QR codes are a simple way to make product labels and packaging more useful.
Instead of trying to fit every detail onto a small label, tag, box, jar, bag, or product insert, you can add a QR code that sends customers to more information online.
A QR code can help customers learn how to use your product, reorder it, leave a review, visit your shop, follow you on social media, or read care instructions.
If you sell handmade products, digital products, books, printables, bath and body items, candles, food gifts, classroom materials, crafts, or small business products, QR codes can be a helpful addition to your packaging.
(Please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me at no extra cost to you.)
Why Use QR Codes on Product Labels and Packaging?
Product labels and packaging only have so much space.
You may want to tell customers:
What the product is
How to use it
How to care for it
Where to reorder it
Where to leave a review
How to contact you
Where to find your shop
Where to follow you online
Where to get a discount or freebie
Where to read more details
A QR code gives you a simple way to share extra information without making the package look crowded.
What Can a Product Packaging QR Code Link To?
A QR code on packaging can link to many useful places.
For example, you can link to:
A product page
A care instructions page
A reorder page
A thank-you page
A review page
A video tutorial
A recipe page
A digital download page
A product catalog
A contact page
A warranty or support page
A social media profile
A newsletter signup page
A special offer or coupon page
The best link depends on what you want the customer to do next.
1. QR Code for Product Care Instructions
Care instructions are one of the best uses for a QR code on product labels or packaging.
This is especially useful for products like:
Candles
Bath and body products
Handmade soap
Jewelry
Clothing
Fabric items
Art prints
Mugs
Plants
Skincare items
Craft kits
Handmade home goods
Instead of squeezing detailed care instructions onto a tiny label, you can add a QR code that says:
Scan for Care Instructions
The QR code can link to a simple page with clear product care tips.
2. QR Code for Reordering
If customers may want to buy your product again, a QR code can link directly to the reorder page.
This works well for:
Candles
Coffee
Tea
Skincare products
Handmade soaps
Journals
Books
Digital downloads
Printables
Pet products
Food gifts
Craft supplies
Subscription items
Add a small note like:
Love it? Scan to Reorder
This makes it easy for happy customers to come back.
3. QR Code for Reviews
Customer reviews can help small businesses build trust.
A QR code can send customers directly to the place where they can leave a review.
You might link to:
Your Google review page
Your Etsy review page
Your Amazon product review page
Your website review form
Your Facebook page
A testimonial form
A simple product insert could say:
Loved your order? Scan to leave a review.
This is especially useful on thank-you cards, packaging inserts, and follow-up cards.
4. QR Code for a Thank-You Page
A QR code can link to a thank-you page that welcomes the customer and gives them a next step.
A thank-you page might include:
A short note from your business
Product care tips
A coupon code
A reorder link
A review request
Social media links
Contact information
A free download
Helpful instructions
This can make your packaging feel more thoughtful and professional.
5. QR Code for Product Instructions
Some products need instructions, setup steps, usage tips, or examples.
A QR code can link to a page that explains how to use the product.
This works well for:
Craft kits
Printable planners
Digital templates
Sewing patterns
Art supplies
Tech accessories
Home organization products
Educational materials
Beauty tools
DIY kits
Use a short phrase like:
Scan to Learn How to Use This
or
Scan for Instructions
6. QR Code for a Video Tutorial
Sometimes a video is easier than written instructions.
A QR code can link to a short video showing how to use, set up, open, assemble, clean, style, or enjoy the product.
Video QR codes are useful for:
Craft kits
Classroom materials
Digital templates
Handmade products
Product demos
Beauty products
Cooking items
Fitness products
Art supplies
A simple label might say:
Scan to Watch the Tutorial
7. QR Code for Digital Downloads
If you sell or include digital products, a QR code can help customers access them quickly.
This can work for:
Printable instructions
Bonus pages
Coloring pages
Planner pages
Worksheets
Digital guides
Templates
Downloadable files
Product manuals
Pattern files
Use a clear call-to-action like:
Scan to Download
Make sure the download page is public or easy for the customer to access.
8. QR Code for Ingredients or Product Details
Some products have extra details that may not fit on the label.
A QR code can link to a page with more information, such as:
Ingredients
Materials
Sizing details
Safety information
Product story
How it was made
Sourcing information
Frequently asked questions
Allergy notes
Usage tips
This can be helpful for bath and body products, food items, handmade products, skincare, candles, and specialty goods.
9. QR Code for Your Online Shop
A simple and useful option is linking your QR code to your main online shop.
This helps customers browse more products after they receive an order or see your item in person.
You can place a shop QR code on:
Product labels
Thank-you cards
Packaging inserts
Stickers
Hang tags
Boxes
Bags
Gift wrapping
Business cards
Use wording like:
Scan to Shop More
or
Scan to Visit Our Shop
10. QR Code for Social Media
If your business uses Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, or another social platform, a QR code can help customers follow you.
