal Paper

Choose FSC.org and the BPA-free options to avoid potential health concerns.

Recyclability

While thermal paper is harder to recycle due to its coating, some manufacturers offer recyclable options. Bond paper is easier to recycle.

Reducing Waste

Buy the right roll size to match your needs and reduce excess paper use. Store rolls properly to avoid spoilage.


Storage Tip?

  • Keep rolls in original packaging.

  • Store away from heat and sunlight.

  • Avoid crushing rolls to prevent printer jams.

  • Label your rolls clearly if using multiple types.


What Is a Till Roll? FAQs Answered

What sizes do till rolls come in?

Popular sizes include 57mm x 40mm, 76mm x 76mm, and 80mm x 80mm.

Do thermal paper expire?

Yes. Shelf life is typically 2–3 years. Always check expiration dates.

Can I use any roll in my POS printer?

No. Always match the roll size and paper type with your device.

What’s the difference between 1-ply and 2-ply till rolls?

  • 1-ply: Single sheet for customer.

  • 2-ply: Duplicate sheet for business copy.


Why Knowing What a Till Roll Is Matters

A till roll is more than just receipt paper—it’s an essential part of running efficient POS systems, maintaining customer records, and streamlining inventory tracking. Choosing the right roll improves speed, reduces errors, and ensures great service.


Final Thoughts: What Supplier You Can Trust?

Choosing the right till roll ensures smooth operations, accurate record-keeping, and better customer service. Whether you’re running a small shop or a large retail chain, the right type, size, and supplier make all the difference.

We recommend Country Paper for high-quality, affordable till rolls that meet a wide range of business needs.

Explore more helpful tips about How to Choose the Best Till Rolls Suppliers for Your Business

Country Paper

Marketing lead at Country Paper – specialists in thermal till rolls, POS supplies, and fast delivery across South Africa.

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