Overview
Offline distribution materials help you promote your digital loyalty cards directly in your physical location, capturing customer attention at the point of sale. By strategically placing QR codes throughout your space, you make it easy for customers to discover and install your loyalty program while they're already engaged with your business.
Tip: Strategic QR code placement converts walk-in customers into loyalty program members without requiring staff intervention, capturing attention when customers are most receptive to joining.
What you can do:
Use table tents to promote loyalty cards on dining tables
Place stickers on counters, windows, and high-traffic surfaces
Display QR codes at checkout, entrance, and waiting areas
Capture customer attention when they're most receptive
Convert walk-in customers to loyalty program members
Increase enrollment without requiring staff intervention
Before You Begin
Requirements:
Active loyalty card program in your Perkstar account
QR code for your loyalty card (generated automatically)
Printed materials (table tents, stickers, posters, or displays)
Strategic locations in your physical space for placement
Info: Offline distribution works best when combined with staff training. Team members should understand the program benefits and be ready to answer questions when customers scan the QR code.
Understanding Offline Distribution
Why Offline Distribution Works
Captures attention at the right moment:
Customers are already in your location and engaged with your brand
They're in a buying mindset and receptive to loyalty benefits
The QR code is immediately actionable—scan and join on the spot
Reduces staff workload:
Customers self-enroll without requiring staff explanation
Frees up team members for other customer service tasks
Scales effortlessly during busy periods
Creates multiple touchpoints:
Place materials in various locations for repeated exposure
Customers who ignore one display may engage with another
Reinforces brand presence throughout the space
Increases enrollment rates:
Visual prompts overcome the "I'll do it later" barrier
Immediate scanning means no forgotten follow-up
Clear call-to-action drives conversion
Offline Distribution Materials
Table Tents
Table tents are small, folded displays placed on dining tables, counters, or desks.
Best for:
Restaurants and cafes
Bars and coffee shops
Waiting areas in salons or clinics
Hotel reception desks
Co-working spaces
Why they work:
Guaranteed visibility—customers look at the table while seated
Dwell time allows customers to read benefits and scan leisurely
Professional appearance enhances brand perception
Easy to produce and replace when updated
Design tips:
Front panel: Eye-catching headline and QR code prominently displayed
Inside panels: Key benefits of joining the loyalty program
Back panel: Instructions for scanning (if needed for older demographics)
Size: Large enough to be noticed but not obtrusive (typically 4"×6" to 5"×7" folded)
Placement strategy:
One per table in restaurants
Both ends of the bar
Reception desk where customers wait
Near condiment stations or self-service areas
Stickers
Stickers are adhesive labels with your QR code that can be placed on various surfaces.
Best for:
Retail stores
Quick-service restaurants
Gyms and fitness centers
Service businesses (auto shops, dry cleaners, pet groomers)
Any business with counter space or windows
Why they work:
Flexible placement on any clean, flat surface
Durable and weather-resistant (especially for windows)
Cost-effective for multiple locations
Quick to deploy and replace
Design tips:
Bold QR code: Large enough to scan from arm's length away
Clear headline: "Join Our Loyalty Program" or "Scan & Save Today"
Minimal text: Keep it simple—QR code should dominate the design
Brand elements: Logo and colors for consistency
Size: 3"×3" to 6"×6" depending on placement location
Placement strategy:
Entry doors: First touchpoint as customers enter
Checkout counter: Eye level while customers wait to pay
Windows: Visible from outside to attract foot traffic
Mirrors: In salons or gyms where customers have dwell time
Equipment: On treadmills, salon chairs, or service stations
Posters and Signs
Larger format displays for wall mounting or window placement.
Best for:
Retail stores with wall space
Entrance areas
Behind checkout counters
Waiting rooms
Large dining spaces
Design tips:
Large, scannable QR code: At least 4"×4" for distance scanning
Clear call-to-action: "Join Today & Earn Rewards"
Benefit highlights: 3-5 key reasons to join
Visual hierarchy: QR code and headline should be instantly noticeable
Size: 8.5"×11" (letter size) minimum, up to 24"×36" for large spaces
Placement strategy:
Entry wall: First thing customers see when entering
Behind register: Visible while customers check out
Waiting area: Where customers have time to scan and enroll
High-traffic hallways: Maximum exposure
Counter Displays
Free-standing displays on counters or tables.
