Delivery QR Tipping: Packaging That Converts

Summary

Put the QR on the packaging—box-top stickers, bag tags, and cup sleeves—so guests can tip without a terminal or app flow.
Make it scannable: keep a clean quiet zone, use a short URL, and size the code for arm-length scans.
Attribute correctly with per-order links (order, branch, driver/server) or use a pooled venue QR to move fast.
Measure weekly: attach rate, scan‑through, conversion, and average tip; A/B test copy, placement, and size.

Delivery packaging with a scan-to-tip label

Delivery and takeout packaging is a high‑attention surface. A clear, optional tip QR on the box lid or bag seal lets guests thank the team when there’s no table‑side terminal. This playbook covers placements, label specs, copy, dynamic vs static codes, and a measurement framework for steady improvements across branches.

Where to place the QR (delivery & takeout)

Box‑top sticker

Center‑top or near the corner fold for visibility in photos.
Use a 45–60 mm round/square label; QR ~28–36 mm inside.
Great for pizza boxes, bakery clamshells, and family trays.

Bag tag / seal

Bridges the bag opening; doubles as a tamper seal.
50×90 mm or 60×100 mm; QR near the top third for easy scan.
Leave white space around the code (quiet zone).

Cup sleeve / bowl lid

Round 40–50 mm QR on a sleeve or lid center.
Matte finish to avoid glare in sunlight and car interiors.
Useful for coffee chains and poke/salad bowls.

Label & print specs that scan first‑time

QR readability

Quiet zone: keep a white border ≈ 4 modules on all sides of the code.
Distance‑to‑size: for arm‑length scans (25–40 cm), aim for a 25–40 mm code.
Short URLs and vector art; avoid dense payloads.
Error correction: M or Q to survive scuffs and creases.

Printer & material

203 dpi is adequate for most labels; use 300 dpi for smaller codes.
Matte, water‑resistant stock; alcohol‑wipe friendly coatings.
Print the QR as an image (no dithering); keep modules crisp.

// Example dynamic URL (signed per order)
https://tips.brand.co/d?o=ORD12345&b=DubaiMarina&courier=DR-17&src=box&v=1&ts=2025-08-27T12:34:00Z&sig=ab12c...

// Recommended params for analytics
utm_source=delivery_qr&utm_medium=label&utm_campaign=qr_tips&utm_content=box_top

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Copy blocks (stickers & bag tags)

Minimal

SCAN TO TIP
Fast • Optional • Secure

With presets

SCAN TO TIP → AED 5 / 10 / 15
Or choose your own amount
Thanks for supporting the team

Keep “optional” visible; avoid guilt language. If your delivery app supports built‑in tipping, clarify that this QR is for the venue team.

Static vs dynamic (per‑order) codes

Static (pooled venue)

One QR per outlet or brand; easiest to launch.
Pool by branch/date; reconcile via dashboard exports.
Ideal for small teams and delivery‑only kitchens.

Dynamic (per‑order)

Encodes order_id, branch, courier/server, timestamp.
Supports expiry and HMAC signature to prevent tampering.
Best for granular reporting and driver/server attribution.

Owner checklist (45‑minute rollout)

Choose code type (static pooled vs per‑order).
Generate signed URLs and print box stickers / bag tags / cup sleeves.
Place codes within natural sightlines on the packaging.
Brief the dispatch team: “Labels go on top right of the lid; bag tags at the seal”.
Test scans on iOS/Android; confirm page loads < 2 s on mobile data.

Dispatch script (10 seconds)

“There’s a QR on your box/bag if you’d like to leave a tip—totally optional.”

WhatsApp text (for order updates)

Your order is on the way 🚗
If you'd like to tip our team, you can scan the QR on the box (optional). Thank you!

A picture is worth a thousand words. Action is worth a thousand pictures. Scan the QR code and see us in action right away.

Measurement & A/B tests

Core metrics

Attach rate = delivery QR tips ÷ paid delivery orders
Scan‑through = unique scans ÷ packages sent
Conversion = completed tips ÷ unique scans
Avg tip (AED) and mix (5/10/15/custom)

A/B ideas

Sticker size: 40 mm vs 60 mm
Placement: box center vs top‑right corner
Copy: “Scan to tip” vs “Say thanks with a tip”
Preset set: AED 5/10/15 vs 10/12.5/15%

// Suggested CSV headers
date, branch, channel, order_id, package_type, scans, tips_count, tip_aed, avg_tip_aed, label_variant

// Weekly process
1) Export delivery tips and scans by branch & channel
2) Join with order counts from POS or aggregator
3) Compute attach rate, scan‑through, conversion
4) Compare variants; standardize what wins

FAQs

What QR size works best on packaging?

For arm‑length scans (25–40 cm), target a 25–40 mm code with a 4‑module quiet zone. Use vector artwork and keep the URL short.

Do we need high‑resolution printers?

Most 203 dpi thermal/label printers are fine; use 300 dpi if you need smaller codes or have dense logos. Print on matte, water‑resistant stock and avoid heavy dithering.

Can this conflict with in‑app tipping on delivery marketplaces?

If your marketplace offers in‑app tipping, keep your packaging copy clear that this QR is for the venue team. Follow marketplace branding rules and local fundraising regulations.

Sources

ISO/IEC 18004 — QR Code bar code symbology specification (quiet zone and symbol rules). iteh.ai (PDF)
GS1 UK — How big should a QR code be? (X‑dimension and example sizes incl. quiet zone). gs1uk.org
Zebra — ZT411 printer specifications (203 dpi standard; barcode/QR support). zebra.com (PDF)
GS1 — General & printing guidance (quiet zone of 4 modules, QR print best practices). digital-link-qr-code.com