Design Print Flyers for Your Digital Menu (Window Posters & Table Cards)

You've switched to digital menus. Customers still reach for non-existent paper menus. Staff explain QR codes 40× daily.

The gap: 73% scan QR codes when purpose is explained. 34% scan when not explained. That's 39 percentage points lost to confusion.

Solution: A4 window posters (£0.28 each), A5 table cards (£0.12 each), DL leaflets (£0.08 each). All printable at home on Ryman 250gsm card stock. Design time: 30 minutes. Print time: 15 minutes per 20 flyers.

Ready to design? Download free templates

The Problem: Customers Don't Understand QR Codes

Your QR codes sit on tables. Customers stare at them. Some scan. Most ask for a "real menu."

Here's why: QR codes without context look like decoration. They could be:

• Wi-Fi access
• Payment links
• Survey requests
• Instagram pages

Customers don't know what they're scanning. So they don't scan.

Marcus at The Old Crown pub in Shoreditch added QR table tents with zero explanation. Scan rate: 42%.

He added simple A5 cards: "Scan for full menu. Updates daily. Allergen info included." Scan rate jumped to 78%.

The difference? He removed the guessing game.

Print Flyer Strategy: Three Essential Formats

1. Window Posters (A4 Size - 210 × 297mm)

Purpose: Catch customers before they enter Placement: Front window, door entrance Print frequency: 1× (leave permanently) Cost per poster: £0.28 (250gsm card stock)

What to include:

Headline (Large, 48pt):

• "Digital Menus Inside"
• "Scan. Browse. Order."
• "View Our Full Menu"

Subheading (24pt):

• "Updated daily with fresh specials"
• "Allergen information included"
• "Available in 4 languages"

Visual:

• QR code (150 × 150mm, prominent)
• Sample menu screenshot on phone
• EasyMenus.xyz logo (subtle, bottom corner)

Call-to-action:

• "Scan when seated"
• "Ask staff for assistance"

Example template:

[Large QR code - center]

DIGITAL MENU
Scan at your table

✓ Updated daily
✓ Full allergen info
✓ English, Spanish, French, German

Questions? Just ask our team.

2. Table Cards (A5 Size - 148 × 210mm)

Purpose: Direct customers to scan at table Placement: Every table, standing upright Print frequency: 2× yearly (wear and tear) Cost per card: £0.12 (250gsm card stock, folded)

What to include:

Front panel:

• QR code (100 × 100mm)
• "Scan for Full Menu" (36pt bold)
• Restaurant name

Back panel:

• "How It Works" (3 steps with icons)
• Benefits list (4 bullet points)
• Staff assistance offer

Example template:

FRONT:
[QR Code - prominent]
SCAN FOR MENU
The Griffin Arms

BACK:
HOW IT WORKS
1. Open your phone camera
2. Point at QR code
3. Tap notification to view menu

✓ Updated daily
✓ Allergen details
✓ Dietary filters
✓ 4 languages

Need help? Ask any team member.

Folding instructions:

1. Print double-sided on A5 card stock
2. Score fold line at center (use ruler edge)
3. Fold to create standing tent
4. Place at table edge (not center - blocks conversation)

3. Promotional Leaflets (DL Size - 99 × 210mm)

Purpose: Take-away marketing for events, catering, private bookings Placement: By till, with receipts, at bar Print frequency: Monthly batches of 100 Cost per leaflet: £0.08 (170gsm paper)

What to include:

Front:

• Event headline: "Private Dining Menus"
• QR code (60 × 60mm)
• Teaser: "Custom menus for your event"

Back:

• Brief benefits list
• Contact information
• Website URL
• Social media handles

Example template:

FRONT:
PRIVATE DINING MADE EASY

[QR code]

Custom digital menus for:
• Birthday parties
• Corporate events
• Wedding receptions
• Christmas bookings

Scan for details →

BACK:
WHY DIGITAL MENUS?

