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Poll: Do you know anyone who actually uses QR codes

by Jgregory
28 replies
I'd like to see some Warrior opinions on this. The research on users of QR codes is pretty thin except for those promoting it.

So, I was curious about the QR code thing for marketing. Sounds good and there are a ton of creative ways popping up to use QR.

My Test should Reveal

So, I'm thinking I can get a feel for...

* How many smartphone owners know how to use QR codes.

* How many do so on a regular basis.

* Is age a factor? What age group is most likely Not to use QR codes?

First I went to one of the 100's of websites allowing you to make an image. Did that with a Phone number and a URL.

Image size was a large 350px by 350px with very good resolution.

Then I sent an email 5 people I know personally. They own smartphones. Asked them to help me test this QR code thing. I inserted the image in the email body, and also included a link to a webpage if they could not see the image in the email

Here's what the email said.

Hey there

Do me a favor and test this QR code image from your phone.

If you don't see the image here, just click this URL and you will see the QR image on your laptop or desktop. Then you can scan this image right from your monitor

URL here to the image

So anyway... once you can see this QR code image, just scan the image with your phone's scan/camera. This should put my phone number right there in your phone LED screen, ready to Tap-and-Dial.

We need to catch up anyway.

Would appreciate a blow-by-blow of each step.

* Did it work and put the Number on your phone's LED ready to tap-dial?

* Did it automatically dial the number when you scanned it? Some phones
will do that I think.

Thanks in advance.

The 5 people were

1) 29 years old. female. architect. totally connected to web, phone, electronics.

2) 59 yr. male. electrical engineer. computer savvy. lives with a smartphone 24/7

3) 32 female. accountant. artist. city girl. Mac user.

4) 16 yrs. male. high school. Has wires dangling from all body parts.

5) 44 male. sales executive. on the road. constant smartphone user

Results from this Test

This is hardly a scientific test and not large enough sample to be statistically valid, but was I ever surprised by the results.

All of them failed on first attempt. Two emailed back telling they would have to go look for a scanning app to download. Two of them took a photo of the QR code and asked, "What do I do with it now, Jan?"

Eventually, after a few days went by... one of them got an app downloaded. Scanned it and tapped to dial with no problem. This was the 59 year old engineer. He thought it was cool.

This didn't meet my expectations at all. And yeah, its only 5 people. But in that bunch I was expecting at least 4 out of 5. And I figured the 16 year old was a slam dunk. He'd never seen one and didn't want to find out... has the attention span of a fruit fly of course... but don't all of in those teen years.

So, what do you think? Make a post and leave your opinion if you have one.
#codes #poll
  • Profile picture of the author jacquic
    I wish I could help more, but I've never done full testing.

    Many of the people I know do know how to use them (we're in the UK), but whether they do or not...

    We add QR codes as a matter of course and track them as we do clicks-throughs - so it's just an extra option in the bid to make it easier for people to visit. I remember feeling this way when the internet was new - adding website links alongside the phone numbers for the few people who might know what to do with the links!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jgregory
      Originally Posted by jacquic View Post

      I wish I could help more, but I've never done full testing.

      Many of the people I know do know how to use them (we're in the UK), but whether they do or not...

      We add QR codes as a matter of course and track them as we do clicks-throughs - so it's just an extra option in the bid to make it easier for people to visit. I remember feeling this way when the internet was new - adding website links alongside the phone numbers for the few people who might know what to do with the links!
      Cool... what does your tracking reveal? That should give you a nice little universe of impressions for the image and then eventual clickthrus
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      • Profile picture of the author jacquic
        It shows a steady trickle of responses (rather than a flood), but we're not pushing too much right now as we're really busy. In addition to the usual (on fliers, etc), we added codes to a client's magazine articles (monthly column we do) and we'll see what happens there.

        I'm about to add them to my Kindle books too - we shall see. I might add them to t-shirts too.

