Steps to Consider When Adding a QR Code Scanner to Your Business

The QR (quick response) code scanner app has been a slow-moving trend that has only recently started to see a rise in usage by small businesses. Restaurants, in particular, have seen a surge in the use of QR codes due to their ability to provide contactless services to customers in a post-COVID world. As more businesses are adopting QR codes into their sales and payment strategies, deciding when and how to transition may seem overwhelming, so here are some considerations to stay focused on.

Cloud-Based POS Software Is a Must-Have

Before you dive into the world of QR codes, you must first have the appropriate software in place to properly use them. QR codes will require the device and app to be directed to an online version of your restaurant, whether that be a menu or a payment portal. To integrate these functions into your business processes, you must first have the foundation of cloud-based POS tools in place.

Cloud-based technology does more than just allow the consolidation of devices and apps to streamline services. Full integration of all aspects of your business enables your employees to perform better and faster and with more satisfaction for your customers. 

Virtualized POS Tools Help Build an Exciting Mobile Platform

With your POS tools now virtualized and readily accessible via the cloud, the next step is to go mobile. Using the mobile tools provided by your cloud-based POS solution provider will ensure full integration of processes and data and streamline the ordering and payment processes for the customer. 

The most powerful combination is to use a web template and an accompanying QR code that is included in your POS software by your provider. This gives the customer easy access to the menu for both dining room or takeout ordering while making payments a breeze. Through the use of POS-integrated and web-based invoicing software, you can send digital receipts to diners after the transaction is complete. This ensures both you and the customer have accurate records in a fast and simple process.

Accepting QR Codes Is Easier Than You Think

Now that you have the right technology, the next question to ask yourself is “How do I get my customers interested in this?” As mobile technology has advanced and becomes an integral part of people’s lives, the use of QR codes has become easier and less obtrusive to even the most fickle customers. This is a large part of the recent growth in QR code usage—the ease of use for anybody.

Almost every modern smartphone can read and execute the commands contained within a QR code without the need for an app or the need for much interaction. The customer simply points their phone camera at the QR code and accepts the prompt to open up your website. 

Gain Insights Into Your Customers Tastes

Creating a menu is a challenge, and knowing exactly what your customers want before they do is even harder. The benefit of QR codes is they can collect data about your menu that you may not have had access to before. Whether it is staff suggestions or customer reviews of dishes, the ability to know what people are thinking in real-time to help you make informed changes will go a long way with your reputation and profit.

As a customer browses each item after they scan the QR code and pull up the menu, your POS solution records the items they view, add to the cart and later remove, or add to the cart and order. This provides a view into what sells and what falls short. The data from your online menu will also tell you which items are more popular for takeout vs. dine-in, revealing even more options for menu changes.

A QR Code Scanner App Isn’t Just Another Tool

Implementing QR codes in your restaurant can provide contactless service to customers while improving efficiency. But instead of focusing on a QR code scanner app, understand that the majority of mobile devices on the market today can access QR code content by just using the camera on their device allowing you to focus solely on building a powerful cloud-based POS solution to support it.

The consultants at talech have their fingers on the pulse of emerging QR code scanning technology options for small businesses. This allows us to build your QR code strategy from the ground up by focusing first on the basics of POS technology before moving into building the virtual tools required for using QR codes. Reach out to us today to sign up for a demo and to learn more about how talech can be your valued POS partner.