Best for:
Retail checkout areas
Restaurant host stands
Service business reception desks
Any counter-based transaction point
Design tips:
Double-sided: QR code visible from both directions
Angled base: Tilts toward customer for easy scanning
Sturdy material: Cardboard or acrylic that stays upright
Height: 6-8 inches tall for visibility without blocking sightlines
Placement Strategy
High-Impact Locations
Entrance and exit:
Captures customers as they arrive (primed for the experience)
Reminds customers as they leave (fresh positive experience)
Maximum exposure—every customer passes through
Checkout/payment area:
Customers have dwell time while waiting
Already thinking about transactions and rewards
Staff can verbally reinforce the program
Waiting areas:
Extended dwell time means higher scan likelihood
Customers are looking for something to do
Less rushed, more likely to complete enrollment
Restrooms:
Surprisingly effective—captive audience with time
Place on mirrors or near sinks
High visibility in a low-distraction environment
Tables (restaurants):
Guaranteed visibility during the meal
Natural conversation starter for groups
Customers are relaxed and receptive
Multiple Touchpoints
Tip: Don't rely on a single placement. Create multiple opportunities for customers to discover your QR code throughout their visit.
Example for a restaurant:
Window sticker visible from outside
Table tent on every table
Counter display at host stand
Poster in restroom
Sticker on exit door
Note: Customers who encounter the QR code 3-5 times during their visit have dramatically higher enrollment likelihood than those who see it only once.
Creating Effective QR Code Materials
Essential Elements
Every offline distribution material should include:
Large, scannable QR code:
Minimum 1.5"×1.5" for close-range scanning
3"×3" or larger for distance scanning
High contrast (black on white is most reliable)
Adequate white space around the code
Clear call-to-action:
"Join Our Loyalty Program"
"Scan & Start Earning Rewards"
"Get Your Digital Loyalty Card"
Action-oriented language
Key benefits:
Earn points/stamps with every purchase
Get exclusive rewards and discounts
Receive special offers and updates
Free to join, easy to use
Instructions (optional):
For older customers: "Open your phone camera and point it at this code"
Most modern phones auto-detect QR codes
Keep instructions minimal to avoid cluttering design
Branding:
Your logo
Brand colors
Consistent visual identity
Design Best Practices
Contrast is critical:
Warning: QR codes must be black or dark on white or light background. Never reverse the colors (white on black) as it significantly reduces scannability.
Avoid busy backgrounds that interfere with scanning
Size matters:
Larger QR codes scan more easily
Account for viewing distance (farther away = larger code needed)
Test scanning from expected customer distance
Keep it simple:
Don't overwhelm with too much text
Focus on one clear message: join the program
White space helps QR code stand out
Test before printing:
Scan your design with multiple phones
Test different angles and lighting conditions
Verify link opens correctly on both iOS and Android
Promoting Your Materials
Staff Training
Train team members to support offline distribution:
Mention the program:
"I see you're checking out—have you joined our loyalty program yet?"
"There's a QR code on the table tent if you'd like to start earning rewards today."
"We have a digital loyalty card—scan the sticker at the counter to join."
Answer questions:
How the program works
What rewards customers can earn
How to use the digital card
Provide assistance:
Help customers who struggle with QR scanning
Show them where the code is in their wallet after installation
Explain first-visit benefits if applicable
Verbal Reinforcement
Combine physical materials with verbal prompts:
At greeting:
"Welcome! Just so you know, we have a loyalty program—there's a QR code on your table to join."
During service:
"Are you part of our rewards program? Scan the code on the counter to start earning points."
At checkout:
"Don't forget to scan our loyalty QR code so you'll earn rewards on this purchase!"
Seasonal Updates
Refresh materials periodically:
Holiday promotions:
Add special holiday offers to QR code displays
"Join today and get double points through December!"
New program features:
Update materials when you add new rewards
Highlight changes to tier benefits
Visual refresh:
Replace worn or faded materials
Update designs to keep them fresh and noticeable
Measuring Success
Track Enrollment Sources
Monitor where customers are finding your QR code:
Review installation data:
Check your Perkstar analytics for new customer signups
Note spikes after placing new materials
Compare enrollment rates before and after distribution
Ask customers:
"How did you hear about our loyalty program?"
Track responses to identify most effective placements
Test different locations:
Try new placements and monitor enrollment changes
Remove underperforming locations
Double down on high-performing spots
Optimize Placement
Use data to improve your strategy:
High-performing locations:
Replicate successful placements in similar areas
Make materials more prominent in these spots
Ensure materials stay fresh and visible
Low-performing locations:
Relocate materials to better spots
Try different formats (switch sticker to table tent, etc.)
Consider if the location has sufficient dwell time
Best Practices
For Maximum Visibility
Eye-level placement: Position materials at natural sight lines—where customers' eyes naturally land.
