7 Ways QR Codes Can Benefit Your Business

 

With the many technological changes that have occurred in the last several years, chances are you have gone somewhere that has used a matrix barcode and have wondered what it was for. These complex, yet simple, digital images are known as QR (Quick Response) codes. But, why is it that these codes becoming more and more popular? Why are so many restaurants jumping on the bandwagon and implementing it? 

QR codes are unique because they can store a lot of information that can be easily read by smartphones. Since over 75% of individuals in the United States have smartphones, it provides businesses with a quick and easy way to communicate messages to the majority of their customers. By scanning this matrix barcode with their phone, customers will be directed to a link that provides them with helpful information. They have become so beneficial many restaurants have even started using QR codes in place of menus. 

Benefits of Using QR Codes:

1. Saves Money 

Restaurants are constantly changing. This can make it difficult for restaurant owners to determine the costs of items, especially when they have to make sure that the costs of their products will cover the operating expenses. However, QR codes are great, because instead of ordering a bunch of menus that you may have to change in the future, you can simply create a digital menu. The next time you make changes to your menu or food prices, you can simply update your digital menu online instead of buying a surplus of menus.

2. Increase Productivity 

Using QR codes helps save time, allowing your employees to be more productive. Since they can to communicate a lot of information at once, you no longer need to rely on your staff to communicate various messages to your customers. By creating a QR code you give your customers interactive access by using a digital menu. Furthermore, if you are trying to advertise an event, market your custom mobile app, or even communicate company policies, they save both you and your customers time on finding out more information in regards to something. 

3. More Sustainable 

By transitioning to using QR codes, you not only can cut down on the consumption and costs of printing, but they are also eco-friendly. Since QR codes give you the ability to change information integrated to the link, anytime your company changes anything, there is no need to create new content. Thus, allowing them to last longer than ‘traditional’ information. Additionally, QR codes can be damaged up to 30% and they will still work! 
 

4. Customers Prefer QR Codes 

More and more customers are starting to use QR codes to receive information. In a study by QSR Web in 2021, 45% of individuals stated they prefer to use their phones to order, pay, and interact with businesses. QR codes give individuals the capability to do this. The gratification of using technology is high, and using this feature at your restaurant gives you the ability to help keep your customers engaged.   

5. Brand Transparency 

Being transparent to your customers is the most important way to build trust. Customers want to be able to rely on companies to be open about how they operate. Instead of endlessly searching for information, QR codes allow you to quickly share information about your company. For example, consumers may be curious about the hours of operation of your business. By supplying a QR code, it eases the pain of having to search for the information. 

6. QR Codes Promote Curiosity 

Have you ever seen a QR code and just wondered what it is for? Seeing the image of the matrix barcode sparks curiosity in your customers and makes them wonder what information is attached to it. Being an interactive feature, it can be fun to see what this feature does. 

7. Contactless Communication 

Contactless communication helps ease the anxiety of having to physically interact with a staff member to receive information. They give customers the ability to pull up your menu, company information, events, etc. all through the comfort of using their own mobile device. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless communication became critical to helping many restaurants continue thriving. In fact, since the pandemic, there has been a 750% increase in QR code downloads. 

Bottom Line 

While QR codes may not be for every restaurant, with the benefits they offer, they are worth looking into. QR codes will assist you in marketing your online business, increase productivity, and help increase revenue. With the world becoming more dependent on technology, it is important to make sure your business is up to date with the latest trends to engage your customers and strives to be innovative. They are great ways to expand your market, reach out to new customers, and potentially increase customer retention rates. 

If you would like to generate a QR code for your digital menu, you can do so by going into ‘Order Settings’ in your OrderEm account. For assistance on generating a QR code and learning more about how it could help your business, please contact info@OrderEm.com or call us at (855) 210-APPS