QR attribution: Shopify vs WooCommerce
- 1
WooCommerce: post-meta is the carrier
WC orders are WordPress posts. Any registered meta key on `wp_postmeta` can hold the QR scan id, campaign, and UTM trail. QRCode Suite writes a `_qrcs_scan_id` row at checkout and queries by it for reports. No external API, no rate limits — direct database access.
- 2
Shopify: metafields + app-scope OAuth
Shopify exposes structured "metafields" on orders, but writing them requires the `write_orders` permission via an OAuth app. There is no equivalent of "drop a PHP file into wp-content/plugins" — you ship an app, the merchant installs it, and metafields flow through the Admin API.
- 3
Cart-line vs cart-level attribution
WooCommerce gives you per-line metadata, which lets you credit specific products to specific scans even in mixed-product carts. Shopify's order-level metafields force aggregate attribution unless you write the value into line-item properties on cart-add — a fragile dance.
- 4
Performance & rate limits
Direct WC writes are free of rate limits at the platform level. Shopify's Admin API enforces 2 calls/sec on REST and a leaky-bucket on GraphQL — fine for retail volume, awkward for flash sales where 200+ orders/sec hit the metafield writer.
- 5
The store-agnostic path, when neither connector fits
A connector is a convenience, not a requirement. The scan id, the campaign and the conversion event are all held platform-side, so any store that can fire a server-side request can attribute: capture the `qr_ref` value on the landing page, then POST the order to `/api/v1/conversions` with `event_name`, `external_id`, `amount`, `currency` and either `qr_slug` or `session_ref`. Deduplication is keyed on `external_id`, so a retrying webhook answers `{"duplicate": true}` instead of double-counting revenue — which is the part most home-grown attribution gets wrong. The WooCommerce connector syncs over `/api/v1/wp/*` with the site's licence key; a Shopify connector is planned along the same lines, and nothing about the model on our side changes when it lands.
Frequently asked questions
What is QRCode Suite?
QRCode Suite is a standalone QR code platform: create a free account and generate branded, dynamic QR codes in the browser — no WordPress required. Connectors bring the same codes to WordPress and WooCommerce, where orders can be attributed to specific QR codes.
Does QRCode Suite work without WordPress?
Yes. QRCode Suite is a standalone SaaS — sign up, create QR codes, and track scans entirely on qrcode-suite.com. The WordPress plugin is an optional connector that brings your codes into wp-admin and adds WooCommerce order attribution.
Does QRCode Suite require a separate subscription?
The Free plan is available at no cost — no credit card required. Paid plans (Pro €9, Business €29, Agency €79 per month) unlock unlimited codes, redirect rules, and more. There is no separate per-scan fee.
What QR code types does QRCode Suite support?
QRCode Suite supports 22 QR code types: Static URL, Dynamic URL, Plain Text, Phone, Email, Location, Link Hub, SMS, WhatsApp, Wi-Fi, vCard, Social profile, PDF, File download, App download, Coupon, Calendar event, Lead capture form, Review collection, Wholesale inquiry, Loyalty reward, and Custom payload.
Can I change the destination of a QR code after printing it?
Yes. Dynamic QR codes use a short redirect URL. You can update the destination from your dashboard at any time without generating or reprinting the code.