Scanning QR Codes for Touch-Free Purchasing is Here to Stay

Every challenging moment in our history yields significant innovation that enters the mainstream and swiftly becomes the norm moving forward. For example, across America retailers and restaurant owners have made major adaptations to keep their customers safer. Whether creating curbside pick-up locations or constructing individual outdoor heated dining pods, small business owners have worked tirelessly to keep their staff employed and the public engaged. These community enterprises, vital to every neighborhood, have also instituted touch-free payments to address our personal hygiene security.

Just as we’ve grown used to dining outside, be it June or January, touch-free purchasing using QR codes have become the standard way we pay for goods and services. With PayPal QR Codes, shoppers simply open their PayPal app, scan the QR code on an associate’s handheld device or at the register, press “Send” and off they go. It really couldn’t be any easier. Let’s say someone is picking up something new and green at the nursery or recently ordered blouse that they plan to pick-up at a curbside location. Upon arrival, to pay for their items, they simply open the PayPal app, scan the QR code, and press "Send." The attendant or boutique associate then places the items in the back of the car (completely touch-free for the customer) and it's off to the next errand and on with the day.

Touch-free purchasing & financial privacy combine for safer purchasing

As a society we’ve learned to appreciate a lifestyle that values open space and a touch-free environment. Like providing space on the sidewalk for a passerby or speaking with neighbors from porch-to-porch, our business interactions have also changed. There’s more room today to survey a pop-up dress rack or settle into a parklet tent for happy hour treats. Wherever we prefer to go and whatever we choose to do, there’s a good chance our experience will end with a touch-free payment from our smart device, a choice that benefits us and the business owner we are supporting. Learn more about PayPal QR Codes as a way to offer customers a seamless scan, pay, go experience.

QRC Scan

Consumer Approves

Payment Completed

Open the new PayPal app and press "Scan/Pay." Hold your phone up to the QR code.

Enter the amount due and press "Send."

Show your payment confirmation to confirm the right amount was sent-and go!

Scan.

PayPal QR Codes create a touch-free transaction where no cash or credit card is required for in-person payments. Merchants can download a QR code directly from the PayPal app, print it out, or use it from a smart device. There is no need for additional hardware, software, or a card reader. A smartphone is all it takes.

Merchants and Consumers Now Trust Touch-Free Purchasing

Customers have learned to access all sorts of information via QR codes, so they’re already comfortable using them to make touch-free payments whether they’re sprucing up their kitchen or buying a new pair of shoes to brighten up the stay-at-home workday. When they see the QR code displayed in the window, shoppers know they can complete touch-free transactions inside. Given annual lease commitments and other full-time fees, pop-up stores are appearing all over our cities. Farmer’s markets are also extending dates and hours to take advantage of our shared desire to shop outdoors whenever possible. These merchants of ‘temporary’ stores were the pioneers of QR code-based, touch-free purchasing. No need to bring much to these markets, your smartphone will take care of payments for pears, pastries, and any parcel you pick up from the pop-up. Supporting local non-profits like public schools, craft vendors, and shops not only improves the local economy, it helps our neighborhood retailers and their employees during this challenging time. Independent businesses have never been more aware of their bottom lines, and that every bit helps. Shopping in touch-free stores is a great way to say ‘thanks’ and sustain a key element of what makes our neighborhoods, towns, and cities special. And, because so many merchants have now implemented touch-free payments, it’s never been easier to make in-person purchases and donations at the market, in shops, and restaurants.

Pay.

Go.

Touch-Free Purchasing as Easy as Scan, Pay, Go