Why You Should Use QR Codes for Product Labels
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can be used to provide important notices regarding different products
- Codes can be made easily on your own through a service like QR Code Developer
- Information like when a product was purchased and how to use it can be applied to a QR code
Have you ever picked up a product at work and wondered “what on earth is this for”? Misuse of work related products is perhaps the leading cause of accidents in the workplace. If only each product could have a label on it that tells you what it is and how to use it.
Well, with QR codes, there can be!
In this piece I will go over how QR codes containing information on each product can be made and attached to any and all of the equipment you use in and out of your worksite. I'll also share some helpful tips and answer frequently asked questions on the topic, as well as provide a step by step guide on how to create your own codes.
So let's get to work!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of encoded image containing data that can be scanned and accessed by a smart device, like a phone or tablet. They usually appear as black and white squares made up of smaller squares, almost like a jumbled up chess board, but appearances can be varied and customised to fit the maker's needs.
These codes can be used as an easy access point for WiFi logins, URL addresses, social media pages, text documents, contact information, and just about any kind of digital media. They can be easily printed out and attached to stickers, flyers, posters, cards and more and provide a hands free way to view and access online and digital content.
How can QR codes be used for product labeling?
QR codes can be made to display text with crucial information pertaining to whatever product you want. These codes can then be made into stickers and attached to the product itself or something like an inventory list.
Scanning the code would then allow users to see instructions on how to use the product, when the product was purchased, important instructions or notices, and any other piece of information that would be vital to know about said product.
These can be used throughout a household or in a business setting in order to reduce confusion and allow anyone using a product to know exactly what it is and how to use it.
Here are some examples of information you may want to include in your QR code:
• Product name
• Serial number
• Instructions
• Warranty information
• Repair instructions
• Safety concerns
How to make a text based QR code for product label information
• In QR Code Developer, click on Create Code.
• Select the PDF or Simple Text option as your code type.
• Name your code and paste the link into the URL bar or type the text you want displayed.
• Click on the pencil icon in the Preview window to further customize the look of your code.
• Click Generate.
• Test your code on multiple devices.
Benefits of using QR codes
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.
Monitoring code usage
With the tools available on QRCodeveloper, as well as other code generators, you can monitor the usage of any code you create. This can include how many times a code has been scanned, where it has been scanned, on what device, using what browser, and more. With these tools, you can figure out which codes are reaching the most people and where to focus any advertising efforts.
With QRCodeveloper you can monitor:
• Number of scans
• Number of scans by operating system
• Scans by browser
• Scans by country
• Scans by city
• Scans by language
• Unique scans
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
Can QR codes be used on product labels?
Yes. Since QR codes in the real world are just simple 2D images, they can be placed just about anywhere you can display or print a picture, including on a product label.
What information should I attach to my product label QR code?
You should put any information you think would be necessary or helpful on your product label, like when it was purchased, instructions, warranty information, and any frequently asked questions pertaining to the product.
What kind of QR code should I make for my product label?
A static QR code linking to either a simple text document or a PDF would be best for a product label.
Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
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.
What devices can scan QR codes?
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.
Are QR codes safe?
While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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