QR codes (quick reference codes) are popping up everywhere. Even my college alumni magazine has one on each section (so you will know where to donate!). They are easy to get online and can be made to link to any site. I have one posted in my consignment booth to link people to my facebook page since I don’t have to be there for my space to be open 7 days a week.So, do you have a QR code? If you do, how do you use it and what does it link to? If not, why not? Is it because you didn’t think about it or because you don’t want to for certain reasons?I look forward to you comments. Thanks.

@lisaschulteis thanks for the response, so that 2 -0 for QR’s!!!! Anyone else?

@cansail Carol, congrats on the book! Thanks for the comments. Score: 3-0

@deairbyWe use them a bit at flyte, and I include one in the final slide of every presentation I do.Also, for your reading pleasure, here’s a post I did earlier this year on QR codes and marketing.http://www.flyteblog.com/flyte/2011/03/50-count-em-50-creative-uses-of-qr-codes.html

Dea, I like the title of your book.  It is intriguing and would encourage me to read the book description and begin the first chapter.

With the proliferation of smart phones.. there isn’t a reason for not having a QR code reader. I think there may come a time where an app might even be included on phones (there’s a contract I’d LOVE to sign

I think a lot of people still don’t really know what to do with them.. as in how to use them to best advantage.
On business cards is a logical first…

But on a website? rather self defeating.. people won’t ever use it, yet I’ve seen them on websites.

New York City had something in the news about using them all over town on signs.. and this is an area I see QR Codes really making inroads.
People are presently focusing on business contact info.. or links to their website.. things that often equate to a sales message to people.. and thus they “change channels” and tune out.

New York City was hot on the idea because of the ability to convey more information in a small area.
Businesses are using them to good effect by incentivising their use. Coupons via QR Codes are a natural progression.

I was at the local “Fringe” festival this year.. and noted how difficult it was to easily get information on play times and locations even from the posters.
The info was listed on most posters.. but I saw a real opportunity to place a code on the poster that would not only allow for a calendar entry, but also a Google map to help those interested in finding the venue.

Another great idea was where a company was making the codes for headstones.. where a person for a relatively small cost could provide much more of a remembrance of their life than would be possible on the headstone.

The greatest danger to mainstream QR Code acceptance will be business owners using them strictly as a driver of commerce.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that many QR Code creation sites have been popping up all over the place, many with little to no tracking provided, and those that do offer slim chances of permanence.
Selecting stable code creation services is highly advisable.

My main use of QR Codes has been for clients so far (although there is one on my business card too). 

We’ve been using them to track ad campaigns (unique QR for each ad), point to Facebook Page, Opt-in to SMS lists, Text-to-Screen campaigns and we’ve got plans to use them for mobile couponing in 2012. 

@timsouthernwood  @dakotalocal thanks so much for your input @simoliver Tim, Simon has about the only reason not to use a QR code! Not too many iphones in SE Asia! So glad to hear the uses and I do believe they will be expected by most before long.

@jeff-korhan awesome, Jeff, thanks for sharing the link

Love all the ideas of where you’re all using them.

Our partner company consists of 7 radio stations and they have been using QR codes on tickets and special access passes to direct visitors to more information online. We’ve also seen them used at remote events by clients transferring foot traffic into online traffic, whether through to sign up for their weekly email deals, or to like their Facebook pages. I think the great untapped opportunity with QR Codes is the ability to link traditional marketing to online.

@deairby

I absolutely have them. I use them as I create landing pages for specific target marketing campaigns both online and especially offline by embedding a qr code for that specific page.  I also use it them on my business cards and any other flyers/brochures I may use.

They have helped increase our website traffic and conversion rates because those who use the qr code had an interest or wouldn’t have clicked it.

@jennalawfer  – great point! I never used them for email before but I will now.

Hi -

QR codes have been a *huge* boost for my business.  

Every piece of silver I sell goes to it’s new owner with a curator card that details it’s provenance.  With QR codes I have been able to add photos to that information. Now my clients get all the details of their piece plus a full complement of photos that serve as proof for inventory or insurance purposes.

