PayPal Holdings, Inc. today presented the possibility of using QR Codes to buy and sell goods in 28 markets around the world. From street markets to selling second-hand goods – the launch of the QR code feature in the PayPal app allows users to buy and sell face-to-face, with complete better safety and protection, and without any physical contact.
"Aware of the current situation, it is a fact that the purchase and sale of goods with specific hygiene specifications, for maximum safety protection, concerns a particularly large portion of world internationally. Amidst the development of the coronavirus pandemic, we are seeing an increase in demand for digital payments and the corresponding transition to incorporate new data and new terms or conditions in in-person transactions,” said John Kunze, Senior Vice President of Branded Experiences at PayPal.
“The launch of QR codes for buyers and sellers not only includes the feeling of safety and security, along with the convenience of using in-person of PayPal, but equally takes into account the current and ever-evolving requirements of social distancing, even as we now begin to see the partial lifting or gradual easing of restrictive measures in many countries worldwide."
In addition, as part of PayPal's ongoing efforts to assist its customers during this difficult and demanding period, the usual existing transaction fees for any sales made using a QR code are temporarily waived for a certain period of time.
Buying and selling safely and without any contact - from the public market to the sale of used goods
Using the built-in QR code feature in the PayPal app is a quick and secure way to complete a transaction in person, leveraging your PayPal digital wallet while eliminating the need to dispose of and use cash. For example, users who sell items in person at a public market are now able to print a QR code, place it on their counter, and simply ask consumers to scan the code, enter their market value, and send that amount immediately.
This process allows the retailer to minimize physical interaction with the customer, while also limiting the customer's interaction with the checkout process. No contact-required tech is involved to purchase – just point and focus your smartphone camera at the QR code in print or other screen.
For a buyer wishing to pay a transaction, customers can go to the PayPal app, tap 'Send' and tap the QR code reader symbol in the top right corner. The camera will open and consumers can then scan the seller's QR code and follow the prompts to complete the transaction. Merchants have the ability to create a PayPal-generated QR code by following the steps outlined here.
PayPal launches in 28 markets worldwide in Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Greece, Estonia, United Kingdom, Japan, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Cyprus , Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland and Hong Kong.
