Making customers happy and satisfied is important for companies in stores or online. Many experts say that by 2023, how customers feel about their experience will be more important than how much it costs or what they buy. As such, many companies use great technologies such as NFC (close field communication) and QR codes to facilitate customers’ offline and online experiences.
Each NFC and QR is to be optimized for different cases of use. Like superheroes with unique powers, these technologies have strengths and weaknesses. In this guide, we’ll break down each technology, what they do, their similarities and differences, and where each works best.
What is a QR code?
A QR code, the abbreviation for the “Quick Response” code, is like a smart label made of black and white squares. It’s like an updated version of a barcode that can contain different types of information. You can find QR codes on labels, flyers, and even websites. These codes can store messages, images, website links, and other information you can access quickly and easily. The good thing is that your smartphone can easily read these codes.
QR codes have been used extensively in several industries, including cars, shops, and healthcare. For instance, in the fashion world, QR codes allow consumers to know more about a product, such as where it is and how to take care of it.
What is NFC?
The NFC represents “Near Field Communication, “a great version of well-known RFID technology. Both connect to objects without cables or hand-touching. However, in the NFC, two devices can only share information when they are close, just a few centimeters away. This closeness ensures the sharing of important stuff quickly without needing a PIN or password. The security component comes from a special code that requires only the devices involved to understand the information.
The NFC is not just about the devices talking to each other; It also uses NFC tags. These are small chips that have information about them. Only smartphones or special readers with NFC powers can read these tags.
People use NFC for various things, such as paying without touching anything or entering events with a digital ticket. In fashion, like QR codes, NFC labels can be placed on products to tell consumers about them. But you can also unlock special items such as videos, discounts, or points for loyalty programs on your phone.
Similarities between QR and NFC:
- Use:
QR codes and NFC technology are made for various reasons, but both can help link things from the real world to the digital world. Imagine you are in the store and want to know everything about a TV. Instead of a paper card, they can paste a QR code or NFC tag. You have to scan or hold it, and bam! You can read all the great information on your phone.
- Digital Advantages:
Digital is great because people prefer it more. It’s like having an endless space for information, photos, and videos on a web page. In addition, digital data can be scanned when you see it, and you can watch it later. You can check things up now and see it later.
- User Experience:
- Digital preferences:
People like digital things, so they spend over 13 hours daily—4 hours on phones or tablets. Thus, connecting real things to digital makes sense.
- Improved experience:
The main goal is to make users happy. Connecting real items to digital gives users more comfort with products. In addition, it provides space for good things such as graphics, pictures, and videos. Instead of reading boring paper specifications, you can tap or scan and choose to watch a video about the product or watch great pictures.
Differences between NFC and QR:
- Cost:
QR Code:
Making basic QR codes is completely free. But you may need to pay if you want something personalized or dynamic. Some websites will charge you monthly, which can be $10 to $50, depending on your desired features.
NFC:
NFC tags can be cheap, at less than 20 cents each, if you buy a lot. But you will get one dollar each if you need them in smaller quantities. The price may be a bit higher if you want a logo or personalized text for them. After purchasing NFC tags, you only need to continue paying if you want additional features, such as tracking how many times people have touched them.
- Flexibility:
QR Code
You can make changes or adjustments in QR codes after creating them. If you want to add or update something, you can do it. It’s like editing a paper even after writing it.
NFC tags
NFC tags take flexibility up a notch. Not only can you edit them, but you can rewrite them thoroughly with new information. It’s like having a mysterious sticker that can be changed into something else.
How do you choose between NFC and QR?
Deciding between QR codes and NFC tags depends on your needs and preferences. However, here is a quick guideline to help you make the right choice.
- Economical approach:
If you have a tight budget, choose static QR codes. They are usually free to make and print. Perfect for short-term uses such as ads or flyers.
- Environmental Considerations:
If it is sunlight, dirt, or debris, choose an NFC tag. They are ideal for connecting digital information to outdoor items like plants.
- Dynamic and changing links:
If your link can change a lot, as a menu that is frequently updated, select a dynamic QR code or a rewritable NFC tag. Correct for “Deal of the Week” promotions that change things.
- Dual option:
If you want to give users both options, consider using labels incorporating an NFC tag and a QR code. This provides users with the convenience of choosing their preferred method.