Advanced User FAQs
This page addresses deeper implementation and operations questions. It assumes familiarity with campaigns, dynamic destinations, UTMs, testing, and exports.
Should we reuse the same QR across multiple placements?
You can, but per-placement insight is lost. For granular reporting, create separate codes per placement and differentiate with utm_content (for example, endcap, postcard, badge). Keep utm_campaign identical across those codes.
How should we add UTMs when the destination already has a query string?
Append parameters with & (not ?). Encode values and keep keys lowercase. Example:
https://example.com/page?ref=abc&utm_source=retail&utm_medium=endcap&utm_campaign=2025_q2_eventseries
Do UTMs survive redirects?
They should, if your redirects preserve the full query string. Test each hop and confirm the finalURL contains your UTMs. Avoid tools that rewrite or duplicate UTM parameters.
Where should anchors/fragments (#) go with UTMs?
Place UTMs before the fragment:
https://example.com/page?utm_source=retail#section
Can we change destinations or UTMs mid-campaign without reprinting?
Yes. Edit the code in BaseQR; the same printed/digital asset will resolve to the updated URL. Re-test scans and verify GA4 Real-Time.
When should we create a new code instead of updating an existing one?
Create a new code when the initiative changes (new campaign, audience, or offer). Keep utm_campaign aligned to the campaign name; use updates only for corrections or minor routing changes.
What happens when a code is set to Inactive?
New scans will not resolve to your destination. Reactivate to restore routing.
Can BaseQR measure unique devices or users?
No. BaseQR reports Total Scans. Use GA4 for session and conversion analysis; compare trends and rates, not one-to-one totals.
How do we reconcile BaseQR scans with GA4 sessions?
Align on UTMs and compare by utm_campaign/utm_source/utm_medium. Expect count differences (scan vs. session). Investigate large gaps by testing mobile performance, consent banners, and redirect integrity.
What’s the best way to test changes safely?
Create a test code in the same campaign, apply the intended destination/UTMs, and run the Pre-flight Checklist. Once validated, apply changes to the production code.
How should we handle multi-language or regional content?
Use separate codes per language/region for clear attribution (for example, …-us-en, …-ca-fr). Keep the campaign constant and vary utm_content or utm_medium as needed.
How can we migrate an existing static QR (from print) to BaseQR?
If you control the server behind the static code’s destination, implement a redirect there to your new BaseQR-managed URL. If not, reprint with a BaseQR code.
Why do scans spike without matching GA4 traffic?
Bot or pre-fetch behavior can inflate scans. Cross-check GA4 for the same window, verify UTMs, and confirm the destination loads properly on mobile. Treat unexplained spikes as directional, not definitive.
What size should we export for print vs. digital?
Prefer SVG for print (scales without loss). For raster, export PNG/JPG at sufficient pixels for final size (commonly 300 dpi at print size) and avoid layout upscaling. For digital, serve at or above displayed pixel size.
How do we handle venues with weak connectivity?
Point to a lightweight page, increase physical size/contrast, and include a short readable fallback URL near the code. See Offline/Poor-Signal Strategies.
Can we get raw, per-scan logs?
Use in-product reports and exports (CSV/Excel/PDF) for aggregates. For automation, use the API endpoints for reports. If you require more granular data, contact support with your use case.
Do you support campaign-level access restrictions or read-only roles?
No. Access is organization-wide with two roles: Admin and User. New campaigns are visible to all users in the organization.
Are there rate limits on the API?
If you receive 429 Too Many Requests, implement exponential backoff and idempotency on create operations. See Error Codes & Troubleshooting.
What should we include in internal documentation for a campaign?
In the campaign description: goals/KPIs, placements, audience/regions, and your UTM plan. This improves collaboration and speeds reviews.