        On balance, I think they're worth sticking with, but I don't have the time to do a large campaign involving them.

        Have you tried them with your business yet?
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  • Profile picture of the author wilder1047
    As jacquic mentioned she's in the UK so her results will be different.

    North America is generally lacking in this whole mobile trend.

    In Japan QR Codes are EVERYWHERE. One of the most innovative ways I've seen QR Codes used was in a subway station in South Korea. Where I believe Tesco just put up large posters of shopping aisles with QR codes under the items to purchase and have delivered to your house.

    Even in Thailand, while QR codes weren't relevant at the time, it certainly seemed like the people there were more phone saavy, if they could afford them of course.

    I said 10% in your poll, but I think that's 10% of North America, I'd bump that number to atleast 30% when dealing with European and Asian countries... that's founded on absolutely nothing btw, haha.

    Thanks,

    James
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    • Profile picture of the author Jgregory
      Originally Posted by wilder1047 View Post

      As jacquic mentioned she's in the UK so her results will be different.

      North America is generally lacking in this whole mobile trend.

      In Japan QR Codes are EVERYWHERE. One of the most innovative ways I've seen QR Codes used was in a subway station in South Korea. Where I believe Tesco just put up large posters of shopping aisles with QR codes under the items to purchase and have delivered to your house.

      Even in Thailand, while QR codes weren't relevant at the time, it certainly seemed like the people there were more phone saavy, if they could afford them of course.

      I said 10% in your poll, but I think that's 10% of North America, I'd bump that number to atleast 30% when dealing with European and Asian countries... that's founded on absolutely nothing btw, haha.

      Thanks,

      James
      James your spot on with all the research I read. In fact it all began in Japan I believe

      @jaquic

      No, I have not used it yet. Seems like a good fit as an alternative method addon to another media.. sucn as placing them in print adverts. But it might be a distraction to all those without smartphones and in the 70%, 80% or whatever % doesn't have a scan app installed.

      @quentin

      Agreed. There's a segment that does fit. Question: are any of the smartphones capable of scanning these WITHOUT downloading an App? That's was the stumbling block for my 5 testers
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      • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
        Less than 10 percent

        I'm surprised you do not list that above. From talking to friends & family I say QR Code and I get a blank stare. I do not think they have taken off yet.
        I have seen a recent increase of QR's showing up. However I think their growth is still in its infancy. Had a sales person the other day promoting "Super pages" not once did she mention QR codes, or the need for them.Just wanted us to list a ad with super pages,


        Side Note: she had a QR Code on her business card.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    I run a QR code tracking service and our phone runs off the hook with everything from fruit growers to bed manufacturers, retailers to book publishers, wine makers to car yards.

    1 out of 5 that's 20% and millions of Smartphone users that's good ods in my book and you gotta love that baby boomer. Biggest segment in the market so glad he pushed through.

    As for the US I just had a client come back and say they were every where and called me to put them on all his products.

    I believe that the music industry is about to start adding them to the covers so then that young guy will know what they are. A lot of the boutique labels are already.

    It is early days but the market is hungry.

    After all we pay hundreds for them phones and gosh darn it they got to be more than just making calls and sending text.

    Just saying

    Q

    -------------------------

    Scan my QR Code to win a Free tracking account

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  • Profile picture of the author leemax
    I don't know about others to much except quite a few of my friends and family have and use them often. I'm 65 and use mine all the time. They actually can come in quite handy once in a while.
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    The Leemax Group
    Marketing and Sales Consulting
    for Small Business

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  • Profile picture of the author Danielm
    My only experience with them, outside of my own I do use them. I set one up at a store, scan, like our FB page, and take 10% off any single item, its clearly marked right up at the check out area. Over a 2 month period and 1000s of people in and out of the store, 12 scans. I'm sure the number is lower because there was another step for them to do but it was much lower than I expected.
    For reference, a retail store in a fairly well off area so they might have been slightly less motivated by a few dollars.
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  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    I am actually working on doing a case study for this. I'm going to be doing calls to businesses locally and seeing how many people have smart phones in their business, total number of employees, and how many of them know what a QR code is, and if they even use them.

