QR (Quick Response Codes) are also referred to as two-dimensional barcodes. We often come across them, such as on billing counters, payment receipts, videos, flyers, and menus. But what are these codes, why are businesses using them, and how can you benefit from them regarding sales? This is what we will cover in this blog post. So, without any fluff, let’s get started.

The Story of QR Codes

QR codes are claimed to have been developed by the Japanese company Denso Wave in 1994. The idea originated from the sharp mind of one of their engineers, Masahiro Hara. At that time, it was particularly designed to make the tracking of automobile parts in their inventory.

Before QR codes, single-dimensional bar codes were used for the same purpose. However, the invention of these two-dimensional codes changed the way codes are read.

What Change Do QR Codes Bring?

You may have dealt with or seen a barcode being scanned, such as on a billing counter. In that case, you might have noticed that a particular type of external device (scanner) is used to monitor them and retrieve the information inside.

But for QR codes, that is not the case. No particular device is needed to scan and retrieve information from them. They can easily be checked using a smartphone camera, either through a built-in feature or an online QR code scanner.

Moreover, QR (2D) codes can store more information than traditional (1D) bar codes.

1D barcodes, also known as linear barcodes, can store information consisting of less than 100 characters. They are typically of two types: Code 39, which can accommodate 20-23 characters, and Code 128, which can hold 45-80 characters.

However, 2D (QR) codes can hold up to 2000 characters, which is far more than 1D barcodes. This amount can vary depending on the type of data and encoding mode.

What Benefits Do Businesses Get From This?

Yet QR codes were invented for tracking items in the inventory. However, besides tracking, they bring many more benefits to businesses. Here are some common ones among them.

  • Using quick response codes, businesses can provide instant access to products to their customers.
  • Businesses can use it to provide a seamless billing experience.
  • Businesses can direct customers to their websites or landing pages, thereby enhancing customer engagement and interaction.
  • 2D codes enable businesses to provide a contactless experience. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, QR codes provided a safe, touch-free solution for customers worldwide.
  • QR codes can be generated for free using online tools. They save businesses a significant amount of money, as no specialized equipment is required.

How QR Codes Help Small Businesses Boost Sales?

QR codes can help businesses significantly boost their sales in many ways. Below are some common ones among them.

Customer Engagement

QR codes help businesses provide a seamless customer engagement experience. By embedding product information in codes and offering a scan, they can reduce friction in the buying process. The lesser the friction in the buying process, the greater the chances of sales will be.

Checkout and Payment Options

QR codes are now enabled for mobile payments. By allowing them on their cash counters and checkout pages, they can save customers from lengthy processes. The shorter the checkout times, the more customers will engage in impulse buying.

Access to Discounts and Promotions

QR codes provided by businesses offer direct access to discount coupons or promotional pages. Companies can embed the link inside codes and ask customers to scan the code to get a discount.

Moreover, they can spread the word about the limited-time offer among their customers. This hits the customer's psyche and creates a sense of urgency, helping to boost sales.

Review and Feedback Collection

By placing a QR code that links to a review page (like Google or Yelp), businesses can quickly collect customer feedback. Positive reviews attract more new customers, ultimately leading to increased sales, while feedback helps improve the service.

Inventory and Product Discovery

Businesses can use QR codes to showcase products that are not available in stores—for example, new color variants, new product types, or items with limited stock.

By embedding their links inside QR codes, they can encourage customers to scan the code and place an online order to purchase the limited items. This might present an excellent opportunity for them and lead to a sudden surge in sales.

Interactive Menus and Ordering

For food businesses, QR code menus enable customers to browse, customize, and place orders directly from their phones. Faster ordering improves table turnover, satisfaction, and total sales per shift.

How Can Businesses Create QR Codes?

Now that you have learned how to use QR codes to boost sales as a business, you can take the next step. Now, let’s have a bit of talk about how you can generate one for your business-related items.

Here are the steps you need to follow to create a quick response, two-dimensional barcode.

Step 1: Open a QR code generator in your browser. Many online options are available that let you generate QR codes for free.

Step 2: Paste the information inside the tool’s input box that you want to embed inside the code. What you can add will vary with the tool you are using. Mostly URLs, Text, Images, WiFi, and Location are allowed.

Step 3: After adding the information, customize as needed, such as changing the size and error code level. Again, these features can vary with the tool.

Step 4: Click on the “Generate QR Code” action button, and then click the download button once the QR code is generated.

Step 5: Now that you have a code generated, ensure it is working correctly before making it publicly live. For this, we recommend running the code through an online QR code scanner. Upon scanning, if the information is revealed, you can proceed further and use it as needed.

Bottom Line

Quick response (QR) codes are helpful for businesses in boosting sales. Using them, they can provide their customers with a hassle-free checkout experience and guide them to new products with speed and ease. If you're a small business, we recommend integrating QR codes into your marketing materials to see how they can benefit you. Regarding how to create them, follow the steps we shared in this blog post above.