This article explains how to use a multi-use pass across multiple merchants, even when direct POS integration isn't possible. This solution is ideal for scenarios like tourist cards issued by a tourist board or community-based programs where participating merchants don't have integrated systems. We achieve this by embedding a unique member link within the pass's barcode, allowing for easy redemption tracking via a web page.
Terminology
External ID:
A unique identifier assigned to each pass holder. This ID is crucial for distinguishing individual members and tracking their redemptions.
Dynamic Tag: A placeholder in a URL that is replaced with specific information, in this case, the externalId. This allows for personalised web pages.
Redemption URL:
The web address that is accessed when the pass's barcode is scanned. This URL contains the dynamic tag, allowing it to display information and facilitate redemption for the specific member.
Merchant:
The business or organisation redeeming the offer.
Barcode:
The barcode displayed on the pass which can be scanned by the merchant
Redemption:
The process of marking an offer as used, or redeemed.
POS:
Point of Sale, the hardware/software used by the merchant to register a sale.
The Solution: Unique Links for Redemption
The key to this method is incorporating a unique link into the barcode of each pass. When scanned, this link directs the merchant to a personalised web page for the pass holder. This page displays the member's offers and provides a way for the merchant to mark the offer as redeemed.
Here's how it works:
Unique External ID:
When creating a member's pass, assign them a unique externalId. This ID must be different for every member to prevent duplicates and ensure accurate tracking.
Dynamic Redemption URL:
Create a redemption URL that includes a dynamic tag for the externalId. For example:
https://yourdomain.com/redeem?id=${externalId}When the pass is created, the ${externalId} tag will be replaced with the actual unique ID for that member.
Barcode Generation:
Embed this dynamic redemption URL into the pass's barcode. PassKit supports this functionality, allowing you to generate barcodes that contain URLs.
Merchant Redemption Process:
When a member wants to redeem an offer, the merchant simply uses their smartphone's camera app (or any other barcode scanning app) to scan the pass's barcode.
Web Page Display:
The scan will open the redemption URL in the merchant's browser. Because the URL contains the externalId, the web page can identify the member and display their specific offers.
Redemption Confirmation:
The web page should include a secure way for the merchant to mark the offer as redeemed. This could be a button or a form submission. For added security, consider password-protecting the redemption function so that only authorised business personnel can redeem offers.
Redemption Tracking:
On the backend, your system should track redemptions based on the externalId. This allows you to monitor offer usage and provide reports to merchants or the issuing organisation (e.g., the tourist board).
Example Workflow
A tourist purchases a multi-use "Local Discount" card.
The issuing organisation (e.g., the tourist board) creates a pass for the tourist in PassKit and assigns them a unique
externalId, for example, "TA12345".The pass's barcode is generated with the redemption URL:
https://yourdomain.com/redeem?id=TA12345.The tourist visits a participating restaurant and wants to redeem a discount offer.
The restaurant staff scans the barcode with their phone camera.
The
yourdomain.com/redeem?id=TA12345page opens in their browser, displaying the tourist's offers.The staff clicks the "Redeem Discount" button next to their businesses offer (protected by a password).
The system records the redemption, and the discount is applied.
Benefits
No POS Integration Required:
Merchants can participate without needing to integrate with a complex POS system.
Easy Redemption:
Using a smartphone camera simplifies the redemption process for merchants.
Centralized Tracking:
Redemptions are tracked centrally, providing valuable data to the issuing organisation.
Scalable Solution:
This method can be easily scaled to accommodate a large number of members and merchants.
Secure Redemption:
Password protection can ensure that only authorised personnel can redeem their offers.
Conclusion
This method provides a practical and efficient way to use multi-use passes across multiple merchants, even without POS integration. By leveraging unique links and dynamic tags, you can create a seamless and trackable redemption process that benefits both pass holders and participating businesses.