Mexican Street Food restaurant group, Wahaca saw an overall 80% adoption rate (95% in some venues!) of our Pay at Table technology through the use of QR codes.
“We’ve seen faster table turnover and enhanced customer satisfaction… (Wahaca) saved £18k through stopping cash and other charges.”
Wahaca
Read the Wahaca Case Study
Insider Intelligence forecasts that QR code use will lift by 10% in 2022, following a jump of 15% in 2021 and 25% in 2020. And 68% of adults say they are likely to pay using contactless or mobile payment options if the restaurant offers them.
As pioneers in the use of QR codes, this is not a surprise. QR codes are a fast and simple way of directing customers to digital menus and payment portals. We’ve created a list of Seven QR Code Best Practices, to help operators direct their customers to their digital platform swiftly and efficiently..
1 – Use a Reputable QR code generator
To create a QR code, you must use a QR code generator, and with a simple internet search there are 100s of websites that appear.
We recommend you research the website or tool thoroughly before committing to creating your QR code. Fortunately, there are plenty of impartial review sites out there to help you make an informed decision.
Most importantly, you should examine your chosen QR code generator’s security, tracking, and privacy policy to ensure it’s in line with your own security and privacy policies.
2 – Branded QR codes
One of the most common ways that scammers hi-jack QR codes is they overlay their own printed label on top of your existing QR code.
To counteract this, you should incorporate your unique branding into the QR code design and use consistent QR code templates. This could include adding colours, gradient patterns, company logos, and custom borders, all in line with your brand identity so that customers can easily identify a secure QR code.
3 – Print short links too
As well as adding your branding, you could add the destination’s short link beneath the QR code too.
This gives your customers the opportunity to type in the URL if they feel more comfortable doing so.
Adding a short link has three main benefits:
- The consumer can check the URL against the landing page to see if they match, giving them confidence in using your QR code
- Not all customers want to scan a QR code and would prefer to type in the link
- Some customers may have smartphones with broken cameras so are unable to scan, they can get started ordering on the platform without taking time from the serving staff.
4 – Table specific QR codes
Table specific QR codes add an extra layer of security to your customers’ ordering experience. It allows them to check that the table number corresponds within the platform before beginning an order. What’s more, table specific QR codes mean customers can order their food in less steps. It offers faster service and removes the risk of them typing in the wrong table number altogether.
5 – Additional printed merchandise
Additional QR codes placed around the venue, on table toppers and posters for example, decreases the chance of a ‘rogue’ QR code being scanned by a customer when ordering.
The additional QR codes also assist with efficiency, as groups don’t have to share one code and can easily access a number of alternatives across the venue.
6 – Educate customers
You can help educate your customers on how to spot a rogue QR code by adding pointers on your menus, posters and table toppers.
For example, informing them of signs of tampering such as a stickered QR code, or revealing the website destination via a short code can work.
Finally, asking your customers to notify a member of staff should they come across a suspicious QR code can help to deter scammers, and eradicate the problem.
7 – Educate staff to be vigilant
Finally, your staff should be vigilant as part of their usual routine to check the integrity of all QR codes around the venue, to quickly identify signs of QR code tampering. Staff should report any that looks suspicious to management immediately, before replacing with new menus.
Along with this, staff should be educated on the destination URL and what the landing page looks like in case they’re questioned on the QR code’s integrity. Staff will be able to reassure customers and confirm that they’re ordering from the correct website.
Our Takeaway
By using these best practices, you can ensure that your brand identity remains consistent throughout your venue. Not only this, branded QR codes can help safeguard your customers when ordering and paying via your digital platform – ultimaely giving your customers a smooth, seamless, positive experience.
CONTACT US if you want to know more about how QR codes can increase your revenues and drive efficiency.
