Category: marketing

QR code tracking: the complete guide

Post author By Saverio Salaris
Post date June 29, 2023
No Comments on QR code tracking: the complete guide

In this article, you will learn how to track scans and get QR Code statistics and analytics

In the last blog post we designed our marketing campaign and created our QR code, it is time to reap the fruits of our labor. Not only additional visits to our site and purchases on our ecommerce, but also very useful data! In fact, through QRs we can get a lot of information about our customers: biographical data, geographical location, interests… There is really a lot we can learn by making the most of the tools at our disposal. Let’s start with the basics.

Fundamental Concepts

What are Dynamic QR Codes

All the QR codes we have considered so far are so-called “static,” meaning that the link they point to is fixed, and consequently always leads to the same content or web page. But there is a way to overcome this limitation: dynamic QR codes. A dynamic QR code, instead of pointing directly to the resource we want to share, points to an “intermediate” link, which we can control at will.

There are two advantages: the first is that this system allows us to insert a shorter link in the QR code, which results in a less complex and therefore more easily readable code; the second is that in case of need we can Divert the QR code to a different page From the one we initially created.

How do you create a dynamic QR? Simply use a “ shortlink” service, which is a site where we can put our original, perhaps long and complicated link and turn it into a shorter link. The most famous is definitely bitly.com, but there are plenty of them and they all usually offer a basic free service, such as tinyurl and rebrandly. A structured company should create its own “url shortener” so that it has complete control over user flow. Once you have the shortlink, you will need to use it to create the QR code in place of your original link. You will then have created a dynamic QR code, which you can reprogram as many times as you want!

QR Code A/B Testing

We often find ourselves undecided about which version of the landing page is better: website or ecommerce? Facebook or Instagram? Red button or green button? What is done in these cases is what is known as A/B Testing: two versions of the resource are created and use them in parallel for a certain period, at the end of which we choose the version that gives us the best results, for example in terms of user interaction, and reprogram the “losing” link so that it links to the “winning” resource.

Analytics for QR Code

How do we collect this data? For simplicity’s sake, we will use a free, powerful (though not the easiest to use) and widely used tool: Google Analytics. I’m not going to sit here and explain how to link a site to Analytics-if you chew a little marketing there’s a good chance you’ve already done it, and if not, there are thousands of guides available on the Web.

Campaign management

Now that we have Analytics ready and know how to create dynamic QRs we can create our first campaign. The first thing we need is a way to distinguish visitors arriving via the various QR codes from those arriving in other ways (e.g., from search engines).

UTM Parameters for QR Code

In order to track visitors arriving from QR codes, we will add parameters to our target URLs. Parameters are simply expressions that are added to the end of the web address so that they can be tracked without changing the destination. But let’s look at an example. Suppose we created a QR code leading to our site, and placed it on our business card. Wanting to find out which visitors are coming from the QR code rather than from Facebook, we will not use a single link:

https://qualitychain.ch/

Rather, two different ones, one for the QR code:

https://qualitychain.ch/?utm_source=menu

And one for our Facebook campaigns:

https://qualitychain.ch/?utm_source=bigliettino

This will allow Google Analytics to automatically separate the two categories of visitors, and allow us to specifically analyze the performance of the QR code. There are several standard parameters we can use in our links, each with its own function:

utm_source: is used to track the origin of the visitor (e.g. QR Code, Google, Newsletter)
utm_medium: Identifies the media on which the link is placed (e.g., Email, menu, brochure)
utm_campaign: used in ads to distinguish which specific ad campaign the visitor came from (e.g., Christmas_offer)
utm_term: used in CPC campaigns (e.g., Google Ads) to distinguish the paid keyword.
utm_content: used in A/B testing to differentiate ads or links pointing to the same URL.

I suggest you always use at least source and medium, the most important ones. These fields should be entered in the target link, so before using the short-linking service. A very simple and intuitive tool for doing this is the Campaign Url Builder, available at this link. Enter the link in the first text field, add the various parameters at the bottom, and at the end of the page you will find the final URL, ready to be copied and “shortened.”

In summary

At this point you have all the tools to start your first QR code tests , manage the results neatly, and make decisions based on the data you get.

