QR codes - Do you have one, do you scan them?

[tony84]

Do you have a QR code for your business - do you get much from it?
Do you ever scan QR codes yourself?

I have an office in our local village with a window overlooking an outdoor seating area of a couple of bars/restaurants.
Im going to put our logo/name in there, but my mate suggested using a QR code too - im 41 and I dont think I have ever scanned one.

 

[fisicx]

I scanned one on the box of a printer we brought to download the instruction manual.

All others get ignored. Especially where you don’t get a menu but have to scan a QR code to order a cup of tea. We don’t go to that cafe anymore.

 

[glengraving]

Some people got into the habit of scanning them during COVID silly times.
I begrudge the thing about food places not having menus and asking you to scan for a digital menu/payment.
And I'm generally a bit alarmist about public QRs that could be fake/tempered with and lead to malicious websites.

But I do sometimes use them when I'm making flyers, business cards etc. Takes no effort to generate within Designer or even right click the URL in Chrome to download a QR.
Ideally would also have a succinct URL next to it for those wary.

On my countertop prompt thing to encourage customers to visit my site/leave Google reviews, I have a 'tap here' bit with NFC tokens that go to my linktree, 'scan the QR', 'visit my website at www.website.scot', and 'or Google "my business name+location"'. Four different methods for different levels of technophobia.

 

[ethical PR]

Do you have a QR code for your business - do you get much from it?
Do you ever scan QR codes yourself?

I have an office in our local village with a window overlooking an outdoor seating area of a couple of bars/restaurants.
Im going to put our logo/name in there, but my mate suggested using a QR code too - im 41 and I dont think I have ever scanned one.

Do you get lots of business from passerby .

I would put your web address and a QR code but it really depends on your target market .

I use QR codes a lot in my personal life but I work in marketing and comms and we use them quite a lot so it's something i'm familiar with.

 

[Marantzdigital]

I would be wary scanning one (as I dont have much understanding of how the can flux capacitate you from the camera app to a website) especially one stuck on a wall or table or window etc.

I would scan something I could see was from a reliable source, even then I would look for an alternative.

If it had the website address then Im sure most people could simple type that into a web search instead. I agree it depends on the audience

 

[tony84]

My local village has some shops with offices above. Downstairs in the square there is a little park and 2-3 bars/restaurants with seating areas outside.

Its not the easiest sign in the world to see, but I am hoping some people will see it.

In terms of the QR code being messed with, that wont happen as I am on the second floor and it will be in vinyl on the glass inside looking out. If anyone types the business name we are first on google so should be fine on that front.

 

[MikeJ]

LNER trains have them on each seat. You can scan the QR code to order from the on board cafe, and they'll bring stuff to your seat. I can't say I use them that often, but I generally like them and find it easier than typing a web address.

Is there a downside to having one?

 

[DontAsk]

Never ever scan a QR code from a public place such as a parking meter or train seat, unless you are 110% certain of their provenance. Even then I wouldn't do it. They are a well known attack vector for installing malware.

 

[MikeJ]

It opens a URL. You check the URL to make sure it's ok.

 

[fisicx]

It opens a URL. You check the URL to make sure it's ok.

Except opening the URL can expose you to all sorts of scams, phishing and other malicious activities.

If it’s printed on a tin of baked beans you are probably OK. If it’s stuck to the door of a shop you are far less secure.

 

[glengraving]

It's definitely an attack vector I'd put in my spy/thriler novel. That and the public USB ports like on buses etc. Is it something criminals actually use? Not convinced, but still best not to be daft

 

[DontAsk]

It’s called quashing, usually on car park payment machines.

 

[KYCompliance]

I think i've only ever used a QR code to pay for parking However, I may just be 'old' 100% opt for displaying your website address for the foot traffic, but maybe the only way to know is to have one (along with URL) and review the stats. I think I'm right in saying you can track if the QR code has been scanned and get data if it is a dynamic one as opposed to static. You can always remove from window after trial period if it's not being used.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I have started using them a lot.

I am about to use them for event ticket check in, with exhibitor check in followng next month.

My latest 'real' business card only has my name and a QR code (I have small business offering free online business cards!)