The Smart Shopper

Have you ever bought something for full price only to find out that a nearby store was selling it for half price? It's frustrating isn't it! Especially with Christmas around the corner, shoppers are doing everything they can to find the best deals. There are multiple new apps that are now available for download that allow the user to take a picture of the barcode on an item with their cell phone. Ideally, the phone will then recognize the item of interest and search the internet for nearby stores with better deals. According to the article, the app can be extremely useful but can create some awkward situations if a store clerk happens to notice. However, it is completely legal. I think that if this app becomes widely used, it could not only allow people to save money this holiday season, but also may pressure some retailers to put their merchandise on sale.

This app is a perfect example of the democratizing effect of the internet. The ability of cell phone users to search for better deals allows the general public to take more financial responsibility. However, while store clerks can't really do anything about it, I feel that this app could become slightly controversial. Just like we talked in class about how, in the past, what type of car one owned showed their social class, those with this app may be stereotyped as people who are living on a tight budget. But living on a budget isn't a bad thing! According to the article, many users of this app have said that if you can get over being self-concious it is a great money-saving tool.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/25/technology/personaltech/25smart.html?_r=1&ref=technology