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QR Codes: What are they? How are they used?

By
Real Estate Agent with Windermere Real Estate N.E.

425Realty.com QR codeIt's fun to watch a technology hit a flash point.  QR codes have definately hit its flash point.  They're popping up everywhere!

What are QR Codes?   QR stands for "quick" response.  QR codes are a 2 dimentional bar code.  It is readable by barcode readers or camera phones.  It consists of black modules arranged on a white background.  The information encoded can be simply text, OR a common use today in marketing is a web address URL.

How are QR codes made?  QR codes are simple to make.  Just "google" QR code generator and you'll come up with many websites that will generate your QR code free of charge.  The QR code in this post is for 425Realty.com.  I used http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator to generate this QR code.  Again, you can create a QR code for text or for a destination website URL.

How do I read a QR code?  If you have a smart phone with a camera, you can download a QR code APP.  My favorite is Google Goggles.  It is a free APP.  Just take a picture or scan the QR code with the APP, and whatever is embedded in the QR code will come up in your phone.

How are they used?  They were originally used in tracking parts in manufacturing.  However, the marketing appications for QR codes are brilliant.  They can be used on signs, flyers, park benches, transportation busses, business cards and many other applicaitons.  I recently saw a business card from an auto mechanic that had a QR code that went to a discount for a service.  In real estate, we can direct people to our personal website.   We can also supply more information and photos by displaying QR codes on our listings and our real estate flyers.  Home buyers with smart phones can instantly get a detailed look at any property of interest.  We will work QR codes into all of our marketing.

Enterprising marketers are making QR code coffee mugs, t shirts, ball caps and other items.

Try it out!  If you don't have a QR code reader in your phone, download one free to your smart phone.  Scan my QR code in the post and you'll be on your way to understanding this neat technology.  Let me know how it works for you!

Greg Perry
Kirkland Realtor
www.425Realty.com
425Realty.com QR code

 

Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Greg, a lot has been said about QR codes - in webinars, seminars..hope it is not a fade.

Mar 06, 2011 06:14 AM
Scott Guay
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty - Ocean Pines, MD
Associate Broker. Ocean City and Ocean Pines MD

They are great.  I am trying to find a way to put one on my flyer boxes that will hold up the the rain.

Mar 06, 2011 06:22 AM
Michele Norris
Crystal Realty - Incline Village Nevada - Incline Village, NV
((( Buy or Sell, Call Michele ))) Lake Tahoe NV

Hi Greg,

I think they're a great tool. I find myself utilizing them more and more. Magazines, newspapers...really convenient. Now to incorporate mine into my business!

Mar 06, 2011 06:22 AM
Greg & Brian Perry
Windermere Real Estate N.E. - Kirkland, WA
Working-for-you

@Praful  - Yes.  It is still surprising how many agents/lenders who haven't heard of them, not to mention the rest of the B to B business community.   I am working to educate my database on what they are and how to use them.

@Scott - I am putting the QR codes on my flyers.  I always laminate a flier and staple it to the post.  It has worked out well in the rainy NW.  I wonder if I should just laminate a QR Code?

@ Michele - Thanks for your input!

Mar 07, 2011 05:25 AM
Terrie Leighton
Ferrari-Lund Real Estate - Reno, NV
Reno Real Estate Agent ~ Selling Homes in Reno

I am FINALLY getting ready to download a QR app on my iphone!!! I went to the app store only to find quite a few apps. I will have to check out the Google one you suggested. Thank you!

Apr 21, 2011 01:41 PM