What is a QR code?

QR codes (quick response) are 2 dimensional bar codes which can be scanned by smartphones (iPhone, Android, Blackberry) to launch a website, a video or initiate any number of actions on the phone.  QR codes have been used in Europe and Asia for a while and are now gaining popularity in the US w/ the growing # of smartphones.

What do I need to know?

QR codes are a good marketing tool and are making their way on to promotional products and print materials.  They can be used in a variety of ways to interact with people by giving them more information about a product or service or to reward them in some way.  QR codes can make a normally passive item much more interactive and engaging.

What can be done w/ QR codes?

They can be put on promotional products and/or printed materials (i.e. labels, inserts, packaging, etc.) to:

·         Launch product demo videos from YouTube or any other video site

·         Launch a website, a product info page, or a Facebook page

·         Start an email

·         Add contact info to the person's phone

·         Trigger a text message

·         Enter someone into a contest or drawing

·         Link to specials webpage that is updated regularly

In addition to being put on products, they can be used at trade shows and other events.  Here are some other ways they can be used in those venues:

·       Reward people w/ a coupon or some sort of prize

·       Create scavenger hunts

·       Put on signage  or other collaterals to provide more info about a company

·       Placed on nametags or business cards to provide a person's contact info or background

How do I scan a code?

Many new smartphones come with a code scanner.  You can also search for a QR reader app in your app store.  Once you've opened you app, you should see the camera view which you then use to scan the QR code.  Once read, it should launch the specified action.

What are some things to keep in mind when printing a QR code on items?

They QR codes must be at least 1" in diameter to read properly.

They must be on a flat surface.  (not a squeeze ball or mug)  They can be printed on a tee.

Please review our image gallery to see examples of how to print them.

Where can I get one?

There are several different sites.  You can get free ones at bitly.com.  You also have subscription sites like QRstuff.com where you can produce a QR code that then you can log into the site and change the destination site of where the code goes once scanned.  It also shows tracking information.  Another site is Scanlife.com.  They have simple codes that are not as complex to print.  Trademarks can also generate the QR code for customers if needed.