Whether you run a business with a shopfront or provide services to clients, how do you get paid if they can’t hand you their payment? One answer could be QR codes. When used correctly (and creatively), QR codes can give you a fast, touchless way to accept payments. No physical money changing hands, no receipts to sign, no need for face-to-face interactions.
If you have a PayPal Business account, it’s easy to create, print and share a QR code that’s unique to your business. You can use the same QR code for all of your customers’ purchases; there’s no need to create a separate code for each transaction. Your customers will need an account with PayPal to pay you.
Don’t have a PayPal Business account? Follow these steps to create one in minutes. If you need help at any point, please visit the PayPal UK Help Centre.
What is a QR code?
First, it’s helpful to understand what a QR code is and how it works. In short, a QR code – also known as a Quick-Response Code – is a two-dimensional barcode that you can scan with the camera on your smartphone or with QR-code reader apps. Once scanned, the QR code redirects you to a website or other destination.
Using a QR code to accept payments works in the same way. You can create a PayPal-generated QR code for your business. When your customer is ready to pay, they simply scan the barcode which will redirect to their PayPal account. They log into their account, enter the amount to pay, select their funding source – like a bank account, credit or debit card – and complete the payment.
How to use QR codes
We’ve put together a few suggestions for how you can use QR codes to sell your products and services. Get creative with how you share your QR code – in-store, online, by email, by text or on social media channels.
- Post a QR code in your shop window.
If you have a physical shopfront, you can print a QR code that’s specific to your business and put it in your shop window.
- Post a QR code at the point of sale in your shop.
If your physical shopfront is still open, you can print your unique QR code and post it at your checkout counter. When your customers are ready to pay, they can simply scan the QR code with their smartphone and pay you without having to interact with your point-of-sale terminal.
- Attach a QR code to deliveries or packages.
For businesses providing click and collect services, attach your QR code to the packages your customers pick up. If your business offers a delivery service, you can attach your QR code to your deliveries.
- Collect tips for your services.
If you run a business that relies on tips, you can share your QR code instead of accepting cash tips.
How to create a PayPal-generated QR code for your business
You can create a PayPal QR code from the PayPal Business app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play) or from the web. It’s free to create and share your QR code, plus until 13th September 2020 we’re waiving transaction fees when your customers pay with a QR code. Terms apply[1]
For more information about how to create a QR code from the PayPal Business app - please click here
If you’re looking for other ways to accept payments, you can also:
Stay safe and visit the PayPal UK Help Centre if you need any help.