jamesburchill

"Goodbye QR Codes ... and Good Riddance!" - Gizmodo

Within the last month Google users started noticing the absence of the QR code on their Place page. This was met with dismay, joy and even indifference by business owners. This code, which seemed like a good idea, never really took off.

[Sidebar] Google is a fairly reliable indicator of what will and will not become successful. Are they always right? Nah... But, they've got some serious brain power behind their decisions and their recent choice to drop this technology means the bloom is now officially off the QR Code rose...

Google confirmed that they'd removed the QR codes from Place Pages and are currently exploring new and better ways to replace the technology.

Google is doing a campaign on the east coast to promote alternate technology and spread the word. However, unless it's cost affordable OR it catches on with the public like wild fire this may all fizzle out like the QR codes that never really took off.

[Sidebar] If Google is throwing money into "promoting alternative technologies" and "spreading the word" then you will be going against Google's massive marketing might if you choose to back QR Codes. This is a fight you most likely will lose. Time to stop beating a proverbial 'dead horse' and change horses...

References:

QR Codes: Goodbye and Good Riddance

Google Places puts QR Codes on the shelf ? The Register

Google Bored with QR Codes, Drops them from Places, on to NFC Next - Softpedia

Google Drops Ability To Print QR Codes For Businesses

QR Code RIP

The original WF thread that got me started on this path:

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-qr-codes.html

So are QR Codes dead?

Only time will tell.

James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur

WebRank1

Who actually uses QR codes anyway (customers not the owners)? Good riddance indeed!

Jay Moreno

Thats funny! I totally disagree QR codes are far from dead... i will even put a wager down that in the next 12 months you will see a massive increase in qr code usage with or without the backing of Google!

The only thing Google is interested in is making money - sending 40,000 static QR codes to businesses is losing them money.... and there are other companies offering both paid and free QR code generator and tracking servces that are a much better solutions than what Google was offering

QR codes are one of the most innovative ways of crossing the gap between print and digital marketing and interacting with the end user - sorry to disappoint you but its just the beginning...

Istvan Horvath

What if not everybody is following closely what G. does?

Recently I was at the Toronto International Authoshow and a lot of manufacturers were using R code on their displays:
QR Code at work during Autoshow | Facebook

Always-A-Warrior

ok after reading the rest of the posts I agree. Thanks for sharing.

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Lewis Leake

I am seeing more and more QR codes in magazines.

I just started looking for these in December & January - very few in the magazines that my wife gets and none in the magazines that I subscribe to.

However, I have noticed more and more over the past few months.

This will be interesting to follow.

Lewis

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Jay Moreno

75% of smart phone users have said they are interested in scanning QR codes - given the figures in 2010 for the US that would currently be around 34 million people... but growth in the smart phone sector is huge and will only increase as more and more people embrace the technology and deploy it with a good marketing strategy with smartphones becomes more affordable and accessible to the end user its a pretty much given that most "feature" phone users that do interact with online services will probably upgrade to a smartphone when they are ready to get a new phone...

