Shoppers on the hunt

By ANGIE ZAM, NCBJ

Sandusky County shoppers are invited to an old-school game with a modern twist in the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County’s first QR Code Scavenger Hunt. The challenge – which lasts through the month of September – takes participants around Sandusky County on a hunt for 10 Chamber member businesses using QR codes as clues.

The idea came from marketing and membership coordinator Tyler Kneeskern who joined the chamber team in December. As a senior at Loyola University in Chicago – “all the way back in 2012” – Kneeskern did a project focused on QR codes but didn’t have much success. Though the technology was new and gaining popularity, users had to download an app. Now things are much easier.

“You don’t have to have a specific app in order to scan the QR codes,” said Kneeskern.

All you need is a smart phone – pull up the camera and aim at the code as if you were taking a picture, a link pops up, click and go.

“I thought it would be a good way to use QR codes and to get people into local businesses,” said Kneeskern. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on it so far.”

And the first stop – SPOILER ALERT: CR Juices – has already seen customers on the hunt.

“I think it’s just a fun way to draw people in and get them to support their local businesses,” said Christina Rodriguez, CR Juices owner.

To play, go to scchamber.org to print off a passport, scan the first QR code and a link will generate with the first clue. Take the passport to that business and make a purchase to get a sticker for your passport, scan the next QR code and move on through the 10 businesses featured.

“It doesn’t matter how big the purchase,” said Kneeskern, adding that gift cards count and make for good Christmas presents.

“We are doing this on a smaller scale to get our feet wet to turn it into something bigger for next year,” he said. “We could grow it for next year for three months and 30 businesses leading up to Christmas.”

For now though, 10 business are taking part and those who get all 10 stamps win a prize. Bring the completed passport to the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County’s office, 215 Croghan St., to collect. The first 20 people to complete the scavenger hunt and bring their passport to the Chamber office will receive a special QR Code Scavenger Hunt T-shirt.

Visit scchamber.org/qr-code-scavenger-hunt for more information on the QR Code Scavenger Hunt, including an instructional video and detailed steps on how to go on the hunt.

If you have any questions, email Kneeskern, at mcoord@scchamber.org or call the chamber at 419-332-1591.