EDITORS NOTE: I’m not out to crucify anyone – I just want you, the marketer, to be aware and NOT make the same mistake.
Try scanning the QR code for yourself - maybe you'll have better luck!
May I have your attention! People. Please! I beg you.
Test your QR codes before applying them to your marketing materials. (Don’t be lazy, your customers will think you’re half-crocked, flaky or just clueless)
Why in the HAY-ELL would you send the user to a URL that requires Adobe Flash? (because you, or your agency, didn’t test it first to see the fatal error)
This happened to me last evening. I got a coupon flyer in the snail mail and found one that had a QR code. I excitedly scanned it to see where this surprise code was taking me on the web… it’s like opening a Christmas present!
And, BAM! “TO ENJOY THIS SITE, YOU’LL NEED TO UPDATE YOUR FLASH PLAYER”
Ok, fine… I’ll click and update.
“We’re sorry, this content requires Adobe Flash player, which is not supported by your device.”
WHAT? Are you serious? On an iPhone? #FAIL
Ok, so maybe Adobe has an issue with Apple and it won’t work. I’ll try my daughters Droid.
No success.
Long story short: I texted the biz owner and he replied, “I could care less not in business anymore”
I guess that played out as I should have expected from the first flub-up.
LESSONS LEARNED:
- Please don’t be THAT BUSINESS, know what your advertising.
- Since this guy is out of business – why is the Minuteman Press sending out flyers with outdated info? Especially with a coupon expiring May 31st. This is just BAD all over! (plus *24 emergency services – Ha! how would you like to get those phone calls!)
- Please don’t be THAT AGENCY who allows businesses to look foolish!
- **UPDATE** 5.11.2012 I wrote Minuteman Press via their web form the evening of this discovery and still have not heard back from them. Maybe they’re going out of business too?
For more information on how SoLoMo Marketing (social, local, mobile) can work for you – call 419 961-1008 or book a meeting at your convenience.