Still in its infancy in the US QR codes have already got a few people adopting it into their marketing....
1. AT&T
2. Absolute Vodka
3. Aloft Hotels
4. Amazon (Entertainment Weekly ad)
5. American Airlines
6. American Cancer Society
7. American Eagle
8. Amway
9. Arizona Diamondbacks
10. Army Strong
11. Audible (Entertainment Weekly ad)
12. Axe (Unilever)
13. Bacardi
14. Barnes & Noble
15. Bebe
16. Bergdorf Goodman
17. Best Buy
18. Bissell
19. BlueFly
20. Bosch (spotted in full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal 12/6/10)
21. Buick
22. Calvin Klein
23. Campbell’s
24. Canon
25. Century 21
26. Chevrolet
27. Clinique
28. The Coca-Cola Company
29. Crayola
30. D’Agostino Supermarkets
31. Diddy
32. Delta
33. The Detroit Redwings
34. Dick’s Sporting Goods
35. Diddy
36. Disney (The Lion King)
37. Dominos
38. Dr. Pepper
39. eBay
40. Electronic Arts
41. ERA Real Estate
42. Express (Direct Mail piece)
43. Fanta
44. Ford
45. Fruit of the Loom (Entertainment Weekly ad)
46. The GAP
47. Garnier
48. General Mills
49. GMC
50. Gold’s Gym
51. Goodyear
52. Google Favorite Places *No more....
53. Heineken
54. HSBC Bank USA
55. Intel
56. Jaguar (The Wall Street Journal ad spotted (12/6/10)
57. Jones Apparel Group
58. JC Penny
59. The JFK Presidential Library and Museum
60. Kelley Blue Book
61. Kellogg’s Special K
62. Kraft Foods
63. Lacoste
64. Lane Furniture
65. Loreal
66. Macy’s
67. Mazda
68. Michael C. Fina
69. Microsoft
70. Morgan’s Hotel Group
71. Mountain Dew
72. MSG Entertainment
73. NCL
74. NBA All Star – 2010
75. Neiman Marcus
76. Nestle (Dolce Gusto) (Entertainment Weekly ad)
77. Nike
78. Nine West
79. New York City
80. New York Islanders
81. Norma Kamali
82. OnStar
83. Orlando (Bus)
84. Panasonic
85. Pepsi (Pepsico)
86. Pillsbury
87. Pioneer
88. Porche
89. Pottery Barn
90. Proctor & Gamble
91. REI
92. Reach Toothbrushes
93. Remax
94. San Diego Zoo
95. Santa Barbara Zoo
96. SAS
97. Scrubbing Bubbles (S.C. Johnson & Son’s)
98. Starbucks
99. Sears
100. Sierra Mist
101. Simon & Schuster
102. Simmons Bedding Company
103. SOAP.net (Entertainment Weekly ad)
104. Sotheby’s International Reality
105. SPIKE TV
106. Sprint
107. SuperYellowPages
108. TAGHeuer
109. Target
110. Time Warner Cable
111. Tissot
112. Tommy Bahama
113. Toshiba (Entertainment Weekly ad)
114. Toyota Motor Sales
115. Toys R Us
116. Uncle Ben’s Rice
117. Universal Pictures
118. UPS
119. U.S. Airways
120. U.S. Army
121. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – proposed use on car window decals in 2012
122. Verizon
123. Volkswagon
124. The City of Washington, D.C.
125. Warner Home Video
126. Wheaties
127. Whole Foods

The cost and logistics of deploying a QR code offline compared to NFC makes it for me a non brainer - QR codes love em or hate them are here to stay - but each to their own...

Web Content By Jim

Am I the only one who had to look up what a QR code is?

Maybe I am just that far behind the times...

Casper C

QR codes just need a bit more time. Mobile devices have a bit of a way to go before QR codes can easily become something standard. That's just my opinion.

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williamtan

I like QR code though. Though the big G dropping it doesn't mean QR is of no good. And yes, I do noticed QR codes were deployed more for mobile devices.

I wouldn't drop QR code definitely.

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srtyker

I would like QR Codes to stay, unless the alternative technology is good enough to make it obsolete. If so, suppose everyone will move with the times like it always has been.

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drmani

Doesn't that depend upon the ALTERNATIVE?

Anyone remember PointCast? A technology ahead of it's time
in 1998.

Today, who can say "push technology" is 'dead'?!



All success
Dr.Mani

Jesus Perez

I can see a use in offline marketing...to scan magazines and ads with your smartphone...but not online in any way. It's always seemed pointless online. What am I going to do? Scan the monitor with my smartphone so I can click the link in mobile Safari? lol...

Jay Moreno

I will go on the record and say i am biased towards the use of QR codes - i have my own business that specializes in QR code marketing, and will be shortly offering the same services to the small business and other marketers so yes i have a vested interest in QR technology as well as perhaps a biased view.

However that said just like with any tool that is made available to marketers its a matter of thinking outside of the box that will separate you from the average joe on the street - the potential for QR codes is huge its your own ideas that limit what you can do with them...

scanning your screen with your phone may sound pointless but think about this

what would you think about scanning a qr code on your screen to:

1) point you to an app you can download on your phone?