To recap:

Define a marketing strategy.
Choose QR code destinations and placements.
Add parameters to differentiate the various channels.
Turn the URLs you get into short-links.
Create a QR code for each URL.
Print QR codes in promotional materials.
Analyze the data.

Data analysis

Now that everything is ready, sit back and enjoy the show! As the days go by, you’ll see the numbers increase on Analytics, and after a while you’ll have a good idea of how your QR-code campaigns are doing. But what are the metrics to watch out for? It depends on your core business, but the ones below are definitely among the most important.

Page Views (Total and Unique)

This is probably the most important number of all: How many users scan your QR code? How many of these do so more than once? The number of scans gives us direct feedback on the visibility of the QR code and how interested our audience is in (or able to) scan it. By relating this figure to the total number of QR codes we have in circulation in a given period, we can get another important statistic, the scan rate.

Let’s take an example: we sell 1000 products over the course of a month, and on Google Analytics we get 150 unique visits to the page. This means that our QR code has a scanning rate of 15%, which is very good and well above average.

What to do if the percentage is instead low, perhaps less than 5%? There are several possibilities: the QR code might be inconspicuous or defective, or your product is going strong on a target audience that doesn’t usually scan QR codes, or the display is taking place in a situation where the user is unable to use the phone (such as while driving). To understand what is not working you will have to compare the results with those of other QR codes.

Dwell time

This statistic, expressed in minutes and seconds, gives us an idea of users’ interest in our landing page and their use of it. A long dwell time, perhaps 3-4 minutes, is a good guarantee that the user was interested in our content and stayed to read it all the way through. On the contrary, a short dwell time could mean low interest due to unattractive graphics, difficulty in finding the right content, or even page malfunction.

Origin and Language

These two dimensions are very important in understanding our clientele. The first gives us an idea about the spread of our product in the territory, whether it is regionally or internationally. The second tells us the nationality of the users, allowing us, for example, to know how many of our customers are locals and how many are foreign tourists.

Age and Gender

Analytics provides us with useful demographic statistics about our users, allowing us to identify the segments on which our strategy is having the greatest effect. In fact, we may find that our ideal target audience is men between the ages of 25 and 34, or women between 35 and 44.

Device and operating system

In some cases it may be useful to know which operating system is prevalent in your clientele, for example, between iPhone and Android. For example, if we wanted to develop an App on a limited budget, finding out that 90 percent of our customers use iPhones might make it easier for us.

Now what?

You now have all the skills to track the performance of your QR codes. What are you waiting for to put them into practice?

If this topic interests you and you want to learn more, follow QualityChain on our social channels.

Facebook

Instagram

See you anon!

About QualityChain

QualityChain helps Italian agribusiness SMEs transform their products from simple exhibits to true digital experiences capable of enhancing their uniqueness. QualityChain is a transparent, smartphone-friendly space in which to share with consumers the history and values of small Italian producers, a showcase from which to observe the skilled hands that work the land, the wine, the bread, and everything good that our companies produce.

Do you want to know more about QualityChain?

Visit https://qualitychain.ch or write to us at [email protected]

Placing the QR Code in wine and food products: The complete guide [2023]

Post author By Saverio Salaris
Post date January 20, 2023
No Comments on Placing the QR Code in wine and food products: The complete guide [2023]

Let’s look together at where to put the QR Code on the agrifood product, a key decision that determines who will see our code and at what point in the shopping experience.

Once we have chosen the destination of our QR code in our last blog post, all we have to do is decide where to place it.

We will now look at the differences between the various types of packaging, and how to integrate them with QR codes. We will then take a closer look at the bottle, which is the queen of packaging in Italy and deserves some dedicated notes.

So where do we put this blessed QR code?

Type of packaging

Primary packaging

Primary packaging is the first coating of the product: some examples are the bottle of wine or beer, the can, the package of cookies or pasta. It can be made of paper, cardboard, cardboard, plastic, glass or metal, and usually carries a list of ingredients, expiration date and warning symbols.

This part of the packaging is for the consumer and is crucial in the presentation of the product. In general we should try to use small graphics, space being limited, and reduce any text or instructions to a minimum, a call to action of a few words at most. In this case, QR codes that bring the consumer closer to the product itself as a unit, thus to its history and characteristics, are suitable.

