QR and NFC for charities
Quick Response (QR) codes and Near Field Communication (NFC) are two types of proximity technology that can interact with mobile phones. This means that when a phone comes within range of an enabled item, the user can quickly receive relevant information.
While QR codes and Near Field Communication (NFC) can have the same digital journey, there are differences to be considered when including them in your fundraising.
QR codes
QR codes must be activated by a user scanning an image (the code) with a mobile phone camera or QR code app. They also require a clear image on a smooth surface so that a phone camera can recognise it quickly.
With these guidelines considered they can be printed onto anything, which makes them an accessible form of cashless fundraising.
In conjunction with its URL link, it can also be an eye-catching tool on your online channels.
Physical fundraising:
- Packaging
- Posters
- Leaflets
- Collection boxes
- Wristbands and pin badges
Online fundraising:
- Emails
- Website banners
- Social media posts
- Videos
- Video-call backgrounds
To create secure and engaging QR codes we recommend using the Good Thyngs platform. You can generate QR codes for free online but there are many risks that come with it. Read more about this, here.
Pros and cons of QR codes
Benefits:
- Easy to use
- Increased adoption worldwide
- Cost-effective
- Eye-catching
- Secure (but choose carefully)
- Promotes interaction and engagement with people, including online
- Doesn’t need to be replaced, just change the experience it links to (using a platform)
Disadvantages:
- Needs to be visual which can disrupt branding. (You should also include scanning instructions)
- Requires a surface that lends itself to scanning (clothing and fabric would be difficult)
- Desktops can't scan QR codes
NFC technology
NFC works by tapping a phone onto the item (just like contactless cards) and will activate in a proximity range of up to 4cm (which means it's zero-contact). NFC usage is much more common than many think and most smartphones come with the technology.
You can buy them as stickers which you can embed or stick behind any physical item. They don't need to be visual for phones to engage with them so they’re more sophisticated than QR codes, but you can’t use them online.
We’ve seen the technology on merchandise tags, wristbands, pin badges, and even clothing.
Pros and cons of NFC
Benefits:
- Easy to use
- Convenient
- Doesn't interfere with the design
- Secure (more secure than credit cards)
- Promotes interaction and engagement with people, including online
- Doesn’t need to be replaced, just change the experience it links to (using a platform)
Disadvantages:
- Less consumer familiarity (although this is improving)
- You can't use them online
- It can only work in proximity (4cm)
- If you need more, you have to order them
In conclusion
The main difference between QR codes and NFC is the way they're activated using a smartphone. The good thing is, that both options are quick and easy to do. Just make sure that you provide supporters and volunteers with clear instructions.
It's also good to remember their best use cases so keep hold of this chart. Using QR codes and NFC together on your physical fundraising is a great way of giving your supporters the choice.
Remember - the experiences are most important.
Whether you choose QR codes, NFC, or a mixture of both, the Good Thyngs platform will ensure the experiences are secure, engaging, and in your control.
Get in touch
Engaging your audiences in new ways digitally doesn’t have to require technical skills, big teams, or large budgets with Good Thyngs. Get in touch and discover the best plan for you.