An Uniqode alternative for printed packaging that isn't rented monthly
If you print a QR on a hangtag, carton, or insert, the worst case is a dynamic code that stops working when the SaaS bill stops.
Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac) is one of the clearest large-market examples of that rent model. ForeverQR is the opposite bet: free static codes, and Pro packs you buy once — so existing Pro codes aren't held hostage for the next renewal.
We are not affiliated with Uniqode. Always check their current terms before you decide.
What Uniqode's own materials say
On Uniqode's pricing FAQ (verified 2026-09-21 on uniqode.com/pricing):
- Cancel → inactive: “If you decide to cancel your subscription, your QR Codes will become inactive.”
- Account must stay live: “For your QR Codes to work, the account linked to them has to stay active.”
- Trial dynamics die: When a free trial expires, dynamic QR Codes become inactive until you upgrade.
- Annual only: They currently offer annual subscription plans only — no monthly plans.
- Price snapshot (USD, billed as monthly equivalents on annual plans): basic/Essential from about $9/month; Core about $49/month (re-check on publish day).
That's a predictable model for software. It's a rough model for printed packaging that has to keep scanning for years.
What ForeverQR does instead
| Topic | ForeverQR | Uniqode (per their FAQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | One-time Pro packs $12 / $29 / $59 USDUniqode: Annual subscription | Annual subscription |
| If you stop buying / cancel | Existing Pro codes stay active under our Anti-Hostage CommitmentUniqode: QR Codes become inactive | QR Codes become inactive |
| Account needed for printed Pro to keep working | No ongoing subscriptionUniqode: Account must stay active | Account must stay active |
| Free static | Unlimited, generate in-browser, no signupUniqode: Separate free/static story; dynamics need paid plan after trial | Separate free/static story; dynamics need paid plan after trial |
| Adaptive routing | Rules in the Pro dashboard (device, language, window, scan cap)Uniqode: Feature of their paid platform | Feature of their paid platform |
Prices are in USD. Product and support are based in British Columbia, Canada.
Adaptive presets (rule starters) are in the Pro Advanced panel — fill destinations, then Save rules. Hosted pages are still rolling out. Editable Pro destinations and Adaptive rules are what you can count on today.
Built for people who print
Shopify, Etsy, POD, and packaging teams print once and ship inventory that may sit for months.
- Review links and care guides that can change without a reprint
- Seasonal drops: update the destination after launch
- Adaptive rules when one square should behave differently by device or campaign window
Print the square. Own the redirect. Don't rent it every year.
Illustrative cost
Illustrative only — re-check Uniqode's live pricing before publish.
| Option | Rough 3-year cost |
|---|---|
| Uniqode Essential ~$9/mo annual | ~$324 |
| Uniqode Core ~$49/mo annual | ~$1,764 |
| ForeverQR Growth pack | $29 USD one-time (100 Pro codes) |
The point isn't that every Uniqode customer is on Essential. It's that rent compounds and cancel still kills the print. ForeverQR's pack is a ceiling you already paid.
Quick answers
- Are you “the Uniqode of Canada”?
- No. Different company, different model. We're a BC one-time-pack QR product.
- Can you migrate my Uniqode codes?
- No. We can't take over another vendor's redirects. Create ForeverQR codes (static free, or Pro if you need editable destinations) and update print when you're ready.
- Why USD if you're Canadian?
- Checkout is USD. Product and support are in British Columbia. We say that up front.
- Is ForeverQR the same as QRForever.com?
- No — ForeverQR.ca is not QRForever.com.
- Do you offer AI chat or avatars on scan?
- Not on this product ladder. We're finishing the core Pro experience first.
Related: Why not a subscription · ForeverQR vs QRForever · FAQ
Uniqode cancel/inactive, account-active, trial, and annual-only statements paraphrased from Uniqode's public pricing FAQ on uniqode.com/pricing (Growth check 2026-09-21). Policies and prices change — verify on their site. ForeverQR pack prices and promise language reflect foreverqr.ca at time of writing.