subject: Scan And Save: New Shopping Apps [print this page] Who is that suspicious person lurking about the isles with their cell phone? Its Super Shopper scanning barcodes via Smartphone for the best deal on that item. Say what? Yes, indeed. No longer are you subjected to blind shopping if you didnt catch all the ads in the Sunday paper. You can now download a shopping app that will allow you to scan the barcode of an item and get the best prices from all the competing stores.
Scan and Save: New Shopping Apps
Popular Smartphones can now save you money shopping. There are a variety of free apps available that you can download to assist you with shopping comparisons. Apps like RedLaser (iPhone), TheFind (iPhone and Android), Google (iPhone), and Google Shopper (Android), are all available for free and can save you bundles of money. Ill bet the retailers are really thrilled about this new concept. NOT.
How does it work, you ask? Open one of the apps, and then using your Smartphones camera, scan in the barcode of the item. If you can get an Internet connection in the store and if the lighting is adequate, the app will recognize the item and send you back the product description. This will enable you to be sure you have the right item scanned. In addition to production information, the app also gives you pricing as well as locations of the competing stores.
Shopping in dark stores? Sometimes poor lighting in the store means the app wont recognize the barcode. Try using the flash on your Smartphone camera. Some apps allow you to type in the barcode, while other apps have a speech enabled input. Fear not. You will be able to get the information to become an informed shopper.
Beware of arousing suspicion from the retailer. Until these apps become more commonly used, store managers may get a little testy, perhaps thinking you are a competitor. A simple explanation and demonstration might clear up the confusion, but not allay their fears. After all, if you find you can save $20 or even $200 on a high ticket item by shopping somewhere else, they are losing the sale. So wear your trench coat, dark glasses, and tell the manager you are coming back to shop without your kids or spouse.
Get product reviews and product information. As these apps become more popular, more and more information will be available from scanning the barcode. Some of the apps already give you reviews. Some apps give you a list of ingredients if you are worried about content of food products, or if you think Aunt Sally may have an allergy to alpaca wool. The list goes on and on. The important thing is that with your Smartphone, you can now become Super Shopper!
