You know QR Codes are moving fast when the The U.S. Postal Service® gets in on the fun!

Last week, they officially announced that they will be offering a 3% discount on any Standard and First-Class Mail that includes a mobile barcode (QR Code) for marketing purposes. The savings will be offered from July 1st to August 31st, 2011.

ScanLife has also entered into a Business Alliance with the U.S. Postal Service® and to show our support for this fantastic effort, we will be offering a 10% discount to any customer that uses our platform as part of their 2D barcode/mail campaign!

Combining the mail with 2D barcodes has seen amazing results with some response rates at 7-10%!

This package will include:

• Up to 5 unique codes
• Unlimited scans
• 3-month activation period
• Complete tracking analytics like unique scans and location
• Optional: A custom mobile landing page

We will also ensure your campaign meets the requirements of the USPS incentive when you use the ScanLife system.

Choose from a variety of code actions that can make your mail more engaging in seconds – link to the Web for demo videos, load a pre-filled Email for opt-ins, or link to right to a phone number to order your product. We can even help you build a custom landing page.

So How Do You Get Started?

If you already have a ScanLife account, just contact us for more info.

If you don’t have an account, just follow these simple steps:

1. Register here for your ScanLife account
2. Enter “SummerMail” in the Invitation Code field
3. We will contact you to discuss the pricing plans

To qualify, just show your ScanLife representative that codes were used on direct mail via the actual creative or the postal statement. Campaigns must be launched during the USPS promotion dates.

Here are a couple links from the USPS to provide additional detail:

FAQs – USPS Mobile Barcode Promotion Rules Final

FAQs – USPS Mobile Barcode Promotion Fact Sheet

How to use codes on mail?

QR Codes are a fantastic way to make any piece of mail, from a postcard to a catalog, a more engaging and trackable marketing tool. A small 2D barcode can quickly link a mobile device to exclusive offers, video demos, social networking and much more.  See how Target used ScanLife codes to convert their catalogs into a digital store.

It’s been awhile since we did a basic 101 post, so we thought we would take a look at how retailers can use barcodes (both 2D and 1D) to help give shoppers valuable content.  After all, the holidays are right around the corner!  Check out this recent report from Sterling Commerce which has some pretty amazing numbers, including 25% of people are already using their phones to price compare (with ScanLife and other apps).

Why Should a Retailer Use ScanLife?

1. Give shoppers deeper information, without needing to leave the store or spend time away from the shopping experience.
2. Provide cross-sell opportunities by matching products, linking to online inventory information, or linking to online communities to get friend recos.  60% of people want inventory info in the store.
   
3. Existing UPC codes on products or hang tags can be registered to link to specific content without needing to print new material

How are Codes Being Used in Retail?

There are a number of ways this technology has been used and can be used.  Here are a few, but the options are virtually endless!

• Drive shoppers to retail from outside marketing like print, direct mail, etc. Consumer can view closest store locations and current sales.
• Codes are placed in storefront windows that enable potential shoppers to purchase an item on their mobile device when the store is closed, or enter the store with a discount offer.  See the Norma Kamali campaign as a great example.
• Codes placed at the point of sale that show complimentary products or demo videos of how the product can be used or worn.
• Link the customer to view alternative size or colors, and order online if it is not available in store.
• Offer a discount for an item which can be redeemed at check out (if capable) or by email rebate.
• “Lotto” codes that offer shoppers the chance to win a product instantly. See the Norma Kamali campaign as a great example.
• Check in by scanning a code that links to Foursquare for exclusive offers which other visitors can’s see.

You can download a White Paper on this topic here, and feel free to add your retail ideas below!

We’ve seen some pretty wild used of ScanLife, and this is up there!

A public art exhibition dubbed, “Sidewalk Catwalk” launched last week which consists of 32 mannequins – each one created by top American designers.  One of the mannequins was designed by a big ScanLife supporter, Norma Kamali.  She used this opportunity to blend fashion with technology by covering her mannequin from head to toe in red 2D ScanLife codes.  Each code instantly links to one of 17 unique videos related to Kamali’s collection.

Open ScanLife, and try it out! (You may need to click on the image to enlarge.)

As you may remember, Kamali introduced ScanLife throughout her store in NYC, but this is really taking it to a new level!  The mannequins will be auctioned off for charity at the end of the Summer on Labor Day.

You can check out some coverage on the story from the NY Daily News.

This week, the Early Show on CBS aired a segment on 2D codes (although they classified everything as QRcodes).  The first example was Norma Kamali’s use of ScanLife to make her store come to life.  They covered some other technologies, but this story just shows how quickly mobile barcodes are going mainstream – and that’s great for everyone!

Watch CBS News Videos Online

A couple of new projects launched last week, giving people a whole new way to get into fashion.

March issue of Esquire Magazine

Esquire Magazine is using ScanLife as part of their  “Esquire Collection” which details the essential wardrobe that every guy should have.  25 codes are connected to each individual item throughout the layout which gives readers a menu of options in one-click.

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