Maltix Business Plan - Competitive Landscape

Competitive landscape analysis
Competitive Landscape Scoping

I performed a number of ChatGPT driven searches to scope the landscape. The results are as follows. These are generally in alignment with our collective impressions of being in this marketplace for some years.

“QR codes have become increasingly popular tools for entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their business operations. These systems typically offer a range of features aimed at streamlining processes, improving customer engagement, and facilitating efficient business management. Let's analyse the size, features, market share, and prices of such systems.

Size: The market for QR code systems catering to entrepreneurs and SMEs has witnessed substantial growth in recent years. With the increasing adoption of smartphones and the convenience offered by QR codes, numerous software providers and startups have entered the market, resulting in a diverse range of offerings. The size of the market is expanding as more businesses recognize the benefits of leveraging QR codes for various purposes.

Features: QR code systems designed for entrepreneurs and SMEs typically offer a wide array of features to address their specific needs. These may include:

QR Code Generation: The systems allow users to create customized QR codes that can be used for various purposes, such as linking to websites, displaying contact information, or providing product details.

Marketing and Customer Engagement: QR codes can be utilized for promotional campaigns, enabling businesses to direct customers to special offers, discounts, or loyalty programs. Systems may provide analytics to track engagement and gather customer insights.

Inventory and Product Management: Some systems integrate with inventory management software, enabling businesses to track and manage their stock levels efficiently. QR codes can be used to streamline the process of inventory tracking and product identification.

Payment and Point-of-Sale Integration: QR code systems often offer payment solutions that allow businesses to accept payments through QR codes, either through mobile wallets or payment Apps. Integration with point-of-sale (POS) systems ensures seamless transactions.

Analytics and Reporting: Businesses can access data on QR code scans, customer behaviour, and campaign performance through analytics and reporting features. These insights help in making informed business decisions.

Market Share: The market for QR code systems in the entrepreneurial and SME sector is competitive, with several established players and emerging startups. The market share of individual providers can vary depending on factors such as product quality, brand reputation, customer support, and pricing. Currently, market leaders include well-known companies like Scanova, QRStuff, and QR Code Generator.

Prices: Pricing models for QR code systems differ among providers. Some may offer tiered pricing plans based on the number of codes generated, the range of features required, or the level of customer support. Others may adopt a subscription-based model or charge per scan. Prices can range from free plans with limited features to higher-tier plans that cater to larger businesses with more extensive needs. The pricing structure is often designed to accommodate the budgets of entrepreneurs and SMEs, making the systems accessible to a wide range of businesses.

In conclusion, the market for QR code systems targeted at entrepreneurs and SMEs is growing, with various providers offering a range of features to streamline business operations. These systems enable businesses to generate customized QR codes, enhance marketing and customer engagement, optimize inventory management, facilitate payments, and gain valuable insights through analytics.

Market share, functionality, and pricing for major players:

Market leaders like Scanova, QRStuff, and QR Code Generator compete for market share by offering diverse pricing plans and differentiating features.

Supplier

Pricing Plans

Features

Scanova

- Basic: $9/month

- Dynamic QR codes

- Advanced: $29/month

- Custom design and branding

- Enterprise: Custom pricing

- Campaign management and analytics

- Multiple scan redirection

- API access

QRStuff

- Free

- Static QR codes

- Paid: $11.95/month or $49.95/year

- Dynamic QR codes

- Custom design and branding

- Unlimited scans

- URL shortening

QR Code Generator

- Free

- Static QR codes

- Pro: $9.99/month

- Dynamic QR codes

- Business: $29.99/month

- Custom design and branding

- Enterprise: Custom pricing

- Campaign management and analytics

- Advanced customization options

Retail and E-commerce Companies:

Amazon: Amazon uses QR codes for various purposes, including product packaging, order tracking, and returns. Customers can scan QR codes to access detailed product information and track their orders conveniently.

Walmart: Walmart utilizes QR codes for price comparisons, enabling customers to scan codes in-store and instantly view competitor prices. This feature helps Walmart ensure competitive pricing for its customers.

