QR-Code-Generator.com “free” QR code lockout: Difference between revisions
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|ArticleType=Product | |ArticleType=Product | ||
|Type=Terms of Service | |Type=Terms of Service | ||
|Description=Bitly’s QR-Code-Generator.com markets “free” QR codes that later break unless users pay, causing losses for printed materials. | |Description=Bitly’s QR-Code-Generator.com markets “free” QR codes that later break unless users pay, causing losses for printed materials.}} | ||
}} | [[Bitly]] is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs. Users have complained that QR codes created with Bitly were unexpectedly deactivated once the user's free trial has expired, these codes can only be reactivated with a subscription to a paid plan. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
{{Ph-I-B}} | {{Ph-I-B}} | ||
Bitly owns and operates QR-Code-Generator.com, a platform marketed as offering “free” QR code creation. Many users have reported that while the service initially generates functioning QR codes at no cost, those codes are later deactivated unless the user subscribes to a paid plan. This often results in substantial financial and reputational losses for individuals and businesses who have already printed the codes on packaging, signage, or promotional materials. | Bitly owns and operates [https://QR-Code-Generator.com QR-Code-Generator.com], a platform marketed as offering “free” QR code creation. Many users have reported that while the service initially generates functioning QR codes at no cost, those codes are later deactivated unless the user subscribes to a paid plan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Jun 2024 |title=How can I reactivate my QR Codes? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665090677005-How-can-I-reactivate-my-QR-Codes#:~:text=Your%20QR%20Codes%20may%20be,more%20of%20your%20QR%20Codes |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 Jun 2025 |title=I received a message saying that my QR Codes will be deactivated. What does that mean? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665013224205-I-received-a-message-saying-that-my-QR-Codes-will-be-deactivated-What-does-that-mean#:~:text=Any%20Dynamic%20QR%20Codes%20you,QR%20codes%20or%20vice%20versa. |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref> This often results in substantial financial and reputational losses for individuals and businesses who have already printed the codes on packaging, signage, or promotional materials.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=u/Administrative_Bit10 |date=27 Jul 2023 |title=If ever need a QR code for your design, stay away from (qr-code-generator.com ) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/15asa5h/if_ever_need_a_qr_code_for_your_design_stay_away/ |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> | ||
A widely discussed Reddit post from 2021 titled " | A widely discussed Reddit post from 2021 titled "Don't order a QR code from qrcodegenerator.com..." has over 230 comments detailing similar consumer complaints.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=u/whoisfryingbaloney |date=23 Aug 2021 |title=Don't order a QR Code from QR-code-generator.com. They say NOTHING about a paid monthly subscription of 15$/ mo when you sign up but wait 2 weeks after you've gotten your code (and had it printed on material) before they disable your QR code and try to make you pay once your backed into a corner. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/pa96df/dont_order_a_qr_code_from_qrcodegeneratorcom_they/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Despite being over four years old, these reports mirror current user experiences, indicating the practice has persisted for years. | ||
==Incident== | ==Incident== | ||
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==Consumer response== | ==Consumer response== | ||
{{Ph-I-ConR}} | {{Ph-I-ConR}} | ||
Users have expressed frustration across social media platforms, Reddit, and review sites, warning others about the practice. Some suggest that public posts on LinkedIn and other platforms tagging the company could pressure Bitly to change its approach. The consensus among dissatisfied customers is that the business model is deceptive and undermines trust, and that repairing such a damaged reputation is far more difficult than preserving it in the first place. | Users have expressed frustration across social media platforms, Reddit, and review sites, warning others about the practice.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Some suggest that public posts on LinkedIn and other platforms tagging the company could pressure Bitly to change its approach. The consensus among dissatisfied customers is that the business model is deceptive and undermines trust, and that repairing such a damaged reputation is far more difficult than preserving it in the first place. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
Latest revision as of 07:07, 15 August 2025
❗Article Status Notice: This Article is a stub
This article is underdeveloped, and needs additional work to meet the wiki's Content Guidelines and be in line with our Mission Statement for comprehensive coverage of consumer protection issues. Learn more ▼
Bitly is a platform that manages links and shortens URLs. Users have complained that QR codes created with Bitly were unexpectedly deactivated once the user's free trial has expired, these codes can only be reactivated with a subscription to a paid plan.
Background[edit | edit source]
Bitly owns and operates QR-Code-Generator.com, a platform marketed as offering “free” QR code creation. Many users have reported that while the service initially generates functioning QR codes at no cost, those codes are later deactivated unless the user subscribes to a paid plan.[1][2] This often results in substantial financial and reputational losses for individuals and businesses who have already printed the codes on packaging, signage, or promotional materials.[3]
A widely discussed Reddit post from 2021 titled "Don't order a QR code from qrcodegenerator.com..." has over 230 comments detailing similar consumer complaints.[4] Despite being over four years old, these reports mirror current user experiences, indicating the practice has persisted for years.
Incident[edit | edit source]
Multiple new user reports emerged describing the same pattern of QR codes becoming inactive after creation unless a subscription fee was paid. Many users claim they were unaware of any time limit or requirement for ongoing payment at the time of code creation. These codes, once printed and distributed, ceased to function—leading to wasted production costs and damaged customer trust.
Bitly's response[edit | edit source]
As of this writing, Bitly has not issued a public statement addressing the continued consumer concerns about QR code deactivation. The official Terms of Service mention subscription requirements, but users argue these conditions are not clearly disclosed during code creation, especially when marketed as “free.”
Lawsuit[edit | edit source]
No known lawsuits have been filed as of now. However, given the multi-year pattern of complaints, the issue may attract regulatory or class-action scrutiny if not addressed.
Consumer response[edit | edit source]
Users have expressed frustration across social media platforms, Reddit, and review sites, warning others about the practice.[3][4] Some suggest that public posts on LinkedIn and other platforms tagging the company could pressure Bitly to change its approach. The consensus among dissatisfied customers is that the business model is deceptive and undermines trust, and that repairing such a damaged reputation is far more difficult than preserving it in the first place.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "How can I reactivate my QR Codes?". QR Code Generator Support. 20 Jun 2024. Retrieved 15 Aug 2025.
- ↑ "I received a message saying that my QR Codes will be deactivated. What does that mean?". QR Code Generator Support. 11 Jun 2025. Retrieved 15 Aug 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 u/Administrative_Bit10 (27 Jul 2023). "If ever need a QR code for your design, stay away from (qr-code-generator.com )". Reddit. Retrieved 15 Aug 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ 4.0 4.1 u/whoisfryingbaloney (23 Aug 2021). "Don't order a QR Code from QR-code-generator.com. They say NOTHING about a paid monthly subscription of 15$/ mo when you sign up but wait 2 weeks after you've gotten your code (and had it printed on material) before they disable your QR code and try to make you pay once your backed into a corner". Reddit. Retrieved 15 Aug 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)