Secondary packaging

Secondary packaging is the next coating, the one that wraps around the primary packaging but does not directly contain the product, for example, the cardboard part of beer packages or medicine boxes.

In this part of the packaging, which is also dedicated to the consumer (except for products intended for the horeca), usually it’s the brand that is the master, and is therefore more suitable for QR codes that lead back to the company’s website, or to social channels, or even to offers and coupons for other products in the same line.

Example of QR code in secondary packaging

In this case, the available space is generally larger, so a larger QR code can be used and detailed instructions for use can also be attached, thus increasing the likelihood of obtaining scans.

Tertiary packaging

Tertiary packaging is the final product container, used for warehouse storage and transportation, such as packaging or corrugated cardboard boxes. In this case, it is likely that the person viewing the QR code is not an individual but a professional, and this should be kept in mind when choosing the destination of the code in question. In fact, in this case it may be more useful to include technical information instead of links to social media and storytelling pages.

Package design

Once we have chosen the target audience for our QR and consequently the type of packaging in which we will place it, we need to decide how to integrate it into the existing package design.

Let’s look at a few different cases in which the degree of freedom we can move with varies, and look for solutions to any problems that might arise.

Customized packaging

In the first case, the answer is simple: ideally, create a new package design that also includes a small space for the code, along with a short sentence inviting the consumer to scan it. This, of course, can only be done if the products in question have yet to be labeled or packaged.

*The ideal solution is to integrate the QR code into existing graphics.*

Generic or non-editable packaging

If you do not have the ability to change the design of your package, perhaps because you have already sent labels to print, the quickest and easiest alternative is undoubtedly the sticker label. Inexpensive, quick to apply and flashy, the label allows a QR code to be applied to virtually any packaged product.

Product without packaging

Fresh products, such as may be fruits or baked goods, do not allow a QR code to be applied directly. In this case, the best choice is probably to place the code directly in the display, via a plastic or cardboard tag.

*For a bulk product, one possible solution is to enter the code in the display*

On the front or the back?

The location of the QR depends on what you want to achieve. If your intention is to attract new consumers and increase sales, it is ideal to place the code on the front of the package-this way the code will be seen by people even when the product is displayed on store shelves, and it may intrigue consumers and induce them to choose your product over the competition’s.

If, on the other hand, your intention is to further retain the customers you have already acquired, it will be sufficient to place it on the back of the package, impacting the design less and letting the consumer scan it at a later time, perhaps at home and more leisurely.

QR code on bottles

I would like to spend a few more paragraphs on the use of QR codes in bottles, given the importance of Italian production of products that use this type of packaging, first and foremost wines, spirits and olive oils.

Inserting a QR code into a bottle is not at all simple: there is little space and the surfaces are curved, making it more difficult to scan as you approach the neck of the bottle. Let us analyze the pros and cons of the various possible solutions.

Front label

Putting the QR code on the front label is certainly a move that is as bold as it is functional: the code will probably be scanned by a lot of customers, but the obvious disadvantage will be the aesthetic impact on the bottle. Not recommended if elegance is a cornerstone of your brand.

Back label

Inserting the QR code into the back label is by far the most common and least invasive solution. Usually you can carve out enough space to insert the QR, and you get a good compromise of functionality and aesthetics, as you are not going to affect the front label.

Adhesive

A sticker, with the right choice of colors and materials, can be a good choice. First, it does not require a label reprint, and it can be flexibly placed anywhere on the bottle, even in the neck if it is a very small QR code.

Again, the risk here is to make the overall aesthetics of the bottle less elegant. This is why it is important to choose a sticker whose design is consistent with the rest of the packaging, and to place it in such a way that it does not break the symmetry of the bottle.

*Some examples of the stickers used by QualityChain’s clients* *(from left: Terraliva, Vini Apuani, Olio Borrelli, De Toma Wine)*

Lanyard and nameplate

An alternative that does not detract from the original packaging is to have a tag hanging from the neck of the bottle with a lanyard. This solution means that labels and packaging do not need to be redone, but it has a higher cost than the sticker and carries a higher risk of the QR code getting lost during bottle transport.