This works especially well on:
Thank-you cards
Product inserts
Vendor booth packaging
Stickers
Hang tags
Labels
Gift packaging
A simple phrase could say:
Scan to Follow Us
or
Scan to See What’s New
11. QR Code for an Email Signup
Building an email list is helpful for many small businesses.
A QR code can link to your signup form, where customers can join your list for updates, new products, coupons, or freebies.
You might use wording like:
Scan for 10% Off
Scan to Join the List
Scan for a Free Download
Scan for New Product Updates
This can be especially useful inside packages or on thank-you cards.
12. QR Code for a Product Catalog
If you sell multiple products, a QR code can link to a product catalog or collection page.
This works well for:
Handmade sellers
Artists
Authors
Printable sellers
Gift shops
Craft businesses
Boutique sellers
Local vendors
Small product brands
A customer who likes one product may want to see what else you offer.
Where to Put QR Codes on Packaging
QR codes can be placed in many packaging locations.
Good options include:
Product labels
Back labels
Bottom labels
Hang tags
Thank-you cards
Product insert cards
Stickers
Box lids
Inside box flaps
Paper belly bands
Tissue paper stickers
Gift tags
Jar labels
Bottle labels
Bag labels
Shipping inserts
Choose a location that is easy for the customer to see and scan.
QR Code Call-to-Action Ideas for Packaging
A QR code works best when it tells people what to do.
Here are some simple call-to-action ideas:
Scan for Care Tips
Scan to Reorder
Scan to Shop More
Scan for Instructions
Scan to Watch the Tutorial
Scan to Leave a Review
Scan for Product Details
Scan to Download
Scan to Follow Us
Scan for a Coupon
Scan to Join the List
Scan for More Info
Scan for the Full Guide
Scan to Contact Us
Try to keep the wording short and clear.
Product Label QR Code Design Tips
When adding a QR code to a label or package, make sure it stays easy to scan.
Here are a few tips:
Use strong contrast.
Keep the QR code large enough.
Leave blank space around the code.
Avoid placing it over a busy pattern.
Do not stretch the QR code.
Do not crop the edges.
Keep it away from folds and seams.
Test the code before printing.
Test the final printed label or package.
Make sure the destination page works on mobile.
If the QR code will be printed on a small label, test it at the exact size before printing a full batch.
Avoid These Packaging QR Code Mistakes
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Making the QR Code Too Small
Small labels can make QR codes difficult to scan. Print a test copy before using them on products.
Placing It on a Curved Surface Without Testing
Jars, bottles, tubes, and round containers can make QR codes harder to scan if the code wraps too much around the curve.
If you are placing a QR code on a curved item, test it carefully.
Using Low Contrast
A pale QR code on a light label may look pretty but may not scan well.
Black on white is usually the safest option.
Linking to the Wrong Page
Always scan the QR code and make sure it opens the correct product page, care guide, review page, or shop link.
Forgetting a Call-to-Action
Customers are more likely to scan if they know what the QR code does.
Add a short phrase nearby.
How to Create a QR Code for Product Labels and Packaging
Creating a QR code is simple.
Choose the page or information you want to share.
Copy the public link.
Open the Free QR Code Generator.
Paste your link or information into the box.
Click Generate QR Code.
Download the QR code.
Add it to your label, insert card, sticker, tag, or packaging design.
Print one test copy.
Scan the printed version before using it on products.
You can create your QR code here:
Helpful Items for Product Label QR Codes
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you plan to use QR codes on product labels and packaging, these types of supplies can be helpful:
1. Printable Sticker Labels
Printable sticker labels are useful for adding QR codes to jars, bottles, boxes, envelopes, product bags, folders, handmade items, and packaging inserts.
2. Kraft Thank-You Cards or Insert Cards
Small Kraft thank-you cards or product insert cards are helpful for adding QR codes that link to care instructions, reorder pages, coupons, review pages, or your online shop.
3. Hang Tags
Hang tags can be useful for clothing, handmade items, gift products, candles, bath products, and craft items. You can add a QR code that links to care instructions or product details.
4. Matte Sticker Paper
Matte sticker paper can be useful if you want to print your own QR code stickers at home. Matte finishes can reduce glare and may scan more easily than glossy finishes.
Final Thoughts
QR codes can make product labels and packaging more useful, professional, and helpful for customers.
They can link to care instructions, reorder pages, review pages, product details, tutorials, downloads, social media, email signup forms, and special offers.
The most important thing is to keep the QR code clear, easy to scan, and connected to a helpful page.
Before printing a large batch of labels, tags, cards, or packaging materials, always test your QR code.
Ready to create one?
Create your free QR code with Free Quick QR.
Check out these articles about QR Codes:
What Is a QR Code and How Does It Work?
How to Use QR Codes on Flyers and Business Cards
QR Code Ideas for Small Businesses
QR Code Ideas for Teachers and Classrooms
How to Make a QR Code for a Website Link
