Where Are QR-codes Used?

Consumers want even more information when shopping these days, and so their smartphone screens have become an increasingly important tool. Giving consumers information while in-store is possible through web pages or apps, and users are now able to access those via QR codes.

With QR codes rapidly becoming the latest thing, their possible uses are expanding beyond anyone’s expectations. While originally, they were developed for tracking automotive parts during manufacturing, today they have spread to many other locations.

Mobile OS

QR codes are very useful when it comes to helping Mobile OS users to access and download useful apps. Frequently, marketers promoting a particular will use QR codes which bring the scanner straight to the app in question in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This saves consumers the time and effort of having to search themselves in their App Store for the appropriate app.

URLs

Commonly QR codes can be found on promotional material since they are able to bring people quickly to a landing page or website, thus eliminating any need for potential customers to search for a web link themselves or type in the URL. QR codes can transport them instantly to a Facebook page, website or YouTube video where they can find detailed information about the service, product or brand.

Virtual Stores

One of the other popular uses for QR codes is to direct shoppers to a virtual store. Printed marketing materials often include QR codes which take scanners directly to the virtual storefront where they can purchase the service or item that they’re interested in. This encourages shoppers to buy from this particular store rather than browsing the internet and carrying out price comparisons, saving them time and effort.

Mobile Payments

Mobile payments are one area in which QR codes are just emerging as a useful way to transfer funds. There are now a few different apps which allow users to create their own QR code which can then be scanned by the person who owes them money in order to make payment using only their smartphone. Since the recipient and the sender don’t even need to be in the same location to transfer or receive funds, this is an exciting and simple way of making and receiving payments.

Website Login

Since QR codes can be linked to URLs, it’s possible to link them to website login pages. This represents a really convenient and simple way to give those who scan the code quick access to the webpage where they can log into the service or store. Yet again, this saves time, effort and energy by directing individuals straight to the destination of their choice.

Business Cards

QR codes are now increasingly finding their way onto business cards where those who scan the code are taken directly to their LinkedIn profile where more information about the individual, their skillsand experience can be found. This is a useful networking tool.

Airline and Event Tickets

Airlines are now frequently using QR codes on mobile tickets, which enables passengers to simply use their smartphone instead of having to waste paper by printing the tickets out in hard copy format. The QR code will simply readjust automatically to fit each screen so it can be conveniently scanned as the traveller goes through the checking-in process. The same technology is also being used by event organisers for their mobile tickets for an eco-friendlier alternative to printed tickets.

Discount Coupons

Many loyalty cards and mobile coupons are now using QR codes to redeem discounts and offers in-store. Easy and simple to use, QR codes can be scanned by employees with a mobile device or POS scanner. Not only can consumers use QR codes while shopping to get money off products and services that they are interested in, but they can also use QR codes to gain points when shopping in stores where they have a loyalty card. Checkout operators can simply scan the code, and the points will instantly appear in the shopper’s account ready for use. This is a much more convenient system than actually carrying a wallet-full of loyalty cards around, simplifying life for consumers.

QR Codes Today and Tomorrow

So, are QR codes proving themselves to be indispensable in the modern marketplace? Currently, the jury is still out, with some critics and experts in the industry saying that they are overhyped. However, QR codes have now been around for about a decade and are still going strong. We now think nothing of seeing QR codes no matter where we grow, and marketers are coming up with new and exciting uses for them all the time. With recent developments like mobile payment methods that harness the power of the QR code and mobile tickets which use this barcode scanning system, it looks like QR codes are here to stay.