How Cooe Works

Protect your belongings in 3 simple steps. No app, no account, no hassle.

1

Generate Your Free QR Code

It takes less than 30 seconds. Visit the Cooe homepage (cooe.au), scroll down to the QR code generator section, and click "Generate Your Free QR Code". The system instantly creates a unique QR code just for you.

What Makes Your QR Code Unique?

Each QR code contains a unique identifier (like "xAbC123XyZs") that links to your specific code in our system. This identifier is random and contains no personal information - it's just a way for us to know which QR code belongs to which item.

Downloading Your QR Code

  • Click the "Download QR Code" button
  • The QR code saves as a PNG image to your device
  • You can generate as many codes as you need - they're unlimited and free
  • Save the image to your phone, computer, or cloud storage
💡 Pro Tip: Generate QR codes for all your family's belongings at once. Create separate codes for each item (school bag, lunch box, water bottle, etc.) so you know exactly which item was found.

Printing Options

You have several options for printing your QR code:

  • Home Printer: Print on regular paper or sticker paper
  • Office Supply Store: Print at Officeworks, Australia Post, or similar stores
  • Online Printing Services: Upload and order custom stickers or labels
  • Iron-On Labels: For fabric items like hats and jackets
💡 Size Recommendation: Print your QR code at least 2cm x 2cm (1 inch x 1 inch) for best scanning reliability. Larger is better for items that might be scanned from a distance.

Making It Durable

To ensure your QR code lasts all school year:

  • Use waterproof sticker paper or laminate regular prints
  • Cover with clear packing tape for extra protection
  • Consider using a label-making service with weather-resistant vinyl
  • For fabric items, use iron-on labels specifically designed for washing
2

Print, Attach & Claim It

Attaching Your QR Code

Once printed, attach your QR code to your belongings. Popular locations include:

  • School Bags: Inside main pocket, on the front, or on the name tag area
  • Lunch Boxes: On the lid or bottom
  • Water Bottles: On the side or bottom (avoid areas that get too wet)
  • Hats: Inside the brim or on a tag
  • Jackets: Inside collar or on an inside pocket

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Claim Your QR Code First!

Before giving items to your children, you must claim the QR code yourself. This is the most critical step!

How to Claim Your QR Code

  1. Scan the QR code yourself first using your smartphone camera
  2. You'll be taken to a "Claim this QR Code" page
  3. Enter your contact information:
    • Email address (required for notifications)
    • Phone number (optional, for SMS notifications)
    • Item description (e.g., "Emma's blue school bag with butterfly patch")
  4. Click "Claim This Code"
  5. You'll see a confirmation that the code is now linked to you
⚠️ Critical: The first person to scan a QR code becomes the owner. Always claim your codes immediately after printing to prevent someone else from claiming them accidentally!

What Information Should You Provide?

Email Address: This is how you'll be notified when your item is found. Make sure it's an email you check regularly!

Phone Number (Optional): If you provide a phone number, you'll also receive SMS notifications. Great for instant alerts on your mobile.

Item Description: Be specific! Instead of "school bag", write "Emma's blue school bag with butterfly patch and Frozen keychain". This helps you identify which item was found if you have multiple codes.

✅ Good Description Examples:

"Sophie's red lunch box with unicorn sticker"

"Jack's navy blue school bag with AFL team badge"

"Olivia's pink water bottle with name written on bottom"

"Noah's black sports hat - size 54"

3

Get Notified When Found

When Your Item Gets Lost

If your child's item goes missing and someone finds it, here's exactly what happens:

The Finder's Experience

  1. The finder spots your item with the Cooe QR code
  2. They scan it with their smartphone camera (works with any phone)
  3. They're taken to a "Found Item" page
  4. They see a message: "You found an item with a Cooe QR code!"
  5. They fill out a simple form with:
    • Their name (optional)
    • Their contact information (email or phone - optional but helpful)
    • Where they found it (e.g., "In the park near the playground")
    • A message to you (optional)
  6. They click "Notify Owner"

🔒 Privacy Protection

Important: The finder NEVER sees your contact information! They don't see your email, phone number, or name. The only way they can contact you is by submitting the found item form, which then sends their information to you.

Your Notification

Within seconds of the finder submitting the form, you receive:

📧 Email Notification containing:

  • Which item was found (based on your description)
  • Finder's name (if provided)
  • Finder's contact information (email/phone if provided)
  • Where it was found
  • Any message they included
  • Date and time it was reported

📱 SMS Notification (if you provided a phone number):

  • Instant text message alert
  • Summary of the found item
  • Finder's contact method

Arranging the Reunion

Once you receive the notification, you can:

  • Contact the finder directly using their email or phone
  • Arrange a convenient time and place to collect your item
  • Thank them for their kindness!

📖 Real Example: School Bag Found at Park

The Situation: Emma's school bag fell off her bike at the local park on Friday afternoon. A kind parent found it Saturday morning while walking their dog.

What Happened: The parent scanned the Cooe QR code, reported finding it at "Riverside Park near the duck pond", and included their phone number.

The Result: Emma's mum received an instant email and SMS, called the finder, and picked up the bag within 2 hours. Everything was still inside!

Time to Reunion: 2 hours from lost to found ✅

📖 Real Example: Lunch Box in School Cafeteria

The Situation: Jack left his lunch box in the school cafeteria after lunch.

What Happened: A teacher found it, scanned the QR code, and reported it as "Found in cafeteria, handed to school office".

The Result: Jack's dad received the notification during his lunch break and told Jack to collect it from the office.

Time to Reunion: Same day ✅

❓ Common Questions

What if no one finds my item?

Cooe can only notify you when someone finds and scans your QR code. We're not a GPS tracking service - we're a notification system that connects finders with owners. The QR code dramatically increases your chances of getting items back by making it easy for good Samaritans to contact you.

Can I track where my item is in real-time?

No, Cooe doesn't provide GPS tracking. We're a simpler, privacy-focused solution: when someone finds your item and scans the code, you get notified. No batteries needed, no ongoing fees, and no privacy concerns about tracking your child's location.

What if the finder doesn't include their contact info?

While contact information is optional, most people include it because they want to help! If someone reports finding your item without contact details, they usually include information in the message about where they left it (e.g., "Handed to the school office" or "Left at the park ranger station").

How long do QR codes last?

Forever! Your QR codes never expire. Once you claim a code, it's yours permanently and will continue working for years to come. The physical QR code sticker may wear out over time, but you can simply reprint the same code.

Can I use one QR code for multiple items?

While you technically could, we strongly recommend using separate QR codes for each item. This makes it much easier to identify which specific item was found. Since QR codes are free and unlimited, there's no reason not to use unique codes!

💡 Tips for Maximum Success

Ready to Protect Your Belongings?

Generate your first free QR code in less than 30 seconds. No app, no account, no catch.

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