10 Ways to Use QR Codes for Craft Shows

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I highly recommend utilizing QR Codes for craft shows. Add it to any printed advertising you do for your wreath business and especially for craft fairs and other events where you sell. I am sure you have heard of QR codes by now, but if you haven’t, they are basically like barcodes you see on grocery store items.

However, the difference between the two is the amount of information QR Codes can store and share.  When you scan a QR code with your Smartphone, the image will kick back information from the QR code.

What are QR Codes?

QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that store information and can be scanned by smartphones or other devices. When scanned, these codes direct users to a specific destination, such as a website, email sign-up form, or social media profile. They are an excellent tool for bridging offline and online interactions, especially in environments like craft shows where you want to engage customers quickly and conveniently.

What are Dynamic QR Codes?

Dynamic QR codes take traditional QR codes a step further. Unlike static QR codes, which are fixed and cannot be edited once created, dynamic QR codes allow you to update the information they link to even after printing. This flexibility is ideal for:

• Updating product pages or promotional links.
• Changing discounts or event information.
• Tracking scan analytics to measure engagement.

Dynamic QR codes are particularly valuable for businesses that want to ensure their information stays current without reprinting materials.

How Can You Create QR Codes in Canva?

Canva is a user-friendly design platform that makes creating QR codes simple and visually appealing. Follow these steps to create custom QR codes in Canva:

1. Log into Canva: Open Canva and start a new project or open an existing design.
2. Access the QR Code Generator:
   • On the left-hand toolbar, scroll to the Apps section.
   • Search for “QR Code Generator” and click on it to open the app.
3. Input Your Link: Paste the URL or link you want your QR code to direct users to (e.g., your website, email sign-up form, or social media page).
4. Generate the Code: Click “Generate QR Code,” and Canva will create your code instantly.
5. Customize Your Design: Drag and drop the QR code into your design. You can resize, reposition, and even add decorative elements like borders, patterns, or icons to match your branding.
6. Download and Print: Once your design is ready, download it in high resolution and incorporate it into your marketing materials, such as flyers, business cards, or product tags.

Pro Tip:

When using QR codes in Canva, ensure the colors and contrast of your design allow for easy scanning. For example, dark-colored QR codes on a light background scan best. Test your QR code with a smartphone before printing to ensure it works seamlessly.

How Can You Use QR Codes for Craft Shows

1. Digital Business Card

Print out a sign and display it at your craft fair in a pretty picture frame or even in an inexpensive acrylic frame. This will allow your foot traffic to take a digital business card with them.

2. Social Media Growth

Create QR Codes to generate Facebook Follows, Pinterest Followers or Instagram Followers. You create the QR Code so that when it is scanned, it automatically links to your social media pages so your fans can follow you.

3. Email List Sign Ups

This is one of the most important in my book. Generate a QR Code from your email service provider (such as aweber.com) so that when a customer scans it they complete the form to be added to your email list.

Later you can email your customers a newsletter, new products created or exclusive discounts, etc. This is a great way to stay in touch with your potential customers months after the craft fair is over.

4. Easy Contact Add

Generate a code that includes all of your contact information so that when a customer scans your QR CODE your contact info can go straight to the phone’s address book.

5. Free Resources

Link to a blog or a blog post!

If you have a popular blog post you feel your customers will benefit from while shopping at the craft show, have them link to it through a QR Code.

For example, If I sell a wreath I may want to give customer information on how to care for their new wreath, how to store it, how to fluff it once out of the box, etc.

So I can have them scan a QR Code instead of printing all the information on paper or better yet, link to a YouTube video of you demonstrating the procedures.

6. Email List Sign Ups

Offer Coupon Codes –Let’s say I offer a discount for the day for just those customers at the craft fair but they are not ready to commit to purchasing from me or they left their wallets at home.

I can offer a QR Code with the daily discount code where they can enter it in my Etsy shop or website at a later time. Your buyers will really appreciate your patience with their decision making time.

6. Make Accepting Payments Easy

One of the simplest ways to boost sales at craft shows is to make the checkout process as seamless as possible. QR codes can help by linking directly to payment platforms like PayPal, Square, or CashApp. Display a QR code at your booth that allows customers to scan and pay instantly without the hassle of handling cash or cards.

Additionally, consider linking QR codes to invoices for custom orders or purchases that require shipping. This ensures every transaction is quick, easy, and convenient, leaving your customers with a positive impression of your business.

7. Portfolio Showcase

If you have a diverse range of wreaths, use QR codes to direct visitors to an online store or portfolio. This allows them to explore your work beyond what is available at the show.

8. Printed Material

Add a QR Code to business cards, brochures, marketing materials, price tags, etc.

9. Customer Feedback

Encourage attendees to scan a QR code that leads to a feedback form. Gathering insights can help you improve your offerings and customer service.

10. Event Promotions

Promote upcoming workshops or events by linking QR codes to registration pages or informational flyers. This makes it easy for interested individuals to learn more and sign up.

This is very GREEN – In a society that is overrun with excessiveness, this is refreshing to offer something green to your customers and save a tree.

These are just 10 Ways to Use QR Codes for Craft Shows but the possibilities are endless. How would you or do you use your QR Codes now? If you don’t have a QR Code yet, just start out small with your web addresses or Etsy shop address and build it up as you are more comfortable. It is FREE you have nothing to loose.

Julie 🙂

By incorporating QR codes—both static and dynamic—into your craft show strategy and using tools like Canva, you can create engaging, interactive experiences for your customers while staying ahead of the curve.

If you don’t have a smartphone but you want to create a QR code, I used this free QR Code Generator to change my logo into a nifty QR Code.

Follow my “Craft Show Ideas” Board on Pinterest for other Craft Fair tips