From tasting room to product labels
Your tasting room is a powerful tool to build customer relationships and extend your direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy. By combining in-person experiences with QR codes, you can connect with visitors, drive online sales, and create loyal customers.
Why QR codes work for spirits brands
Instant access: Customers can immediately reach your online store with a scan
Seamless experience: Bridge the gap between physical products and digital channels
Trackable results: Monitor which placements drive the most traffic and sales
1. Using QR codes in your tasting room
Place QR codes strategically around your tasting room to make online shopping easy for visitors.
Where to place QR codes
Tabletops and bar areas: Add to coasters or table signs with messages like "Love what you're tasting? Order online"
Business cards and flyers: Provide an easy way for visitors to shop later
Checkout counter: Encourage impulse purchases with signs near payment areas
Take-home materials: Include on brochures or in gift bags
Menus: Place next to featured spirits, linking to specific product pages
Tips for success
Include clear messaging: Short prompts like "Shop our collection online" or "Get free shipping"
Track performance: Use unique codes for different locations to identify what works best
Keep on-brand: Match the design with your overall aesthetic
2. Using QR codes on product labels
Every bottle becomes a gateway to your online store with strategically placed QR codes.
QR code functions
Link to your store: Make reordering simple with one scan
Share pairing ideas: Direct to recipes or serving suggestions
Offer promotions: Include discount codes for online purchases
Build loyalty: Connect customers to your loyalty program or email list
Design tips
Make it visible: Place in a prominent spot on back labels or neck tags
Add instructions: Include brief calls-to-action like "Scan to shop" or "Discover recipes"
3. Train your staff to promote online sales
Your tasting room staff are essential for driving DTC sales through QR codes.
Staff strategies
Ask effective questions: "Would you like these products waiting for you at home?"
Highlight convenience: Explain how easy online ordering makes enjoying products later
Promote limited offers: Create urgency with exclusive online deals
Training approaches
Practice scenarios: Role-play conversations about the online store
Provide simple scripts: "Scan this code to have your favorites delivered to your door"
4. Maximize the checkout moment
The payment point is your final opportunity to promote online shopping.
Checkout tactics
Provide materials: Include cards with QR codes and discount codes
Mention promotions: "Use this code for 10% off your first online order"
Use branded packaging: Add QR code inserts to gift bags or boxes
5. Offer compelling incentives
Give visitors reasons to continue shopping online after they leave.
Effective offers
Time-limited discounts: 10% off when ordering within one week
Free shipping: Remove barriers to first online orders
Gifts: Small branded items with purchases
Exclusive content: Cocktail recipes or behind-the-scenes access
Follow up promptly
Send reminder emails before special offers expire
Use expiration dates to create urgency
6. Measure and refine your approach
Track performance to optimize your QR code strategy:
Monitor sales from different QR code placements
Track discount code usage
Gather customer and staff feedback
Conclusion
Your tasting room and product packaging are ideal starting points for DTC growth. With strategic QR codes, well-trained staff, and compelling offers, you can convert in-person visitors to online customers, building lasting relationships and boosting sales.
Ready to start? Add QR codes to your tasting room and products, train your team, and watch your online sales grow.
For questions or assistance, contact [email protected].