If used correctly, your Android smartphone or tablet can become your best shopping companion, your money-saving BFF, and your spending advisor. Despite the huge surge in online shopping, customers still consider going to a mall and spending money as fun, and in many cases, therapeutic. Whether you consider it as fun or a stress-buster, there are a few Android apps you can download that will make your shopping not only easier but smarter as well.
Amazon Mobile
Amazon's official mobile shopping app not only lets you browse their products online but also lets you compare prices, read reviews, share products with friends and much more. One of the main reasons that make this app a good shopping companion is that it lets you scan barcodes and compare prices of various products. So, say you're at a supermarket and you find a product, which you find a bit expensive, you can scan its barcode and compare it with its price on Amazon.com. If you find the online one cheaper, you can order it from your phone then and there. Furthermore, from the app itself, you can also call Customer Service in case you find any problems with the application.
Barcode Scanner is a free application that lets you scan product barcodes and look up prices and reviews. The app will not only scan barcodes, but can scan QR codes as well. Then, if you want, you can share the same data with your friend by displaying the barcode on your screen. Your friend will scan that barcode from his or her phone and receive all the information you've scanned.
Shopsavvy Barcode Scanner
Shopsavvy Barcode scanner is a barcode application that is specially designed for shoppers. The app is able to scan most of the popular type of codes including UPC, EAN and QR. Once installed, all you have to do is point the phone camera on the product barcode and scan it. The app then looks up on the Internet and shows you the current price listings for that item. One of the best features about this app is that it not only provides online listing but it also shows local listings as well. So, let's say you scan a movie DVD's barcode. The app then shows you the price of the DVD in online stores (both used and new) as well as in the local stores nearby. If you choose to buy it from the local stores, all you'll have to do is tap on the Local Stores option and all the nearest stores will pop up on a map. The app is very useful if you're looking to save money on your next purchase.
Out of Milk Shopping List
What's the use of shopping if you end up forgetting most of the items you want to buy? If you're someone who forgets a lot of stuff during shopping, this next app is perfect for you. Out of Milk Shopping List is an app that lets you keep a neatly organized shopping list that you check off once you've bought all your items. Furthermore, you can also use the app to check for any local deals that are out there. You can then buy those items right from the application.
Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.
