Jewelers Sound Off on QR Codes

The quotes and stats here come from INSTORE’s November Brain Squad survey. Thanks to the owners and top managers who took the time. Want in? Signup link’s at the bottom.

Do you use QR codes in your marketing or in-store?

YES 49%

• “On our outside windows. Business cards that have personalized landing pages. A lot of print marketing – signs, mailers, banners.” — Vincent S., Chicago, IL
• “On the counter, and on the back of our business cards. We ask for a review and often they will scan it and leave the review on the spot … and we give them a business card so they can scan and shop from home in their PJs.” — Sherrie S., Tigard, OR
• “We use them several ways. One is in our Xmas catalog so that a customer can search more of the product lines they are interested in. Another way is for customer reviews. Yes it can be helpful” — Jim C., Modesto, CA
• “Mostly for in store events, national rarities, any specific promotion we are running. We ensure the code goes directly to a landing page on the website!” — Cole R., Bradenton, FL

“On service counter for quick access to Google reviews and on business cards for access to our website. Frankly, they really don’t get that much traffic. People are QR-bombarded.” — David B., Calgary, AB

• “We use QR codes to sign up for events at our store. It is an easy way to gather information on what’s happening in our store. Not everyone does QR codes, especially the older ladies, so we make a poster and post it on the door and hand out save the day cards.” — Karen H., Batavia, IL
• “Counter cards and other signage, especially for upcoming events. “Help wanted” counter signs — the QR code directs them to the employment link on our website.” — Dorothy V., Tallahassee, FL
• “We have a pretty sign on the counter that has a QR code for Google, FB, website and IG. No one looks at it and we never remember to point it out.” — Loann S., Stillwater, MN
• “To make it easier to direct customers to our website or specific item, we use them on our cards and brochures. We also have it on our “Hours” sign so anyone can check hours at our three locations.” — Ellie M., Michaels, MD
• “We have them in our cases but really need to utilize them more. Bags, packaging, business cards — kind of a no-brainer.” — Jon W., Virginia Beach, VA
• “We just had business cards that, when scanned, will add us to their contacts. If they want our card, they want our phone number, email and address.” — Amber G., Katy, TX
• “Typically we have used them for giveaway entries during special events. We have not done so with recent events, though, reverting to pen and paper.” — Jeff M., Knoxville, TN

• “To apply for Wells Fargo financing throughout the store, in our front window to link to our e-commerce site” — Jill H., Coral Gables, FL
• “We have them on our gift receipts. During Covid we had one on our window to connect people to our online shop.” — Betsy B., San Francisco, CA
• “I use them in my Synchrony Bank card advertisement. It makes it easy for my clients to sign up!” — Angela C., Atascadero, CA
• “I use a QR from financing company; customers will be able to go straight into the application.” — Liliana M., East Patchogue, NY
• “We use it primarily on texts and emails where customers can make a payment.” — Joe T., Lubbock, TX
• “To promote and manage a local merchants association raffle from Thanksgiving to Christmas.” — Joe C., Bristol, RI
• “We have used them on posters for events. Unsure as to their effectiveness.” — Bill E., Terre Haute, IN
• “Mixed. We have a nice one in our front window. Small town. But things are changing.” — Cliff Y., Lowell, MI

“We have a pretty sign on the counter that has a QR code for Google, FB, website and IG. No one looks at it and we never remember to point it out.” — Loann S., Stillwater, MN

• “Our printed advertisements. We are also adding them to our business cards.” — John P., Winter Park, FL
• “We use them to direct visitors to our website.” — Elizabeth P., St Louis, MO
• “Calendly for booking appointments. Store website link.” — Bob W., Peoria, IL
• “At our take-in counter, we have a QR code that links clients to all of our social media.” — Brenda N., El Segundo, CA
• “It is on my business cards to help drive people to our website.” — Peter T., Show Low, AZ
• “On my business cards, door sign and email signature. Not sure how or if it’s effective but I think it needs to be there.” — Stew B., Natick, MA
• “Signing up for our newsletter” — Bob G., Zionsville, IN
• “We have them for ease of leaving a review or learning more about a product.” — Trevor W., Myerstown, PA
• “We just added them to our business cards.” — Gene, John and Krista P., Tuscaloosa, AL
• “On our cards and posters and such … sends them to our website.” — Alan P., Wilmington, NC
• “We use it for our Collegiate jewelry, and it is okay.” — Annette K., Stillwater, OK
• “Many ads, display cards. Difficult to track.” — Eileen E., Decatur, IN
• “A couple of the lines I bring in have them so just easier.” — Deb B., Hastings, MI
• “On our ads in magazines, the paper, etc.” — Cindy S., Southport, NC
• “For Google reviews and various advertising vehicles.” — Susan E., El Paso, TX
• “For Google reviews.” — Katrina S., Racine, WI
• “Google reviews only.” — Monica L., Fond du Lac, WI
• “For marketing and giveaways!!” — Mary Jo C., Rutland, VT
• “For reviews and the latest topics or specials” — Tom D., Warren, OH
• “To leave us a review.” — Tim W., Yorktown, VA
• “On bounce-backs” — Laurie L., Omaha, NE
• “Ads, typically.” — Kelly V., Geneva, IL
• “Box cards. Website.” — Mark S., Houston, TX

NO 51%

• “We have used QR codes in the past (when they were new) on some in-store signs and direct mail pieces. It was a long time ago and maybe it was not the right time for that technology. It was not a successful use back then. We will probably try using QR codes again as when we last tried it was over a decade ago and the technology is more mainstream now.” — Eric S., West Springfield, MA

“Never heard of QR codes. I’ve been in business over 40 years! I need to open my eyes to new ideas.” — Barry F., Bardonia, NY

• “We don’t even accept credit cards.” — Gretchen S., Sherman Oaks, CA
• “I am here to answer questions the old-fashioned way. Maybe I should look into that.” — Klaus K., Bristol, RI
• “Not sure how to use them and not really interested in it on top of that.” — Marc M., Midland, TX
• “We don’t carry tons of stock because we custom make to order.” — Beth C., Dublin, OH
• “Kind of forces you to use a phone.” — Mark & Monika C., Rockford, IL
• “Probably will someday, but no reason to do so now.” — Georgie G., Palo Alto, CA
• “I just have not dived into that yet.” — Sue P., Escanaba, MI
• “Just haven’t gotten there yet.” — Scott M., Jacksonville, MD
• “We like to keep it simple.” — Steven W., Chatham, MA