QR codes on mugs and merchandise
Branded mugs, bottles and tote bags last years, far longer than the campaign they were made for. A QR code on merchandise therefore needs to keep working long after the event, which only a dynamic code can promise: repoint it to whatever is current.
Mugs and bottles are also curved and often glazed or metallic, so sizing and print method matter.
What to link from QR codes on mugs and merchandise
Event and conference merch
A mug or bottle that opens the event's recordings, community or next year's tickets.
Café and roastery mugs
Retail mugs that open your shop, subscription or brewing guides.
Employee and client gifts
Merch that opens your careers page, client portal or newsletter.
Gifts with a message
A personalised mug that opens a video message or photo album.
Which QR code to use
Static codes are free and need no account, but can't be changed after printing. Dynamic codes and hosted pages can be edited at any time, count every scan, and keep working on every plan, even if you cancel.
Dynamic code that outlives the campaign
Merch stays in kitchens for years. Repoint the code as campaigns change so it never opens a dead page.
Create a dynamic codeVideo page
A YouTube or Vimeo embed, or an uploaded MP4.
Personal video messages for gifts, or a brand video for promotional mugs.
Build it in the dashboardLink list page
A mobile page of buttons: website, socials, booking, reviews and more.
Your shop, socials and newsletter on one page behind the printed code.
Build it in the dashboardHow big to print it
| Where people scan | Distance | Minimum code width |
|---|---|---|
| Mug in the hand | 30 cm (12 in) | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) |
| Mug on a desk | 60 cm (24 in) | 7.0 cm (2.7 in) |
For a dynamic short link such as https://qrdx.dev/q/aB3dE5f at error correction Q, without the blank margin. Static Wi-Fi, vCard or long URL codes hold more data and need to be larger. Check yours with the print size calculator and the scan checker.
Placement tips
- On a standard mug, keep the code under about 4 cm wide so it doesn't wrap around the curve.
- Dye-sublimation and screen printing give crisp, dark codes. Avoid light ceramic colours on white glaze.
- Gloss glaze reflects; test at a slight angle as people actually hold a mug.
- Dishwashers fade prints over time; choose dishwasher-safe processes and strong contrast.
Call-to-action copy
A code with a reason to scan beside it gets more scans than a bare code. Lines to print next to yours:
- Scan for our brewing guide
- A message for you
- See you next year: early tickets
- Shop the collection
QR codes on mugs and merchandise: FAQ
Will a QR code on a mug scan?
Yes, if it is printed dark on a light background and not too wide for the curve. Around 3.5 to 4 cm on a standard mug works with a short link.
What should a merchandise QR code link to?
Something that stays useful: your shop, community or newsletter, rather than a one-off campaign page. With a dynamic code, you can change it later anyway.
Do merchandise QR codes expire?
Static codes never do. QRdx dynamic codes keep redirecting on every plan, even after a downgrade or cancellation, so merch in circulation keeps working.