QR Codes now on the back of cards

[SORS]

Hello,

I just noticed that a Zazzle QR code is showing up on the back of my cards.  Did I miss an announcement about this? Unfortunately it messes up my logo and information I just created after Zazzle changed the attributions on the back a short while ago.

 It's my understanding that the QR code will bring the customer directly to our store, which is great in some ways, but it might take away from my referrals, as I was putting my website on the back of my cards. 

Would love to hear feedback from other creators. 

Thanks!

[Fiorenzo]

The embedded referral link is a good question. Let apart the Zazzle referral, consider that if you are in the promoter program you don't want to use referral codes. IMO there will be no referral link anyway because technically you are NOT referring a customer to Zazzle if the customer scans the QR code of a card bought by a shopper.

In regard to being ready or not... you do NOT put stuff live if that stuff isn't tested yet. Besides that, the QR code is too small in size to be well readable by smartphones, at least on postcards. The actual size is barely 0.5" and the recommended min. sizes for these codes start from 0.8" to 1.2" depending on their complexity. Only basic QR codes can be smaller.

It's an unbelievable mess. And this is a professional opinion. 

[Cat]

Good point!

[shellifitz]

I would not mind a small QR code but I want it to work and not to be in the reserved space for the postal service so they can mail them.  I mean what good is a moving announcement if you can't mail it to anyone? 

[shellifitz]

What was that called a couple years ago?  launch and learn?   I think the learn part got skipped. 

[Fiorenzo]

Yeah, I can remember well. Back in the old times, there were 3 main tasks you needed to accomplish as a developer: coding, testing, and documenting. I must admit I always sucked in the documentation part, as most developers did and still do. But testing was vital in a time where you couldn't just publish an update and error fix all days that people could download. I understand that you can be less strict those days, but basic testing is still necessary before you publish something on live servers. Especially if this affects products you sell. Returns are costly, and unsatisfied - and lost - customers even more.

[Cat]

I'm not sure about this, but I think if people mail the postcards individually (like with stamps) then the post office puts a bar code sticker across the bottom. So, they can still be mailed, it's just that the sticker will cover up anything in that area.

For bulk rate mailings though, I don't think the post office will accept them if they violate the guidelines - or if they do, they'll charge you more money to mail them because they have to use the stickers. I don't do a lot of designs geared toward small businesses, but I think it might be an issue for that sort of thing.

[Fiorenzo]

Yes, from what I read on USPS's site, their regulations affect mainly automated bulk mailing. For ordinary mailing, you may have to pay the regular letter price instead of the reduced postcard price, if the postal office can't handle the postcard automatically.

[PacifierCity]

I vaguely remember something about the QR code being discussed in the old forum...  I believe I actually brought up the referral issue and was told that no referral ids would be added to the QR code.  It's moments like this that make me wish I could still access the old forum.

Hopefully tomorrow we can start getting some answers from Zazzle about this...

PC

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[Fiorenzo]

I suppose Z will add some sort of tracking/identification code. A clean link to a designer's store would trigger the high promoter compensation if the designer has joined the program. I assume Z will make sure, potential new customers will enter Z's site genuinely (no referrals of any sort), which makes sense.

[Saints_Aplenty]

@PacifierCity @Fiorenzo 

Yes, I too wish we could access the old forums.  I remember that discussion too, JB.  But, Fio, I also seem to recall that Zazzle has always said the reason they have their referral links everywhere and anywhere is because that's the only way they can track things.  Just saying.  Albeit a QR code could be generated with an innocuous, neutral code.

Still, I prefer to pick and choose what's on the back of the folded greeting cards I design.  And, if a person likes my card well enough to visit my store, I want the chance to net the referral under the normal circumstances which seems to have been one of the OP's concerns.