Do you think "QR codes" are overrated?

Despite that fact that marketers saying QR code this, QR code that.
Or how amazing and impressive it will be for business owners.. I think its overrated.
Most people I encounter dont knwo what QR codes are, and even if they do, they dont really use it much.
Business owners I approach dont find it too interesting neither (especially when they have an iphone themselves and dont have that QR scanner app).

What you guys think.

Yeap! I totally agree, nobody uses that - it's just not that useful because nobody bothers to go scan them, in fact I don't know anyone that scans them and I know of thousands of companies and guys that use them... it just doesn't work.

Looking for more opinion on this.

Its over rated. Apple should make it a standard, and allow the camera to automatically recognize them, otherwise unless you are savvy you don't get it.

yet... I use them... sigh

QR is crap! Why use a camera when we have got eyes? lol

I've used it maybe twice in my lifetime. And I use my phone like 6 hours a day.

totally sucks in my opinion, like 5% of smartphone users use the qr code app or at least know what it is

Totally over rated. Too inconvenient in today's fast paced world.

Not enough people understand how to use them properly, neither consumers nor merchants.

It is clearly overrated, but it can still add some perceived value to a whole package when you include it.

I'm mainly selling webdesign (including responsive) and full web+stationery+print packages. I don't upsell QR codes but I include them in the package, and clients often appreciate that, only to know that they have a QR code that leads to the mobile version of their new website and they can have it on their flyers or even business cards.

Many business owners don't necessarily own a smartphone or are not that "tech-savvy". They easily believe that savvier people and especially young people are using QR codes, and anyway it doesn't hurt to have one as it looks neat and high-tech from their POV

In Europe: no.

In North America: yes.

I'm I'm Vancouver and I have yet to see anyone scan a QR code, ever.

I scanned QR codes last week at a store when looking for a new fridge. Took me to their website page for each product. Handy. Instead of them printing out detailed brochure for each model, I had it in my phone.

If used correctly, they're very useful. If not, well....

Put it this way - if you want to deep link someone to a website without them writing or typing anything, would you rather give them a QR code or a goo.gl/34298sfkahl to remember?

dexter said:

I scanned QR codes last week at a store when looking for a new fridge. Took me to their website page for each product. Handy. Instead of them printing out detailed brochure for each model, I had it in my phone.

If used correctly, they're very useful. If not, well....

Put it this way - if you want to deep link someone to a website without them writing or typing anything, would you rather give them a QR code or a goo.gl/34298sfkahl to remember?

Click to expand...

Thanks probably because you know what QR code is, and how beneficial it can be.
You are probably 1 out of 10 people that are smart enough to use it.

It's overrated because most still don't know what they are and how to scan them. If you are clever, they can be great.

It will be standard on phones eventually, and that's when more will use them.

Most of 'em dont have even the application installed. And who will stay in the middle of the street 15 minutes to connect to the net, open the camera and try to recognise that picture just to go to a website ? BS

Yep very overrated. Who scans a qr code? I rather just write the domain, so much easier.

when i saw those i just ignore

Alright. I guess the conclusion to this is that everyone agrees QR code is pretty bullshit. At least in North America. LOL
I was kindda confused when those WSO kept saying how they made thousands with just a code alone. I was asking mysef, REALLY? Thought i was outdated or narrow minded, but i guess i am the one who's normal.

The idea of scanning something to see a hidden message is disconcerting.

The idea of some people having access to this while others don't is disconcerting (and this division will only increase with augmented reality. If you can afford it, get ready to rule over essentially everyone who can't).

The idea I can be tracked scanning a QR is disconcerting.

The idea I can be transmitted malware is disconcerting.

What's positive about QR again? It's "easy?" Easier than gathering the information beforehand? The last thing I do is go to shop intending to make a large purchase without 3 choices already in mind. If I'm buying at the store, it's usually to see which one I think looks nicer because I already did my research on the specs

QR is ugly. They're pseudo-modern. They're intentionally cryptic messaging to make people feel like they're a part of something cool/exclusive/new.

They're just those code unscramblers you had as a kid when you looked at them through red film, you saw the unscrambled message.

Know what else they remind me of? Those ear-piece bluetooth headsets that "businessmen" were wearing around on the regular, even if they weren't on the job. The headsets seemed so cutting edge and in-the-now and the obvious development! I haven't seen one in 2012. Or 2011. Or 2010. Or 2009. Maybe 2008.

Want to make shopping better for me, stores? Innovate. Expand app functionality and distribution. Do something to make my experience memorable instead of relying on a gimmick that may not have access to (I know people in 2012, in good neighborhoods, that cannot scan QR codes. These are not people you want to disenfranchise, because they could buy a franchise).