Product packaging is crucial to in-store sales. It’s the first impression of your product and brand. 

Every element of your product packaging must be meticulously chosen and designed, including what to include or exclude. You want to provide shoppers with ample information that drives them toward purchase, but you don’t want to overwhelm them with a cramped design. 

Including QR codes on your packaging helps you provide shoppers the information they want and need –– and data they didn’t know they needed! Giving shoppers an abundance of product information empowers them to understand your product, have confidence in your brand and make informed purchases more quickly.  

Plus, in 2027 GS1, the global organization responsible for regulating commerce, is introducing a worldwide sunrise of 2D barcodes. This means that soon 2D barcodes will be the norm on packaging. Learn more about preparing for the sunrise in this recent article, and read on below to understand how to take full advantage of 2D barcode capabilities to sell more.

Show Customers How to Use Your Product with Instructional Videos  

When consumers consider a product purchase, they evaluate how that item will solve a problem, meet a need or benefit, or enhance their lives. However, limitations with packaging often prevent brands from including instructions for use. 

On-package QR codes are the ideal avenue to show shoppers exactly how to use your product and simultaneously envision themselves using it. With a quick scan, shoppers can understand how your product works and explore various scenarios of your product being used. Providing consumers with video instruction and lifestyle content helps shoppers see themselves using your product, ushering them toward an immediate purchase. 

Tell Your Brand’s Story 

Your brand’s story is central to its success on both the digital and physical retail shelves. Without a narrative behind it, you’re selling a product and nothing more. But when you share your brand’s story with shoppers, you connect with them in a way that leads to higher loyalty and advocacy. 

Your QR code is the gateway to sharing your brand story at the ideal stage in the buyer’s journey. It allows you to put a face on your business and help consumers see beyond the product. When they understand your brand values and history, they relate more easily and can see how your product can fit into their lives and enhance it. 

Shoppers are both logical and emotional. Sharing your story creates a pathway for connection and engagement as consumers teeter on the edge of purchase. Endear them to your brand, and you’ll drive them toward a product purchase. 

Highlight Compelling Social Proof 

Consumers want the truth about your products and your brand, and they know they’ll find that information in customer ratings and reviews. Social proof is the top factor influencing purchase decisions: 93 percent of shoppers say ratings and reviews impact whether or not they buy a product. 

Linking your QR code to customer reviews allows potential buyers to see what your customers think of your products. A Power Reviews survey found that 74 percent of consumers say ratings and reviews are key ways to learn about products they’ve never purchased. Instant access to customer insights provides in-store shoppers with the confidence needed to commit to purchase.  

QR codes can direct shoppers to the social proof they need to put your product in their carts, not back on the shelf. 

List Detailed Product Information that Won’t Fit on Your Packaging 

Consumers have more access to product and corporate data than ever. They not only want product information but also demand it: 75% of shoppers are likely to switch to a brand that provides more in-depth product content beyond what’s required or provided on the physical label. 

Savvy shoppers care beyond product functionality and quality and are increasingly interested in what’s behind the product: brand values, sustainability, production practices and more. This demand increases for CPGs and, specifically, food items. 

Shoppers want to know exactly what they’re consuming and what they’re feeding their families. Including a QR code on your product packaging lets you list detailed product information consumers look for when comparing products and brands. 

For example, if your product doesn’t contain GMOs, is high in vitamins or is certified organic, expound on that information through your QR code. You can also emphasize important product information, like highlighting allergens or if the product is gluten-free. 

A QR code allows you to emphasize must-know information about a product and provide helpful data to curious shoppers demanding total transparency, all without crowding your packaging. Instead of overwhelming consumers with crowded product packaging, streamline their research and shopping experience. Utilize QR codes to list detailed product information that won’t fit on your packaging and give shoppers the data they want and need to purchase your goods. 

Introduce Related Products and Cross-Sell to Engaged Shoppers 

The gap between physical stores and the digital shelf limits your upselling and cross-selling opportunities. Including a QR code on your product packaging lets you introduce shoppers to your other products and understand how upgrading their purchase or adding complementary items can enhance their experience. And the best part? They can pick up those products at that exact moment. 

Design a QR Code Shoppers Will Scan 

QR codes have the potential to increase in-store sales significantly, but only if shoppers scan them. Below are a few ways to successfully integrate QR codes into your retail product packaging. 

1. Make it Stand Out 

Your product packaging contains a lot of information. Sometimes, your QR code can get lost in the other copy or graphic. If shoppers can’t see your code or find it instantly, they won’t scan it and will move on. 

Make your code stand out. Use a contrasting color. Ensure it’s surrounded by enough white space to catch the shopper’s eye. 

You can only use a QR code to sell more in-store if the consumer scans it as they evaluate your product. Design your packaging so your code stands out from other elements on your packaging. 

2. Garner Trust with Your Logo 

Many consumers won’t implicitly trust a QR code, even if it’s on product packaging. 

Include your logo in your QR code to signal shoppers that you’ve designed and approved the code and the site it will bring shoppers to. Put your logo on the face of the code so they know your brand backs the code and that they don’t have to worry about fraud or scams.

3. Place Actionable Text Next to the QR Code

A QR code alone isn’t always enough to engage with in-store shoppers. Tell them what to do by including a call to action near the code. 

“Scan Here” is enough to nudge shoppers to act. You could include more details, like “Scan here for a how-to-video” or whatever you choose to link from your QR code. Give shoppers a preview of what to expect when they scan, and they’re more likely to take out their phones and see what’s behind your QR code. When they do, you’ve brought them one step closer to making an in-store purchase. 

Implementing QR Codes to Help You Sell More 

In-store sales are crucial to your omnichannel retail strategy. With shelves full of competing products and brands, you must do whatever it takes to stand out, engage shoppers and compel their purchases. Done right, QR codes can do this and more. 

Strategic QR code design, placement and purpose give shoppers everything they need to learn about your brand and product. Most importantly, effective QR code execution helps you sell more in-store. 

Getting product content right is critical in winning the digital and physical retail shelves. 1WorldSync’s content solutions provide everything you need to optimize your marketing strategy and maximize your revenue everywhere you sell. 

Connect with our team today to learn how 1WorldSync can enhance your product content and help you sell more.