Cell Phones as Your Best Shopping Buddy

Until we can all walk around with a computer attach to our hips, we'll have to settle for the next best thing that can give us instant access to information on the web, cell phones. I'm not a big online shopper because I like to see how items look and feel, and product images online can be deceiving. But at the same time, I know the reason online shopping is popular is because you can find some great deals. So how can you get the best of both worlds?

One service that recently caught my attention is called Frucall, and I'll tell you why I think this works. Most of us like to do online and offline price checks before dropping thousands of dollars on any item. A service like Frucall does all the shopping comparison for you...while you're out shopping. So if you come across an item you want to buy at a physical store, you can find out if you're missing out on any online deals without actually running to your computer. All you have to do is call 1-888-DO-FRUCALL (1-888-363-7822), enter the item's product bar code, and listen for the top deals online. You can even buy products through your cell phone, provided you sign up for a Frucall account online. An account basically give you access to other features such text messages, a voicenotes service where you can leave yourself voice memos, and the bookmarking of items your researched while you were out shopping. It's a free service, and one number avid shoppers should program on their mobile.

Ok, but what about finding deals offline while you're out? Impulsive buyers who need to have an item right away can still search for a better deal. Thanks to GPS Shopper's Slifter anyone can text "Slifter" or 75438, enter a zip code, and the product they're looking for to find the best deals in nearby stores. Sifter can access 50 million of products in over 20,000 retail locations increasing your chances of finding the best deal locally. Big retailers such as Best Buy, CompUSA, and Footlocker have already signed up with Slifter.

Both services are great tools that allow you do your reasearch, so you don't have to feel guilty later.