2) make you aware of a mobile site that is informative or helpful for you

3) load contact information, directions, a coupon code, etc to your phone?

4) it bookmarks a site on your phone so as you can read it later when a computer isn't necessarily accessible? Gardening tips, cooking tips, shopping lists?

5) to minimize user error subscribing to a SMS/TXT message campaign, or to make a donation using their phone?

It comes down to what reason, and what purpose the QR codes are being used - but there are so many different uses its only you inability to think outside the box why you wouldn't want to use them both online and offline...

that's what makes us good money right now with QR codes - helping business and consumers embrace and connect by giving them useful and innovative qr code marketing ideas

hth

GarrieWilson

Dead cause Google says so? Naw.

I went to the mall and saw them on
displays and have seen them on some
of my bills.

I am going to add one to my business
cards.

Seeing them online is eh but offline, I
think they have great potential.

CDs/DVDs should have them to link
your phone to samples or the trailer.

Lots of use for them or something
like it. Would be great if Android &
iPhone built them into the OS so an
APP isnt needed. (At least iPhone
needs an app.)

-g

Jesus Perez

I can definitely see a QR code being useful on a fixed advertising screen/kiosk. (I see more malls using LCD-based ads instead of paper.) But on my computer screen -with a connected mouse and keyboard- it's a bit redundant for my needs.

1, 2, 3, 4 can be done with a simple email link.
5 is interesting.

I'm sure you have more interesting ideas you're keeping a secret.

Jay Moreno

i don't quite follow - what do you mean by can be done with a simple email link?

you talking like a email to sms/txt - email to sms/txt messages are not reliable - in many cases a mobile phone carrier will delay or even block these type of messages...

type in your phone number so as you get a txt/sms message to your phone, leaves room for human error - also depending on what service you use there is a cost to you and the user of at least 1 sms/txt credit...

but still the end user still has to get their phone out, read the message/email click on it, etc, etc whereas they could have just quickly scanned the qr code.... making for a quick/easier user experience....

am not saying QR codes are a replacement for anything and are certainly not for everyone but at the end of the day there are many ways you can use them both online and offline - as i mentioned before the skies the limit - remember QR codes where not designed to be used in this manner - but someone thought outside of the box and took something that was designed to track car parts and made it into a great marketing tool!

and yes i do have lots of other working concepts! lol

karenloye

IMHO, I think QR codes have terrific potential in the offline world. Online, there are many other alternatives (such as a simple link), whereas offline there is the potential to tie an offline marketing tactic to an online initiative in the blink of an eye.

One of the biggest challenges of offline marketers is to achieve an effective marriage between offline and online marketing. QR codes are one way to help achieve this.

I also believe that smartphone use needs to increase substantially before we can fairly judge the fate of QR codes. At present, just under 1/4 of U.S. cell phone users have smartphones. However, this is changing rapidly.

Last year there was a 60% growth in smart phones in the U.S. By 2014 it is expected that more people will access the web via smartphones than by desktops or laptops. With this monumental growth, the ability to quickly access more information online by QR code technology has substantial potential. (Of course, if something better comes along, who knows. But that is yet to be seen.)

I can see why Google moved away from QR codes in an online environment. Offline, I believe there's a lot of life left!

FredJones

I would ask a different question: is Google moving away from multi-dimensional info codes (QR code being an example of that) or is it proving itself to be another Microsoft in the making?

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queenbuzzy

QR codes are HUGE overseas (especially Japan), they just haven't caught up here yet.

I think they're quite intriguing and as a marketer would love that kind of information about a customer, and to have that kind of instant outreach.

As a customer, however, I think the novelty will wear off once they realize how many text messages and notifications they'll be getting. We used to all looooooovvvvve email, and then spam happened. Now, we have separate emails for friends/family; business; and, well, crap. I think the same will happen with QR codes. Sure, you may only get a few texts from an individual company every now and again, but if you're scanning like mad and have hundreds of companies contact you...that just eats up your texts and wastes your time.

