When it comes to luxury brands, Louis Vuitton (LV for short) is a name everyone has heard of.
Founded back in 1854, LV deals in the production of luxury goods, especially products for fashion, accessories, and handbags.
But do you know it’s as tech-forward as it is fashion-forward? It’s quite obvious the way Louis Vuitton embraces QR Codes.
For the uninitiated, QR Codes are modern barcodes, which upon scanning reveal some information.
But how exactly does a luxury brand like LV use QR Codes? Well, it’s all part of their smart marketing and operations strategy. Keep reading to find out more!
A. Quick introduction to a Louis Vuitton QR Code
Louis Vuitton uses QR Codes on its products for multiple purposes. These include verifying product authenticity, downloading apps, and accessing customer support.
It’s a smart way of blending luxury with modern technology, making the shopping experience smoother.
Louis Vuitton QR Codes link customers directly to important information and sometimes even to exclusive content.
Did you know? According to Statista, Louis Vuitton is the world’s most valuable luxury brand. That’s why it’s the prime target for counterfeiters. They supply fake LV products everywhere—from flea markets to even high-end stores!
For a brand that is authentic and exclusive, QR Codes help overcome the challenge. They offer a simple, reliable way for customers to ensure their purchase is genuine, giving them peace of mind.
B. Louis Vuitton QR Codes for authentication
1. Why is authentication of LV products important?
a. Prevent loss to company and customer
The National Crime Prevention Council of the USA states that annually, $2 trillion in counterfeit products are sold worldwide.
It is dangerous for brands like Louis Vuitton and their customers. Fake goods cause huge financial losses for these brands and their reputation.
Customers who unknowingly purchase counterfeit items often lose money. Such experience can make them hesitant to buy luxury products in the future.
So, it’s important to authenticate original products.
b. Keep skilled counterfeiters in check
There are a lot of YouTube videos and blogs on how to identify original LV products just by their look and feel.
While these are meant to help customers, sometimes counterfeiters take advantage too. They try their level best to copy the iconic LV monogram and replicate the stitching and texture.
c. Prevent the most common mistakes
First things first, make sure you don’t scan a fake Louis Vuitton QR Code ever. Scanning it can lead to malware infection or phishing attacks.
Note: No original Louis Vuitton product comes with an authenticity certificate. If your item includes one, it’s most likely a counterfeit.
Louis Vitton used dated code, and now microchips to make its products hard to counterfeit.
In addition to these methods, the use of QR Codes adds another layer of security for luxury brands.
2. How Louis Vuitton QR Codes are used for authentication
a. Unique QR Codes for each product
Many luxury products have a unique Louis Vuitton QR Code assigned at the time of manufacturing.
This QR Code is linked to the brand’s database, containing information like product details, serial number, and batch ID. Scanning it helps you verify product authenticity.
b. Instant product verification
Scanning the QR Code leads customers to LV’s website or app. Here they can instantly verify the product’s authenticity.
The page displays all the relevant product details, giving customers peace of mind that they purchased a genuine item.
c. Blockchain integration
Counterfeiters may try to duplicate product page links or even create fake verification pages to deceive people. But blockchain technology comes in handy to combat this.
Each product’s QR Code is registered on a blockchain, ensuring that the data is tamper-proof, original, and transparent.
This provides consumers with a verifiable chain of ownership from warehouse to distributor.
C. Real Life Examples of LV QR Code in practice
1. Driving app downloads
Image Source: louisvuitton.com
Louis Vuitton promotes a QR Code on their website to encourage app downloads for a personalized shopping experience.
They also include QR Codes for the Play Store or App Store with product purchases, making it easy for customers to stay connected through the app.
2. Improving customer service
To make customer support more accessible, Louis Vuitton includes QR Codes with their products.
These direct customers straight to the support page. This simple step saves time and frustration by letting customers bypass the need to search through the website.
3. Takashi Murakami X Louis Vuitton
Image Source: hypebeast.com
In 2009, LV collaborated with Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami to design a special QR Code.
Designed by the Japanese agency SET, this special Louis Vuitton QR Code was displayed in stores to attract attention.
It directed people to LV’s website to explore their latest collection. This collaboration helped strengthen LV’s presence in Japan.
4. Innovative fashion shows
QR Codes are very versatile and can really be used in any way one desires. Recently Pharrell Williams’s first fashion show for LV created buzz around the internet.
They created an immersive fashion show experience with holographic technology. The guests were able to scan the QR Codes flashed on the screen via their smartphones to access the whole collection that models were wearing.
This new take on fashion shows wowed the audience and created a truly immersive experience.
5. Engaging event promotions
LV uses QR Codes to promote events, both in digital and print campaigns. A great example is the digital launch of a new exhibition in China, where they encouraged people to scan a QR Code.
