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Price checkers

A price checker (also called a price verifier or "scan-and-check" station) is a wall- or pillar-mounted device that lets customers scan a product barcode in the aisle and instantly see the current price displayed on screen. They reduce queues at the till for price queries and make self-service price verification easy in retail, DIY and grocery stores.

How a price checker fits into the store​

  • Mounted on a wall, pillar or shelf gondola at customer height — typically near aisle entrances or by problem-priced sections
  • Connects to the POS / ERP database over Ethernet (LAN), WiFi or 4G, so the displayed price always matches the till
  • Scans 1D barcodes (EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC) — the standard retail product codes — and on selected models also 2D codes (QR, Data Matrix) for loyalty integration
  • Powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet) or a regular AC adapter, depending on the model
  • Tamper-resistant housing for unattended public placement

Documentation in this category​

  • Models — per-model specifications, mounting options, supported barcode types and connectivity (see the sidebar as they are added)

Price checkers FAQ

What is a price checker and what is it used for?
A price checker is a fixed device — usually wall-mounted or pillar-mounted in the shop floor — that customers use to scan a product barcode and see the current price on screen. It reduces queries at the till, helps customers verify shelf prices independently, and is mandatory in many jurisdictions where the displayed price has legal weight in case of a mismatch.
How does a price checker get the prices it displays?
The price checker connects to your POS, ERP or product database over the store network (Ethernet, WiFi or 4G). When a customer scans a code, the device sends a query to that database and shows the returned price on screen. The price always matches the till because both read from the same source — there is no separate database to keep in sync.
What types of barcodes does a price checker read?
All HDWR price checkers read standard 1D retail barcodes — EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC, Code 128, Code 39 and similar. Selected models with a 2D imager also read QR, Data Matrix and Aztec codes — useful for loyalty programs, e-receipts and codes printed on customer apps. Choose a 2D model if you accept loyalty-app codes or coupons; a 1D model is fine for purely product-price checks.
How is a price checker powered and connected?
Two common power options: Power over Ethernet (PoE) — one cable carries both data and power, simplifying installation; or a separate AC adapter with a network cable alongside. For network connectivity, models offer Ethernet, WiFi or 4G; Ethernet is the most reliable choice for fixed in-store installation, WiFi for retrofits where running cable is impractical, and 4G for remote / temporary locations like seasonal pop-ups.
How is a price checker different from a regular barcode scanner?
A barcode scanner is a peripheral — it sends scanned codes to a host computer or POS and shows nothing on its own. A price checker is a complete standalone device: scanner + display + network + database connection in one housing, mounted for public use. Customers operate it directly; no staff or attached computer is needed.
Can the displayed message be customised beyond the price?
Yes — most HDWR price checkers can display a configurable message alongside the price: store branding, current promotions for the scanned product, loyalty-program prompts, allergen warnings or 'price not found' fallback text. Configuration is usually done through a web interface accessible over the store network from any computer.
What operating system do HDWR price checkers run on, and what connectivity do they include?
Current HDWR price checkers run on Android 11 with a built-in WiFi module and an RJ45 Ethernet port. This gives you the choice between wired (most reliable) and wireless installation depending on where the device is mounted in the store. The Android base also means the screen can show richer content than just the price — product description, ingredients, nutritional facts, customer reviews — when the data is available in your inventory system.
Which POS / ERP / inventory systems can a price checker integrate with?
HDWR price checkers integrate with most popular POS, ERP and inventory programs. Ready-made plugins are available for Subiekt Nexo, Subiekt GT, ERP Optima (Comarch), WAPRO Mag and Small Business. For other systems we provide a REST API integration. If your program isn't on the list, contact us — we develop dedicated plugins on request so the price checker can work with your existing software.
How does the integration with a sales / inventory system technically work?
Three common ways to exchange data with the price checker: REST API (most modern, real-time price updates), file-based exchange via CSV / XML / JSON (good for legacy systems that can only export a price list periodically), and database polling for a few specific POS programs. Pick the method your existing inventory system supports best — the integration plugin handles the format conversion.