Why do you care? Because of QR Codes, our smartphones now have the ability to scan barcodes. Scanning barcodes will save you time and money. It's kind of like a coupon that's redeemable most places you shop. That is if you have a smartphone. Don't have one? Hurry, run! I'll wait here while you go catch up to the rest of the world. Yes it does cost more, but it'll be a wash with the savings you get from scanning barcodes.
First, download an app that scans QR Codes/Barcodes. It doesn't matter which smartphone that you have. I have an Android phone, so I search in the Google Play Store for the app. I searched for "qr code scanner" and "barcode scanner" to get several options.
I have tried a couple of apps, and the one I like and use is called "ShopSavvy".
My son recently wanted a new set of headphones, so I grabbed my smartphone and we went shopping at the nearest Best Buy. The salesperson at the store showed me a set of earbuds by the brand Skullcandy.
The listed price was 28.99, but they were on sale for 18.99. I wasn't about to spend a great deal of money on these, knowing that I would probably need to replace them one or twice this year (he's 13yrs old). I was happy with the price. It was under 20 bucks, but I have gotten in a good habit of scanning the barcode before my purchase.
I fired up the ShopSavvy app, clicked the Scan a Barcode button, then scanned it.
It first shows you the lowest online price, and the lowest price at local stores. If you have time you can usually save even more money by ordering online. Unless it's a really big savings I will usually opt for a local store.
Once I clicked on the Local Stores button you see the top four prices. Best Buy's sale price was listed, but it was the third lowest one with Radio Shack's price for the earbuds being only 12.99. That's 6 bucks off the already low sale price!
This works because most big box retail stores will price match. If Best Buy didn't price match, I would have driven on down to Radio Shack. Thanks to my ShopSavvy app, I saved time and money.
Have you gotten a great deal because of an app. Let me know about it by sending an email to:
news @ santanvalley.com.
