Your brand reputation is at risk! Counterfeit products are becoming a big problem for even the most well-known brands.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the trade-in counterfeit goods market is set to reach $1.79 trillion in 2030, marking a 75% jump from 2023.
This increase is expected to be faster than the growth of the global economy, indicating an urgent need for effective ways to check product authentication and warranty claims.
How can you protect your brand?
GS1 for product authentication and warranties is a smart, cost-effective solution and a traceable way to keep your products secure. Keep reading to know how it works.
What is product authentication, and why is it crucial?
Product authentication is about checking if a product is real and not fake. Today’s counterfeit goods are more advanced than ever, hurting consumer trust and brands’ reputations.
This is especially crucial for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and luxury goods industries, where fake products can have serious effects.
For brand owners, counterfeit products mean lost money, a harmed reputation, and high legal costs due to fighting counterfeits.
Using GS1 for product authentication and warranties helps protect brands by using unique identifiers, like Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN).
This confirms that products are genuine throughout the supply chain and gives customers confidence that they are buying authentic items.
GS1 QR code as a solution for product authentication
GS1 is a non-profit organization that develops and maintains standards for barcodes and other identification systems.
The Digital Link QR code complies with these GS1 standards, providing a secure, digital way to check if a product is authentic, allowing consumers and retailers to confirm it immediately.
Here’s how GS1 enhances security and makes it easier to track products:
Authenticity verification at points of sale
When customers scan a GS1 QR code at the checkout, they can see detailed information about the product, such as where it came from, its batch number, and when it expires.
A good example is the UK retailer Tesco’s use of QR codes. Customers scanning the codes instantly get information about how and where a product was made, giving them dependable and traceable data on the shelf.
As part of a broader pilot program involving over 50 brands like PepsiCo, Walmart, P&G, L’Oréal, and Amazon across 48 countries, Tesco’s initiative is set for a comprehensive rollout by 2027.
Real-time tracking and recall management
GS1 QR Codes make supply chains clearer and more efficient, help keep customers safe, and maintain a good brand reputation during recalls. Embedding this technology is a smart move for any company focused on being excellent and earning their customers’ trust.
If recalls are handled poorly, most customers might stop buying from that brand. Quick and efficient recall processes can save companies a lot of money from potential losses and lawsuits.
Adding extra details like batch numbers and expiry dates to offline data really helps brands and retailers in the supply chain. By including these important pieces of information, companies gain many advantages that make their processes smoother, more open, and safer.
A compelling example of the effectiveness of this approach from GS1 UK is seen in Woolworths’ initiative, which reportedly reduced food waste by 40%.
Consumer education and engagement
QR codes that follow GS1 standards do more than just check if a product is genuine. They look into a product’s journey—from how it’s sourced to how it should be used.
Even companies like FrieslandCampina use these codes that link to the GS1 database search to give customers clear information about where their products come from.
This transparency increases customer trust and loyalty because they can see the company is committed to ethical production practices.
Integrating data analytics in supply chain management can definitely increase a company’s revenue. This boost comes from making better decisions and improving customer satisfaction.
Advantages of GS1 QR codes for digital warranty management
Claiming warranties frustrates most consumers because it requires them to retain physical warranty cards, which often get lost or damaged. This situation not only makes things difficult for customers but can also lead to missed warranty claims.
Through GS1-standardized QR codes, warranty information is kept digitally. Customers can easily access, manage, and make warranty claims. Here’s more:
- No need for physical documentation; consumers can retrieve warranty details anytime.
- Serial numbers within GS1 QR codes reduce errors.
- Accurate warranty information for smoother processing.
- Brands can update warranty information or add terms as needed without requiring physical reprints.
- No need to put in extra effort just to access the form or register products.
- Reduces printing costs and paper use, supporting sustainability.
Implement GS1 for product authentication and warranties
Adopting GS1 standards is a solid defense against counterfeiting, protecting brands’ reputations from potential threats.
With GS1 QR codes, brands and shoppers can finally enjoy security and ease. These QR codes give instant verification to protect against counterfeit products, so consumers can shop freely.
And for anyone who’s ever struggled with a warranty claim, GS1 QR codes make it simple. Just a quick scan and warranty details are right there, no lost paperwork or lengthy forms.
To ensure you create GS1 QR codes of the highest quality and security, go to QR TIGER. It’s the leading QR code provider in the industry, certified with ISO 27001, and complies with GDPR and CCPA standards, keeping your information confidential. Activate GS1 for product authentication and warranties now for faster and more convenient shopping experiences.
