Australia Post uses QR codes to link video messages to parcels
Australia Post is urging gift senders to shoot a 15 second video of themselves speaking to the recipient which can be viewed via a QR code on the parcel.
The “video stamp” has been developed by creative agency Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.
The new feature is being promoted with a national TV, digital, print, online video and outdoor campaign, as well as a website and Apple and Android apps.
Australia Post should make these Video Stamps available on letters and postcards! My Mrs would love it.
Bravo Clems. Cracking idea
Yes, people can use them to wonder why their local post office agency has closed, because Australia Post doesn’t pay them enough…
Why wouldn’t you just send a video via facebook, youtube, vimeo or anything else for that matter. Sorry is this for people who are not technologically savvy, thats right they use QR codes don’t they…
Or you could just send the video straight to the recipient and not wait 2 weeks for AusPost to Deliver it?
This is probably the best use of QR codes I’ve ever seen but I still don’t think anyone will use them. By the time you’ve explained to someone that they need to scan something you can send them a video on facebook or email.
fantastic!
well done to all involved
You’re missing the point. The value is in the video being delivered WITH the gift, not days in advance of it.
This is the first time I’ve seen a real use for QR codes … previous to this, I always thought the ‘QR’ in QR Codes meant ‘Quite Rubbish’
Bravo BBDO Melbourne, it’s a great idea that literally elevates everything for everyone.
Pretty creative idea… but bet about 5 people use it.
A) you need a QR reader
B) You’re gonna have to phone up nana, explain her how it works. Get pissed off and email her the vid instead… Then she won’t be able to view it on email, then you’ll have to get in the car go over to her house, fix her computer and then end up showing her the vid on your phone instead while you purge 500 viruses.
@ 2 and 3
You guys are missing the point completely. how are you going to make sure they view the video when they are opening the package.
great idea guys
There’s a few ways to view, including desktop for Nana
http://www.itwire.com/your-it-.....ideo-stamp
It’s brilliant. Regardless of all the negative comments and how many grandma’s may not use it.
It’s minimal additional cost to Auspost in product cost and adds an extra emotional element to a medium that has been restrained to words & objects. It’s the way to bring a Christmas greeting to life in a more meaningful way.
As someone that sends presents to family on the other side of Australia it’s a feature I’d definitely use.
On top of all of that, it’s got a vibe of talkability amongst those that understand the technology (and those that don’t) as a video that arrives (virtually) with a parcel is a great step in postal services and a cool surprise.
Not original – JC Penny did this idea 2 years ago. Minus the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EjVvvyLRfA
Did anyone really think of it from the receivers perspective?
Who focuses on the wrapping when you receive a parcel?
It’s what’s inside that counts. You generally rip it off. How easy is it to miss the QR code.
Cute idea, although seems clunky.
I’d hate to find out what the budget was.
Seriously, the positive comments here must be either from the agency or Post.
This is one of the most pointless ventures I have ever seen.
Surely its easier to send someone a short video from your phone rather than sending them a QR code that iPhones don’t even support without an additional download?
If it were an augmented reality experience then that would be one thing, but there is nothing new here.
Refer to comment 10
“Refer to comment 10”
This solution doesn’t ensure the user will watch the video at the same time as opening the package either!
Finally a decent use of QR codes. To all those concerned about watching before you open etc – as Pauly from ‘Ronnie Johns’ used to say “put a sticker on it”.
As for the fools talking about Nana – it’s hardly what you’re going to send her. Do you actually think that’s the target audience? Same for a QR code reader – it literally takes 1 minute to download and install. Quite frankly, if I received one, I’d take the time to do it out of sheer novelty.
Well done to all. And no, I don’t work at any company involved in this.
@bitter and twisted
Maybe not, but there’s more chance than if they just get a random video message sent to them out the blue
lol – i cant believe im arguing this! if you don’t see the value in this idea then i just think you’re not very good at spotting good ideas
Blad and pointless, you’ve got your phone in your hand just ring the other person.
Too little to late from the Post, and yet another dreary commercial from Australian advertising.
Now if I could send a package, trick the receiver into scanning the QR and in doing so pays for the package, triggers dancing girls to jump out from behind a bush, causes it to rain in Perth or makes the Prime Minister poke his toque out when ever some one says the word Boat, then it would be worth while!!
@tenticles
If you “just ring the other person”:
a. it wouldn’t be a video; and
b. even if you used Skype you have no idea when the gift will arrive
How about you put a sticker on the outside of your package telling them to Skype you when they receive it. Oh wait…
The only thing dreary here is your sense of humour.
Wow. QR Codes. How 2007.
Japan post did this about 6 yrs ago. Worked well but qr code is a norm there, and is native functionality on any phones.