With QR Code business cards, gift cards, etc. and the ability to link printed material to the web we've seen an explosion of creative ideas. The problem is all of the cool stuff we come across is printed on a plastic card or die cut tag. Not to downplay the importance of these items because they are very cool, we are just knee deep in them.

In researching for a client some possible uses for these new scannable codes I came across something very unique I had to share!

Meet The Coolest QR Code Ever

There are plenty of opinions about QR codes and how they fit into marketing and advertising. Here at Plastic Printers, we love QR codes—IF they’re used correctly and creatively. QR codes are a great way for customers to access unique content quickly and without having to type or search. We’re big fans of the code, and are always trying to seek out new ways that companies are using this technology.  Each week, we’ll showcase a code that breaks through the clutter to do something amazing.

Using QR Codes to Leverage Social Media

This week, our favorite QR code comes courtesy of advertising agency BBDO New York and their work for Guinness. In 2012, the purveyors of the perfect pint shipped out crates of unique glasses with pixelated designs to bars. Empty or filled with a more amber-colored beverage, the code that pops up is unreadable. The only way that a readable QR code pops up is if the pint glass is filled with Guinness (or another stout-like beer, but that wouldn’t be as fun now, would it?). This “completes the code and turns the glass (and the drink itself!) into a dynamic content and social media experience” by tweeting about the pint, updating your Facebook status, checking you in via Foursquare, and downloading promotions. Bravo, BBDO!

Add a QR Code to one of our Free Starter Designs!

QR Codes Can Be Added To Your Business Card At No Extra Cost

If you like this kind of idea, Plastic Printers can create a transparent plastic business card with a QR code in white, just like the Guinness glass. All your customers would need to do is hold the card up to a dark surface and snap thecode. Or, if you’d rather have a more traditional presentation in a more unique way, our graphic designers can help create a business card or promotional design that will make your code irresistible to scan.

Know of any other great QR code examples? How about other unique ads? Tell us about it in the comments!