Right now, QR codes are bright and shiny...they may have some longevity, but once customers get information overload, they'll flee.

jamesburchill

All your replies are awesome. I'm in the optimistic but disappointed group at the moment. Yes, Google is "all about the money" - that's the definition of a business. Yes, they've chosen not to use them for a SPECIFIC TASK.

Yes, the industry might recoil and rethink for a moment ... but, given the better technology would not a QR Code be a better choice than an 'old fashioned' stripey bar code?

I love technology when it serves us. I believe (or should say, hope) that QR Codes will survive Google's action.

Like many of you, I am seeing QR Codes all over the pace, the liquor store (under certain brands and on bottles!), at the Mall (outside stores and on their hours), these compressed information symbols are making the right moves...

I guess we will have to see if users embrace them and ultimately choose to keep them.

I hope so

James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur

AceOfShirts

I own and run

QR Code Shirts

Maybe it's just my marketing, but it has never really done any serious business. I walk around town with a sample shirt on and I doubt if 1 person in 10 even knows what it is. Even my teenage kids didn't know what it was.

There isn't even that many searches for the products. I think the problem is the lack of "education" of the consumer for QR Codes.

What we need is a QRCode Movie, or maybe a QRCode based episode on one of the CSI's, NCIS or even Jersey Shore.

I guess we'll see what happens.

Dennis Graves

webbie

Google is dropping QR Codes to develop their own proprietary code format because they know that scanning codes is going to be big business and they can make money on it. They can't make money on QR codes because it's owned by someone else.

The patent for QR codes is owned by Denso Wave, a Japanese company but they let anyone use them royalty-free.

QR Codes are also AIM, International, JIS and ISO standards which means that just about any company, in the world, can use them reliably based on the standards that have been adopted.

As far as the usefulness of QR codes, well, there are so many...

Some of the best practices I've seen are the following:

1) Have you ever bought something that needed assembly? Manufacturers are using them in printed matter to help people assemble everything from bicycles to swing sets and more. You don't have to sit in front of the computer and go back and forth from the garage or back yard to the computer to assemble the product... you can watch and assemble on site. They place a QR code in directions that links to a YouTube video showing how to assemble the product!

2) Movie trailers, book trailers and previews of all kinds can be linked to QR codes on CD, DVD and ads for books. So while you're at the mall, you can get instant previews! A new book was recently advertised on the back page of a New York Times section that contained a QR code to a YouTube video that had a short video about the book.. it was very well done and creates excitement about the book. They failed however in one way: after the video they should have included a way to order the book instantly by phone (they didn't).

3) QR codes bridge the gap between physical and digital worlds in so many ways: digital coupons, mobile sites, ordering, tickets for events, direct ordering (just think of the direct response industry using QR codes so customers can order products right from the sales letter package!), and much more!

4) QR codes on product labels that direct users to more information about that product including where it was made or grown (in the case of fruits and vegetables) - especially for organically grown products it's a real value added. In addition I've seen a few products in the grocery store that provided videos on how to use the product in recipes ... great in-store marketing.

5) Non-profits are using QR codes to give supporters and easier way to donate. They receive a solicitation to donate in the mail with a QR code. Supports scan the code and can donate while sorting their mail.

6) Museums are placing QR codes near exhibits that link to more information and videos about that exhibit.

7) Industry catalogs are using QR codes to link to specification sheets and more...

8) Restaurants are using them at the table. It gives something for patrons to do while waiting for their orders. QR codes link to a video showing the kitchen staff at work preparing meals (behind the scenes) or a chef reveals one of secret recipes...

9) The real estate industry is embracing QR codes rapidly. They are placing QR codes on signage as well as ads in homes for sale magazines. The QR codes link to mobile sites with descriptions and videos of properties.

10) A highly successful QR code 'underground' marketing campaign in Hong Kong created a buying frenzy for Zoo Records. They used QR codes to create animal shapes and put them up all over the city. When people passed by they scanned the code to get music samples from alternative bands on their phones. The record label SOLD OUT a ton of CD's in a week after implementing the campaign. (do a search on YouTube for "Zoo Records QR code Campaign")

There's so much more... including scavenger hunts using Qr codes for clues (becoming very popular). One city is using QR codes on maps of the city to help visitors find landmarks, theaters, restaurants, and more).

