QR codes are everywhere in Nepal — from restaurants to shops to payments. You can create them for free for menus, payment links, business info, and more.
Why a QR code is useful for a small business
A QR code turns a camera into a shortcut. Instead of asking customers to type a long URL, search for your shop on Facebook, or repeat a phone number, you show them a square they can scan in two seconds. For a small business, that convenience matters: fewer typing mistakes, faster payments, and a more professional impression.
The code itself is just a container. It can hold a website link, a payment handle, a WhatsApp number, a WiFi password, or a digital business card. The value comes from what you put inside it and where you place it.
Types of QR codes for businesses
| Use case | Recommended QR | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Payments (eSewa/Khalti) | Official merchant QR from eSewa/Khalti app | Free, linked to your account, most trusted |
| Menu link | Static/dynamic QR to website/menu PDF | Update menu by changing link (dynamic) or reprint (static) |
| Contact/business card | vCard QR | Share phone, email, address easily |
| WiFi access | WiFi QR | Let customers connect without typing password |
| Social media/website | URL QR | Link to Instagram, website, etc. |
| Feedback form | URL QR to a Google Form | Useful for restaurants and service businesses |
| Location | Map link QR | Helps customers find a shop in a busy area |
Static vs dynamic QR codes
A static QR code contains the destination directly. It is free, works forever, and does not need an account. The downside is that you cannot change where it points. If your menu link changes, you must print a new code.
A dynamic QR code points to a short redirect managed by the generator. You can change the destination later and sometimes see scan statistics. Dynamic codes usually require an account and may become paid after a trial. If you stop paying, the redirect can stop working, which is a serious risk for a printed menu or shop sign.
For most Nepali small businesses, a static code is enough. Use dynamic only when you genuinely expect to change the destination often and understand the subscription risk.
Create a payment QR (eSewa/Khalti)
Payment is the one area where you should not use a generic generator. A payment QR should come from the official provider so the money reaches the right account and the transaction can be reconciled.
- eSewa: Open eSewa merchant/business app or check your merchant account for “Receive Money” QR. Download/print it.
- Khalti: Open Khalti merchant dashboard/app and generate your payment QR.
- Test: Scan with another phone to confirm it goes to correct account.
- Label it: Add your business name and “Scan to pay” so customers know what it is.
If you use a bank QR through the Fonepay network, generate it from the bank’s official app or merchant portal. The same rule applies: official source only.
A personal QR and a merchant QR are not always the same. A merchant QR is designed for business records, settlement, and sometimes lower friction for customers. If you run a shop, ask your provider which one fits your volume.
Create general QR codes for free
Use reputable free tools. Our own free QR code generator handles links, text, phone, email, SMS, WhatsApp, WiFi and vCard codes, adds a logo with automatic H error correction, and downloads PNG or SVG without an account.
- Choose generator: James Kulu QR code generator or the qrstuff.com
- Select type: URL, vCard, text, WiFi, etc.
- Enter content: Add your link/details
- Customize: Add colors/logo if desired (keep scannable)
- Download: Download in PNG/JPG (or SVG for printing)
- Test: Scan with Android/iOS before printing
- Keep the source file: Save the original so you can reprint without recreating it
For a WiFi QR, test it on both Android and iPhone. Some older phones handle WiFi QR formats differently, and a code that works on one device may fail on another.
Design rules that actually matter
- Size matters: For tables/menus, use at least 2-3 cm. For posters, larger.
- Contrast: Use dark QR on light background.
- Quiet zone: Leave white space around the code; do not crop it tight.
- Test: Test on different phones and cameras.
- Don’t cover: Avoid placing over curves/glossy plastic causing glare.
- Label: Add short text like “Scan for menu” or “Pay here”.
- Keep simple: Long URLs can make complex QR codes; use short links if possible.
- Avoid tiny logos: A logo in the centre can look nice but may break scanning if it covers too much.
A good rule is to scan the printed proof from the distance a customer will actually stand. If you have to lean in or tilt the phone, the code is too small or too low-contrast.
Printing and placement
- Paper/stickers: Laminate for outdoor/wet areas.
- Table tents: Great for restaurants.
- Business cards: Add vCard QR.
- Avoid reprinting: If menu changes often, use dynamic QR or updateable link.
- Place at eye level where possible, not below a counter where customers have to crouch.
- Protect from tampering: A sticker on a table can be peeled off and replaced. Check it regularly.
For a shop, a payment QR near the till and a WhatsApp QR near the entrance cover two common questions without staff having to repeat themselves.
Security notes
- Use official payment QR: Never use a random QR generator for collecting payments.
- Verify: Periodically check payment QR points to correct account.
- Don’t edit public QR: If someone can replace your QR, they can redirect payments.
- Beware of sticker swaps: Inspect payment codes regularly, especially in busy public areas.
- Do not put sensitive data in the code: A QR is public; anyone can scan it.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Code will not scan | Too small, low contrast, or glare | Reprint larger, increase contrast, change material |
| Scanner opens wrong page | Destination URL changed or typo | Test the link and regenerate |
| Payment goes to wrong account | Old or personal QR used | Replace with current official merchant QR |
| Code works on one phone only | WiFi format or camera issue | Test on multiple devices; use a standard format |
Checklist
- Payment QR from official app (eSewa/Khalti)
- Menu/link QR generated and tested
- Printed at correct size with good contrast
- Tested on 2 different devices
- Label added so customers know what to do
- Staff know where the codes are and how to check them
Tools and interfaces change; always use official payment apps for receiving money.
