Applications of QR code in retail to enhance customer experience
In today’s digital age , having a digital presence is a necessity , and retail businesses are continuously realising the need to have innovative strategies for better customer engagement and improve operational efficiency .
One of the most important innovations in the retail domain is the usage of dynamic QR codes within the stores. These dynamic QR codes can be easily created using a QR code generator.
QR codes have a direct impact in having a more customer centric approach by sharing more information about the products , discounts , loyalty program or even allowing the customers to have a seamless payment experience within the store .
This writeup goes in detail on how custom QR codes can offer a state of the art shopping experience within the store by having a much higher customer engagement through the usage of this innovative technology .
Introduction about QR codes
QR code stands for Quick Response code. It is a 2D structure which was first used in the automotive industry of Japan.
The usage and applications of a QR code have expanded since then because of its versatility and higher storage capacity. Even the covid era warranted an innovative technology like a QR code to not only offer a better customer experience but to have a safer world overall.
How to generate dynamic QR Codes
The customer adoption of QR codes has shot up exponentially after the advent of smartphones. Now any retail player can use an affordable qr code generator to create individual QR codes or in bulk. It’s important to note that while dynamic QR codes offer more flexibility, those created without a subscription face limitations, such as a restriction of limited scans per month per QR code. Some of these QR code generator SAAS applications come with a free trial but the customers have to pay a nominal amount like 20 USD-30 USD for final usage.
QR Code Applications in Retail
Retailers can leverage free QR codes to further enhance this experience, offering fully functional, ad-free QR codes that are permanent, require no sign-up or account, and come with no restrictions on commercial use. This makes it easier for customers to access information, promotions, and online resources directly, without any hassle, thereby streamlining their shopping journey.
Here are some examples on how QR codes can be used to optimize the customer shopping experience in the retail world :
Access to Product Information
Placement – A QR code is generally placed on price tags or product shelves to give instant access to product information. Customers can easily scan QR codes directly from their smartphones without the need for a separate scanning app, emphasizing convenience and broad applicability across sectors.
Scanning a digital QR code image can land the customer on a digital landing page which can serve various use cases. It’s crucial to use a QR code scanner to verify the QR code image directs correctly to the intended digital landing page, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Here are some examples of QR codes usage in different sectors of retail:
Food / Health
The customers can check the nutritional information a health supplement or snack they are buying
Apparel
The customers can check the size guides for their chosen clothing / apparel products
Furniture / Home Decor
The customer can check the exact look and feel in 3D of certain furniture or Home Decor products using state of the art technology like Augmented Reality
Beauty / Personal Care
Custom QR code and Augmented Reality combination is particularly useful in the beauty and personal care industry also where many customers are conscious to understand how a particular product will look on their skin after application
Advantages of using QR codes for access to Product Information
Better Customer Engagement
With QR code usage , customers are able to engage more with the product in their journey . As a result, the customer’s likelihood to convert increases manifolds because of the better customer engagement
Better Post purchase behaviour
Since the customer interacts directly with the product via QR codes for various pieces of information , the post purchase journey is much better . As a result , the customer is more informed in their buying journey and less likely to file for returns of such products
Optimisation of Checkout Processes
In any customer buying journey of a retail store, customers complain about long queues and high transaction times.
QR codes can directly address such problem statements by offering a direct way for payments using various mobile payment methods.
Using QR code technology, the customers can directly pay via their wallets or other apps. Retailers can generate QR codes specifically designed for this purpose, allowing them to set the pixel resolution to ensure a smooth scanning experience with a QR code scanner or their smartphone camera app
This seamless checkout journey has a direct impact on transaction times and queue lengths and lead to a higher customer satisfaction.
Advantages of using QR codes during checkout process
Faster Transactions
Scanning QR codes during payment is a faster translation in comparison to payments via cash or credit card s.
Reduced Queue Lengths
Reduces queue lengths lead to less waiting times for the customer . This helps both the customers and the retail stores .
Dynamic Marketing and Promotions
Every retail marketing team uses various marketing materials like flyers, in-store banners, digital screens.
Giving personalized offers to the customers elevates the customer satisfaction and offering such exclusive deals and promotions is possible via QR codes in a seamless manner. Retailers can now create new QR codes for various promotions, showcasing the adaptability and effectiveness of QR codes in dynamic marketing strategies. This flexibility allows for the creation of new QR codes tailored to different promotions, emphasizing the flexibility and effectiveness of QR codes in dynamic marketing strategies.