Each piece has it’s own set of photos that reside on flikr then I use the QR code to link to that specific url.

The feedback I have received is tremendous.  It has really made by business stand out.

@sharonmunyak , funnily enough I will be posting about it on my blog tomorrow.  I’ll let you know the url when it’s up.

@joanmuschampfagnani @deairby @sharonmunyak

Here is the link to my QR code application post.  It’s just gone live.

QR code applications and vintage silver

@lisaschulteis I saw the same thing. Absolulety right. If we can’t text and ddrive how are we supposed to scan and drive?

@deairby @lisaschulteis another ridiculous place for a QR Code was part of an ad I saw while on one of those people-moving conveyor belts at the airport.

As a sign company, we are frequently asked to put QR codes on vehicle graphics.  We always recommend putting the code on the back of the vehicle.  A small code on the back of the vehicle can (and will) be scanned in parking lots and at events.  The idea is to make the code small enough to deter someone behind you (going 75mph) from scanning the code but make it accessible enough for a pedestrian to scan it.

Here’s a link to an article I wrote last year for using QR Codes on signs.  So, to answer your original question, yes… we have a few dozen QR Codes.

@caseyvaliant – I agree that if the QR code is small enough that it could only be scanned if parked, it makes sense.

The one on the bus was on a full-size, back of the bus billboard and took up half of the ad.  So they definitely were encouraging people to scan while driving.

And to think that CA has a hands-free law for using your cell phone…  :)

@caseyvaliant – I agree that they are an “in-between” tech… I just hope I do not see people walking around with them tattooed on their foreheads!

@deairby on one side you have printed materials listing contact information or a URL where you then go to your email program or browser and physically type in the information.  Now we have QR Codes.  On the other side is an augmented reality interface that further enhances and speeds the spread of information. 

Maybe someone shows you their business card as an app.  When you show them yours, perhaps your information is automagically transferred so now you are in each others contact lists.

Or perhaps a city bus pulls up to a bus stop and either through retinal, tactile or auditory means, passengers are notified if this is their destination or how many stops they still have to go and an estimated time of arrival.

Or perhaps I’m browsing through a magazine.  My smartphone device notifies me that there are 31 ads vying for my attention in this particular magazine. Which ones would I like more information on?

Some cool stuff that sounds a lot like science fiction… but then again, how many millions of people today can audibly ask their computer (iphone) what the temperature is and how many appointments they have for the day?

Oh, and those QR Tats… they’re here!

Does anyone know of a reliable QR code generator – would like the ability to create unlimited codes?  Thank you ~sharon

I was just playing around today with doing a QR code that is a Vcard.  Found out there is a free iphone app that works great that can scan a Vcard QR code and import it into your contacts.  The app is called Qrafter.  I think this would be useful to add a Vcard to your Business cards.

@jeremyesponosa and @deairby I believe Qrafter was what I used as well

QR codes can be a great marketing tool, when used wisely. Not like in these 5 examples, as explained in Mashable today: The Top QR Code Fails of 2011

@deairby  Yea a Vcard is a digital business card.  So when you use Qrafter on the iPhone to scan it automatically opens up your contacts and can input Name, Email, Phone #, website, and Address.  Although I recommend leaving out phsyical address because the more info you put in a Vcard QR code the harder it is to scan.

I’m starting an anti-QR code club. They’re great in theory but it’s never convenient to fiddle with your phone in order to grab the information. Fail! LOL

Thanks everyone for the quality responses. I have been wrestling with the use of QR codes and your comments help me decide on real-world uses. I saw this recently 3D printed QR code stamps Any good ideas for this product?

Has anyone used (or heard) of QR codes for a clothing line? Just curious…

@jeremyespinosa Thanks Jeremy. Yeah, I was thinking more along the lines of all of your SM accounts or simply directly to a mobile friendly page with a instant coupon on their next purchase. Or use http://www.incentibox.com/ in some way on the mobile page link to give a coupon after they share? Or maybe ask them to post a pic of them wearing the clothing so it can be shared on the companies’ Facebook account?