But the key in adoption of QR codes by the public depends on the user experience.

I think if the response advertisers get is encouraging they will utilize space in ads to include QR codes. As long as they create a positive user experience then you will see a rapid adoption rate.

The QR code is far from dead.... lol... it's just beginning.

Dave

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Jay Moreno

I would rather scan a qr code than submit my phone number to a SMS short code any day... qr codes dont collect your phone number so am not sure how they would eat up your text

If the qr code connected through to auto populate an SMS message maybe but the user still has to interact and send it...

You may find yourself wasting time by scanning qr codes as you walk down the street and perhaps scanning codes that don't provide a good mobile experience

However that said, you can normally also see where your linking too before you open your browser, but then that brings up the problem with FREE QR code generators like goo.gl and bit.ly

Typically they do not let you provide a branded destination url - unlike using a premium company like ours you can brand your destination url not only that if a business takes the time to also customize their QR codes too ie include their logo or text within the QR code itself - that also will make their QR codes not only just stand out from all the other QR codes but also provide more trust over just a regular qr code...

Look at these links what would you rather open in your phone browser after a scan...

goo.gl/sdfdfsdfs or qrtrack.me/warriorforum

The links are just and example and dont work but with thats the type of branding we provide our business clients with a custom qrcode with a logo in it - qrtrack.me is the domain we use to track QR codes

But the google url could lead you anywhere... but i will add some qr readers do actually show the forwarding url too in which is certainly helpful when using free qr code generators - but saying that many qr code generators have very limited tracking analytics and dont offer QR code vector output either which answers some of the questions of why choose a premium qr code generator and tracking over free...

hth

garyv

I think Google may be backing off because they are realizing that people that are now using the QR codes are skipping their normal Google use when they do it. For example where a person would have normally looked the company or info up on Google, now all they have to do is scan the code. Your results can't get any more relevant than that, and that leaves Google out of the equation.

I don't think they're going away either, unless Google has something better hidden up it's sleeve. Just this morning I saw CNN using it in a few different stories.

queenbuzzy

The QR models I have been privy to require the user to scan the code, and then the company then gets permission to contact that person through SMS (sending them additional coupons, deals, etc). I've seen it in action...so I know that QR codes are a brilliant way to connect with the customer, but on the other hand, the customer will then receive texts (through SMS that are sent to your phone) from the company. I don't have unlimited text on my phone, so this isn't anything that would interest me. As far as I know (and I could be completely wrong!), a cell phone company does not distinguish between SMS and regular phone texts on their plans. I know I get charged for all texts...SMS, phone, or otherwise...

I have no idea if the ability to collect phone numbers is possible...but I do know that companies will text you if you scan the QR code.

Jay Moreno

sounds like the qr code pre-populates an sms message on the users phone - the user would still have to interact ie send it for the message to be sent and for them to be subscribed to the site... but this is a method we use to get people to sign up for coupons/offers, etc

it is actually regulation here in the US at least that you put a disclaimer identifying any costs involved with SMS and how to stop the messages - that is if they are using proper SMS with a shortcode...

the phone companies dont distinguish the cost difference of the sms.txt message unless its a premium sms message - however they will decide in the event its an SMTP email txt message if it is spam or if it should have priority delivery or if it should be delivered at all...

hth

celenco

I never got the use for QR codes, but the sad part is some marketers sold QR Code services to their clients. SMH

Jay Moreno

what's sad about that? qr codes are a very effective form of marketing... non of my clients have sad faces and I certainly don't

jamesburchill

I've been working with our local Chamber of Commerce and have done exactly that! We developed a scavenger hunt around the various retail stores and used 'scanning a QR Code' as part of the challenges.

The local businesses love it because "the hunt" exposes them to all the participant's friends (typically 130+ per social network), and the participants love it because it's cool, fun and they win prizes for playing.

This scavenger hunt model has become popular with towns and cities looking to step up their local marketing game. And if you didn't get the hint, this is one way that I use QR Codes successfully

Thanks for the great reply Dave.

