QR Codes for Marketing Merchandise

The History of the QR Code

The QR code was developed about two decades ago by Denso the Automotive Manufacturer. A QR code is a barcode system that has since spread to other industries and is popular because it has proven reliable and with more storage capacity. A QR code consists of a white background with black square dots. Four standardised modes are used to store information.

With the use of 2D image sensor, information can be scanned and easily compared to the use of the traditional beams of light.

How to Use a QR Code

Using QR codes is simple. All you need is a smart gadget (phone, tablet) with a camera. Simply download the QR Code Reader, an application used on phones and tablets for reading these codes specifically. Once downloaded, open the app and put a camera on the QR code to automatically capture the code and connect to the website that the code is stored. Instead of writing down a URL address or storing texts, the QR codes will lead directly to the site.

Marketing Opportunities Using QR Codes

A QR code can be used as a marketing tool to promote the website to web visitors who frequently visit the site using their mobile phones. Because QR codes take visitors directly to a pre-determined web address, they are a great way to get customers to engage with a specific marketing message. Additionally, special offers and product information can be compressed and sent out as QR codes and printed on papers to be distributed to the public.

Currently, a South Korean group is experimenting with building up a virtual shop online using QR codes. Since QR code is still relatively new, companies are still testing out how to take advantage of the services fully. QR code is soon going to take the lead as a marketing strategy. The best that companies can do is capitalise on this tech approach that does not require much to use.