Digital Signage and QR Codes - instant gratification!

Hands up all those people who know what a QR Code is?

How many of you are already using QR Codes to interact and engage with your customers?

I am sure a lot of you do know about QR Codes, and some of you may well be considering the technology even as I write; BBC Breakfast was discussing NFC this morning - another technology that is not that far removed and that is gradually being adopted.

QR stands for Quick Response, so nothing too technologically challenging there.

Let me take a step back....

Retailers across all sectors know that understanding their customers is vitally important. Look at the money that has been invested in loyalty cards by the large supermarkets - sophisticated tools to monitor changes in individual consumer behaviour that is then analysed and used to maximise sales and enhance customer experience, hopefully resulting in increased loyalty and much more...

Other retail chains may not have loyalty cards, but look at Crew Clothing, White Stuff, Fat Face et al and they all like to encourage customers to join their mailing list, and they all aim to capture customer data at point of sale.

Even independents aim to try and build up a mailing list so that they can communicate with customers and potential customers on a regular basis.

It has always been a given that data is valuable! It has also never been more important to provide customer service of the highest quality.

So, let us now look at the many people who come in and out of your shops, trade counters, showrooms etc. every day, browse around, see nothing of immediate interest and leave. Completely anonymous - no interaction, no details, nothing. Disappeared, possibly never to be seen again.

Imagine if some of these people came in, saw something that attracted their attention and wanted information, but couldn't be bothered to get involved in a discussion with staff that involved going through their address details and waiting to be "logged onto the system", knowing that they will then be added to a mailing list.

Let me describe a couple of little scenarios:

1. You sell the Fein Multimaster - a fabulous little hand tool that has many functions. On a shelf, the product does little to tempt the purchaser to buy it. Demonstrate it, and it becomes highly desirable.

Imagine being able to show a video demonstration of the tool on a screen; this grabs the attention of the customer and "sells" the product. They want more information. A QR Code is visible on the screen, the customer scans the code with their Smartphone and they are provided with whatever information you would like to provide - a link to a web page where the customer can order the product online; more detailed information, perhaps, including any special offer prices; a call-back request - whatever you want the "call of action" to be.

2. You may be running a promotion in your store - 20% discount vouchers on particular product line. All customers need to do to be eligible is leave their email address or mobile telephone number.

They could fill in a form or you could grab the attention of your customers with a dynamic visual on a screen. If they want the 20% discount voucher, they scan the QR Code and a voucher can be sent as a text to their mobile phone for immediate use, or sent to their email address to use at any time.

In both instances, you have captured data and you have started a relationship with a customer.

The scope for the relationship between digital signage and QR Codes to enhance the customer's relationship with you is endless.

These systems cost a fraction of what you may be spending on print marketing, leaflet production and advertising. These customers are already on your premises, so engage with them and make them feel valued.

Technology, particularly relating to the mobile consumer, is rapidly changing the way retail businesses market themselves and promote their products.

Don't miss this particular boat; it will leave without you!

For details on digital signage systems for retail, and QR Code technology, please contact Argent Ram Media on 01580 761000.