Design Inspiration Blog | Plastic Printers

Mobile Tagging: Your Key Tags Re-imagined

Written by Stephenie | Mar 21, 2013 3:00:00 PM

Key tags and buyer loyalty programs are a dime a dozen. At least that’s what your competitors want you to think. The truth is these pre-existing incentives have actually brought a golden opportunity with them. It’s a way to extend your buyers’ market far beyond in-store enticements, brick and mortar exclusives, and clipped coupons or discount cards. You can now insert your brand and track your customers interests before they ever step foot into your store. Not only that, you can continue to re-attract them to your brand long after they leave a physical location. How? It’s simple. Add a Quick Response (QR) Code to the back of your:

  • Loyalty cards
  • Key Tags
  • Discount cards

Here are the secrets behind how and why using QR Codes on a key tag shows good marketing sense.

It’s a Mobile World Out There

Smartphones have changed the way people do business. They may have started as a business tool, but the technology has outgrown its strictly professional roots. In the span of just two years, two-thirds of smartphone buyers made that purchase for personal use (The Neilson Company).


Businesses have evolved with the technology, as well. Shoppers can already search for and download mobile coupons, but a new kind of rewards program has been unleashed-one that doesn’t require searching, downloading or points accumulation. With a flick of the wrist or the snap of a cell phone camera, you can decide where your customer goes and what they see when they get there. What’s the secret behind this magical navigational power? Answer: The QR Code and you’ve got the perfect place to start using it: your key tags and discount cards.

Essentially, QR Codes are 2D barcodes that customers can scan off of an object to get exclusive deals. In addition, they are re-directed to your company’s website or specific product information. How is this better than a regular key tag? In two ways:

  1. You can offer more than just the standard temporary discounts to card holders.
  2. You have more direct control over the shopping experience, and you get an instant response that tells you what tactics are working.


Think about it. In the past, your rewards program probably looked something like this:

  •  Throw out an offer and see how many customers bite.
  •  Collect limited purchase information from each customer when they swipe the card.
  • Wait for the data to be gathered and analyzed.
  • Adjust your marketing strategy based on the tabulated information.

QR Codes get rid of barker-style marketing and open up a dialogue with your customers. These little contrast-filled squares are your key into a buyer’s current mind set.

Since there’s no waiting necessary, you can analyze a shopper’s behavior in the moment. Using the information, you can target them through online deals, continue their shopping experience in-store, and establish follow-up through surveys and social media offers. The competitive advantage can be yours with the scan of a key tag barcode. The technology is here, so why not use it? Engage shoppers today using QR key tags and build an overall mobile loyalty strategy that goes far beyond a key tag.

Plastic Printers Key Tags: Your Mobile Marketing Conversation Starter

At this point, you’re probably thinking: it all sounds good in theory, but where do I start? Look no farther than Plastic Printers in Hastings, MN. This printing company can get your QR Campaign off on the right foot. Simply show us your existing key tag template and our design specialists can add the QR Code for you.


If you don’t have a key tag design or you are looking to re-design your existing template; Plastic Printers can help. We offer a competitive collection of plastic card possibilities and we can custom-make one just for you. If you like what you see; don’t stop with just a key tag. We can print:

  • Plastic business cards
  • Gift certificates
  • VIP membership cards
  • Loyalty cards
  • Discount cards

All of our cards are high-quality, hand-cut, and one-of-a-kind. So if, you’re ready to launch a signature QR Campaign that is truly like no one else’s; it's time to contact us and get a quote for your key tags today!