Helpful shopping apps for your smartphone

On my phone I have a couple tips to help me when I'm shopping.

The Red Laser app lets me check prices by scanning the barcode and the results will even show me where I can find it at different prices in my area. The QR Code reader also lets me find out more information about a product without having to leave the store to go home to research a big purchase or stand off to the side of the store like a nerd looking stuff up online to make sure I"m getting the best deal.

I think everyone who has a smartphone should have at least one app. Doing a little bit of research can save you a lot of money. Besides the two apps I mentioned earlier, Amazon's Price Check is also a great choice, because it offers up reviews with your items along with comparison pricing.

Red Laser's newer updated (3.0) version also includes a mobile checkout using PayPal at a few stores. I know PayPal costs a little each time to use, but it's also the single best online payment provider I've found. I had a dispute one time and PayPal solved everything in less than a day.

Either way, RedLaser hopes to increase the number of stores with online paying and express pickup before Christmas.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for software company Digital Folio. They hope to launch a comparison app that look at 5 top retailers in your area and then store the information.

Some other tips offered up with shopping with online enhancements:

-Scan or photograph your receipts. Great way to keep track of everything.

-Don't overdo the number of shopping apps you download. 2 or 3 should yield the results you're looking for at the stores.

-Some apps offer storage lists for shopping. Geat way to keep track of what you want to buy

This article was originally posted on connectamarillo.com by Steve Myers

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