QR Codes: Future or Fad?

QR Codes are lukewarm right now and a lot of businesses are wondering how and if they should be using them. In case you're not totally sure what a QR code is, here's the 10-second summary - QR codes are special codes meant to be scanned by smartphones. Once scanned the user is directed to a website, video, coupon, etc. QR Codes can be programmed to send a text message, call a phone number or send an email, but I still think the best use of QR codes is to create an easy way to bridge consumers from the physical world to a digital destination. But not just any destination... A destination that is going to add value. This might look like: a coupon to a new bistro on a print ad, a demo video on the new lawn  mower you just purchased or a portal to buy tickets to an event being advertised. Simply linking a website or "something" just for the sake of using a QR code isn't enough. In fact, poor QR code execution could be why they won't ever reach their full potential. Any QR marketing should be well thought out and helpful to consumers and customers.

Check out this super cool  concept and video showing how QR Code can help the consumer cross the online/ offline barrier  and  improve their lives. Really smart stuff!

Here are a few of my favorite relevant QR Code applications:

 

New Product Alert! OutRiggerSocks

Tiresocks, Inc. is excited to announce the development of our newest product OutriggerSocks. 

After receiving multiple inquiries for a product that would protect the floor from damage caused by outriggers, our product development team started designing the first prototype. At the 2012 ARA show in New Orleans we tested various design options on Reachmaster's Bluelift.  Logistics Manager Conrad Juliao of ReachMaster was excited to test and display the OutriggerSocks on his Bluelift along side Tiresocks product "TrackSocks" which were developed in the same fashion at last year's ARA show in Las Vegas. Juliao stated "I've had multiple inquiries about outrigger covers so I'm excited to finally be able to offer my customers a simple solution." As with all Tiresocks products, OutriggerSocks promise to be durable & user-friendly. When asked about product development at ARA shows, Tiresocks President Jarrett Gordon said, "The ARA show promotes innovation and offers the opportunity to collaborate with customers & friends in the industry to find solutions. It's the perfect environment for innovative product development. We look forward to displaying our newest product, OutriggerSocks, at the 2013 ARA Rental Show in Las Vegas."

 

Inside Tiresocks: Meet Patti

Are you curious who the friendly voice is on the other end of the phone  when you call?

 

That person is none other than customer service extraordinaire Patti Reichert! Patti has worked at Tiresocks for 3 years and spends most of her time answering phone calls, processing orders and managing the shop. Outside of Tiresocks, Patti loves spending time with her friends and family. Part of her family includes an Alaskan Malamute and Bernese Mountain dog that love taking her for long walks. She also loves volunteering to help local organizations.

20 amazing uses for dryer sheets

So I know this has nothing to do with Tiresocks, but I came across this list on the Internet and it is TOO good to pass up sharing with you all!

1. Use it to dust your TV screen. The anti-static chemicals in a dryer sheet will help to repel dust and lint.

2. Use old dryer sheets to easily wipe up talcum powder, flour, and other messes of this type.

3. Used sheets usually have enough fragrance in them to freshen up other areas in your home. Stuff them in tennis shoes, place them in closets, in laundry hampers, and luggage- anywhere you need a little "refreshment"

4. Run a sheet over a piece of thread when you're doing sewing tasks. The thread won't tangle up as easy.

5. Have pet hair on your clothing? Simply wipe if off with a used dryer sheet! Also works great on cloth furniture too!

6. Keep dust and other contaminants off your glass computer screen by carefully wiping it with an old sheet.

7. Did you purchase some old, musty books at a garage sale or thrift shop? Make them smell good again! Simply place the books in a sealed plastic bag with a used dryer sheet. Allow the bag to sit undisturbed fro a day or two, then remove the contents. The musty smell will be gone!

8. Got a problem with mice? Find where they are entering your house and stuff the hole shut with a used sheet. Mice won't chew through the smelly material.