Cardboard collar

Another possible solution is the use of a cardboard collar, for which largely the same observations made for the previous solution apply. The cardboard structure might look neater and increase the visibility of the QR code, but it is at the same time more prone to folds and tears that could ruin it.

Now what?

Now you have all the knowledge you need to choose the best QR Code placement on your product.

In the next article we will find out together what colors, sizes and materials you should use to maximize the readability and effectiveness of your code.

If this topic interests you and you want to learn more, follow QualityChain on our social channels.

Facebook

Instagram

See you anon!

About QualityChain

Do you want to know more about QualityChain?

Visit https://qualitychain.ch or write to us at [email protected]

design marketing qr code

QR Code: minimum size, design and printing tutorial [2023]

Post author By Saverio Salaris
Post date January 19, 2023
No Comments on QR Code: minimum size, design and printing tutorial [2023]

Let’s find out together how to make the QR Code more beautiful and how to make a design optimized for printing and scanning.

In the last post we learned how to choose the destination link for our QR Code and how to choose where to place it, and now we will put everything we learned in the previous chapters into practice: we will start with the creation of the QR code itself, and then find out in what ways we can make it visually more appealing, and finally what physical characteristics it will need to have to ensure we have a outstanding scan rate.

QR Code Design

The objection that is undoubtedly heard most is this: QR codes are ugly! And there is some truth in this statement, as the classic black square often results in an “eyesore,” especially when affixed to an otherwise neat and attractive design.

However, this thesis is based on the (mis)idea that QR code is just that stuff there. In fact, you will find that QR codes can be customized in amazing ways, even to the point of becoming real works of art.

Colored QR Codes

Colorful qr codes can be generated: as long as the contrast with the background is sufficient (we will see this in detail in the section on printing), the QR code can be any color, although dark colors tend to work best.

Corners

The sharp, sharp corners of a QR code can be unpleasing to the eye. For this reason, it is possible to dampen or curve them at will, obviously being careful not to overdo it so as not to reduce the readability of the code. Squares can also be replaced with other shapes, such as stars, dots or diamonds.

Shapes

Some codes, such as those created by QualityChain, have shapes themed to the product on which they are affixed. Pasta might have the QR Code in the shape of an ear of corn, wine the QR Code in the shape of a goblet, oil in the shape of an olive, and so on. These codes, in addition to being pleasing, are particularly attention-grabbing, and consequently have an above-average scan rate.

Some examples of image QR codes for agribusiness created with QualityChain

QR code with logo or drawings

Another option is to place a logo or design on the code. This turns out to be very useful for creating branded QR codes, and it is a fairly simple operation supported by various free sites. One myth to dispel is that you can only place them in the center: instead, you can place a graphic on any part of the QR code except for the four largest squares (three at the corners and one at the bottom right), which are required for QR code recognition.

Examples of QR Codes branded with company or platform logo.

Error correction level

A final parameter to consider, although a bit more technical, is the level of error correction of the QR code. This factor can be decided at the creation stage, and represents the level of redundancy of the data represented by the QR code. Put more simply, it tells us how much of the QR code we can damage or cover before it stops working.

There are four levels: the lowest is level L, which allows us to modify 7 percent of the code, then M, Q, and finally level H, the highest, which provides the maximum correction by allowing us to modify up to 30 percent of the code.

This is especially important if we are going to insert a logo or design into the QR, as this covers part of the code-a higher level of correction will in fact allow us to insert a larger logo or design.

Print

Now to the more practical details: below you will find a summary of the variables to consider when approaching QR Code printing, whether on product packaging, a restaurant menu, or a billboard.

QR code minimum size for print

The first factor to consider when printing is the size of the QR code. You should know first of all that a QR code has a minimum size of 1cm x 1cm (ISO Standard 18004), but that for safety it is always better, when possible, to stay above 2cm x 2cm.

Minimum size of QR code — Minimum vs recommended QR Code size

These dimensions of course are only good for codes that can be scanned closely, such as those on a business card, brochure, or restaurant menu.

If, on the other hand, we need the code to be scanned from greater distances, being on a poster or billboard, for example, we keep this formula in mind:

maximum distance = side x 10

So a 10cmx10cm QR code will be scannable up to one meter away, and a 2-meter-sided QR will be scannable up to 20 meters away.

