QR Codes for Customer Service

In this article, we’re giving you 5 ways to use QR codes for customer service in your small business.

Good customer service is the heart of every business. It is the one-on-one link between the company that provides a service and the customers that use it. Whether you are a huge international company or a local business, positive customer experience through good customer service is key to your survival.

Whether you own a business or work for any agency that offers service, keep on reading!

Why Use QR Codes for Customer Service

Nowadays, everyone’s on their phone, and this could be advantageous in the sense that everything is just a click or a tap away. Providing your customers a way to easily communicate with you by automatically sending them to your hotline is one aspect of good customer service.

Here are two benefits of using QR Codes:

Simplifies looking up your contact information

We’re all customers at some point, and we all know that sometimes, it could be a hassle to find the contact details of companies. Especially local ones. Or big companies that do not appear on the first page of Google.

A QR Code simplifies the process by automatically sending your customers to your customer service platform. They can be sure that they are going to reach because you provided the exact information.

Minimizes human error

Sometimes, too, we get irritated or frustrated by not getting a response, only to find out that we made a single mistake in typing the number or email address of the business.

QR Codes for phone, SMS, email, or on instant messaging eliminates the risk of error on the part of the customers. They don’t have to type your contact details anymore. So, if they don’t get a response, it won’t be their fault. You or your staff can’t make the excuse you didn’t receive their email.

How to Create QR Codes for Customer Service

There are many ways to create a QR Code that links to your customer service representative (or even, directly to you!). But for the purpose of this article, we will focus on the five types of QR Code that you can make using QR Code Marketing Suite, QR Cloud.

The steps for making QR Codes are basically the same:

  1. Log in to your QR Cloud account.
  2. On your dashboard, go to QR Codes. Alternatively, you can tap “QR Code Generator” on your menu.
  3. Select the appropriate type of QR Code.
  4. Encode all the necessary information on the appropriate subfields.
  5. You may customize your QR Code by tapping on the optional (grayed out) buttons. Some of the customization options include changing the shape and color of your QR Code and adding a password. Or, you may choose not to customize it. The choice is entirely yours!
  6. Don’t forget to do a scan test to make sure your QR Code works.
  7. Once satisfied, print or download your new QR Code.

Now, let’s look at what information these specific types require.

Phone

The Phone QR Code requires you to encode a phone number. Because phone number formats are different in every country, make sure that you add + and the area code. Scanning the QR Code will show the phone number, and upon tapping, makes a call.

SMS

SMS QR Code directs your customers to send text messages to your text hotline. Again, you will need a phone number, as well as an optional pre-filled message.

What pre-filled messages can you encode on your SMS QR Code? How about a pro forma template for inquiries and complaints?

Email

Using Email QR Code directs your customers to an email composer with your email address on the address bar. Aside from your email address, you can also encode a pre-filled subject (useful to manage your emails) and pre-filled message.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a free instant messaging and video calling service that is great if you prefer your transactions done online, in comparison to phone and SMS. To create a WhatsApp QR Code, you need to encode a phone number and optional pre-filled message.

FaceTime

FaceTime is a call and video product exclusive to Apple users and supports any iOS device that has a front-facing (selfie) camera. It allows iPhone users to place voice and video calls over Wi-Fi.

For a FaceTime QR Code, you will need either a phone number or an email address.

How Do These QR Codes for Customer Service Work?

When scanned, these QR Codes will direct the customer to make a phone call (Phone QR Code), send a text message (SMS QR Code) or an email (Email QR Code), try WhatsApp, and make use of FaceTime to the customer service representative of your company.

Here are some ideas on how you can use the QR Code you have generated:

  • Add one on your receipt
  • Include one on your packaging
  • Post outside your storefront
  • Add to your CLOSED sign
  • Include on your social media publicity materials

Make sure to include a call to action as well as the phone number or email address for customers who have no QR Code reader on their phone.

To scan, all your customers have to do is to point the camera of their smartphone on run on the built-in QR Code reader. Take note, however, that there are phones that are not capable of scanning QR Codes, so it is important to include the phone number or email addresses alongside the QR Code.

Which Services Will Most Likely Benefit from These QR Codes?

QR Codes provide so many different benefits to all types of businesses and services. These 5 specific kinds will likely be of help for small local businesses with storefronts.

In addition, government services can also benefit from QR Codes, especially those that deal with 24/7 emergency services like the police, the fire station, and rescuers.

Bottom Line

The goal of a business or service should not be to sell to a client but to build a lasting relationship with them. A huge part to do that is provide positive customer service. With QR Codes for your phone, SMS, email, WhatsApp or FaceTime, you can make communicating with your customers easy and hassle-free.