Shopify: As an e-commerce platform, Shopify offers QR code generation for businesses to create personalized QR codes for product promotions, discounts, and order tracking. This allows Shopify users to enhance customer engagement and streamline the purchasing process.

Payment and Financial Services:

PayPal: PayPal utilizes QR codes for contactless payments. Users can generate a QR code linked to their PayPal accounts and accept payments by simply scanning the code using a mobile device. This feature facilitates secure and convenient transactions.

Alipay: Alipay, a popular mobile payment platform in China, employs QR codes extensively. It allows users to make payments at offline stores, transfer money to friends, and even access various financial services by scanning QR codes.

Travel and Hospitality:

Airbnb: Airbnb incorporates QR codes to simplify the check-in process for guests. Hosts can generate QR codes that provide guests with access to the property, eliminating the need for physical keys and enhancing security.

Airlines: Many airlines have adopted QR codes for mobile check-ins, allowing passengers to scan their boarding passes directly from their smartphones. This feature speeds up the check-in process and reduces the need for paper tickets.

Marketing and Advertising:

Snapchat: Snapchat employs QR codes called "Snapcodes" that users can scan to connect with friends, follow accounts, or unlock exclusive content. This feature enhances user engagement and facilitates social connections.

Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola has used QR codes in marketing campaigns to provide customers with interactive experiences. Scanning the QR codes on Coca-Cola products often leads to contests, games, or promotional offers, creating a unique brand experience.

Common Functionalities

While the specific features offered by these companies may vary, some common functionalities include:

Product information and tracking: QR codes can be scanned to access detailed information about products, including pricing, reviews, and specifications. They also enable customers to track their orders and delivery status conveniently.

Payment and transactions: QR codes facilitate secure and contactless payments, allowing customers to make purchases quickly using their mobile devices.

Marketing and promotions: QR codes are used for promotional purposes, such as providing discounts, offers, or exclusive content to customers.

Check-ins and access control: QR codes streamline check-in processes for hotels, airlines, and other services, eliminating the need for physical tickets or keys.

Social media integration: Some companies incorporate QR codes to connect users with their social media accounts, enabling easy following, sharing, or engaging with brands.

It's important to note that the specific features and implementations of QR codes may vary for each company based on their unique business goals and customer needs.

SME Marketplace

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs also leverage QR code solutions to address various business needs. Here are some common uses of QR codes by these entities:

Contactless Payments: SMEs and entrepreneurs often use QR codes to accept contactless payments from customers. By generating a QR code linked to their payment platforms or mobile wallets, they can receive payments seamlessly, whether in-store or for online transactions.

Marketing and Promotions: QR codes enable SMEs to create interactive and engaging marketing campaigns. They can print QR codes on their marketing materials, such as flyers, posters, or business cards, which, when scanned, direct customers to specific landing pages, promotional offers, or social media profiles.

Digital Menus and Ordering: Restaurants, cafes, and food businesses can utilize QR codes to provide digital menus to their customers. By scanning the QR code placed on the table or at the counter, customers can view the menu on their mobile devices and place orders directly, reducing the need for physical menus and enhancing efficiency.

Customer Feedback and Reviews: QR codes can be integrated into feedback and review systems. SMEs can encourage customers to scan the QR code after a purchase or service experience to provide feedback, leave reviews, or participate in surveys, helping businesses gather valuable insights and improve customer satisfaction.

Loyalty Programs: SMEs often create QR codes to enable customers to participate in loyalty programs. Customers can scan the code to accumulate points, receive discounts, or unlock rewards, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business.

Major Players

In the SME space, several players specifically cater to the needs of small businesses, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs. Here are a few examples:

Square: Square offers a range of payment and business management solutions for SMEs, including QR code-based payments, point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and customer engagement tools.

Shopify: Shopify is an e-commerce platform that provides SMEs with the ability to create and manage online stores. It offers QR code generation for product promotions, discounts, and order tracking, catering to entrepreneurs looking to establish an online presence.

