Smartphone usage in Canada has increased exponentially in recent years. According to a September 2011 report released by comScore, there are 20.1 million mobile phone subscribers in Canada, 8 million of which own a smartphone. With nearly 1 million apps available for iPhone and Android smartphones, there are apps for just about everything, including saving money. Let’s take a look at the top money-saving apps for frugal shoppers.
1.ShopCatch
Website: http://www.shopcatch.com/
Free, Torstar Digital
Phones: Android, BlackBerry, iPhone
Searching flyers for the best deals can be a drag – wouldn’t it be nice if retailers offered their best deals directly to you? With ShopCatch you’ll save money and time – this handy app uses your phone’s GPS to determine your location and offers the best deals nearby. There are plenty of features to save you money – follow your favourite store to see the latest offers, share deals with friends through Facebook and Twitter, and receive exclusive offers. ShopCatch started as an app exclusively for Toronto, but is now available nationwide.
2. ShopSavvy
Website: http://shopsavvy.com/
Free, ShopSavvy Inc.
Phones: Android, iPhone, Windows Mobile
Have you ever bought an item, only to find out you could have gotten a better deal elsewhere? Worry no more with ShopSavvy – simply scan the barcode of the product you’re interested in and you’ll instantly find out which nearby retailer offers the best deal. No barcode? No problem. Search for keywords of the product you’d like to buy and save money. ShopSavvy doesn’t just work with traditional brick-and-mortar retailers – you can find the best deals online as well and share them with friends via Facebook and Twitter.
3. Groupon
Website: http://www.groupon.ca/
Free, Groupon Inc.
Phones: Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile
Groupon instantly delivers the best coupons and deals to your smartphone for over 500 cities worldwide. If you’re new to Groupon here’s how it works: Groupon negotiates exclusive deals for its registered users – typically 50-90% off retail – and delivers them daily. With Groupon you receive exclusive offers and discover great new stores and restaurants. Groupon works seamlessly with your smartphone – purchase and redeem deals instantly. If you’re going on vacation there’s even a feature called Groupon Getaway that allows you to plan your spending and to give your credit card a vacation as well. Here is a Groupon review.
4. DealLeak
Website: http://www.dealleak.com/
Free, DealLeak
Phones: Android
With so many deal websites out there, keeping track of daily deals can be a real chore. DealLeak brings the best deals from online deal-of-the-day websites like Groupon, iCouponOnline, HalfOffDepot and Google, directly to your smartphone. You can further customize DealLeak by entering your postal code and location, so you only receive deals of interest to you. Plus, you can share the best deals with friends via Facebook and Twitter.
5. Craigslist
Website: http://www.craigslist.ca/
Free, Escargot Studios, LLC
Phones: Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile
Craigslist is similar to eBay. It allows users to post stuff they’d like to sell – anything from basketball hoops to computers can be sold. If you’re constantly on the go and don’t a PC nearby, Craigslist app is a must-have for bargain hunting. Receive instant notifications when new stuff is posted in your area – notifications can be customized based on search criteria and price range. If you’re looking to sell your slightly used Mazda Protégé you can do that too – this handy app allows you to post ads quickly and easily. Never miss out on a great deal again with Craigslist app.
Final Thoughts
Smartphones have revolutionized the way companies market to potential customers. With smartphone apps like ShopCatch and ShopSavvy, shoppers are able to find the deals they’re looking for. As the usage of smartphone continue to increase, it will be interesting to see creative new ways retailers come up with to market to customers. Do you use smartphone apps to find deals? Which apps do you like best? Please let us know.
Smartphone usage statistics: http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2011/11/Smartphone_Adoption_Reaches_40_Percent_in_Canada
About the Author: Sean Cooper is a single, 20-something year old, first time home buyer located in Toronto. He has experience in the financial sector as a Pension Analyst, RESP administrator and Income Tax Preparer. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in business management from Ryerson University.
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