✓ Customize for dietary needs
✓ Update pricing in real-time
✓ Multilingual options
✓ No printing delays

Contact us:
[Restaurant Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
www.easymenus.xyz/[your-menu]

@yourrestaurant

DIY Design Process (30 Minutes Total)

Tools You'll Need:

• Canva Free (design software - £0)
• Ryman 250gsm card stock A4 white (£6.99 for 50 sheets)
• Ryman 170gsm paper A4 white (£4.99 for 100 sheets)
• Home printer (any standard inkjet or laser)
• Paper guillotine (optional, £12.99 from Ryman)
• Ruler and craft knife (for precise cuts)

Total investment: £24.97 for materials (lasts 6 months)

Step 1: Design in Canva (20 Minutes)

A4 Window Poster:

1. Open Canva → Create custom size (210 × 297mm)
2. Add background color (match restaurant branding)
3. Insert QR code image (upload from EasyMenus dashboard)
4. Add headline text: "Digital Menu" (48pt, bold)
5. Add benefit bullets (24pt, clear font)
6. Include restaurant logo (subtle, bottom corner)
7. Export as PDF (print quality)

A5 Table Cards:

1. Create custom size (296 × 210mm - A5 landscape, doubled for fold)
2. Design left panel (front) with QR code
3. Design right panel (back) with instructions
4. Add fold line guide (center, dotted line)
5. Export as PDF

DL Leaflets:

1. Create custom size (99 × 210mm)
2. Design front with event focus
3. Design back with contact details
4. Keep design simple (avoid heavy ink coverage)
5. Export as PDF

Design tips:

• Use restaurant brand colors
• Stick to 2 fonts maximum (heading + body)
• Leave white space (avoid cluttered design)
• Ensure QR code has 10mm clear space around it
• Test QR code scans before bulk printing

Step 2: Print at Home (15 Minutes per 20 Flyers)

Printer settings:

• Quality: High or Best
• Color: Full color
• Paper type: Card stock (select in printer settings)
• Scale: 100% (no automatic fitting)

Printing order:

Window posters:

• 2-3 copies (one for window, one backup, one for internal display)
• Print on 250gsm card stock
• Allow 5 minutes drying time

Table cards:

• Count tables (print 1.5× this number for spares)
• Print double-sided on 250gsm card stock
• Score fold line with ruler edge before folding
• Fold carefully (avoid creasing QR code area)

Leaflets:

• Batch of 100 (monthly restocking)
• Print on 170gsm paper (lighter weight for taking away)
• Cut to size if printing on A4 (get 2 leaflets per sheet)

Cost breakdown:

• 3× A4 posters: £0.84
• 15× A5 table cards: £1.80
• 100× DL leaflets: £8.00
• Total: £10.64 for complete set

Printing troubleshooting:

• QR code blurry? Increase export quality to 300 DPI
• Colors too dark? Reduce saturation by 10-15%
• Paper jamming? Feed card stock one sheet at a time
• Ink smudging? Allow 10 minutes drying time before handling

Step 3: Display Strategically

Window posters:

• Eye level (1.5-1.7m height)
• Face outward (catch foot traffic)
• Away from direct sunlight (prevents fading)
• Laminate if placing outside (£0.50 per A4 sheet at print shops)

Table cards:

• One per table (don't share between tables)
• Position at table edge (not center)
• Face toward main seating position
• Replace when worn (check monthly)

Leaflets:

• Stack by till (customers see when paying)
• Include with receipts (especially repeat customers)
• Leave at bar (for walk-ins inquiring about events)
• Give to customers asking about private bookings

Professional Alternatives (If Time-Poor)

Option 1: Local Print Shop

Cost: £2.50-4.00 per A4 poster (250gsm laminated) Turnaround: 2-3 days Benefit: Professional finish, laminated, weatherproof

When to use: Window posters for outdoor placement

Option 2: Online Print Services (Vistaprint, Instantprint)

Cost: £8-15 for 50× A5 cards (including delivery) Turnaround: 5-7 days Benefit: Bulk discounts, free delivery over £30

When to use: Large table card orders (15+ tables)

Option 3: Restaurant Supply Companies

Cost: £25-40 for branded table tent holders + cards Turnaround: 1-2 weeks Benefit: Reusable holders, slide-in card replacements

When to use: Fine dining with frequent menu changes

Cost comparison:

• DIY: £0.12 per table card (replaceable)
• Print shop: £2.50 per table card (laminated)
• Professional holders: £3.20 per table (reusable frame + inserts)

For 10 tables over 2 years:

• DIY: £4.80 (replace 2× yearly)
• Print shop: £100 (replace 2× yearly)
• Professional: £32 initial + £12 annual inserts = £56

DIY wins for most independent restaurants.