    Of course, I honestly don't care about the QR codes... I just want to use this opportunity as bait to establish trust and leverage.

    My guess would be that about 1-2% in the US use QR codes, I'd be VERY surprised if it were more than that. I don't even use QR codes.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jgregory
      This is just my first thought given to using QR for marketing. A bit surprised to see so many saying this not really used that much.

      Here's that technical Question again if anyone has the answer... and at the heart of my small testing sample with friends. They just didn't have the time to search up an app to do the damn thing. The 59 year old who did get it done, it was 3 days later when he got around to downloading the app

      Are any of the smartphones capable of scanning these WITHOUT downloading an App? That's was the stumbling block for my 5 testers

      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      I am actually working on doing a case study for this. I'm going to be doing calls to businesses locally and seeing how many people have smart phones in their business, total number of employees, and how many of them know what a QR code is, and if they even use them.

      Of course, I honestly don't care about the QR codes... I just want to use this opportunity as bait to establish trust and leverage.

      My guess would be that about 1-2% in the US use QR codes, I'd be VERY surprised if it were more than that. I don't even use QR codes.
      I'd love you to see you come back and post the results, and brilliant marketing gem you got there... using the freemium model applied to local lead generation. The "survey" model for telemarketing is quite a bit easier for the callers and produces higher response rates... and nice the way you've tailored it directly to a specific marketing topic that almost everyone would be interested in giving an opinion.
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      • Profile picture of the author Madam X
        Well, I am pretty old (60) & as soon as I laid eyes on my very first QR code, I knew that I'd have to download an App (have NO idea how I just knew this!). I have an I-phone & went straight to my Apps & downloaded the scanner. Easy peasy.

        I love QR codes & I think that we'll be using them more & more. Everyone is jumping on the 'coupon bandwagon' & that's a great way to deliver a coupon or money off any services. By the way, they've been crazy for QR codes for several years in Japan. Granted, they're way ahead in technology over then & also in Europe.

        Cheers,
        Madam X

        Originally Posted by Jgregory View Post

        I didn't think to put less than 10%, and this is my first thought given to using QR for marketing. A bit surprised to see so many saying this not really used that much

        This is a technical Question and at the heart of my small testing sample with friends. They just didn't have the time to search up an app to do the damn thing. The 59 year old who did get it done, it was 3 days later when he got around to downloading the app

        Are any of the smartphones capable of scanning these WITHOUT downloading an App? That's was the stumbling block for my 5 testers



        I'd love you to see you come back and post the results, and brilliant marketing gem you got there... using the freemium model applied to local lead generation. The "survey" model for telemarketing is quite a bit easier for the callers and produces higher response rates... and nice the way you've tailored it directly to a specific marketing topic that almost everyone would be interested in giving an opinion.
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by Jgregory View Post

        I'd love you to see you come back and post the results, and brilliant marketing gem you got there... using the freemium model applied to local lead generation. The "survey" model for telemarketing is quite a bit easier for the callers and produces higher response rates... and nice the way you've tailored it directly to a specific marketing topic that almost everyone would be interested in giving an opinion.
        Definitely.. I'm hoping to have about 200 calls done by tomorrow.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jgregory
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

          Definitely.. I'm hoping to have about 200 calls done by tomorrow.
          Lets us know... you've got a brilliant idea here
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          • Profile picture of the author jacquic
            But it might be a distraction to all those without smartphones and in the 70%, 80% or whatever % doesn't have a scan app installed.
            I think it isn't a distraction - if people see something they don't know what it's about, their eyes just slide on by.

            Most newer phones have the apps inbuilt - or do in the UK, anyway.

