QR code and payment button: Choosing what's right for your business

In the bustling marketplace of digital transactions, two technologies have emerged as frontrunners in facilitating smooth and speedy payments: QR codes and payment buttons. While both are designed to streamline the payment process, they cater to different user experiences and scenarios. In this blog, we’ll dissect the differences between the two and help you decide which is the best fit for your business.

QR codes: The bridge between offline and online

A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional barcode that can store information accessible by a smartphone camera. Here’s how they stand out:

• Versatility in environment: QR codes uniquely bridge the gap between physical and digital realms. They can be printed on physical sales invoices, displayed on screens, or integrated into offline marketing materials, making them incredibly flexible.
• Customer-controlled: When a customer scans a QR code, it’s an active process that can engage them with your business. They are perfect for individuals who prefer using their mobile device to complete transactions on their preferred banking or payment app.
• Reduced typing errors: Scanning a QR code can pre-populate payment details, which diminishes the likelihood of human error during data entry.
• Universal access: QR codes do not discriminate against the user's device type or payment app preference, making them universally accessible as long as the customer has a camera-enabled smartphone.

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Payment buttons: The one-click convenience

Payment buttons are clickable links or icons on a digital invoice or website that lead directly to a payment gateway. They excel in the following areas:

• Seamless online integration: Payment buttons are native to the online environment. They are typically found on e-invoices, emails, or websites and provide a straightforward, one-click pathway to payment.
• Time-efficiency: With just one click, customers are taken to a payment platform where the transaction can be completed quickly and efficiently, which is ideal for the on-the-go consumer.
• Enhanced user experience: They can be customized to match the look and feel of your brand, providing a seamless and consistent customer experience.
• Direct payment method: Payment buttons often lead to a specific payment method or gateway, which can be an advantage if you want to streamline your accounting processes or offer specific payment options.

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Comparing the two

While both QR codes and payment buttons simplify the payment process, their applications differ based on customer interaction and the environment:

• Physical vs. digital: QR codes are versatile and can be used in both physical and digital scenarios, while payment buttons are primarily used in digital contexts.
• Active vs. passive: Scanning a QR code is an active process where the customer uses their device to initiate the payment, whereas payment buttons offer a more passive one-click solution.
• Universal vs. specific: QR codes allow for universal access, meaning anyone with a smartphone can use them. Payment buttons can be limited to users who have access to the specific platforms or payment gateways the buttons are linked to.

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Client case: Ferm Kinderopvang's innovative payment approach

Ferm Kinderopvang has adopted a dual payment approach by integrating both QR codes and digital payment buttons, in collaboration with Unifiedpost. They've enhanced their sales invoices with QR codes for printed versions and added convenient payment buttons to all digital invoices emailed to customers. This strategic combination ensures that every customer, regardless of their preferred invoice format, experiences a seamless and effortless payment process. This innovative solution not only simplifies transactions for customers but also represents Ferm Kinderopvang's commitment to embracing modern payment technologies for better service delivery.

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Conclusion

Choosing between QR codes and payment buttons comes down to understanding your customer's payment journey and the contexts in which they interact with your business. QR codes offer a versatile solution that straddles the physical and digital worlds, providing a more engaged transaction experience. On the other hand, payment buttons offer a streamlined, one-click payment solution that’s best suited for purely digital environments.

Consider your customer's needs, the nature of your transactions, and where they take place to make the most informed decision for your business. Ultimately, the goal is to offer a payment solution that is convenient, secure, and aligned with your customer’s preferences. Whether you choose QR codes, payment buttons, or a combination of both, you're taking a step towards modernizing the payment experience for your customers.