Event-Specific Flyer Variations

Christmas Party Menus

Headline: "Christmas Party Menus Available" Focus: Group bookings, deposit requirements, menu customization Distribution: November-December

Valentine's Day

Headline: "Romantic Dining Experience" Focus: Prix-fixe menus, couple seating, booking requirements Distribution: January-February

Summer Terrace Opening

Headline: "Al Fresco Dining Now Open" Focus: Outdoor menu, drinks specials, weather-dependent updates Distribution: April-September

Private Event Catering

Headline: "Host Your Event With Us" Focus: Venue hire, custom menus, capacity information Distribution: Year-round, peak January and September

Measuring Effectiveness

Track these metrics:

Window posters:

• Customer entries mentioning "saw digital menu sign" (ask staff to track)
• Reduction in "do you have printed menus?" questions
• Target: 30% reduction in printed menu requests

Table cards:

• QR code scan rate (check analytics in EasyMenus dashboard)
• Target: 70-80% scan rate
• If below 70%, redesign with clearer instructions

Leaflets:

• Private booking inquiries (ask how they heard about you)
• Leaflets taken (count remaining stock weekly)
• Target: 50% of leaflets converted to inquiries

Good performance:

• 75%+ QR scan rate
• <10 daily printed menu requests
• 20+ private booking inquiries monthly

Poor performance:

• <50% QR scan rate
• 30 daily printed menu requests
  
  
• <5 private booking inquiries monthly

If metrics are poor:

• Redesign with larger QR codes
• Add clearer step-by-step instructions
• Include staff photos with "Ask me!" callout
• Test different placements (edge vs center of table)

Common Questions

Q: Should I laminate everything? Laminate window posters (outdoor exposure) and table cards (high-touch). Don't laminate leaflets (customers take them away). Lamination costs £0.50-1.00 per sheet at local print shops. DIY lamination machines cost £25-40 if doing large volumes.

Q: How often should I replace table cards? Every 6 months minimum, sooner if worn. Cards get sticky from spills, faded from cleaning products, bent from being moved. Check weekly for damage. Replace immediately if QR code is scratched (won't scan properly).

Q: What if customers still ask for printed menus? Keep 5 laminated printed menus for customers who prefer them (typically older diners). Direct younger customers to QR codes. Don't force digital-only - customer choice maintains satisfaction. Track requests to understand your demographic mix.

Q: Can I use cheaper paper? Yes, but it shows. 250gsm card stock feels premium. 170gsm feels flimsy. Customers judge restaurant quality by details. Cheap paper suggests cheap food. Invest in proper card stock - it's £0.16 difference per card and lasts 3× longer.

Q: Should I include Wi-Fi details on table cards? Only if QR codes require internet (they don't - QR codes work offline, but viewing the menu does need connection). Better to have separate Wi-Fi cards. Customers get confused when one QR code does multiple things.

Q: Do I need professional design skills? No. Canva templates are pre-designed. You're customizing, not creating from scratch. If genuinely struggling, hire a freelance designer on Fiverr (£15-30 for flyer design). But honest truth: if you can update your menu, you can design a flyer.

What This Doesn't Fix

Print flyers don't fix:

• Low QR code contrast (black on dark tables won't scan)
• Broken menu links (test before printing QR codes)
• Slow website loading (customers won't wait 10+ seconds)
• Poor menu photography (flyers can't improve bad food photos)

Print flyers fix:

• Customer confusion (explains what to scan and why)
• Low scan rates (73% vs 34% when purpose explained)
• Staff frustration (reduces repetitive QR code explanations)
• Wasted printing costs (£10.64 vs £220 for full menu reprints)

Your flyers should remove friction, not add decoration.

Ready to Print?

Start with table cards. They have the highest impact on scan rates.

Design in Canva (20 minutes). Print test copy. Check QR code scans properly. Adjust design if needed. Print full batch (15 minutes per 20 cards).

Display at tables. Measure scan rate after 1 week. If above 70%, you're done. If below, add clearer instructions and retest.

Download free templates: Market Your Restaurant's Digital Menu Templates

Need QR code design help? Design Professional QR Codes for Restaurant Tables

Want before/after examples? Before/After Digital Menu Success Photos