7 ways eateries can use QR codes

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

QR codes have made a comeback in the last few years — they’ve proven to be handy tools for all sorts of small businesses, and eateries are no exception. If you’ve dined out recently, you’ve probably encountered a QR menu…but what else can these codes do? Here, get inspired by all the ways your restaurant, cafe or bar can use QR codes.

1. Accept reservations.
2. Speed up transactions (& make them touch-free).
3. Grow your mailing list & loyalty scheme.
4. Give diners easy access to your menu.
5. Collect customer feedback.
6. Promote your social media pages.
7. Stay connected 24/7.

1. Accept reservations.

Make it easy for passers-by to make a reservation or join your waiting list with a QR code — display it on a window decal or poster in your shop front. When a prospective diner scans the code, it should take them to your reservation or waiting list page so they can quickly join. If you don’t accept reservations through an online system, instead link customers to your contact page so they can get in touch with you via email or over the phone.

2. Speed up transactions (& make them touch-free).

The world is becoming increasingly touch-free…so why not accept touchless payments at your eatery? In addition to being a safer option than exchanging cash or entering pin codes, touchless transactions are also faster. As a restaurant owner, all you have to do is set up a QR code that accepts payments. Print out the code and display it by your till, or include it on the bottom of receipts.

3. Grow your mailing list & loyalty scheme.

Encourage customers to sign up for your mailing list or loyalty scheme while they’re waiting for their food to come out. Instead of having an employee collect this information or using a pen and paper, create a QR code that lets diners input their information digitally — and quickly. Ready to reward loyal diners? Instead of printing individual vouchers, create voucher QR codes that can be added to postcards, takeaway menus, emails and more.

4. Give diners easy access to your menu.

QR menus had a major moment when restaurants and cafes reopened. It’s an extremely low-cost option for restaurant owners, and it provides a safe, easy and touch-free option for diners. Plus, instead of printing new menus whenever you change your menu or update your pricing, business owners can update the PDF or web page the QR code links to. This makes it easier than ever to promote special offers, new menu items and limited-edition products. You can print out your QR menu code on a retractable banner or even on a sticker for easy scanning access.

5. Collect customer feedback.

Asking for reviews is never easy…but one way to make it a little more seamless is with a QR code. You can put this on the same table tent as your social QR code, add it to the bottom of the customer’s receipt or print it on ‘thank-you’ postcards. This code can link to your eatery’s Tripadvisor page, your Facebook page or your Google for Business page — or anywhere else you’re looking to boost your online reviews. Similarly to asking for social followers, you can incentivise diners to leave a review by offering them a discount or a freebie the next time they come in.

6. Promote your social media pages.

Make it easy for customers to follow your social pages with a QR code. For customers sitting down for a bite to eat or a drink, display the code on a table tent so they can check out your social profiles while they wait for their order. Encourage them to follow you with a special offer (like 10% off your bill), and remind them to tag your social profiles if they post a picture on their own accounts. You can also display this QR code on your eatery’s windows, so curious passers-by can check out your social pages while they’re on the go.

7. Stay connected 24/7.

People are likely to be passing by your restaurant when you’re not open. So, give them an easy way to access information about your business hours, contact details, menu and more with an informational QR code in your eatery’s window.