Strategic repetition: Place multiple materials throughout your space without overwhelming customers.
Clean and fresh: Replace worn, faded, or damaged materials immediately—they reflect on your brand.
Lighting matters: Ensure QR codes are well-lit and easy to photograph with phone cameras.
For Optimal Customer Experience
Make scanning obvious: Customers should immediately understand what to do with the QR code.
Remove friction: Clear the area around QR codes so customers can easily access them with phones.
Provide context: Brief text explaining benefits motivates customers to take action.
Be patient: Not everyone will scan immediately—multiple touchpoints work over time.
For Maintenance
Regular inspections: Check materials weekly for damage, fading, or displacement.
Seasonal rotation: Update designs for holidays or special promotions to maintain freshness.
Cleanliness: Keep materials clean and professional-looking—dirty or damaged materials hurt more than help.
Staff accountability: Assign team members to monitor and maintain specific areas.
Troubleshooting
QR Code Won't Scan
Problem: Customers report difficulty scanning
Solutions:
Ensure adequate lighting in the area
Verify QR code size is large enough for scanning distance
Check for glare on laminated surfaces
Test with multiple phone models to identify compatibility issues
Reprint if code is faded or damaged
Low Enrollment Despite Materials
Problem: Materials are placed but few customers join
Solutions:
Train staff to verbally promote the program alongside materials
Test different placements with higher visibility or dwell time
Enhance benefits messaging—make value clearer
Increase QR code size for better noticeability
Add urgency: "Join today for an instant reward"
Materials Disappearing or Getting Damaged
Problem: Stickers peel, table tents get removed
Solutions:
Use stronger adhesive for stickers (outdoor-rated for windows)
Laminate table tents for durability
Secure displays with non-slip bases or adhesive
Choose high-quality materials resistant to spills and wear
Keep extras on hand for quick replacement
Customers Don't Understand What to Do
Problem: People look at materials but don't scan
Solutions:
Add simple instructions: "Open your camera app and point at this code"
Include visual cues: phone icon pointing at QR code
Train staff to offer help: "Need help scanning? Happy to assist!"
Simplify design—remove unnecessary text that distracts from action
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I get QR codes for my loyalty card?
Your Perkstar account automatically generates a QR code for each loyalty card template. Access it in your card settings, then download for printing on any materials.
Q: Do I need professional design services?
Not necessarily. Simple, clear designs often perform best. Use online design tools like Canva, or work with a local print shop that offers design services. Focus on large, scannable QR codes and clear messaging.
Q: What's the best size for a QR code?
Minimum 1.5"×1.5" for close-range scanning (table tents, counter stickers). Use 3"×3" or larger for distance scanning (wall posters, window displays). Test from the expected scanning distance.
Q: Can I print QR codes in color?
Yes, but maintain high contrast. The QR code itself should be dark (black, navy, dark purple) on a light background (white, cream, light pastels). Never reverse (light on dark) as it reduces reliability.
Q: How many materials should I place in my location?
Create 3-5 touchpoints throughout the customer journey: entrance, checkout, waiting area, restroom, and exit. More is not always better—focus on strategic, high-visibility placements.
Q: Do QR codes expire?
No, your loyalty card QR code remains active as long as your card template is active. You don't need to update materials unless you change the card design or URL.
Q: What if my location has multiple loyalty cards?
Display the most relevant card prominently (e.g., main rewards program), or create materials showcasing multiple cards with separate QR codes. Avoid cluttering—focus on your primary program.
Q: Should I include my card in printed receipts?
Yes! Adding a QR code to receipts is an excellent complementary strategy. Customers can scan at home, and it serves as a reminder if they didn't join in-store.
Q: How do I know which placement works best?
Ask new members during signup: "Where did you see our QR code?" Track responses over time to identify highest-performing locations. Some businesses use unique QR codes per location for precise tracking.
Q: Can I put QR codes on staff uniforms?
Absolutely! Buttons, name tags, or aprons with QR codes create walking advertisements. Staff become mobile enrollment stations, especially useful for events or outdoor seating.
Q: What about outdoor displays?
Use weather-resistant materials (laminated posters, vinyl stickers) rated for outdoor use. Ensure QR codes remain scannable in various lighting conditions. Window placements work well for attracting foot traffic.
Q: Should I change materials frequently?
Update seasonally or when launching promotions, but maintain consistency for recognition. Replace immediately when damaged or faded. Balance freshness with brand familiarity.
Tip: Need help designing your offline distribution materials? Contact Perkstar support for design best practices and recommendations for print vendors in your area.