Most people now scan QR codes without thinking: menus, parking, parcel lockers. That familiarity makes QR codes a good fit for loyalty cards. This article explains how a QR loyalty card works, where it beats the alternatives and what to watch out for.
QR codes are normal now
A few years ago, asking customers to scan a code would have needed an explanation. Today most phone cameras read QR codes without an extra app, and people are used to scanning them in shops and restaurants.
That matters for loyalty cards, because every extra step at the start loses people. If joining is "point your camera at the poster", more customers will give it a go than if it's "find our app in the app store".
Why not a dedicated app?
Some loyalty schemes need customers to download an app, create an account and log in before they collect a single stamp. That's a lot to ask at a till with a queue behind them, and plenty of people will say no.
A QR card skips the app store. With RewardForge the customer scans your code, signs up with a name and email, and the card opens in their browser. They can add it to their home screen or Google Wallet later if they want.
Who scans whom
There are two ways to run a QR loyalty card. In the first, customers scan a code on your counter to stamp their own card. It's quick, but anyone can photograph the code and collect stamps from home.
In the second, which RewardForge uses, the customer shows a code on their phone and your staff scan it. The code expires after 10 seconds, so a screenshot can't be reused, and every stamp is given by someone at the till.
Why it suits small businesses
- No hardware: staff scan with their own phones, so there's no card reader or tablet to buy.
- Almost anyone can use it: any smartphone with a camera and a browser will do.
- Google Wallet: Android customers can keep the card alongside their bank cards.
- Less paper: one printed poster instead of hundreds of cards.
- Quick at the till: a scan takes about as long as stamping a paper card.
What to watch out for
QR loyalty cards aren't perfect. A few things to plan for:
- Some customers don't have a smartphone, or won't want to use it. Decide whether you'll keep a paper option for them.
- Phones run out of battery. Staff can find the customer in the customer list and adjust their stamps by hand.
- Self-scan systems, where customers scan a code on the counter, invite cheating. Codes scanned by staff avoid this.
- A poster on its own won't sign many people up. Staff still need to mention the card.
Is it worth switching?
If most of your customers carry smartphones and you're tired of lost and faked paper cards, a QR card is worth trying. If your customers mostly prefer not to use their phones, paper may still suit you better.
RewardForge is free for 30 days, so you can try a QR loyalty card with real customers before deciding.