It should also be considered that a QR code needs a blank outline (padding), or it will be difficult to scan. To be on the safe side, use a frame at least 1/8th as thick as the side of the QR.

QR Code printing surface

Material texture is another factor to consider if you want to maximize scannability. The rougher and more uneven the surface, the more likely it is that there will be smudges in the ink, which can blur the lines between elements. As a result, the QR code will have to be larger the more irregular the printing surface, while it may be smaller on smooth and regular surfaces.

For example, plastic is a very smooth material, as its polymers are very small and create a smooth surface that is perfect for printing.

In contrast, paper is rougher, especially if it is recycled. The higher the percentage of recycled fibers, the greater the roughness of the paper, as recycled fibers are shorter than virgin fibers.

Finally, corrugated cardboard is even more irregular, especially if the surface grooves are wide. Finer grooves make the paper flatter and thus more suitable for printing QR codes.

The last factor to consider is the reflectivity of the material: a very shiny plastic, for example, could create reflections that would make part of the code invisible to the reader, causing difficulty in scanning.

Type of print

Each type of printing has different ink characteristics, which can affect the accuracy and sharpness of the code. For example, flexographic printing is an imprecise process, and thus needs a larger code size to account for any ink smears that might affect scannability.

Lithographic and gravure printing, on the other hand, are generally more precise, due to the material of the printing plate, thus allowing for the printing of sharp and accurate codes, even if they are very small.

Color and contrast of QR code

A QR code can be any color, although it is generally recommended to use dark colors on a light background, as some readers do not support light codes on a dark background.

The most important factor in any case is the contrast between the color of the code and that of the background. Indeed, for optimal scannability, it is important that the code stands out well against the background, and thus that there is a contrast ratio of at least 4:1 between the two colors. You can check this condition using a site such as contrast-ratio.com.

Format

It is vital that your QR code file be in vector format (svg, pdf, eps) and not raster (png, jpeg). In fact, raster files tend to get grainy when enlarged, while vector files remain perfect even after countless resizing.

QR code generators

The time has come to put this into practice! Don’t be impressed by those who make it sound like an extremely complicated job requiring hacker skills: you yourself can create a simple QR Code, at no cost, in just a few minutes.

How is it done? There are dozens (if not hundreds) of sites for creating QR codes, with more or less functionality and degrees of customization. I’ll suggest two that I’ve used in the past, which are quite simple and, above all, free.

The Simple One: The QR Code Generator

This site allows you to create the main types of QR codes in seconds, and does not require registration to download vector format files.

Only flaw: very little degree of customization. In fact, it is not possible to change the aesthetic parameters of the code in any way, nor are some more elaborate formatting possible (e.g., creating QR codes with Wi-Fi credentials).

The full one: QR Code Monkey

This site has everything you need: it offers a wide variety of QR code types, the ability to change their color, shape and insert a custom logo. You can also download the result in either png or vector format.

Only disadvantage: less immediate than its predecessor, it is slightly more complicated to use and takes a few more minutes.

Now what?

Now you have all the knowledge you need to create the perfect QR Code for your product or business.

In the next article we will find out together how to study QR Code analytics, getting very useful statistics about your clientele.

If this topic interests you and you want to learn more, follow QualityChain on our social channels.

Facebook

Instagram

See you anon!

About QualityChain

Do you want to know more about QualityChain?

Visit https://qualitychain.ch or write to us at [email protected]

marketing qr code technology

QR Code Numbers: Usage Statistics 2023

Post author By Saverio Salaris
Post date January 17, 2023

QR codes are an increasingly common sight, and their use is increasing year by year. But what are the numbers behind this growth, and how do they change from country to country?

In Asia, and particularly in China, QRs are everywhere: thanks to a strong push by the WeChat App, the magic square has become commonplace for payments, website visits, contactless interactions, and more. However, things are also changing outside China, particularly by us in Europe and our American friends.

qr code usage in china — *The extensive use of QR codes by WeChat and Alipay, Chinese tech giants, has made it a now indispensable technology.*

QR Code: Usage Statistics

A 2019 Statista report estimated that 11 million U.S. households would scan a QR code in 2020, while there were only 9.78 million in 2018, while in 2019 in Europe 25-30% of the population routinely used QR codes. In this scenario, Italy emerges as the third largest country in Europe in terms of use of this technology.