PayPal Here: PayPal Here is a mobile payment solution designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It allows users to accept payments by generating QR codes that customers can scan with their smartphones.

SumUp: SumUp provides card readers and payment solutions that support QR code payments. It enables small businesses and entrepreneurs to accept card payments through QR codes or contactless card readers.

These are just a few examples of players in the SME space that offer QR code solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs. It's important to research and explore different options to find the most suitable QR code solution for specific business requirements.

Business but not QR centred - Appointedd.

Apointedd is an Appointment scheduling and business management software that primarily focuses on enhancing customer experience and streamlining operations for SMEs. While they do not specifically advertise QR code features, they offer a range of functionalities that can contribute to business improvement. Here are some key features provided by Apointedd and similar companies in the Appointment scheduling space:

Online Booking and Scheduling: Apointedd enables SMEs to offer online booking options to their customers. Instead of relying on phone calls or emails, customers can conveniently schedule Appointments using a web-based interface. While Apointedd does not explicitly mention QR codes, it is possible to integrate QR codes as part of the booking process to simplify Appointment scheduling.

Customer Management: These platforms typically provide tools to manage customer information and preferences. SMEs can keep track of customer details, Appointment history, and communication history, allowing for personalized and targeted interactions.

Automated Reminders: Apointedd and similar platforms allow businesses to send automated reminders to customers before their scheduled Appointments. These reminders can be delivered via email or SMS, helping reduce no-shows and improve overall efficiency.

Resource and Staff Management: SMEs can utilize features that enable them to manage their resources, such as rooms, equipment, or staff availability. This ensures optimal allocation of resources and prevents double-booking.

Integration with Other Tools: Many Appointments scheduling platforms, including Apointedd, offer integrations with popular calendar tools, email marketing software, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This integration streamlines workflows and ensures seamless data synchronization across different platforms.

While Apointedd may not have explicit QR code features, it's important to note that some of these platforms offer APIs or customization options that allow SMEs to integrate QR codes into their workflows. For example, SMEs could generate unique QR codes for each Appointment and provide customers with QR codes to scan upon arrival, simplifying the check-in process.”

Maltix Conclusions and Observations

We are becoming increasingly sure that there is nothing out there, currently in the marketplace, which matches what we do or, indeed, is very close to it either.

When we looked at the major players in the QR space above we realised that we actually use some of that technology in terms of what we do. The reality is that all of those companies, as above, that provide QR facilities do so, but none of them does the work in the back office to connect them to creating the services that business and in particular SMEs actually need to run their businesses. 

So, SMEs are left to work out how to do that themselves and in general they neither can nor want to. This is probably why nearly all of the take up of the services listed above are by major corporates who of course have IT and programming teams that can spend the effort to do the things they do.

But frankly, by our standards, simply using a QR code to go to a website, a V card, a menu, shopping cart, a customer satisfaction survey or indeed any of the other things listed above is limiting the technology to a very narrow range of uses. Very very, few of the above actually provide more than one or two destinations from any given QR code.

Whilst Apointedd, does seem to provide a number of those services that Maltix does firstly it doesn't provide anywhere near the number or range of services that we will but secondly and more importantly with Appointdd having QR codes as part of what they do is an option it is not fundamental to the way that the business actually operates.

The Maltix Approach is for everything to revolve around a QR code where for any individual business the entire business offering can revolve around a single QR code that normally does not change over time but where what it leads to is firstly an extensive number of services and facilities but more importantly can be updated either by the business user themselves, or by the Maltix VA team, for them, as they wish, but constantly, and in real time, as required. In this way the QR code leads to the business and services of that company that are always up-to-date valid and responsive.

If however the business has a number of functions that they want to use in slightly different ways Maltix can provide them with for example a fixed QR code for all of their online events, or for their training, or for product promotions or indeed many other facilities where whilst having it in the original QR code is useful being able to promote it independently and yet change the delivery, as time requires, is of even more benefit.

In summary, as far as we can tell, to date, there is no real competition that does what we do or is even close to be being able to do, so for some time.