9. Place a used dryer sheet in the bag of your vacuum. Vacuum your house, and the air will smell as fresh as your clothes do.

10. These wonders of the 70's are also said to repel mosquitoes as well as other annoying, flying insects. Don't rub it on you. Instead, stick a used sheet in your belt loop.

11. You can use dryer sheets to clean and polish the chrome on your vehicles.

12. Is there a build-up of soap scum on your glass shower door? Simply use an old dryer sheet to eliminate the mess.

13. Is the interior of your car or truck smelling a little stale? Forget the pine tree on a string! Place a few used dryer sheets under the seats of your vehicle instead!

14. Use sheets to clean and polish the glass lens of your eyeglasses. They are not recommended for plastic lens, though!

15. Is your hair dry and full of static electricity? Gently wipe a used dryer sheet over your head to get rid of it!

16. Dryer sheets make great dusting clothes for your wood furniture.

17. Help keep dust and other allergens out of your house by placing a used sheet inside ever furnace/AC register in your house. Make sure it covers the openings and replace once they are dirty.

18. Keep your blinds clean longer by wiping them periodically with used dryer sheets. The anti-static properties will actually help to repel dust and dirt.

19. Scissor blades not cutting as smoothly as they should? Wipe scissor blades clean with a used dryer sheet to remedy this.

20. Used dryer sheets make great little cloths for quick shine in the bathroom and kitchen. Use on a chrome faucet and see how it shines!

Equipment Tire Covers, TireSocks, TireBooties, Surface Protection...

Sometimes it seems like all we do is talk about Tire Covers! Equipment Tire Covers, TireSocks, TireBooties, Surface Protection... whatever you want to call them! We do of course offer the most superior quality TireSocks on the market... but sometimes it seems like we are up to our ears in TIRESOCKS! Today is already going to be one of those days so we decided to have a little fun and take some pictures of how we are feeling at this very moment! So ENJOY!

PR Log (Press Release) - July 2, 2010 The ARA Rental Show was held on February 8-10 2010 in Orlando, FL this year. Rental personnel came to see the newest products on the market from all around the country. Along with new products, collaborating and socializing with others in the rental industry are prime reasons why people attend the show each year. Across the trade show floor new relationships are developed, old ones renewed, and the sparks of innovation can easily be seen. It was in this atmosphere that the new product TrackSocks was created by Jarrett Gordon, owner of TireSocks, Inc.

The employees of Dominion Rubber Tracks are frequently asked by customers to find some type of protective cover to use on rubber track machines in order to prevent scuffing when the machines had to drive on finished floors. Prior to the ARA Rental Show, they couldn’t track down any product on the market to do the job. At the ARA Rental Show Chip Bukoski approached owner of Tiresocks, Inc. Jarrett Gordon for assistance. TireSocks, Inc. currently produces products to prevent finished flooring from the scuff marks left from the rubber wheels used by many types of construction equipment- but had not previously ever made anything to fit rubber track machines. Thanks to John Hedland owner of NiftyLift, Jarrett was able to get measurements for a Track Mountain Work Platform on site at the show. Jarrett brainstormed the best design, and the specs were called into the Tiresocks’ shop in Centennial, CO and the new product shipped out for overnight delivery. On closing day of the ARA Rental Show as the machines were allowed to start up, the new TrackSocks were put onto the track mounted work platform. The TrackSocks fit perfectly, did the job they were supposed to do, and proved that with a little collaboration and the networking of the right people anything is possible! For more information on TrackSocks or any other products that Tiresocks, Inc. offers please call 720-323-0208 or visit www.tiresocks.com

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The Rental Show 2010

Our bags are packed, we're ready to go... We finally got our travel arrangements for The Rental Show in 28 days! We still have so much to do, but are really looking forward to the show this year! We will be in booth #4110- stop by and see us if you are going to be there!! We will have really cool handout bags plus you can meet the owner of Tiresocks, Jarrett Gordon. Let us know if you are going to be there too so we can make sure to stop by and see you!