A method for using a quick response (QR) code in printed materials includes determining a long URL for use with a product or service (501). A short URL is created based on the long URL (503). The short URL is then included within a quick response (QR) code (505). Next, the QR code is used in connection with printed matter in a channel of trade (507). Upon scanning the code (509), the user is redirected to the long URL based on the short URL at a remote computer system (511, 513). Finally, an advertiser or business owner can determine if the QR code should be redeployed in the same or a different channel of trade based on the use and pass though of the short URL (517, 523, 525).