So Fresh! 4 Ways QR Codes can be Useful in Farmers Markets
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can be especially useful for farmers markets
- Multiple tasks, like payment and feedback, can be conducted with QR codes
- Codes are easy to make and can be used by just about anyone
Farmer’s markets allow small, independent food producers to reach a wider audience and make a significant amount of income, all without having to deal with big name stores or other distributors. They also allow patrons access to fresh products they couldn’t get otherwise while communicating with the very people who grew them and made them possible.
It’s easy to see why farmers markets have become so popular, even more so in the digital age. However, some aspects of conducting business in farmers markets, mainly taking payment and providing adequate information, can be more difficult than other spaces.
Luckily, QR codes can help in many ways!
In this piece I will go over how QR codes can be especially useful to those who run farmers market stands as well as organizers of these markets themselves. I’ll also share some helpful tips and answer frequently asked questions on how these codes can help in these markets.
So let’s get started!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a square monochrome image containing data within its pattern. These squares can be scanned by the camera of a smart device, like a phone or a tablet, and be used as an easy way to access a variety of digital content, like images, websites, and social media pages, or conduct certain tasks, like tracking parcel shipments or signing into WiFi networks.
These codes are easy to make on your own through a service like QR Code Developer, can be monitored, printed in bulk, customized, and affixed to just about any surface that can display a 2D image. You can find QR codes just about everywhere, like on stickers, posters, cards, flyers, in commercials, TV shows and video games, and within spaces like shopping centers, doctors offices, gyms, and more!
How can QR codes be used in farmers markets
There are many different ways individual farmers market stand operators, as well as organizers of the market itself, can use QR codes in their business.
Here’s just a few examples:
Payment
QR code payments have been growing steadily in use all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. QR codes allow folks to exchange currency digitally for goods and services without needing to buy any additional equipment. All they have to do is scan the code on their device, and they’re good!
This can be especially useful for farmers market stands, as they are run by independent owners and business is typically conducted in outdoor spaces. All they need to do is print out their payment QR code, or provide it on their own device, and they can take digital payments without needing to tap or swipe a bank card.
Additional information
Farmers market shoppers often like to know as much as they can about the products they buy as well as the sellers they buy from. Although it can be a little difficult to share your entire farm’s history while trying to conduct business in a busy market.
Fortunately, a QR code can be set up to link to either a web page or a text document containing all the information a curious shopper may want on your farm, your practices, and even how each individual item was prepared. You can also share recipes and other recommendations through this method.
These codes can be applied to a sticker, flyer, poster, or table tent at your stand.
Contact info
Farmer’s markets are typically temporary installations, available a few days a week at most. So if you have a repeat customer who wants to get into contact with you when you’re not at your stand, it can be difficult.
But QR codes can help here as well! A variety of contact methods, like phone numbers, email addresses, and SMS messaging, can be provided via QR code and added to something like a business card or on a receipt. This way, your business doesn't rely entirely on the hours of the market.
Reviews and feedback
Feedback is crucial to any business, big or small, though it can be kind of difficult to acquire said information. Customers often want to simply buy their products and go, and don't want to wait to fill out a survey or write a review.
This is another case where QR codes can be a great boon to farmers market stands, as they allow customers to provide their thoughts to others, as well as other potential patrons, on their own time and on their own devices.
A QR code placed on your card or their receipt can allow patrons to leave their feedback, through something like Google Reviews, Yelp, or any other feedback provider. This will allow you to know what you’re doing right, what you need to improve on, and even get your name out there to new customers.
WiFi
This one is more for organizers of farmers markets, but still crucial. Free public WiFi access has become a necessity for any businesses dealing in free spaces. At this point it has become as accepted as napkins or extra utensils.
QR codes can be easily set up to allow farmers market customers to sign in to a public WiFi network without needing to enter in a complex password. This will also keep your network far more secure and safe than if you were to leave it unprotected for anyone to use.
Benefits of using QR codes in farmers markets
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up.
QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Customizable
QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it’s possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
General tips
Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can QR codes be used in farmers markets?
A: Yes, QR codes can be easily set up by farmers market workers for payment, contact info, feedback, WiFi login, and more.
Q: Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
A: No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Q: Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
A: While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
Q: What devices can scan QR codes?
A: Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Q: Are QR codes safe?
A: While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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