Amazon.com App Updated for Barcode Scanning

[Jeff Campbell]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.cultofmac.com/barcode-scanning-comes-to-amazon’s-iphone-app/63055?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+cultofmac/bFow+(Cult+of+Mac)&utm_content=Google+Reader' target='_blank'>http://www.cultofmac.com/barcode-sc...t=Google+Reader</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The Amazon iPhone app received an update Tuesday, allowing iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 users to scan barcodes anywhere and instantly compare prices on the scanned item at Amazon.com."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1286976270.usr105634.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Great for comparison shopping, just point at the barcode and you can tell instantly if Amazon.com has a better deal on it. Now the question is, will it be enough of a deal to fight back that instant gratification urge and allow you to wait for it to ship versus buying on the spot.</p>

[MicroZealous]

Nice that Amazon has made this feature more visible, but it honestly has been a part of their iPhone and Android app for more than a year.

Still doesn't take away from the fact that its a fantastic feature that I use all the time.

Typical usage scenario...

I have purchased Amazon Prime - which means free 2 day shipping for any item that is "Prime Eligible" (usually means stocked by Amazon as opposed to sourced by a 3rd party - some exceptions). This costs $79/year.

I'm in Wal-Mart - looking to buy some replacement toothbrush heads for my Sonic Toothbruth. Wal-Mart price? $22.97 + 7.5% sales tax = $24.67.

I scan the barcode w/ Amazon application. Amazon price - $16.99 + free shipping + no sales tax. Delivery to my door in 2 days.

Savings? $7.70. On one item, one shopping trip. I've paid for Amazon Prime many times over - and coupled w/ the Amazon scanner it's a life saver.

2nd scenario -

Getting close to Christmas shopping time. My 9 year old has a list of Nintendo / XBox / Wii games she wants from Santa. We hit the Best Buy, and I ask her to show me a couple of the games she wants. I scan them, and keep them in my Amazon wish list. Now I have the cheapest price, and the exact title that she wants. Ready to purchase when the time is right.