Advantages of using QR codes for marketing and promotions
Better Customer Engagement
QR codes offer a more interactive medium to give the proposed deals and offers . As a result , this can lead to higher participation rate and can also improve the coupon / offer attachment rate.
Better Conversion Rate
Personalised offers have a higher likelihood of conversion since the customer feels valued because of direct 1:1 connect between the company and the customers
Management of Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are the most efficient way to improve customer lifetime value in the retail sector. Utilizing a free QR code generator, businesses can now easily create high-quality, custom QR codes for their loyalty programs without incurring additional costs, making it an economically beneficial tool for enhancing customer engagement.
Loyalty programs ensure that the company doesn’t have to incur high customer acquisition costs which has unfortunately become very common in today’s world.
QR codes provide a direct and efficient way for the customers to sign up for such loyalty programs and even check their points balance and redeem history.
Advantages of using QR codes for loyalty programs
Seamless integration
Loyalty programs management and tracking becomes very easy with QR codes integration
Better Customer Retention
Earned Reward points and frequent offerings of loyalty programs have a direct impact on the repurchase behavior of the customers .
As a result , the retail company is likely to have a better retention rate for the existing customers .
Interactive Experiences within the store
The new retail world needs new experiences to ensure the company’s offerings are still relevant in the ever-changing world. This is the reason many retail companies are using QR codes in their physical stores to create innovative experiences like store maps, gamified elements to make shopping more engaging. Retailers can create QR codes for different in-store applications, enhancing the shopping experience by integrating interactive store maps and gamified elements directly accessible through a smartphone.
Advantages of using dynamic QR codes for interactive in store experiences
Personalisation
helps in improving the custom shopping experiences and makes the customer feel more valued
Increased Time spent in store
With the increased time spent in stores , the customer feels more engaged with the offered experiences and theriefore is more likelihood to convert and return for a re-purchase also
Customer Feedback
Any retail company can grow only when it values customer feedback and actions on the pointers given by the customer. The QR code technology offers a seamless way to integrate the QR codes with feedback surveys. These QR codes can be placed at the entry, exit, or at the payment kiosks of the retail stores. Utilizing a free QR code for gathering customer feedback emphasizes the economic advantage for retailers, allowing them to collect valuable insights without incurring additional costs.
Advantages of using QR codes for Customer Feedback
Instant Customer Feedback
Having a QR code at the right place can increase the customer propensity to give feedback , which can ensure that the customer issues are addressed instantly and promptly
Best Practices of implementing QR codes in Retail
To leverage the benefits of QR codes, retailers should follow the best practices mentioned below:
For the best customer experience, it’s crucial to use high-quality qr code generators that offer high resolution, unlimited scans ensuring your QR codes meet the highest standards of usability and effectiveness.
Placement
The QR codes should be placed in positions which are easy to notice and scan
Quality and Clarity
The QR codes should be clear in its design and layout . Also , the printing of such QR codes should in high quality print formats
Mobile friendly
The linked content and landing pages should be mobile friendly
Continuous improvement and Update
The content linked to QR codes should be continuously optimized at regular intervals so that the content stays relevant and fresh with time
Data Tracking and Analysis
Implement analytics and tracking to analyze the data and efficacy of QR code placements and customer engagement
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can enhance retail experiences by providing seamless access to product information, improving checkout processes , and offering interactive and personalized experiences.
- Best practices of QR code implementation in retail involves strategic placement, timely content updates, and having a mobile friendly layout and landing page.
- Feedback collection via QR codes is a potential game changer since it can improve customer service by having real time insights and better response rates for disgruntled customers
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
Is the QR code technology cost effective
Yes , QR code technology and implementation is very cost effective for all type of retail players . The retail players just have to enroll with a QR code generator platform and print the generated QR codes on their marketing materials or flyers etc .
How do retail customers use QR codes?
Customers can scan the QR codes through any type of smartphone cameras .
What is the future of QR codes in retail?
Any technology which has a high customer engagement rate and can be analyzed through the analytics offerings has a very promising future . In our understanding , QR code is at the forefront to give an elevated customer experience and therefore will grow much more in the future
Conclusion
QR codes provide an opportunity to the retail players to future proof the business .The QR codes are cost effective in nature and can be seamlessly integrated at various touchpoints of the retail buying journey .
The time is ripe for all retail players to start using the QR code technology to set them apart and ensure a higher customer satisfaction and engagement rate . Act now to stay relevant in the modern retail world !!
Click here to start your 14 day trial !!
