The Power of QR Codes on Product Packaging

QR (Quick Respond) codes are 2-dimensional barcodes that were first used in Japan’s automotive industry. The use of QR codes expanded beyond the automotive industry, considering the amount of data a QR code could store and the speed at which it could be read.

QR codes gained traction in consumer advertising when companies used them to store website URLs or other information that could be scanned and quickly accessed with smartphones. The convenience and ease of scanning a code to connect to a website without the need to type the URL meant the need for minimal effort to access a company’s website and increased consumer engagement.

Some applications may call for QR codes to be coded with variable/dynamic information. For example, one type of variable QR code on product packaging might require the QR code to contain the item serial number, which is unique to each product and changes from one item to another.

Variable QR codes have many uses, among which are:

Product expiration dates
Product serial numbers
Production batch numbers
Storing website URLs
Loyalty programs
Counterfeit detection

QR codes can have a width as small as 10 mm (ISO 18004-compliant) to be scannable from 10 cm away! So, information that would typically require a large amount of space to be legible can be easily marked on a product.

This provides an amazing communication channel for manufacturers to market to and connect with their consumers to build brand loyalty and trust. Furthermore, customers can be provided with product information, targeted messages, promotions, recipes, uses, nutritional value, and much more. Conversion rates will be boosted when a consumer scans the QR code on an already purchased product to access a web page or a landing page. And, the manufacturer is free to modify the contents of the URL – so the same QR code can be used for different messaging.

With increasing competition within all business sectors, it is becoming more and more important to create and grow brand awareness and loyalty. By nurturing new and existing customers, companies can have top of mind awareness (TOMA). An easy and effective way to TOMA is to use QR codes on products that allow customers to connect with your company in a multitude of creative and engaging ways.

RN Mark offers low cost, feature-rich printers capable of printing QR codes on your products. You’ll be impressed with how fast you can go from idea to print with the quick installation and ease of use of our printers.