You’ve probably seen them and maybe even used them. Those square barcodes designed to be read by smartphones, QR codes are really just a way to get a lot of information into a little bit of space, says Melodie Hand, owner of Tickled Pink Salon in Clayton, N.C. Hand uses a code on her promotional items, sending potential new clients to the specials page on her website. “I went to qrstuff.com and set it up on their site — it was free. I put it on Tic Tac wrappers and mini matchbook files,” says Hand. “I give them away when I go to networking meetings and vendor events like local festivals. I use Tic Tacs and matchbook files because they are more memorable than just a business card.” She adds a phrase like “Scan me to find out more about Tickled Pink Salon”  or “Scan me for current specials.” “I am in the process of putting it on a pink canvas handbag along with my logo and phone number,” she adds.

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