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Show HN: Swap contacts by scanning QR codes on your phone

by imaginaryunit on 3/23/12, 4:21 PM with 6 comments

We recently developed a way to get rid of paper business cards and their shortcomings (e.g.: clutter). It's called Napkkin (www.napkkin.com), and it lets you create a business card on your phone and swap it with people you meet by scanning a QR Code. You can get referred by your new contacts and get notified in real-time so you can track who's helping you with word-of-mouth referrals. We've got mobile/desktop web apps and Android/iPhone native apps set up. We're looking for feedback, so let us know what you think!

  • by bdfh42 on 3/23/12, 4:28 PM

    I have been generating just such a QR code on my Android phone for a few months - to pass contact info to others. Works OK.

    Not sure about the "referral" tracking bit - but I am probably not your typical user.

    Lot of "prior art" using infra red signals from back in the early Windows mobile days - might be worth finding out where that went in the business environment - and thus potential paying customers.

  • by dwshorowitz on 3/25/12, 3:44 AM

    Really smart idea, site looks solid. I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of QR codes, but you mention in your response to Jordhy that it's more fail safe than Bump.

    Looking forward to checking it out.

  • by debacle on 3/23/12, 8:57 PM

  • by jordhy on 3/23/12, 6:33 PM

    I like you concept, but already use Bump. How is this better/easier than Bu.mp?