Any other ideas? (Full disclosure: I have a clothing line I am working on so initial strategy is still being ironed out.)

Great discussion. Love seeing how you are all using QR codes.

In our transport business we are not able to have liveried (sign written) vehicles as some of our clients desire discretion. A QR code will allow us to advertise but not breach our agreements. Once we have completed a risk assessment (ie how many accidents are we likely to cause by having them on a vehicle…) we can put a QR code on the vans.

We have them on the main website as people often search for courier services for future reference. 

Not sure I want to put them on business cards just yet. 

@seancookceo-salyrisstudios You reminded me of app on the iphone called WeReward.  With the app people can take photos of themselves with a company logo in the photo and get rewarded with points which can then be converted into real cash deposited into their Paypal.  I always thought that was a great strategy.

@seancookceo-salyrisstudios  No I don’t know anyone personally that has used it.  I was watching a course on Google Places when the instructor recommended it.  I downloaded the app and checked out the pricing.  Looks good because you can set a budget so you don’t overspend and you only pay when a customer actually comes in and makes a purchase.

i wax (type) lyrical about QR codes

i blog about them frequently and this may help some members out

top 10 places to put your QR code in your bricks and mortar shop

i know there are haters out there and some people that say that theyll never catch on, but its a point of different.

and lets face it, it takes less than 2 mins to create a QR code and thats a very VERY small price to pay for being (and offering) something different.

i have business cards that have enough blank space for me to be able to printout a QR code and stick it on there.

no longer do you have “just a face” on a business card but you can place a qr code that goes to a youtube click giving more detail about yourself.  better yet, personalise the video for that one person you give the card to and youre almost guaranteed a sale (or at least a damn good first impression)

dEx

I used to be great proponent of QR codes, and used them in many places. Now I’m not so sure. 
First, many marketers abuse them. The point is to provide more detailed info to those interested. In many case they now point to essentially the same info as on the place where you scanned the code. 
Second, many are not maintained. So you scan and they simply don’t work. Or they thoughtlessly placed on billboards where scanning angles are simply impossible.

Third, I think the technology is moving on to direct recognition of logos, objects etc.

But there is fun stuff too: this shows you how to customize QR codes to add branding; this is probably the best application I have ever seen using QR codes for shopping, they do it in Korea too; and here’s a QR code tattoo that provides animation!ANd for the latest see this.

iandigiAindra co ltd

@dextereugenio @heidilanford @ifenwick thanks for your input, it is quite interesting to read what you all have to say…Ian, it is interesting to see what the future holds for qr’s

well, that’s very interesting @ifenwick someone else mentioned something like that

@joanmuschampfagnani Thanks for your input. I work for a B2B company and we’ve been toying around with the idea of QR codes but could not figure out the best place to put them. Being a distributor of bar code scanners and printers I think we should try and get some QR codes out. Maybe QR codes on business cards is the best way to go about this! Again, thank you!

I use QR codes to track revenues generated from Facebook marketing activities. If you want to learn more just ask. @Jeff-korhan @ifenwick

@jeff-korhan I totally agree Jeff. JCPenny nailed it! Now that is how you integrate technology, social media and marketing all at the same time. Win-win!

great info, Jeff, like the link to the article @jeff-korhan If only we were prophets who could see the future! wise to watch if the percentage of scanners grows over the next year to year and a half @sbush @seancookceo-salyrisstudios @theodoresturos @hayleymonsell @joanmuschampfagnani Thanks everyone for participating in this discussion! This is such a great collection of information and readily available resource to refer to.

