5 QR code mistakes that quietly waste your print budget

QR codes still work — but bad ones burn money on reprints and dead scans. Here are five mistakes I see constantly:

1. Static codes you can't update — Prefer dynamic QR so the destination can change without a reprint.
2. No call-to-action — "Scan for menu" next to the code beats a lonely square.
3. Desktop-only landing pages — Most scans are mobile; test the destination on a phone.
4. No tracking — Add UTM parameters (or a shortener with analytics) so you know which flyer worked.
5. Too small / low contrast — Aim for ~2 cm minimum and high contrast; always print-test one sheet.

If you need a free generator for campaigns, I keep one here: https://riichimirza.com/tools/qr-code-generator/