QR codes are a quick and easy way to distribute information in a way that’s beneficial to both the customer and the business distributing them. Scanning and accessing QR codes is as simple as hovering over them with a phone or mobile device’s camera and tapping the link when it pops up. Making codes is also super easy, with many services, like QR Codeveloper, available that allow users to both create and customize QR codes that best meet their individual needs.
One of the ways QR codes have been impacting modern life is through their use in restaurants. Many restaurants now, both new and old as well as chains and local eateries, are opting to give their customers digital menus, accessed through a scannable QR code, rather than traditional paper menus.
In this piece, I will go over how to create a QR code for a restaurant menu, including customization options, as well as go over the benefits of using codes for this purpose. I will also be providing tips and tricks on how to better distribute your codes.
Reduced costs on paper and printing: Since the menu will exist virtually, there is no need to print, fold, or laminate any paper menus. This will also eliminate the need to replace menus if they become old, outdated, or damaged. Over time, this will save your business hundreds, potentially thousands of dollars.
Flexibility to change menu items and prices quickly: The content on traditional paper menus is essentially set in stone as soon as they’re printed. If you need to remove an item, add a dish, or even change prices, you will have to reprint all new menus and likely throw the old ones away. With a digital menu, you can simply edit the web page the QR code links to. This way you can also update daily specials and promotions right on the menu, without having to put up a sign or training staff to remember daily specials.
Environmental impact of reducing paper use: Having to throw out dozens of physical menus every time even a minor change is created can create a lot of garbage. By having a digital menu, you can help reduce the amount of waste created by your restaurant.
There are 3 main formats you can use to display your menu in digital form that can be accessed through a QR code. These are via a web page, an image, or a PDF. Which format you choose should be up to the technical know how of your staff and the budget you are willing to give towards your menu.
The best format to use for your digital menu would be a web page. This way you can easily make edits and update your menu as needed. It’s also possible, through this method, to allow customers to order through the website, without needing to talk to wait staff. This also includes the benefit of having your menu available and accessible to anyone viewing your website, regardless of whether or not they are in the building. With this method, however, you will still be required to jump through all the hoops you would when managing any website, that being paying for a domain and setting up the page. For this, you could do things the old fashioned way, or you could take advantage of one of the many website builders on the market, like Wix or SquareSpace.
The easier option, though more limited, would be to have your QR code link to a PDF or image file. While this would likely be an easier option for staff, it may not offer the same level of freedom and customization as an editable web page would.
When designing a digital menu, it’s important to keep in mind that most customers will be viewing it on a small phone screen. Because of this, you should not simply transfer over a physical menu 1 to 1 or design something with a large, book sized menu in mind. Make sure things are tailored to the smaller screen, use large text, and make it so users can easily understand and scroll through your offerings.
Make sure the menu matches the feel and identity of the business. While you shouldn’t copy your previous physical menu 1 to 1, you should take visual cues and elements from traditional menus to enhance the customer experience.
Effortlessly create, customize, and monitor dynamic QR codes.
QR codes can be placed on tables, on a large sign within the lobby, or anywhere in the establishment a customer can easily scan with a mobile device.
Make sure that any staff who directly interact with customers, like waiters, servers, and hosts, know how the QR system works and can help any customers who may struggle with them. Also remind them the importance of being patient with older folks and less tech-savvy individuals who may not fully grasp the technology.
It would be smart to include instructions at each table on how to scan the QR codes and access the menu, in case a customer is unfamiliar with QR codes.
Make sure that existing and potential customers know about the QR code menu. It’s also important to clearly state the benefits of using digital menus and how they can benefit the customer. Saying things like “We’ve gone paperless” or “Easy to use digital menu” can help to improve customer opinion and get them on board with the idea of a digital menu. Let them know that the savings provided by the digital menu will be passed on to them.
If your restaurant has social media accounts, let customers and fans know of the change ahead of time. This will serve to both inform them and prepare them for the change as well as get them excited for the potential changes to the dining experience.
You can also offer a discount to those who opt for a digital menu, either if you plan on providing both or to better ease your client base into exclusively using the digital menus.
Many QR Code generators, like QR Codeveloper, allow users to track the progress and usage of their codes over time, providing updates as quickly as they occur. This can be helpful to gauge interest and see what types of scanning methods your client base prefers.
An all digital menu allows you to add specials and deals, remove or add items, and promote certain dishes at any time, without having to inform staff or reprint new menus.
While digital menus are quick and convenient, it’s a good idea to keep a handful of physical menus or a sign on standby, in case a server goes down, the Wi-Fi stops working, or whatever other issue pops up that can prevent a customer from accessing a digital menu.
Effortlessly create, customize, and monitor dynamic QR codes.
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