How to Engage Different Gift Experiences Using QR Codes

For many merchants, the end of the year is a big period for sales growth. The reason isn’t just Black Friday and Cyber Monday - it’s the holiday season, and customers are out in force looking for those perfect gifts. Gifting is a huge sales opportunity for merchants not just during the holidays, but year-round - birthdays, anniversaries, and beyond. 

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It’s also a unique opportunity for both acquisition and retention. Your product may be given to someone who has never heard of your brand before, or it may be given to an existing customer who hasn’t placed an order in a while. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Gifting isn’t always as linear as “buy the gift, give the gift”, there are several different paths to purchase for gifts, with multiple people involved and different touch points. 

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Crafting a meaningful experience that engages everyone involved can be tricky. After all, what appeals to the original customer may not appeal to the end recipient, and vice versa. However, there is one very simple yet powerful tool every merchant can use quickly to not only engage, but gather useful data on their customers - QR codes.

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Why QR codes?

QR codes have been around now for almost a decade, but it’s only been in recent years that adoption and use has increased significantly in the West. Between 2018 and 2020, consumer interactions with QR increased 94%, and in one survey 83% of respondents said they’d used a QR code at least once with 72% having scanned one in the last month. Whether it’s scanning a product for more information, pulling up a digital menu at a restaurant, or directing a customer to an online payment gateway, it’s safe to say that Western consumers are becoming more accustomed to interacting with QR codes. 

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They’re a concise way for brands to add more information, and an easily understood and accessible way for consumers to find that information. Brands no longer need to have every single detail on the back of a box, their customers can simply scan the QR code and be directed to a much more interactive and engaging digital experience. This makes them the ideal tool for merchants who want to engage those involved in the gifting journey.