Then came the pandemic. We are well aware of how 2020 has changed our lives (and 2021 doesn’t seem to be giving us any respite), but this upheaval has also had strong effects on the use of QR codes: the latest statistics tell us that in Europe and the UK 82% of the population knows how to scan a QR code, and over 40% of the population does so on a weekly basis.

qr scan menu — *The menu with QR has already become part of our daily life*

No wonder. Anyone who has gone to restaurants for lunch since the pandemic broke out knows that knowing how to scan a QR code has now become necessary, even if only to read the digital menu. This factor, although born out of a tragic context, has allowed QR code marketing to reach new levels of effectiveness.

QR Code Demographics.

But who scans the QR codes? How does this habit vary with age? See below data from a study conducted in 2015 by Scanlife:

We first see a lower percentage among younger people, and this may seem strange to us: young people are better with technology! But this data reveals to us a key piece of information, which is that those scanning QR codes are adults who are responsible for personal or family purchases. In fact, research shows that the majority of users are between the ages of 24 and 54, with the highest usage between the ages of 34 and 44.If your customer base is in this range, you should consider using QRs even more seriously in your communication strategy.

If QR codes interest you and you want to learn more, follow QualityChain on our social channels.

Facebook

Instagram

See you anon!

About QualityChain

Do you want to know more about QualityChain?

Visit https://qualitychain.ch or write to us at [email protected]

marketing qr code technology

QR code app: is it needed or not? [2023]

Post author By Saverio Salaris
Post date January 16, 2023

It is simpler than it sounds, it takes a few minutes to learn but there are some differences between iOS and Android.

When it comes to QR codes, the absolute most common (and legitimate) question is: do you need an App to read them?

And the answer is. it depends on the smartphone!

In fact, most people who have upgraded their operating system in the past 3 years can scan a QR code without the need for additional apps.

We refer to the diagram below:

For those with an iPhone, no problem: from model 5s onward (a phone released in 2013!) all Apple devices can scan a QR code using only the smartphone camera.

For those with Android, the situation is slightly different: all devices with Android 9 or higher can read QRs without the need for external Apps by activating the “Google Lens” function of the camera. However, currently only 65% of devices have this Android version or a newer one.

What does it mean for everyone else?

Yes, there will be a need to download an App. But beware! This will be a generic QR code reader, which will then allow you to read ALL QR codes, on any product of any brand, not just those related to a particular brand or site.

This also means that your consumers, if they have used a QR code before, most likely already have one of these apps installed on their smartphone.

What is the best App for reading QRcodes?

There are really plenty of them, but I recommend this one, which is one of the few without ads.

Just launch the app, frame the QR code, and you can immediately access the content it encloses.

Now you know all about how and who can scan a QR code. If this topic interests you and you want to learn more, follow QualityChain on our social channels.

Facebook

Instagram

See you anon!

About QualityChain

Do you want to know more about QualityChain?

Visit https://qualitychain.ch or write to us at [email protected]

food marketing qr code

QR codes for food: comprehensive guide [2023]

Post author By Saverio Salaris
Post date January 16, 2023
No Comments on QR codes for food: comprehensive guide [2023]

Let’s explore all the ways in which QR codes can enrich your communication strategy, whether in manufacturing, catering or services.

In this article we will address what is arguably the most important part of any QR code-based marketing campaign: targeting the code!

What information do we want to provide to the customer? This is where you can indulge: in the next few pages we will explore dozens of ways in which you can use QR codes to enrich your communication strategy.

In this article we will focus on ideas suitable for any business in the agrifood field, and in the future we will publish articles specifically for the restaurant and manufacturing/processing sectors. Follow our linkedin page so you don’t miss them!

QR codes for all palates

Website

The great classic of QR codes! I am willing to bet that if you went rummaging through the shelves of a supermarket, scanning every QR code that came within reach, you would find that nine out of ten (of the working ones) point to the homepage of the manufacturer’s website.

