Cell Phones as Your Best Shopping Buddy
Fri Feb 23, 2007 6:34PM EST
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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.
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2 Posted by strawberry921 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:45PM EDT Report Abuse
To Dr. Dee: Ah, but Frucall and Slifter might be good services for people that do not have access to the mobile web on their cell phones, or don't want to pay for a web plan. Nice to know the other options, though, thanks! Good information.
1 Posted by dr.dee@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:47PM EDT Report Abuse
I have heard of Frucall service. I do not think that this is the best platform for consumers. There is another mobile platform that will only benefit the consumer AND the mobile web user. I think other companies like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo do not want to give the power to the people. They want to control it. Qode is a free down loadable platform for the mobile device. The platform is designed to provide one click on a bar code, 2D, QR, datamatrix, logo, keyword, trademark, RFID, slogan, billboard, etc., to go from the mobile web to connect to information about that particular product. By clicking on the above the consumer turns on that product to get coupons, enter sweepstakes, win a prize, get information, find out a bus schedule, nearest location of where to purchase for a cheaper price, get assembly instructions, etc. Price comparison is just one thing. Heck, Active Shopper does the same thing for you mobile device. It also comparison shops other locations for the cheapest price to put power back into the consumers hand. But, here is the kicker, do you want to type in the bar code or just point and click on it. What is easiest for you????? The consumer is paying for web minutes thru their mobile plan. The phone carrier loses revenue with just one click to content. The consumer / mobile web user is not going to hear or see about this free and easy to use application. Why not? Why the big players involved are afraid to lose money in the real world. The connection to the physical world only gives the power back to the people. You may have to Google Qode to get the free down load for your mobile phone. Links may not be posted here.