QR Codes and Moe Bar

Umika Pidaparthy mentioned in her article the problem that some consumers are not intuitively scanning the QR codes. I believe that this is not a pervasive problem in Moe Bar/Neumo. Moe Bar/Neumo’s customers are usually young and hip, so they are aware and familiar with the usage of QR codes and smart phones.

I believe QR codes provide a sense of curiosity to advertising. People, like me, will scan it just to see what it says. If I can utilize this curiosity to my client’s advantage, then QR codes will certainly benefit this project.

Here are several ideas I brainstormed for my clients.

1. Virtual/facebook games.
a. If Moe Bar creates a facebook game where consumers can mix drinks using real recipes, then Moe Bar can print QR codes and place them on the drinks. Consumers come to Moe Bar, order the drink, and scan the QR code to get the new recipe for the game.
b. If the game features not only mixing drinks but also decorating the bar (like the Restaurant City game), then Moe Bar and hide QR codes on or under furniture in the bar. (Moe Bar is also known for its ridiculously comfy booths). A consumer come in, sees the furniture they like, scans the code to get or buy at discount new furniture for his/her virtual Moe Bar in Facebook.

2. Discount
a. Many companies already use QR codes for coupons and discounts. Moe Bar is already using this feature and also similar ones on FourSquares.

3. Concert Ticket purchases
a. Moe Bar/Neumo host concerts of local artist at least once a week. They put up posters to create awareness of the events. QR codes can make the purchase a lot easier and a lot faster because consumers do not need to go home to purchase the tickets (they might forget about it on the way home!). Neumo should put QR codes on all concert tickets that link to the website, or the Brownbag Ticket page, or any purchasing sites, or simply a short preview, promotional video.
b. QR codes can also be used as a backstage pass during the show for those who purchase the more expensive front row seats, for example.

4. Food/drink purchases.
a. Featuring QR codes on the menu can also help eliminating the problems of Moe Bar baristas mix up customers’ credit cards. The customer scans the code next to the food or drink menu, and then goes to pick up the drink or food.