Barcodes · Receipt Glossary
QR Code
A 2D matrix barcode that can store much more data than 1D barcodes. Increasingly common on receipts for surveys, tracking, and digital coupons.
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a 2D barcode that uses a square matrix of black and white modules to encode data. It can store up to ~3 KB of information — vastly more than a 1D barcode like UPC or Code 128.
On modern receipts, you’ll find QR codes used for: customer surveys (linking to "TellTheBell.com" or similar), digital coupons, loyalty signups, return URLs that auto-populate the order details, and order tracking for delivery services.
QR codes are inherently error-tolerant — they can be partially obscured (up to ~30%) and still scan correctly thanks to Reed-Solomon error correction. That’s why a torn or coffee-stained QR code often still works.
When designing a receipt, place the QR code prominently at the bottom (15mm × 15mm minimum) with quiet space (~4 modules wide) around it for reliable scanning.
See this in action
Brands whose receipts demonstrate qr code.
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