QR code scanning technology was first developed in Japan and revolutionized the auto industry. Fast forward a couple of decades and QR codes have become widely used in the retail and restaurant industries as a digital marketing tool. Younger consumers are always looking for new, fast ways to connect to places of interest. For example, QR codes on POS displays and commercial signs allow visitors to pull up and save website information on their phones without needing to write anything down.
QR matrix codes can be created for virtually any use:
- Menus can be linked to a QR code.
- You can directly market a promo by creating a specific QR code to bypass general information on your website.
- Inventory can have both barcodes and QR codes assigned to them.
- QR code reader pos helps to preserve valuable customer facing display (CFD) space and provide a quick way to communicate key marketing messages to your customers during the checkout process.
These are just a few of the examples of ways that QR Codes can revolutionize business. You may be wondering, are there any downsides to using QR codes? We’ve got you covered in this post on everything you need to know about QR code reader pros and cons.
COVID-19 is Driving New Uses for QR Codes
New applications for QR barcode scanning are still coming to light. However, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly made them more valuable than ever for use in restaurants. Managers began pulling paper menus off dining and bar tables to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission through paper, and have implemented new contactless technologies across the board.
Retail shops also had to make operational changes and restrict customer activities in light of the pandemic. Dressing rooms present multiple risks for shoppers and stores in some cities have even closed them. Retailers are placing detailed sizing guides on racks in lieu of the dressing room option. With QR codes, you can link style guides and other key information about fit and fabric, and customers can quickly pull up this information to make informed decisions without any additional risk.
During more normal times, managers are able to focus more attention on marketing and making sales and less on public health compliance, but during COVID (and beyond), QR codes can provide an invaluable resource for businesses. Here are some pros and cons for using QR codes:
QR Code Pros
- Link restaurant hours and menus
- Link incentives to promos and sales
- Low data storage space requirements
- Available with widely-used smartphone technology
- No real health risks involved
- Convenience
QR Code Cons
- Viewable results are only as good as the device layout
- Menus will need to be updated regularly if pricing changes
- Paper menus still needed as backup for technical issues
- I/T support needed to maintain information and fix broken links
- Customers must have “smart” phones to use the code
- Customers may ask servers for technical advice
- May be difficult to use for people with mobility challenges
Using QR Codes on Mobile POS Devices
You can begin using QR codes without making any changes to the software on your POS system. Mobile QR code scanning works well alongside cloud-based POS solutions. Employees can use the camera on your iPad POS devices to scan the code.
You don’t need to rent or buy additional devices. Existing barcode scanners can scan barcodes and QR codes. Assign QR codes to inventory items to save time switching between settings. Retail and restaurant customers may not successfully scan the code at the first attempt, so associates must be prepared to assist quickly when issues arise. Proper training will ensure that your staff is equipped to handle any minor technical issues that arise.
Choosing a QR Code Reader POS Provider
QR Codes have to do with two things for your business: product sales and marketing. If you install digital displays in your store, customers will be tempted to pull out their smartphone to scan the square matrix image. Link mystery limited BOGO and discount offers to QR codes as an incentive for shopping online. Many creative and fun options can open up for loyal customers or those who choose to involve their technology. COVID has demonstrated that flexibility and ingenuity are essential when there are curveballs thrown at your business, and adapting technology that can meet those challenges with dynamic solutions is essential.
In a period of change, talech has a number of POS solutions that can help your business adjust operations smoothly. From reaching new audiences to engaging with your existing customers more often, we give you the tools to adapt quickly and with confidence.
