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Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

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Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#121

Post by ColinWright »

learc83 wrote: post #86
rprospero wrote: post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It took me 28 seconds to type in this sentence on my cell phone. I didn't use auto-correct, so it's a pretty good match for typing a url, if a little long. That time did include going back through to correct for errors. Comparatively, I've never seen a QR code scan in under a minute, either on my own phone or on one from my friends, family, and coworkers. I could see the glasses thing being a pain.

>I've never seen a QR code scan in under a minute, How is it taking you that long to scan QR codes? I'm using a free barcode scanner with a fairly slow phone (LG Optimus) and I just pulled up a bunch of QR codes to scan. Every one is done in under a second. It takes the same amount of time for me to pull up either the keyboard or the barcode scanner, and I definitely can't type a url in under 1 second, so the scanner…

I suspect he's not talking of the time to actually scan the code, but the total time, given one code, of picking up the phone, finding the app, activating the scanner, checking the URL that it brings up, and then hitting "Go".

As I say, I do all that in about 20 seconds. Once the app is open, individual scans are very quick.

Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#122

Post by xlevus »

I have a few issues with QR codes.

1. They are still cumbersome to use. If I could open up my camera app (which I can launch with a press of a button) and point it at the QR code then maybe. But currently I've got to unlock my phone, open google googles, put google goggles in 'live' mode, then point it at the code, and wait for it to focus.

Now, there might be camera apps that scan for QR codes while you're snapping pics. But if it's not baked into my stock phone I don't see anybody else doing it.

2. I really only ever see the things on the Tube. But there's no cell reception on the tube. What use is a URL I can't load?

3. If I showed my mother (Somebody I'd consider a 'typical' user. Has an iphone and a few apps on it. Uses the web for facebook, work and emails) a picture of a QR code she'd probably tell me that the art lessons I took in high school didn't pay off. If my mum doesn't know what a QR code is what's to say other people will?

4. A QR code alone isn't a call to action. Tell me what I'm going to gain by scanning it and I'll probably be more receptive to it.

Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#123

Post by deltazero »

anigbrowl wrote: post #22
asolove wrote: post #2

I think this boils down to the basic rule: don't disrespect your audience. I keep going to meetings where people suggest using QR codes to advertise a product. And I ask the obvious question: when have you ever scanned a QR code and learned about/bought something? No one can ever answer. But there's a vague sense that somewhere, out there, "those people" are using QR codes. What's funny is no one seems to know who th…

I find them quite convenient, and prefer using my smartphone to photograph a QR code than trying to tap out some arbitrary URL.

I don't think I'm stopping in the middle of the street just to scan a QR code...

Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#124

Post by camtarn »

asolove wrote: post #2

I think this boils down to the basic rule: don't disrespect your audience. I keep going to meetings where people suggest using QR codes to advertise a product. And I ask the obvious question: when have you ever scanned a QR code and learned about/bought something? No one can ever answer. But there's a vague sense that somewhere, out there, "those people" are using QR codes. What's funny is no one seems to know who th…

Poster in my train station: "Our timetables are being updated. Scan these QR codes to download them to your phone."

Below that were eight pictures of timetables, showing their color-coded covers so you could identify them from the paper timetable you might already have, with a QR code on each one. Below those were instructions on how to download a QR code reader if you didn't have one already.

QR codes for info are awesome.

Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#125

Post by matznerd »

natesm wrote: post #41
jetti wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That is a good use for them. Recently I saw one on a company's van which just baffled my mind. I don't know if they wanted somebody to come up while the van was parked and scan the QR code but it was just stupid and goes in line with what the article is saying.

My favorite New York subway ad (besides Zizmor) is something like "Have bedbugs?" and it offers you some "bedbugs apps" if you scan it, which is great because: 1. I've recently been looking for a good way to let a crowded train know that I probably have bedbugs on my clothing. 2. Internet access is really good underground.

yeah, I work with text messaging, i.e. "text XXXX to #####" and while I love seeing it places, when I see it on the train I say wtf? But I guess people can draft the message and send it when they go above ground? I wonder if that is the same for QR codes on the train....

Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#126

Post by matznerd »

mikelward wrote: post #95
Angostura wrote: post #74

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wouldn't it have bee just as effective to have http://bestbuy.com/12345 on the label.

I think their QR codes us a URL shortening service like http://bby.us/12345 .

usually this is for tracking and/or to redirect the page to a different url if their are changes. it is always best to use QR code management and tracking software than to use a direct link in the ad, because if you've printed 10,000 copies or are in national print ads and the site changes, you could be screwed....

Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#128

Post by duaneb »

asolove wrote: post #2

I think this boils down to the basic rule: don't disrespect your audience. I keep going to meetings where people suggest using QR codes to advertise a product. And I ask the obvious question: when have you ever scanned a QR code and learned about/bought something? No one can ever answer. But there's a vague sense that somewhere, out there, "those people" are using QR codes. What's funny is no one seems to know who th…

I actually use QR codes a lot... but never in marketing situations (my office has them for internal links around the building).

Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#129

Post by dan1234 »

nikatwork wrote: post #119
gala8y wrote: post #116

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I assume someone uses QR codes, but I don't know who, and I don't see why they are popping up in so many places. They live in Japan. QRs are very old news there. I couldn't really tell more (I've never been to Japan) but this must be it. Anyone with ground level expertise?

I can confirm this, they are everywhere and people seem to like them. Eg, I was handed a flyer for a random nightclub with a QR code on it for cheap entry. You just scanned the QR code then showed your mobile at the door for a discount. This was 5 years ago too (Tokyo, Shinjuku/Shibuya).

How is that better than just showing the flyer at the door to get the discount?

Re: Dear Marketers: Enough with the QR codes

#130

Post by pyre »

kolinko wrote: post #115
pyre wrote: post #106

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The better replacement will just be NFC once it becomes popular.

No, it won't. NFC is (and will be) more expensive than just printing a label. It also gives no benefit to the user compared to scanning a code. User has to take the phone, and get it close to the reader, just as with NFC.

1. My understanding is that the user won't have to fumble to launch a reader app (and then aim the phone at, as with QR codes), as proximity to the NFC tag will trigger an event on the phone.

2. NFC tags won't be as efficient if you are tagging individual devices (e.g. all inventory on a store shelf), but for tagging stationary things (e.g. the appliance displays at Best Buy) they will work better, even if they cost a bit more.

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