Meet Harry. He runs a superstore and generally gets lots of customers. Everything was going smoothly, and he was enjoying his time. Then, all of a sudden, he noticed his business declining.

Harry constantly had dead stock issues. If you’re unsure about dead stock, it’s like the saying goes, biting more than you can chew. The shelf life ends when you cannot assess the demand for items.

We’ll leave it at that before you are bored by the technical jargon.

What you need to know about dead stock is that it’s not desirable for a business. So, you can understand why Harry was pulling his hair out.

During this moment of crisis, Harry asked for advice from his friend – BP. Harry sat down with him to know how he could dig his business from this situation. BP suggested two potential solutions:

• Barcodes
• QR Codes

Harry was curious and wanted to know more about these two possible saviors of his business. Seeing Harry excited to learn, BP started explaining the difference between Barcodes and QR Codes.

 

Barcodes

Who doesn’t like Zebras? Beautiful tall creatures have black stripes on white bodies. But does that sound familiar? Black strips on a white body aren’t the only something you associate with a Zebra. These are the sticky material you see behind items called Barcodes.

 

 

 

Purpose of Barcodes

They came into existence for vendors to track their products sold at marketplaces and stores. Barcodes are the bridge connecting vendors and consumers.

So, if Harry uses Barcodes, he can track his inventory efficiently and be able to track his activities. For example, imagine he has sold a large number of shoes in the last month. Harry would know how popular they are and that he needs a restock.

 

Similarly, if already stocked crockery hasn’t caught the visitors’ eye, he’ll seize the upcoming crockery orders. What’s more? Harry can focus on why aren’t people buying the crockery items. It’s not like people have stopped cooking or stepping into the kitchen.

 

Types of Barcodes

After knowing the purpose, Harry has now started taking an interest in BP’s talks. Harry’s next question was, “What are the basic types of Barcodes?” BP told him the most commonly used Barcodes going around:

• EAN Barcodes
• UPS Barcodes
• ITF Barcodes

 

Harry wanted to dig deeper into what these Barcodes do. In order to save time, BP redirected them towards a blog, Different Types of Barcodes. You can also take BP’s advice and learn more about these three types of Barcodes.

 

Online Accessibility

While asking questions, Harry learned another interesting fact. The search engine will index your information if your barcode is registered on an online database. By doing so, you can view the item’s information online. Talk about accessibility.

 

How is It Scanned?

Harry was keenly listening to BP talk about how Barcodes are great for his business. However, he was itching to ask one question: “How do you scan them?”

BP gave him the simple answer first, “a hand scanner.” Harry needs to have handheld scanners in his stores to scan products.

“But is that the only way,” Harry asked. “Yes, and No,” BP responded, further confusing Harry.

BP elaborated that specific mobile apps are used to retrieve the data saved on the Barcodes. This is subjective and differs among barcode providers.

 

QR Codes

Now, Harry understood the ins and outs of Barcodes and what they could do for his business. So with that out of the way, BP starts telling Harry about the Quick Response Code, commonly known as the QR code.

The first major difference in the contest of barcode vs. QR code is that the latter is based on pixel-based technology. So, instead of seeing the Zebra-like lining, you will see random dots.

 

Types of QR Codes

Straight out of the blocks, Harry asked BP, “Once the information is stored, can we change it?” That perfectly brought BP to the types of QR Codes. He told Harry that there are 2 types of QR Codes

• Static QR Codes
• Dynamic QR Codes

 

BP continued by touching down on the differences that the information can’t change in a Static QR Code. So, for example, if someone has a certain contact detail and it’s changed now, the option to update information on the static QR code is not available.

“So what’s the solution?” Harry asks. BP gave a three-word answer, “Dynamic QR Code.”

In Dynamic QR codes, you always have a window open for change. The pixels of the QR Code will remain the same. But the result that pops up after scanning can be changed whenever you want. What that means is you’re always in control.

So, for example, if Harry has changed his business address, he can update the information to ensure his customers don’t knock on the wrong door.

 

What Can QR Codes Be Used?

As Harry understands what QR Code is, he’s trying to figure out the applications. BP read his mind and started elaborating on how QR codes can assist his business.

 

Spreading Awareness

Harry can set up a QR Code outside his store that tells people what products are available inside and where they’ll find them.

 

Digital Business Card

Going paperless to be eco-friendly is our responsibility. Instead of handing out business cards, Harry can have people scan QR codes to view his business card.

 

Cost Effective

With almost all of Harry’s marketing material available on QR codes, imagine how much money he can save.

 

“But what about my main business issues?” Harry asks. The problem of deadstock can be resolved with a QR Code, as it’ll allow Harry to track analytics and audience scanning his Codes.

This can do 2 things.

• Tell Harry about his potential client interested in his products.
• Have Harry set up and payment gateway on the QR Code to make it easy for people to pay. People can buy items by scanning, and Harry will know about his inventory.

 

How Can You Scan It?

Unlike the additional hardware required for barcodes, that’s not required for QR Codes. So BP took out his phone and wrote “QR Code scanner” on his App Gallery. Many mobile apps appeared in front of Harry just like that.

Online Accessibility

Harry was so jubilant that “QR Code is ahead of barcodes in every aspect.” But unfortunately, he was kind of disappointed regarding the online accessibility factor.

BP explained that since the QR code data is stored, not embedded, it isn’t recorded online.

 

Who Won?

Just because someone likes to add sugar to their coffee doesn’t mean strong coffee is bad. Harry had his business worries, and you may have yours. Now that you know the difference between barcodes and QR codes, you can decide which one to choose.

You can also find BP to guide you and go a step further. Let’s do the ultimate reveal and announce BP’s full name – Barcodes Pakistan.

We are your friends to provide licensed Barcodes that operate around the globe. In addition, we also offer fully customized QR code solutions (Static or Dynamics).

After responding to Harry’s questions, Barcodes Pakistan is ready to assist you.

What are you waiting for?