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What College Kids Think of QR Codes

by Fun to Write
16 replies
Hey

I just came across this good article about why young people are apathetic towards QR codes. Thought anyone currently promoting them or interested in doing so would want to read this.

Why QR Codes Aren't Catching On
#apathy #codes #study
  • Profile picture of the author somacorellc
    FWIW I got about a 10% conversion rate among strictly college kids this past summer. I passed out around 800 flyers and have 85 subs to my SMS marketing list. On the flyer I had a big ass QR code with the instructions "to get the best deals in columbia scan the code or text blah to blah"

    I think the key there was the alternate instructions for the people who couldn't figure it out or whose app didn't scan it correctly or any of the things mentioned in the article. It's funny how the article mentions that some kids think it will just scan without an app - and personally I think that would be a huge barrier removal to the acceptance of QR Codes. Just whip out your camera and scan - no app required.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveBagasao
    It's because kids have nimble fingers and can type on their phones at lightning speed. They have no problem typing in a web address in very quickly. Us old guys, on the other hand, have trouble just finding those little keys and greatly appreciate a QR code when available. :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author whyeyeschoice
    I don't think the QR Codes have been marketed correctly. I for 1) I am not familiar with QR Codes to a large degree. 2) it hasn't really been explained a whole lot. Therefore it's popularity isn't taking off.
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  • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
    QR codes are Robot Barf
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    grrr...

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  • Profile picture of the author rushindo
    I've been wondering for a while if QR codes will actually ever take off. I knew for a fact it would not take off as quick as many people assumed it would.

    The question is will it take off on a large scale and how long it will take. I agree with the person who said it wasn't marketed very well. In my opinion, it was kind of just "thrown" out there. Like a QR bomb exploded and little cereal box upc codes started appearing everyone... ;-)

    P.S. I'm a recent former college kid... just graduated May 2011.
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  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    When QR codes first came out, I offered it. I no longer offer it because I don't believe its going to benefit a business. I think it is a waste of time in most scenarios, and the money is better spent in other avenues. When google dropped QR codes, that just confirmed my thoughts. Not to mention they aren't very secure. All it is going to take is a couple spammers and scammers to ruin it for you guys.
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  • Profile picture of the author RobKonrad
    I'm open to anything "new" - but after a few times using QR links as a "customer" (curious what they would market), I gave up - in most cases, there's just a crappy link with no additional value.

    It's a pity because from a marketers perpective it's a great tool... it's just being mis-used (not talking about struggles on the user end), so I think it'll die a slow death...

    Cheers
    Rob
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    • Profile picture of the author midasman09
      Banned
      Au Contrare Re: College Kids NOT knowing QR Codes. I know 2 people who go to "Community College" towns....

      ....solicit businesses wanting to reach College Kids...
      ....getting them to offer Special Discounts or Coupon Offers
      ....set up a Mobile Website with a QR Code
      ....run Ads in the College Newspaper WITH the QR Code
      (SCAN HERE FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES!)
      ....place Signs at the Cash Register of various businesses WITH QR Codes

      They get a Nice Chunk O Change from each participating business every month.

      So.....they've been operating this since 2007 (that I know of)

      And....whereever the QR Code is placed there's also the URL to the Mobile Site.

      Don Alm....out in the Real World, seeing what's happening
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  • Profile picture of the author Greg guitar
    I'm among those still trying to understand all their uses (I don't even use a smart phone personally), but I still find them exciting, because the way I understand it so far, is they are basically a way to take web links offline-revolutionary!

    It took us all a while to get used to clicking links in the dark ages too. Now most people of any age, are quite used to those, but QR codes are still pretty new. I think it's kind of mind boggling that you can now basically "click a link", on a t-shirt, a flyer, or a realtor yard sign!

    If the app is the big roadblock, then perhaps they will really explode when that comes standard on every phone. In another thread, someone claimed that some of the big phone makers are now including it in all models. The future may be late to arrive, but it's still on the way imo.

    Plus, even if only 10% of college kids use them, that's a big enough market to make many people very wealthy.
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  • Profile picture of the author bevrichh
    Hello,
    As a REALTOR, I believe it works for me, was on a webinar yesterday with pbsmartcodes.com..pretty good stuff to learn for my business.
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  • Profile picture of the author James Kurt
    QR codes are just a tool that have a place in an offline marketer's arsenal of tools, products and techniques. Given that they are somewhat misunderstood and that only those who know about them and have the right equipment can unlock their secrets... it would seem to make sense to play up to the sophistication level or special discounts only for a select few. (argueably only those who know what they are doing)

    In this sense it would be a filter rather than a funnel.

    Unfortunately, and I'm paraphrasing here... "When your only tool is a hammer... Everything looks like a nail!"
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  • Profile picture of the author blueboxer
    One of the problems with QR codes, is that smartphones haven't adopted them effectively. Users have to download a separate app to use a QR code. A camera on a smartphone should automatically detect a QR code when the image is snapped.
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    • Profile picture of the author Its Trish
      Originally Posted by blueboxer View Post

      One of the problems with QR codes, is that smartphones haven't adopted them effectively. Users have to download a separate app to use a QR code. A camera on a smartphone should automatically detect a QR code when the image is snapped.
      Or better yet just wave your camera lens over a QR code (no picture snapping required) similar to how prices are scanned when you buy stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author JerrickYeoh
    Surprise that QR code work better in the offline marketing.
    QR code been largely use in magazine, newspaper and flyers.

    Most of the student will play fun with the QR code because it not only new to them and it will become a trend which they may scan the QR code and get for some discount or view some information for free.

    It like something hide among us and attract us to find out where the QR code lead us to.
    Like we going to open a Christmas present and no idea what is in there.
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    I think QR codes will do well but will take a bit of time.

    I was thinking just now of a great application. Why not QR codes for mobile food takeout/delivery? You have the menu at home, instead of calling, you click on what products you want on the menu? It gives you total, takes payment, gives ETA etc.....
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  • Profile picture of the author rondeeb
    I believe it will take more time until more establishments really get into it. Everyone is learning new technology right now and the use of QR code is just not on everyones mind yet, they are still trying to figure out how their new gadget works. Everyone has alot of good comments.
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