QR Codes on Receipts: Practical Uses and Business Benefits
From feedback forms and loyalty rewards to downloadable invoices, businesses are transforming the traditional proof of purchase into a powerful digital touchpoint—a QR code receipt.
These smart receipts are making a lasting impression on customers around the globe. QR codes, in particular, can be used in various ways to enhance a business's efficiency.
Take the step and turn your simple sale slips into interactive brand experiences.
In this blog, learn how to create and use customized QR receipts for your business using a dynamic QR code generator.
Table of Contents
- What is a QR code on a receipt?
- How does a QR code on a receipt work?
- How to generate a QR code for receipts?
- How to create QR codes for receipts via QR TIGER QR code API integration
- Benefits of using scan to pay QR code receipts and more
- Industries that benefit from using QR code receipts
- Receipt with QR codes: Popular brand examples
- Generate QR code-powered receipts today
What is a QR code on a receipt?
A Quick Response (QR) code is a type of barcode that lets you store any kind of information in it. Anyone can access this information by scanning the code with a smartphone.
When printed on a receipt, the QR code transforms an invoice into an interactive asset that ensures engagement after sales.
The code may link to information such as product details, user manuals, warranty information, care instructions, or setup guides—especially helpful for electronics, appliances, or apparel.
For instance, it can hold 30-day return policies for fashion stores and no-return policies for perishables in grocery stores.
Other QR code uses for receipts include directing customers to customer service options such as live chat, direct contact forms, or service center locators.
Business owners like you can customize it according to your branding. To do so, we recommend using a QR code generator with logo placement and an Application Programming Interface (API) integration feature.
How does a QR code on a receipt work?
A receipt with a QR code combines traditional receipts with the efficiency of a scannable technology.
Adding a QR code to your invoices helps you build a better relationship with your customers and enhance their experience with your brand.
Imagine a customer who’s ready to pay for their meal. If you have a scan to pay QR code printed on their bill, they can easily process the transaction digitally without having to pay via cash or card.
If you place a QR code on the receipt, customers may also access your feedback form, exclusive discounts, cashback, an app to download, your store’s website, or even the Wi-Fi.
Just by integrating a QR code on purchase slips, you’re able to turn a piece of paper into a digital asset that enhances customer engagement and gathers first-party data.
How to generate a QR code for receipts?
Placing a QR code on your store’s receipts is not costly. Follow the steps below to create one:
1. Go to QR TIGER and create or log in to your account for free.
2. Choose a QR code solution that best suits your needs (e.g., URL, File, WiFi) and enter the required information.
3. Choose between Static or Dynamic QR codes. Then, click Generate QR code.
Tip: Learn how dynamic QR codes work to create high-impact QR code campaigns that you can integrate with other tools, track performance, and update at any time.
4. Customize the QR code. Add your business logo, change the color, or incorporate a frame and call-to-action tag.
5. Test before downloading the QR code PNG or SVG format.
For stores with basic printers, you can print a QR code sticker and paste it on the receipt or shopping bag.
How to create QR codes for receipts via QR TIGER QR code API integration
Here’s how to automatically facilitate the creation of QR codes for receipts at points-of-sale (POS) or online stores through API documentation integration.
1. Visit Zapier and log in to your account.
2. On the dashboard, click Make a Zap.
3. Choose a Trigger app (e.g., Shopify) and a Trigger event (e.g., New Paid Order). Make sure to sign in to your account.
4. Select QR TIGER QR code and assign an Action event (e.g., Create a dynamic QR code).
5. Connect your QR TIGER account to Zapier using your API key (Account Settings > Plan > API Key).
6. Enter the link to your website or file you want your QR code to redirect to.
7. Customize your QR code’s color, pattern, and frame.
8. Select a method for sending the QR code to your customers.
9. Turn on the Zap.
There are apps and modern POS system software that let you customize the receipt template to include the QR codes.
Learn more about how to use our API integration through this tutorial: How to Use QR Codes on Zapier
Benefits of using scan to pay QR code receipts and more
QR-enabled receipts are changing how businesses manage transactions by offering a modern, user-friendly alternative to paper receipts
It enhances the customer experience by giving them instant access to essential information with a single scan—a small feature that has a big impact on your brand image.
QR codes can open up new channels for offline and online marketing, such as print advertisements and loyalty programs.
