Cool and helpful mobile shopping apps
Your very own shopping assistant!In this very tough economy, shoppers are searching for the best deals on anything from groceries to clothing and electronics. In this digital age, consumers don’t have to spend time and gas driving from store to store. There are apps for that!
I am reviewing several shopping apps including Target, Walmart, and Walgreen’s apps and bar code scanners. Are they easy, and are they worth your time?
Store AppsIt seams like anyone can have their own app today. Some of the most useful apps have been created by some of your favorite stores. Target, Walmart, and even Walgreens have their own apps to make your shopping experience better.
Walmart brings their “everyday low prices” to their app with an easy to use dashboard that drops down from their logo to line the top of the screen. Their app lets users shop, locate stores, view their local ad, value of the day, track orders, scan QR codes, and more.
When the app loads, users are greeted with a “Value of the Day,” rollbacks, and easy access to their local ad. The app uses the devices built in GPS to locate nearby stores. Easy online shopping of special deals provide users with product ratings and warranty information.
The pharmacy shortcut from the main screen lets users refill prescriptions, view prescription history, browse Walmart’s $4 prescriptions, and find a pharmacy.
The Photo link launches the web browser to view and share photos online and order photos for 1hour pickup.
The QR code scanner is interactive with the Walmart ad, so if a QR code is scanned from the ad, the user will be sent to the Walmart website to see more information about the product.
Walmart now includes Savings Catcher. To use Savings Catcher, simply scan the barcode at the bottom of the receipt after checkout. Savings Catcher will scan the internet for prices at local competitors, and if any of them have the items cheaper, it credits the price difference to a Walmart egiftcard for a future visit.
Bar Code ScannersThese outstanding apps use your device’s built in camera to scan bar codes and search the web for the best deals. Multiple stores can be compared to make sure you are getting the best deal.
RedLaser provides a simple point and shoot bar code scanner that compares prices across the internet and provides coupons for hundreds of online and local retailers. It is also a digital wallet home for retail loyalty cards. RedLaser also has a nifty feature that displays product ratings, nutrition facts, and critical allergen information when food bar codes are scanned.
ShopSavvy’s bar code scanner works similarly to Google Shopper’s. Just point, and the scanner autofocuses and scans the bar code. An online comparison appears offering a selection of new or used items.
Rewards ProgramsThere are several apps available that offer rewards without being associated with one particular retailer. This can add up to more points and a bigger variety of rewards.
Shopkick is an awesome app that gives points, Kicks, for shopping. For the best experience, ensure that GPS is enabled. When the app loads, it will display stores in the area and some featured deals. Tap on the Products tab and scroll through the Look Books, collections of products from select retailers. Extra Kicks are sometimes hidden at the end of a Look Book in the form of an envelope. Tap the envelope, a ding will sound, and the app will let you know how many points that tap was worth. Big Kicks are available for visiting select retailers such as Target and Best Buy. Ensure that the app is running as you enter the store, and the app will ding to alert you to the Kicks being deposited in your account. More Kicks can be accrued by scanning select products as you shop. Rewards include gift cards, clothing and purses, small appliances, and even a scooter or a cruise.
CheckPoints is a reward program like Shopkick that gives points for visiting stores and scanning products. Unlike Shopkick, Checkpoint also gives points for watching short videos or playing instant win games. Rewards include gift cards and purses.
Belly is a great app for smaller retailers. Participating retailers will have an iPad or similar device at their register along with information about Belly. Simply tap the iPad’s screen, scan the QR code
Points ProgramThere are various point programs that will help save money by simply shopping at various stores. These apps aren’t associated with one particular retailer, so points may accumulate faster and are redeemable for a variety of items.
Shopkick is a super simple app that allows users to collect points, known as
Similar to Shopkick, CheckPoints gives points, CheckPoints, for checking in at retailers and scanning certain products. Unlike Shopkick, CheckPoints also has bonus points for watching videos or by playing instant win games.
Belly is an awesome rewards program for smaller retailers. Participating retailers, which will be listed in the app, have iPads or similar devices at the cash register. Tap the screen, present the QR code from the Belly app or loyalty card, and Bingo! Points are deposited into your account. Each visit counts as a point to be used at that retailer later for offers they have created. Offers may include a free soda at the local pizza joint or a free dog treat at the pet store all the way up to a free massage at the local spa.
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