The code directed them to a WeChat minisite that introduced the exhibition creatively. The goal was to create excitement and boost engagement.
6. Book store appointments
Image Source: thediarist.ph
With every new collection, LV stores often see long lines. To offer a smoother experience, they provide QR Codes that allow customers to book online appointments.
Once booked, clients are assigned a personal advisor to assist with their shopping experience. This avoids the hassle of waiting and ensures a more tailored visit.
7. QR Code payments in stores
Similar to other modern retailers, Louis Vuitton adopted the QR Code payments to help speed up transactions as well as make them safer.
8. Access to exclusive content
Image Source: YouTube- Tech Burner
Louis Vuitton adds an extra touch of exclusivity by including QR Codes with certain product accessories.
These codes often lead to behind-the-scenes content, product history, or unique features that aren’t available elsewhere.
This approach provides customers with a richer brand experience. It also reinforces the authenticity of their purchase.
D. Benefits of Louis Vuitton QR Codes for customers
1. Convenience
QR Codes provide quick access to product details and additional content.
No need to spend time searching through websites. Just scan the code to reach your exact destination.
2. Security
Suppose you buy a Louis Vuitton item and, validate its authenticity with a single QR Code scan. It reassures that your item is 100% genuine.
Other methods such as date codes and microchips provide security. However, QR Codes are a familiar and convenient layer of protection that consumers are comfortable using.
3. Exclusivity
QR Codes can unlock special perks to add a personal touch. Customers get access to limited-edition collections, special deals, and even behind-the-scenes stuff.
Picture this: You bought an LV bag, and it comes with a QR Code. Scanning it takes you to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the bag’s launch and first exhibition.
4. Personalization
QR Codes allow for a more personalized shopping experience. Scanning a code might lead to tailored suggestions, custom offers, or content that’s specifically designed for them.
It’s all about creating a deeper connection with the brand.
E. How brands can generate branded QR Codes
Do you want to create a QR Code that reflects your brand like an LV QR Code? Here’s a simple guide for you using Scanova’s QR Code generator tool.
Keep in mind that you’ll first need to sign up to use the service for a 14-day free trial to edit a basic QR Code.
1. Go to Scanova’s QR Code generator. Select the QR Code category you’d like to create. It can link to a website, an app store, social media, or anything you want.
2. Enter the details in the content box and then click on “Continue”
3. Name your QR Code and tap on “Create QR Code”
4. Your QR Code will be generated. Tap the pencil icon to edit it further.
5. You can customize it by adding your logo, image, or a call-to-action (CTA). You can also change the color and pattern to match your brand.
Note that if this QR Code is editable or a dynamic QR Code, you need to have a subscription for those QR Codes to remain active after the trial ends.
Test your QR Code using the “Test QR Code” feature before sharing it with your audience to ensure it works well.
F. FAQs: Louis Vuitton QR Code
1. What is Louis Vuitton QR Code?
Louis Vuitton QR Codes are 2D barcodes that are used for various purposes by LV.
Some examples are: authentication of the product, downloading application, and access to customer support in case of any issue.
2. How do I use a Louis Vuitton QR Code?
Scan a Louis Vuitton QR Code with your smartphone. Open your smartphone camera > Place the camera to focus on the Louis Vuitton QR Code > Tap on the link that appears.
This will take you to the webpage or app which is linked with the QR Code.
3. Does Louis Vuitton use QR Codes?
Yes! Louis Vuitton employs QR Codes for various purposes. They redirect users to a website, Play Store, or App Store to download an application.
LV QR Codes can also be used to book appointments and provide vital information about a product.
4. How do I verify a Louis Vuitton Handbag?
Note that Louis Vuitton products do not include an authentication certificate. In fact, Louis Vuitton used to stamp the date code in itself.
The date codes indicate the country of origin and week and year of manufacture. However, if you purchased your brand-new LV after 2021, then you would be able to find a microchip on the backside of the bag.
To get a chip, you would have to download an NFC reader app and hover it over your bag’s back side. The chips are in varying locations, depending on the design.
5. What if my Louis Vuitton product doesn’t have a QR Code?
You likely bought a preowned luxury item, and they probably didn’t include the Louis Vuitton QR Code. Well, in this case you can contact third-party authenticators.
They shall inform you whether your product is authentic or not based on the images or videos that you send them.
In case your product is authentic, they will issue you a certificate of authenticity with QR codes.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, Louis Vuitton’s innovative use of QR Codes shows how technology can take luxury experiences a step ahead.
Whether it’s helping you authenticate a purchase, access exclusive content, or streamline customer support, these QR Codes offer more than just convenience. They also add a layer of trust and personalization.
So, when you spot a QR Code on your next LV purchase, give it a scan, you never know what exclusive surprise might be waiting!