QR codes are all the rage in Japan and they are growing fast in the rest of the world. For more detailed information about QR codes, click the link at the end of the page. QR codes are square blocks of dots that look like this:
(This is a working code!)
| They were invented years ago by a division of Toyota but it wasn't long
before people started to see other uses. They can be read by smart (and
not so smart) phones and certain 2d barcode readers.
The real benefits of QR codes are:
- They are free codes - and there are plenty of sites online where you can design your own codes.
- Secondly, they can contain lots of information in a small space and
- Thirdly,
and most usefully, they can be read on a smart phone that will
instantly leap into service and locate the nearest shop, provide more
product information, present a voucher, open an SMS message, open a
phone number or even put an event into your diary.
|
Using QR codes you've got a fast and easy way for customers to connect to you.
Include QRs in brochures,
point of sale promotions,
magazine articles
and product labelling
and you've got one of the best 'call to action' mechanisms possible.
I found a powerful set of statistics from November last year on the use of QR codes in the U.S. - here's a summary:
- Have you ever seen or heard of a QR code? 52% said yes
- Have you ever scanned a QR Code? 28% said yes
- How often do you use QR Codes? 1% daily, 2% weekly, 6% monthly, 33% almost never and 58% never
- Where have you seen QR Codes? 29% posters, 40% Internet, 48% printed adverts, 45% brochures, other 19%
- Why did you scan the QR Code? 3% to send a message, 5% to dial a phone no., 62% to visit a website, 30% to get information,8% to share something on a social network, 24% to get contact information and 30% to get a coupon
- Has a QR Code ever led you to make a purchase? 6% said Yes!
Here are just some of the hundreds of ways you could use them:
- Instructions for use (in different languages) - scan the QR code on the item and the instructions are displayed on your phone's browser.
- Nutritional information - scan the QR code on the bottle, cup or bag and see how many calories you're consuming. (I'm not sure if that would be a positive thing to tell someone!)
- Nearest shop - scan the code and retail outlets are displayed on your phones map.
- Get a voucher - scan the code at the point of sale, enter your phone no and receive an SMS coupon.
- Enter a draw - scan the code, log your email address and win prizes.
- Enter contact information - scan the QR code on your business card and your contact information is automatically entered.
- Personalised ordering - scan the code on the menu, transmit it via the browser on your phone and go collect it.
- Product tracking - scan the code and see where the lettuce you're holding was grown (already being done in Japan).
- "How to" install videos - scan the code on the box and watch a video explaining how you can install the item.
- Promotional video - scan the code on the poster and watch the commercial.
- Appliances – Can’t find the instructions for the vacuum cleaner you bought two years ago? The scan code launches the appliance manual on the website
- Airport Check in reminder - scan the code and have the time of the flight entered into your calendar along with a reminder.
- Call us now - scan the code in the brochure and have your phone dial the number.
- Games - treasure hunt around your shop and win a prize.
The list really does go on and on.
If you want to know the details -
click here to receive our information sheet for information on how to print QR codes, what scanners or phones you can use QR codes with and other important stuff.
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