@robpeck @sbush @jeff-korhan @theodoresturos @lisaschulteis @seancookceo-salyrisstudios @hayleymonsell @joanmuschampfagnani @ifenwick @dextereugenio @bi2green @hobbyhillfarm  So, can one of you QR experienced ones help Rob with his question: “does anyone care to share their Analytics data on traffic from QR codes? I think in and of itself it can be valuable by making a business seem “cutting edge” or what have you, but are folks really seeing traffic from them?”

@ifenwick thanks, Ian, that info makes you wonder what all the fuss is about

@deairby @robpeck – Sorry I didn’t respond sooner.

I just recently started using QR codes, so I don’t have a huge number of stats to provide you, but I do have people scanning them.  Right now, I am primarily using them for traditional contact/social media contact info.

Are QR codes the next best thing to sliced bread?  Of course not.  However, I have seen some very creative uses for them and they are free.  Would I run out and incorporate them into all of my marketing materials and spend the money?  No.  However, as my biz cards run low, I will add them there.

They are simply an easy and effective way to get people to where you want them to go, whether it is a vcard or a landing page.

I have seen authors use them to get people to landing pages for their books… I have seen Home Depot put them on the tags of trees so you can scan them and get more info on the tree before you purchase it… I have seen realtors use them on their signs and their individual house flyers.

There is even a company in Texas painting them on the roofs of buildings so when people are in Google Maps and looking at the aerial view of a building, they can scan them (yep – that one is a bit far out in my book).

My favorite use is a grocery store in Korea.  There is a video on it here.  I love the creativity used here!!!

QR codes help you meet more people where they are.  Some people love them… some people could care less.  But for a free tool that some people do love, why not use them?

@robpeck if you are looking for a way to track your scans I am not positive but I don’t believe QR codes can do this but there are things called Snaptags. They are very similar to QR codes and they can be tracked.

http://www.spyderlynk.com/snaptag/what-is-a-snaptag/

I just saw a QR code in a magazine ad that gave me a a reason to dowload it– an offer of product  categeory info and recipes and tips from chefs. RIght in my swim lane!

My only problem is that I won’t read a long doc on a smartphone, so I need to get i the code or url to my computer.

@caitlinmiller I believer a direct integration into social media is a good idea. Any examples to share or screen shots?

@seancookceo-salyrisstudios @deairby

Here are some screen shots from a few recent campaigns:
http://on.fb.me/AmHsNF (Cadillac Escalade Launch)
http://on.fb.me/xP58Sx (BeautiControl NYC Fashion Week)
http://on.fb.me/xVdTPc (The Museum of Nature & Science)

Dea – our app takes care of sending all the information to the scanner and then to Facebook! The BestBuzz app is available free to download on iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry 6.0+

For my personal blog I have actually created a QR code and I printed them out on stickers.  I live in Philadelphia so I walked around on day and just stuck my QR code on random places.  Those that know what QR codes are have been doing it because I have followed up with a few of my followers to see if it was actually working.

What random places? Is it legal to put them up anywhere? If it is, then WOW on bypassing the sign ordinances! @matthewoneill

I would not know how to properly utilize a QR code. How to get one, what to even put on it. I know what they are but what business could best utilize QR codes?

We started using them on our business cards back in 2010 when you didnt see many about in the UK, but now you see them popping up everywhere. I still come across many people who don’t know what they are or what to do with them – however it has given us the chance to chat a bit further to people and explain the possibilities of using them and it creates a bit of a buzz. I think it’s great way to have your VCard instantly uploadable to someone’s phone without them having to type in manually. We have also used them in competitions and on posters leading to a specially created unique splash page on a website or a facebook app with a call to action rather than just to a generic web page and its a great way for transferring the offline advertsing into an online environment in a single click! We are now getting more interest from people wanting to use this as a marketing tool for promotions. I think though it still needs more awareness before it becomes a really popular way of marketing.

another tip sorry just thought of – not sure if someone has mentioned already – but be careful when customising them and what colours you use – we printed ours on a huge poster in green and black and it did not pick up the green for some reason so would just not scan. May be just a certain QR site we used not sure?

Can anyone else shed light on this and if they have experienced similar issues?