Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes

Coupon Carrier’s QR Scanner lets staff validate and mark codes as used in real time by scanning a QR code on a customer’s phone or a printed voucher — no POS integration, no special hardware, and no app downloads required.

This is ideal for in-store redemption, events, bars, venues, and any situation where staff need fast, reliable verification.

What is the QR Scanner?

The QR Scanner is a web-based scanning tool included with Coupon Carrier. It allows staff to:

• Scan QR codes using any smartphone camera
• Instantly validate whether a code is valid or already used
• Automatically mark valid codes as used
• Record who scanned the code and when (audit trail)

Each scan is tied to a scanner user, so you always know who redeemed what. The QR Scanner is used by staff to verify customer vouchers — customers never scan their own codes.

What You Need Before You Start

Before setting up the scanner, make sure you have:

• QR codes distributed via Coupon Carrier

  (Most delivery methods automatically include a QR code)

• At least one Code List with active codes
• Access to your Coupon Carrier admin account

QR scanning is one of several ways to mark a code as used.

For an overview of all methods, see:

👉 How To Mark a Code as Used

How QR Code Scanning Works (High Level)

1. A customer presents a QR code (on their phone or printed)
2. Staff scans the code using the Coupon Carrier scanner
3. If valid, the code is instantly marked as used and recorded — preventing reuse in real time.

Step 1: Create a Scanner

Go to the Scanner tab in your Coupon Carrier dashboard and click Create a scanner. After clicking Create a scanner, you’ll name the scanner and then configure how redemptions should work in the next step.

Step 2: Choose Scan Limits and Code Lists

In the scanner configuration, you define exactly how QR redemptions are validated.

Important: Only codes found in the selected Code Lists can be redeemed by this scanner.

• Set Max scans per code
  • Usually 1   (single-use redemption)
  • Higher values are useful for testing or special cases
• Select one or more Code Lists
  • The scanner will search these lists when a QR code is scanned

Step 3: Create Scanner Users

Each person who scans QR codes needs a scanner user.

Scanner users:

• Have their own username and password
• Are recorded in the redemption audit trail
• Can be added or removed at any time

To add a scanner user:

1. Click Add user
2. Enter a username (email recommended)
3. Set a password
4. Save the user

We recommend using email addresses so usernames stay unique.

Step 4: Sign In and Start Scanning

Scanner users can now sign in on any smartphone at:

👉 https://scanner.couponcarrier.io

Once logged in:

• The phone’s camera opens automatically
• Scan a QR code presented by the customer
• The scanner instantly shows whether the code is valid or already used

If the code is valid:

• It is immediately marked as used
• The result is visible to all staff in real time

What Happens When a Code Is Scanned

When a QR code is scanned:

• The code is validated against the selected Code Lists

  If valid and unused:

  • Status changes to Used

  • Redemption is recorded instantly

    If already used:

  • The scanner clearly shows it as invalid

All activity is saved in the Code Timeline, including:

• When the code was delivered
• When it was scanned
• Which scanner user redeemed it

Viewing Scan History & Audit Trail

You can review everything that happened to a code from the Code List:

1. Open a Code List
2. Click the three-dot menu next to a code
3. Select View timeline

The timeline shows:

• Delivery method
• Email opens (if applicable)
• Redeem link activity
• QR scans
• Manual or automated “mark as used” actions

This provides a complete audit trail for staff and reporting.

Exporting Scanned Codes

You can export all scanned codes as a CSV file.

To export:

1. Go to the Scanner tab
2. Open the scanner’s menu
3. Click Export scanned codes (CSV)

The export includes:

• Code value
• Recipient (if assigned)
• Scan timestamp
• Scanner user who redeemed it

When to Use QR Scanning vs Other Methods

QR Scanning is best when:

• Staff controls redemption
• Speed matters (bars, events, venues)
• You want a clear staff audit trail

Other options include:

• Redeem Link (“Mark as Used” button)

  👉 How to Distribute Unique Codes Using the Redeem Link

• Manual marking from the Code List

  👉 How To Mark a Code as Used

• Printable vouchers for offline use

  👉 How to Generate Printable Vouchers

Common Questions

Do scanner users need an app?

No. The scanner is entirely web-based and works in any modern mobile browser.

Does scanning work offline?

No. An internet connection is required to validate and mark codes in real time.

Can multiple staff scan at the same time?

Yes. Each scanner user is tracked independently.

Still Getting Started?

If you’re new to Coupon Carrier or setting up redemption for the first time, start here:

👉 How to distribute unique codes for restaurants, physical stores, and events