I’m fascinated with QR Codes

Walter Reid
2 min readApr 21, 2022

Just for fun. Learn more about me on LinkedIn

QR codes were almost ubiquitous during the pandemic. You could scan a QR code at an eatery to access the menu on your phone, scan a QR code for self-serve ordering, or scan a QR code at to pay for almost anything.

QR codes are lightweight, and a contactless way to unlock a digital experience tied to a physical location. They’re so cool.

QR codes, on the other hand, do have some drawbacks.

For starters, they aren’t completely frictionless. Customers must take their phones out of their pockets, activate the camera, scan the code, and physically click the link.

Second, QR codes, like any “hardware,” are difficult to deploy and manage at scale.

Finally, they’re frequently linked to a website rather than an app. This means that experiences are less engaging and impactful, and they don’t inspire loyalty or engagement after the customer leaves the store because they don’t lead to an app download.

So here comes the “What If” portion of the game…

What if we could apply QR codes, the same way we do the menu / ordering style but for more technically enabled contractors and professional services.

Imagine if you had a magnet QR code on your refrigerator for your gardener, your therapist and your handyman. Each giving you either the ability to see the status of work, the scheduling of your next appointment or quote, or an easy way to pay the bills online.

No apps, no looking for emails, and instant gratification.

How cool would that be? So, I ask you, my wonderful reader, why the hell isn’t this a thing?

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Walter Reid
Walter Reid

Written by Walter Reid

I write for the uplifters, the engagers, and the passionate. My alter egos alter ego.

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