Quick Response or QR codes are the latest bar code system that allows customers to use their smartphones to obtain discounts, gather information and even order products ahead of time so that they are ready upon their arrival. For an instant gratification generation, these new codes can connect customers to products faster than ever before.
Companies are putting these codes in their advertisements and on their products so that customers can scan them with their smartphones and gather more information, find out about discounts or even order the product. Although these codes aren’t that new, companies are starting to use them more due to the increased frequency of consumers using smartphones.
It’s simple to install an app on a phone. In fact some even come with the app pre-installed. Wall Street Journal reported, “Scanby Inc., a New York company that develops and manages QR codes, estimates that 30 million people in the U.S. have a code-reader app on their phone.”
Companies like Ethical Bean are taking advantage of the code to get their coffee products into their customers’ hands more quickly. Customers simply need to order their coffee through the use of these apps and it will be ready when they arrive to pick it up.
These apps can also give more information about the products being purchased. Customers can find out recipes, ingredients and more. The Wall Street Journal had some statistics about the use of these codes:
- 32% of consumers in a recent survey said they’ve used a QR code
- 70% plan to use QR code again or for the first time
- 53% are motivated to use it by getting a coupon, discount or deal
- 52% are motivated to use it by getting more information