Google is suffering through a somewhat embarrassing turn of events regarding its Favorite Place decals, but the company that’s actually responsible for the problem says a fix is on the way.
QuickMark, makers of an iPhone app that has led users to the wrong URL when a Favorite Places decal is scanned, says it has submitted an update and is waiting for Apple to approve the fixed software:
“The Google Favorite Places decals are perfectly fine and we have already submitted an update to correct this problem. Usually updates can be made available in 1-2 weeks after submission, but it is possible to experience some delay due to the upcoming holidays. “
The scanning problems began almost immediately after Google announced the Favorite Places program. Many local businesses who were named favorite places reported that the QR code brought up the wrong web site; our own Barry Schwartz posted video of the bug in action. Today on Search Engine Roundtable, Barry recapped the similar experiences of other small business owners telling their stories and looking for help online.
There have been other oddities reported this week regarding the Favorite Places decals, including some small business owners receiving them despite using a post office box or UPS mailbox as their address (which goes against Google’s business listing guidelines). A Google spokesperson tells us that sending those decals was a mistake:
“…we did filter out listings from PO Boxes but in a list of 190,000 some have gone through mistakenly. The listings do still meet the thresholds of being a ‘favorite place’ but those stickers were mailed in error.”
Update, December 22: QuickMark says the updated iPhone app, version 3.8.3, is now available.
Related Topics: Google: Maps & Local | Google: Mobile | Top News
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