            A client of mine brought 'no app' concern up, so we added a bit of text beneath the code saying they could download the app (better put than that!).
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  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    Google dropped it. That should tell you something.

    I would've answered the poll but my answer wasn't on there. I was going to say ZERO!
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  • Profile picture of the author camkid
    I'm seeing them more and more in mags and newspapers. Still mainly used by the big companies, but noticed a few local estate agents are also now using them. Putting them on the 'for sale' sign outside a house seems like a good idea to me so you can scan and have a nose inside I offer them as a freebie for my offline clients, and we use them for marketing, reviews, offers etc.

    Pete
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  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    I want to mention three things about this subject.

    1) I would say under 1%. I ask businesses all the time how many people will scan the QRs and their responses are consistent...very few so far.
    2) Of the people that own smart phones, I would say only 1% scan codes with their phone because they have NO idea how to do it. I think as it becomes a built in thing in phones (it is on the new DS as well), things will get better.
    3) Now saying this, I do not use QR codes on all flyers and printed materials to get it scanned, I am using it to draw people's attention to the sign. Number one rule and first step to marketing is "GET THEIR ATTENTION" QR is CERTAINLY doing that for my clients.
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    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
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  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    My polling data:

    170 calls

    124 conversations with people, the remaining 46 didn't answer or weren't interested in speaking. As a perk for speaking with me, these companies were entered into a drawing for 1,000 post cards or 5,000 business cards, whichever they choose, including the design of them.

    These businesses range from lawn care companies, dentist offices, law firms, contractors, etc. Perfect day for this since its been sleeting and the weather is no good.

    6 of the 124 companies are currently using QR codes in their marketing materials. Of those 6 companies, they had a combined 2 scans, I believe it was them that scanned it.

    Out of the 124 companies, there were 513 total employees that are in this polling sample.

    Of the 513 employees(including owners or managers) only 28 knew what QR codes were.

    Of the 28 that knew what QR codes were, only 7 they have apps to take advantage of the QR codes.

    Of the 7 that actually have apps, only 2 said they use it regularly.

    So out of this polling sample. Less than 1% of the people I have called, know what QR codes are.

    25% of the people that know what QR codes are, have an app to scan them.

    The 25% of people that have an app to scan them... only abut 28-30% actually utilize it regularly.

    Of course this data isn't conclusive but I believe it kind of gives you an idea. Of course... you scale this up to the population of the US... then you still have big numbers of people who can take advantage of this. For small businesses, maybe it isn't something that will change their ROI, but for major corporations, yeah I think it can.

    The really interesting thing... breaking this down statistically.. If a business needed to have an ROI on QR codes... their chances are better playing roulette than it is making money from QR codes alone. Just numbers here, don't shoot the messenger.



    EDIT: I would also like to say that I made 3 sales today, without trying to sell them. Just told them what I do, and that I'm conducting a poll in order to serve my clients better and give them the best results. There are 8 more very interested companies which I will probably close a few on monday or tuesday.
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      EDIT: I would also like to say that I made 3 sales today, without trying to sell them..

      Nice congradulations on the sales !!!! and Thank you for sharing the results of the polls.. Do you think the people that learned from you about QR Codes will call you later down the road when they want more information about them ?
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        Nice congradulations on the sales !!!! and Thank you for sharing the results of the polls.. Do you think the people that learned from you about QR Codes will call you later down the road when they want more information about them ?
        Thanks. No I don't think so, but maybe? I don't really do much with QR codes, to me I have always seen it as a nice extra and business owners love the concept of it once they understand what it does. The main problem is, it is hard for me to sell things I don't believe can effect ROI or do anything great for them. If a client wants a QR code, I give it free.

