Friday, October 28, 2011

What is this barcode on my window sticker?

There’s something new appearing on Ford dealers’ lots! Ford’s Digital Marketing team has been working with FordDirect to create more consumer-friendly window stickers. Now all new 2012 Ford and Lincoln vehicles will have enhanced window stickers. One of the major changes to the new window stickers is the addition of a QR code.

A QR code (quick response code) is a 2d barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone for specific marketing purposes. Once scanned by a mobile device, a QR code can take the consumer to a mobile website, coupon, enter them in a sweepstakes and more. Most smartphones have several apps that can be downloaded for free to give the user the ability to scan.

On the new window stickers, the QR codes will appear on the bottom right corner. Below is a sample window sticker of a Ford Fusion Hybrid. Do you see the QR code?

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Once the QR code is scanned, the customer will be taken to a mobile website which will display information specific to that particular vehicle they are standing in front of. We tested the QR code out on a new 2012 Ford Focus that we have on our lot. After I scanned it with my QR code reader app on my iPhone, I was brought to a mobile website and this was the first screen.



The website actually continued on if you scrolled down so here are a couple more shots of the first screen.

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Once on the site, you can see the features on that vehicle, share the vehicle information, request a price quote, or search for similar vehicles on the lot.

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Today, everything is driven by technology. Customers literally can access information by the touch of one button. These QR codes on the window stickers will not only be beneficial to customers, but also to dealerships. If a customer is really excited about their new car, they may decide to share their vehicle’s mobile website with a friend or family member. This will help spread the word about the dealership, creating even more excitement and floor traffic.

Do you think existing and potential Ford buyers will use QR to help in their research process? Would you?

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