James Burchill ~ Bestselling Author & Coursepreneur

jdomainer

I've asked around my business networking groups (appox. 90 small businesses) and only 1 person claimed to have even heard of QR codes.

But when I explain what can be done, as so many of you have suggested in this thread, they are interested.

I takes someone to educate and show a business how they can make money with QR codes for it to take off. Just like any marketing technique- you have to promote it.

Janice Sperry

Just saw on network news a young man getting a tattoo of the QR code for his band. If people liked the band he could just show them his bicep and they could scan it into their phone.... As long as smart phones are hot I think we have only seen the tip of the iceburg on QR codes.

tpw

The delay in the wide-acceptance of this technology is down to cell phone technology.

99% of cell phones world wide have SMS messaging capabilities.

But only 24% (?) of cell phones have digital imaging capabilities and Internet capabilities.

The QR Codes require the latter cell phone technology to be used. And since the market is still far short of its true potential, it is a market that will only grow as we go forward.



For those who believe that Google ditching the technology spells the end of the road for the technology, I guess you have missed all of Google's failures in the marketplace.

Google Video crashed, which forced Google to buy YouTube for billions.

Google Answers stopped answering questions.

Google Orkut -- the new FaceBook -- in Brazil only...

Google Audio Ads went silent...

More here: There’s No Success Like Failure: Google’s Biggest Product Flops

Sparklesperson

QR codes are for offline marketing.. not ONLINE marketing. Meaning, they are for offline use, not online use..

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Patricia Reszetylo
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psresearch

I find this site useful:
QR Code and Two dimensional Bar Code News

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Jay Moreno

i disagree... never limit thinking outside the box... as mentioned previously on this thread...

You can use QR codes online for:

1) point you to an app you can download on your phone?

2) direct you to a mobile site that is informative or helpful for you ie get directions on your phone

3) load contact information, coupon codes, etc to your phone?

4) it bookmarks a site on your phone so as you can read it later when a computer isn't necessarily accessible? Gardening tips, cooking tips, shopping lists?

5) to minimize user error subscribing to a SMS/TXT message campaign, or to make a donation using their phone?

theres plenty of other things you can do with QR codes online too...

fitz10

Usage of QR codes grew 1200% between July 2010 and December 2010. I don't think they're dying off given those statistics, but I think it is possible Google is either planning to develop their own code or planning to take advantage of near-field communication codes instead.

edwood

I only heard about these a few days ago -- suddenly they seem to be everywhere.... for now at least.

Michael

jtoelle

QR Code usage is on the RISE. Google just didn't give it enough time. Each day more and more QR codes are showing up everywhere.

Here's a FREE QR Code Generator site we put up. Does everything you would need for FREE.

QR Code Generator
www.YourQRCode.net

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CDarklock

QR Codes have a boatload of potential.

So do most failed systems and concepts.

I've been saying for a little over a month now that I simply don't see anyone doing much of anything with QR codes except selling them to offline businesses as "the next big thing."

I don't see any of those offline businesses getting much benefit from them, but the marketers servicing those campaigns are getting some mighty big checks and making a lot of noise about how great QR codes are for offliners.

Really? Honestly?

How?

I have not heard a single success story. "We sold a company QR codes on their webpages for $15k. We put a QR code on every single page that you could take a picture of the code and load that page right up on your phone."

Oh yeah? Great! How many people used the QR codes?


Don't know? Okay. How much did their traffic go up?

No added traffic? Okay. How many more customers did they have after you put up the QR codes?

No real change, huh?

Okay, so refresh my memory.

WHAT did they give you $15k to do, again?

And WHERE was the ROI in this?

I just don't see the value. I don't see why anyone would buy this from you and then ever want to do business with you again.

"The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers

Tim_Hawksworth

I think Google is used to Internet speed
and so expected the QR code usage to rise faster.

Offline stuff takes ages - sometimes several years to catch on.
The rise in QR code use is continuing. Remember that many firms
will be arranging their print orders months in advance of when they come out.

Thats very different for the Internet publishing time lines.

