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 `_meliqs_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
When each platform makes sense for QR
WC is the natural home for QR-driven brands that want first-party data ownership. Shopify wins on retail-scale ops and global checkout. QRCode Suite ships WC as core today; the Shopify adapter (currently private beta) maps the same scan-id model onto Shopify metafields with a thin OAuth app.
Frequently asked questions
What is QRCode Suite?
QRCode Suite is a premium WordPress plugin that generates branded, dynamic QR codes directly inside your WordPress dashboard. Scan data is stored on your own server — not on a third-party SaaS platform — and WooCommerce orders can be attributed to specific QR codes.
Does QRCode Suite require a separate subscription?
The Free plan is available at no cost. Paid plans (Pro, Business, Agency) are licensed per WordPress site and billed monthly or annually. There is no separate per-scan fee.
What QR code types does QRCode Suite support?
QRCode Suite supports 15 QR code types: URL, vCard, Wi-Fi, SMS, Email, WhatsApp, PDF, Coupon, Plain Text, Social profile, WooCommerce Product, WooCommerce Reorder, Link Hub, Phone, and Dynamic URL.
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 WordPress dashboard at any time without generating or reprinting the code.
Is QRCode Suite GDPR-compliant?
Yes. QRCode Suite hashes IP addresses with SHA-256 before storage so no raw IPs are ever saved. It also filters bot traffic automatically and includes configurable data-retention settings.
Need help getting started?
Download the free plugin or browse all documentation.