A scan opens the messaging app with your number and a ready-written message, so the reply takes one tap.
What it does: pre-fills a text message — number and body. The person still taps send, which keeps it compliant and keeps their consent explicit.
An SMS QR code is the closest thing print has to a one-tap reply. It is commonly used where a form would be overkill: confirming an appointment, voting in a competition, or opting in to updates.
Because the person sends the message from their own phone, you receive their number naturally, and the exchange stays inside a channel they already trust. Nothing is sent until they choose to send it.
No. It opens the messaging app with the text ready. The sender must tap send, which keeps the interaction consensual.
They pay their normal network rate for a text message. If you use a shortcode or premium number, say so clearly next to the code.
The code can hold a message, but keep it short. Long messages are awkward to edit on a phone and increase code density.
You can invite people to opt in, but make the wording explicit and keep a record. Implied consent from a scan is not enough in most jurisdictions.