Apart from this, there are numerous benefits to using a QR code on bills and invoices. The following are a few:
A QR code-based receipt is easier to store
When people receive physical receipts, they tend to misplace and lose them. Mobile-friendly receipts can solve this problem as they can be saved in emails, cloud folders, digital wallets, or mobile applications.
This makes them easier to retrieve for returns, reimbursement, or even tracking. Even if the customer loses the receipt, it will be easier for the company to track their purchase.
Furthermore, storing transaction records digitally means businesses can automate the fine process, reduce storage needs, and make audits faster and more accurate.
QR codes as receipts reduce clutter and costs
Generating a QR code is cheaper in comparison with traditional paper printing.
By digitizing your brand, you can save a massive amount of money on paper, ink, and printer maintenance.
Additionally, the whole checkout process is faster since there is no need to print and hand over a receipt. This will be great for businesses like cafés, clinics, or retail stores.
Over time, businesses handling large transaction volumes will witness a reduction in investment for maintaining the business.
Using QR code receipts aligns with sustainability goals
Placing a QR code on a receipt is a smart step toward greener business operations.
A brand that uses scannable receipts will depend less on paper, thereby reducing paper waste.
In the long run, businesses will be able to lower their carbon footprint, which will directly contribute to attaining sustainability goals.
Customers these days are more eco-aware and tend to favor brands that make conscious environmental efforts.
Offering digital receipts is a subtle but powerful step to showcase your commitment to the world we live in.
Enhances post-sale engagement opportunities
If you still think these codes are limited to use as a QR code for payments, it’s time to think creatively.
You can link QR code receipts to loyalty program sign-ups, reward tracking, or personalized discounts, which customers can access when they scan the QR code.
Exclusive promotions can be offered to consumers with a purchase history with your brand.
These codes are great social media marketing tools as they can be linked to your business's social media pages.
You can even promote your product by giving the customers a sneak peek at upcoming launches.
Offer whatever you can to improve customer satisfaction. A happy customer will visit your outlet frequently, boosting your sales.
Industries that benefit from using QR code receipts
It doesn’t matter which sector you work in; QR codes work best for businesses that think outside the box.
Retail
If you own a retail outlet, fear not. Smart receipts make it easy to roll out fast, digital solutions that seamlessly integrate with your loyalty programs.
If your brand operates a similar storefront, this system is simple to implement and can instantly enhance your in-store customer experience.
Food and beverage
Food and beverage is one of the industries that uses a receipt with QR code for different purposes.
Restaurants, cafés, and takeout services use smart receipts to cut paper use and enhance customer interaction.
For instance, a popular café chain can embed a QR code on receipts for tipping options, loyalty point tracking, or receipt-based surveys.
Restaurant QR codes are useful for quick-service outlets as well.
Service
Service providers, from salons to dental clinics, can use QR codes for post-service engagement and digital invoicing.
For example, a spa can issue scannable receipts that customers scan to rebook sessions, rate the service, or download their invoice.
Similarly, in healthcare, clinics can use this technique to direct patients to appointment summaries, follow-up instructions, or billing support.
E-commerce
Online businesses use receipt QR codes to offer customers more control over post-purchase actions.
The possibility of interactive marketing will be highly beneficial in this world, where online shopping is gaining popularity.
The brand can send an order confirmation email with a QR code that leads to the digital receipt, order status, and return process.
Regardless of your business, a QR-enabled receipt is a total upgrade. You can even link it to your social media handles and gain more popularity online.
Receipt with QR codes: Popular brand examples
Several leading brands integrate QR codes in their receipts to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
- McDonald’s includes QR codes on receipts that lead to customer feedback forms, enabling data-driven improvements in service quality.
- Uniqlo integrates QR codes that link to digital receipts within customer profiles, simplifying returns and exchanges without the need for printed copies.
- Walmart’s QR code-embedded receipts price-match the purchase with other local retailers. It builds a cashback-like balance and is linked to the Capital One™ Walmart Rewards™ card.
Generate QR code-powered receipts today
The shift toward QR code receipts is already in motion.
They reduce operational costs, boost customer engagement, streamline your data management, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
No matter your industry, using an affordable dynamic QR code generator empowers you to create customized, trackable, and dynamic receipts with ease.
Start creating your QR codes today and enter the future of customer-centric transactions.