This solution, although in many cases it helps the customer find what they are looking for, denotes a certain lack of imagination: it is a missed opportunity to show something dedicated to the consumer, and that makes sense in the context in which it is located. That said, better than nothing! If you are short on time and care about creating an extra channel to increase traffic to your site, a QR code pointing to it is definitely a good solution.

Ingredients and allergens

One idea would be to present more clearly to the consumer what ingredients, and particularly allergens, are present in your preparation, whether it is a restaurant dish or a retail product. One advantage of QR codes here, especially if they are dynamic QR codes (i.e., whose link can be changed at any time), is the fact that they can be printed at first, perhaps before having the specific information of a certain production batch, and connected later to the information itself.

zego qr code — *Zego’s bar, which carries allergen information via a QR code*

This is what Zego, a U.S.-based start-up that produces gluten-free bars, has done. The company wanted to provide more specific information on the amounts of allergens found by analysis in individual production batches, but the problem was being able to create packaging in advance without creating production delays. The QR code solved this problem, allowing all their customers to have correct and up-to-date information about the specific product they had purchased.

Of course, this use of the QR Code is subject to the country’s current allergen regulations, and cannot replace the mandatory indication of allergens on the label if it is required by law. Despite this, a QR Code allows it to be supplemented with additional information that may be useful to consumers.

Social media

Another idea would be to use QR codes to drive your customers to your social channels, so they can continue to interact with your brand and your content. You could ask them to take a picture of your product and post it online with your #hashtag, or to re-share one of your posts. This will improve your brand image, increase your visibility on social media and encourage new purchases from your customers.

Coupon

Digital coupons cost less than printed ones! They are also harder to lose, stay safely in the smartphone, ready to use, and are easy to share with friends and family (plus they cannot be thrown on the floor and pollute the environment). If your marketing strategies include special offers, discounts or packages you should definitely consider using QR codes to digitize them. You can put the Coupon-QR in your product or delivery packaging, but also on your menu, on a flyer, or on a window display.

Video and other multimedia content

A QR code is also a great way to share a corporate video with your customers, or an audio to guide them in tasting a dish or wine. This can be achieved very simply by uploading the video or audio to youtube and creating a QR code using the web address of the video.

Packaging and environmental impact

Do you use environmentally sustainable packaging or packaging? A QR code can be a great way to communicate your commitment to environmental advocacy to your customer by explaining what makes your packaging special. In the case of a returnable vacuum you might also provide return instructions or provide other information to raise awareness of the issues you care about.

Now you have some food for thought in the coming days! We will soon publish articles specific to the use of QR codes in food service and agribusiness production. If this topic interests you and you want to learn more, follow QualityChain on our social channels.

Facebook

Instagram

See you anon!

About QualityChain

Do you want to know more about QualityChain?

Visit https://qualitychain.ch or write to us at [email protected]

food marketing qr code

QR Code: 8 ideas for Catering and Agrifood Production [2023]

Post author By Saverio Salaris
Post date July 8, 2021
No Comments on QR Code: 8 ideas for Catering and Agrifood Production [2023]

E-commerce, storytelling and traceability: these are some areas of application of the QR Code in the Horeca and agri-food production and sales sectors.

After last month’s article , in which we looked at various “generic” ways of using the QR Code in the agri-food sector, let us now look together at specific areas of application for the restaurant and manufacturing sector.

Production

Let’s start with some case studies in the area of production and sale, mainly retail but also wholesale, of branded agri-food products.

E-commerce links

Your product is your ambassador in the customer’s home: it allows you to talk to him even after the purchase, and perhaps prompt him to visit your online shop. A QR code that leads back to your e-commerce can increase the likelihood that consumers will buy your product again. Did the customer try your bottle of wine in the restaurant? One scan can easily turn into the online purchase of an entire case! QR code allows you to leverage your packaging and maximize its yield from the beginning to the end of the shopping experience.

Recipes and instructions

You know those recipes written in microscopic letters on pasta packages? A QR code can be used to share well-read recipes filled with images, explanatory videos and even comments from other users. And this is true for any agri-food product, from pasta to liquor: you would be surprised at the number of people who daily google the recipe for spritz!

Storytelling

A product is much more than a label. Behind each package is a world of people, history, traditions and production methods that are not told to the consumer, and that today thanks to QR codes can instead be shared and fully appreciated.

