Charlotte's the shopper at Boomer Brief HQ. She never leaves the house without her trusty coupons and she can smell a deal before they even put out the sign. She's GREAT at shopping. Me? Not so much.
I like a deal as much as the next guy, but I need help (a well-documented fact). Since Charlotte and I don't always shop together - I'm as out-of-place at Ann Taylor as well, a guy at Ann Taylor - I turn to technology to help me find the best deals.
There are plenty of price-comparison shopping apps out there. Some are good. Some are not so good. Here are 3 free ones that'll help you get the best deal - unless of course, you have a shopping Ninja spouse like Charlotte.
1. RedLaser
RedLaser is pretty much the Gold Standard of price-checking apps. The easy-to-use app finds product and price information by scanning the item's UPC and it has a manual input search field that bypasses store-specific barcodes (retailers do this to discourage price-checking apps).
The app uses GPS to include local stores in its price-comparison search (note: local vendors must have their inventory and prices available online to appear in the comparison). For example, it's great for comparing Wal-Mart and Target prices, and since RedLaser is owned by eBay, it also includes Buy It Now prices from online merchants. RedLaser also stores reward cards and loyalty program information so you can toss those parade-float keychain cards.
Cost: Free for iPhone, Android & Windows
2. Google Shopper
This Google app offers the standard tools of price checking apps: a barcode scanner, product reviews, and price-comparison information - with one big difference. It features an ain't-it-cool feature that also accepts voice commands (in addition to written inputs) and can identify books and media with a picture of their packaging. The Google Shopping app omits certain retailers (Amazon) and doesn't include vendors that don't pay to have their items listed. Even factoring in those minuses - Google Shopper is a great app to have in your comparison corner.
Cost: Free for iPhone & Android
3. Amazon Price Check
Not to be outdone by Google, Amazon offers its own app for one-stop shopping. The Amazon Price Check app features a barcode scanner, product reviews and price-comparison information. It'll also search from voice commands, unlike the Amazon Mobile app.
Cost: Free for iPhone & Android
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