Placement Tips

Strategic placement ensures diners find and use your QR codes.

Key Principles

Visibility

Codes should be:

• At eye level when seated
• Well-lit (not in shadows)
• Unobstructed by table items
• Clean and undamaged

Accessibility

Ensure codes are:

• Within arm’s reach
• Not blocked by condiments
• Stable (not wobbling)
• Present at every table

Clarity

Include clear instruction:

• “Scan for Menu”
• “Scan to See Allergen Info”
• Simple, direct language

Location Recommendations

Tables

Best placement:

• Center of table on tent card
• Near edge for easy reach
• Multiple codes for large tables

Avoid:

• Under table items
• Where drinks might spill
• In direct sunlight (glare)

Counter Service

Best placement:

• At eye level on counter
• Near register/ordering point
• At waiting area

Avoid:

• Below counter level
• In customer’s way
• Blocked by displays

Entrance/Exit

Best placement:

• Inside front door
• Host stand
• Waiting area wall

Avoid:

• Outside (weather damage)
• Too high to scan
• Where it blocks traffic

Windows

Best placement:

• Inside window facing out
• At eye level from sidewalk
• Near entrance

Avoid:

• Too high or low
• Where sun creates glare
• Obscured by decorations

Restaurant Type Guidelines

Full-Service Restaurant

Placement strategy:

1. Table tent at each table
2. Stand at host station
3. Poster in waiting area
4. Optional: Menu cover insert

Quick-Service/Fast Food

Placement strategy:

1. Large display at counter
2. Above menu boards
3. On tables if dining area
4. At pickup station

Café/Coffee Shop

Placement strategy:

1. Counter display
2. Small table cards
3. Near condiment station
4. Window cling for passersby

Bar/Lounge

Placement strategy:

1. Bar top cards
2. Table tents for booths
3. Near entrance
4. Digital display if available

Food Truck/Stand

Placement strategy:

1. Large display on truck
2. Hanging from window
3. On hand-held cards
4. Posted nearby (lamp post, etc.)

Size Guidelines

Scanning Distance

Rule of Thumb

QR code width should be about 1/10th of the scanning distance.

Environmental Considerations

Lighting

• Ensure adequate lighting
• Avoid direct sunlight (glare)
• No shadows on code
• Consider accent lighting

Protection

• Laminate for spill resistance
• Use plastic holders outdoors
• Replace damaged codes promptly
• Clean regularly

Weather (Outdoor)

• Use weatherproof materials
• Protect from rain and snow
• Avoid extreme heat exposure
• Check and replace frequently

Common Mistakes

Don’t Do This

1. Too small - Codes too tiny to scan easily
2. Hidden - Buried under menus/condiments
3. Damaged - Faded, torn, or stained codes
4. No instruction - Diners don’t know to scan
5. Wrong height - Too high or too low
6. Poor lighting - Dark corners, glare

Do This Instead

1. Appropriate size - At least 1” for tables
2. Visible - Prominent, clear placement
3. Fresh - Replace worn codes regularly
4. Clear CTA - “Scan for Menu”
5. Eye level - Easy to reach and scan
6. Well-lit - Clear visibility

Testing Placement

Before Finalizing

1. Sit at each table type
2. Scan from typical position
3. Note any issues:
   • Glare?
   • Obstruction?
   • Too far?
4. Adjust as needed

Ongoing Checks

Weekly:

• Are all codes in place?
• Any damage or wear?
• Tables clean around codes?

Monthly:

• Test scanning at each location
• Check code quality
• Replace as needed

Staff Training

Train staff to:

• Keep codes visible
• Not cover with menus/items
• Report damaged codes
• Help diners who struggle
• Explain what scanning does