Small business owners are often reluctant to adapt to modern technology. If they have been in business for many years (or decades) they are comfortable with the processes and procedures, they already have in place. It is not unusual for me to meet with a client who is still using Quick Books desktop circa the early 2000’s. The problem with not adapting to newer technologies is that they will often find themselves being left behind by their competition. That brings us to the issue of the QR code. If you recall from many, many years ago the QR code was introduced by a Japanese company in 1994, for use in the automobile manufacturing (1). As of 2011, the primary users of QR codes were men (18-34) (2). At the time it was a little too early for much of the population to see its benefit or to adopt its use. This could have been due to a lack of understanding of what it did or not having the proper apps (such as a scanner) on mobile devices.
The pandemic changed all that. I first started noticing a rebirth in the use of the QR code in 2020 when I was in NYC. Restaurants had started putting QR codes on table placards so patrons could scan and read the menu. This involved less handling and less need to print or purchase menus. According to Wikipedia “In September 2020, a survey found that 18.8 percent of consumers in the United States...strongly agreed that they had noticed an increase of QR code use since the then-active COVID-19 related restrictions had begun several months prior.” (2)
The second place I started seeing wide use of QR codes was at conferences, where codes could be found on pop-up banners. The codes were used for agendas, maps, and activities. Now I see them everywhere! One of the more innovative ways I saw them being used recently was at an upscale restaurant where you could scan the menu, order food, and pay the tab. This allowed the restaurant to operate, during a remarkably busy time, with limited staff. Think of the labor savings if you do not need to bring a menu, take an order, or leave a bill. With the labor shortage small businesses are facing, looking into implementing QR code technology into your business could save time and money! Here are some ideas on how small business can implement the QR code:
1. Distribute agendas, directions, and events
2. Direct customers to your website
3. Marketing and ad campaigns, on print material, TV, or billboards
4. Restaurant menu
5. Customer payment
6. Gather feedback about a product or service
7. Loyalty reward program
8. Compile customer data for email and direct mail campaigns
9. Member check-in
10. Provide product information
I am sure there are many more applications that small businesses can use to generate customer traffic, build loyalty, save labor, boost sales, and reduce waste. Please let me know if you implement QR code technology into your small business.
(1) 1. QR Code history
(2) 2. Wikipedia