        My goal wasn't really to educate people on QR codes, just to get some data, and build a relationship. They now know I'm different than others in my field, they know that if they need internet marketing or any marketing help, I'm the guy they need. That was pretty much the goal today.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jgregory
      Thanks for taking the time to report such detailed numbers, you've certainly provided anecdotal evidence that's pretty compelling about the awareness and usage, but my hat's off to you for the brilliant opener to a cold calling campaign.

      Not only is 3 one-close sales out of 200 total calls is very good conversion ratio... and your conversion to 124 long conversations where they are providing you with information... that's excellent. Well done. Add it seems it happened because you simply offered an opportunity to have a business discussion and let them express their opinions, which we all love to do.

      This is the kind of creative, consultative relationship approach that opens doors that are shut tight to other cold callers. I'm betting its because you were not "selling" and those 3 sales came naturally from you answering a question something like this... "What is you do exactly?" And what a great way to have an outbound sales calls develop. That's a 180 turnaournd that makes you the pursued, instead of the pursuer. Brilliant.

      Regards,
      Jan

      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      My polling data:

      170 calls

      124 conversations with people, the remaining 46 didn't answer or weren't interested in speaking. As a perk for speaking with me, these companies were entered into a drawing for 1,000 post cards or 5,000 business cards, whichever they choose, including the design of them.

      These businesses range from lawn care companies, dentist offices, law firms, contractors, etc. Perfect day for this since its been sleeting and the weather is no good.

      6 of the 124 companies are currently using QR codes in their marketing materials. Of those 6 companies, they had a combined 2 scans, I believe it was them that scanned it.

      Out of the 124 companies, there were 513 total employees that are in this polling sample.

      Of the 513 employees(including owners or managers) only 28 knew what QR codes were.

      Of the 28 that knew what QR codes were, only 7 they have apps to take advantage of the QR codes.

      Of the 7 that actually have apps, only 2 said they use it regularly.

      So out of this polling sample. Less than 1% of the people I have called, know what QR codes are.

      25% of the people that know what QR codes are, have an app to scan them.

      The 25% of people that have an app to scan them... only abut 28-30% actually utilize it regularly.

      Of course this data isn't conclusive but I believe it kind of gives you an idea. Of course... you scale this up to the population of the US... then you still have big numbers of people who can take advantage of this. For small businesses, maybe it isn't something that will change their ROI, but for major corporations, yeah I think it can.

      The really interesting thing... breaking this down statistically.. If a business needed to have an ROI on QR codes... their chances are better playing roulette than it is making money from QR codes alone. Just numbers here, don't shoot the messenger.



      EDIT: I would also like to say that I made 3 sales today, without trying to sell them. Just told them what I do, and that I'm conducting a poll in order to serve my clients better and give them the best results. There are 8 more very interested companies which I will probably close a few on monday or tuesday.
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      • Profile picture of the author Madam X
        That was quite a bit of work you've done. Very impressive. There was a discussion on the E-Marketing Association Network on Friday:

        PayPal trials QR code mobile shopping on Singapore's metro service
        Social News: PayPal trials QR code mobile shopping on Singapore's metro service - PayPal Trials QR Code Payments in Singapore

        So, we'll see how this scales up. People like an easier way to shop. They're busy. As soon as they get used to using QR Codes - it will be crazy.
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    I think QR codes will catch on, but it will take time for the broad public to get awareness in mass marketing.

    I'd think the near term use of QR codes would be more business efficiency, employee use, and current customers in which you have an existing relationship. In all these situations you have more of a captive person and an opportunity to do a little educating on the use of the QR codes as opposed to mass QR code marketing hoping someone out there knows what to do with it. I think that will happen as awareness gets out.

    i.e. manufacturers creating QR codes put on their products to link to user manuals/instructions etc... that could reduce mundane calls to customer service by a big margin. How bout Ikea putting the QR code to a video or better instructions in putting their flatpack furniture together.

    A big help would be if the phone companies would have the QR reader embedded to automatically recognize them w/ the standard camera app. Then nobody has to be told to go to the app store and download a reader app.
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