How to do it? The most direct method is to find a graphic designer, a developer and create an ad hoc web page on your site. You fill it with whatever you can think of, connect it to the QR, and you’re done.

Don’t you have a developer and a graphic designer? Maybe you can get away with this: create a pdf with the same information, ask your webmaster to upload it to your site and link it to your QR code, an inelegant but totally functional solution.

You don’t even have a webmaster, or don’t want to settle for a rough solution? Here you will have to forgive me a bit of self-publicity as QualityChain, the company I co-founded, deals with this very issue.

QualityChain is a tool that allows manufacturers to easily and inexpensively create a fantastic product page linked to a QR, paying only a small subscription within the reach of any company, even the smallest.

The whole experience is designed to be as simple as possible for the producer, requiring only a few minutes and a lot of love for their product. We are currently offering a one-month free trial, so if you are interested please contact us as soon as possible on our website or on our social media and we will help you figure out if QualityChain is right for you.

That said, no matter which route you decide to take to tell people about your product, the important thing is to do so, informing the consumer about what makes it special and empowering them to make an informed choice in their next purchase.

Traceability

The next topic we address is traceability, as QR code turns out to be a key technology in the Sharing information about the supply chain with the consumer. Using a QR code from the beginning to the end of the production process, it is in fact possible to record the entire history of the individual production batch (or even the individual product). In fact, recall that QRs originated to track parts of Toyota automobiles, so they are naturally perfect for this type of application.

In terms of industry standards, it is good to know that GS1, the non-profit association dedicated to the development and implementation of standards worldwide, has developed a standard for the use of the QR code. Due to the technical nature of the standard I will not go into too much detail on this, and for those interested I will just offer some useful resources: at this link you will find a technical presentation of the standard, while here you can find a complete list of GS1 identifiers.

At this point it is worth mentioning blockchain technology, which is increasingly being used to make indelible the information recorded by producers, in effect holding them accountable to their consumers. Unlike a regular website that can change overnight, a blockchain record is “carved in stone,” any change leaves a trace, and this doubles the producer’s focus on what it says about its product.

This feature naturally makes it perfect for recording traceability data, which is why many software programs (including QualityChain) have sprung up. Who do just that. If you want to know more about blockchain traceability, I refer you to this blog post, which explains in more detail the various types of services available in this area.

Catering

Let’s now turn to the world of catering and Horeca more generally, and see some solutions that can help you make your customers’ experience better through the use of QR codes.

Digital menu

No doubt you have already had experience with this QR code application: because of the pandemic, many restaurateurs have replaced physical menus with digital menus, which can be accessed from tables via specially designed QR codes. This solution, despite lacking the appeal of the previous one, has proven to be very useful in preventing the spread of the virus, and is now a very common choice in the industry.

But we must be optimistic, and look forward to a tomorrow when our elaborate paper menus can return to restaurant tables. In that case, what can be done with QR codes? One idea might be to include a QR code for each dish, linking it to a page that describes its characteristics in depth, with professional photographs that will make your customer’s mouth water.

WiFi network

Sick of customers asking for the WiFi password every five minutes? You know when they say, “I typed it right but it doesn’t work,” and they didn’t actually get a letter right? A QR code can save your network login credentials-put one in each table and you’re done.

Reviews

You can use a QR code to prompt your customers to give you a rating on a rating site, such as TripAdvisor or Google Business. A link to your page will significantly increase the chance of a review, and consequently your online visibility.

Home entertainment

Your venue is famous for live music, but do your customers also like to order in? You could record an empty venue band concert, upload it to YouTube and link it to a QR code in your delivery packaging. This way your most loyal customers can enjoy some of your classic atmosphere right on their couch.

Information when the activity is closed

You could place a QR code on your storefront or shutter so that when the business is closed, passersby can find out information about hours, reopening dates, and how to contact you while your business is closed.

Conclusion

You will have realized that there is no shortage of ways to use this technology-it is now up to you to find the most original and effective idea to improve your company’s communication.

If this topic interests you and you want to learn more, follow QualityChain on our social channels.

Facebook

Instagram

See you anon!

About QualityChain

Do you want to know more about QualityChain?

Visit https://qualitychain.ch or write to us at [email protected]