Looks to me like QR code will be around for long time regardless of what big G does.



.

CDarklock

QR codes have been around for over 12 years.

"The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers

midasman09

Picture this scene;

A tourist registers for a hotel room. Goes to his room (with luggage) Sets luggage down...goes potty...picks up tv remote....discovers the tv channels are different in his room than they are at home....sees a "TV Channel Guide" sitting next to the tv....picks it up to find his favorite channels....notices a Picture of a Mouth-Watering PIZZA on the front.... turns the piece over and sees other places to eat....then....he sees QR Codes he can scan in on his cell, to order a Pizza or see what the other restaurants look like....RIGHT THERE IN HIS HAND!

So....rather than hunting thru an "In-Room Directory" to find places to eat (He did NOT bring food with him)....or phone the front desk asking where are the local restaurants....he can just "take a picture" of the QR Codes on the TV Channel Guide and SEE what each restaurant looks like and order food or reserve a table....ON HIS PHONE!

I'm sorry but....QR Codes are JUST STARTING to become a "Marketing Aide".

Also...how about this one;
A couple are out cruising a neighborhood, looking for a house to buy (or rent)....they stop in front of a property that looks appealing....aim their phone out the window, at the QR Code ON THE FOR SALE SIGN and....up comes a Video or all kinds of info about the property....ON THEIR PHONE!

They didn't even have to get out of their car!

You kidding me! These QR Codes have JUST BEGUN to be "Money-Makers" for people with the ability to see "Huge Benefits" to businesses that want to "make it easy for consumers to FIND THEM!"

Go ahead....believe the negativity about QR Codes....just makes it easier for "US" Sales Guys to "Scoop Up The Cash".

Don Alm....getting his "Scooper" ready

Biztag

bizTag offers a new style of qr code, more relevant, dynamic and used for advanced mobile search. If you think qr codes are going away anytime soon, you are incorrect! bizTag takes a qr code and tags it with a keyword for Organic SEO, Visual Stimulation, Security and Advanced Mobile Search from Print and Digital media channels. You can't tap a NFC tag from your t.v. or web cast show, and neither can your potential buyer or viewing audience. QrTag's enable you to vote, track, promote, purchase and get to the exact place where a business or entity is advertising without any confusion or lag time. biztag.com

Biztag

I could not have said it better my self Jay, you are a smart man. Congrats on the new baby! biztag

Biztag

Jay, Great post, the amount of companies that are using qr codes are too great to list. You have done a good job of touching the surface, with this post. Being in the software business for the last 10 years, I can say you are correct about qr codes not going away and NFC tags and the cost to deploy, etc. The Qr Code is simple, Globally recognized and affordable to integrate. bizTag.com offers you a mobile micro site, web 2.0 site and a Global 2D bar code tag; aka: qrtag / biztag- (a qr code tagged with a keyword) Please keep in mind that a NFC tag, yet handy in retail point of contact applications, are not useable with digital media, like t.v. or web casts, etc.. . If you understand marketing, then you know that businesses are always trying to "remote" market, up sell and/or cross sell products to consumers when they are not at the physical location of the retail establishment. Qr Tags enable businesses to reduce their retail and instore inventory footprint, run specific analytics on print media and point of contact advertising for defining their target market for Best ROI, provide a direct link to the check out page of the item being offered, immediate and efficient use for end users and their hand held computer/Smartphones (which spikes customer service, loyalty and negates abandonment rates) Take your online business mobile in minutes with bizTag.com - Turnkey Mobile-Web business solution.

Biztag

Qr Tags are here to stay for good. Welcome to the advanced qr code by bizTag.com
Thanks for the post!

David Brown

I have even seen a QR code on my TV screen. It was for a cookery program and they put up a QR code for the recipe as well as the website URL.
The QR code in this instance is the easiest option to use.

They will be around for a long time and will only get better!!!

If you see a business out there without one...... jump in and earn some $$$

Dave

lembone

I was thinking the Same thing.. wow.. Qr codes are big now..

opublishers

I just knew what they looked like and that they had something to do with coupons

Great thread everyone!