Most people like to avoid a trip to the grocery story if at all possible. But, there are some smartphone apps that may take the dread off the trip and save you some money along the way.
Pennyhoarders’ Kyle Taylor told NBC 6’s Trina Robinson that he has a fast five way to save money using mobile apps. At the top of his list are Ibotta and Checkout 51.
“If you buy certain items on their shopping list and take a picture of your receipt, they will give you a cash back rebate,” Taylor said.
Shopper Emma Lowe said using the apps to cut cost is similar to a game you’re playing against the retailers to get the best bang for your buck.
“It’s kind of like a game, but you get money for it,” Lowe said. “So I’d say that’s a really good interactive app.”
Taylor said another way to cut costs is apply to be a panelist for the Nielsen Homescan Family. If you’re accepted, the company will give you a free scanner. Then, every time you buy a product, scan the product’s barcode and Nielsen will give you points that can be traded in for gift cards and prizes.
Inbox Dollars is another way to tame the tab at the supermarket. Taylor said the site will pay you ten cents for each coupon you use from their website.
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“Ten cents may not sound like a lot, but if you use 15-20 coupons a week, over the course of a year you can see how that could add up to something real,” Taylor said.
PIRC checked in at fourth on the Pennyhoarders list. The app tries to help shoppers streamline the grocery experience by doing the comparison shopping for you. A shopper tells PIRC the brand they like and they will send you an alert anytime your local store has a sale on your product.
Finally, there’s also “Boxed.” The app will ship everything to your front door after you do your shopping from the comfort of your own home.
The bottom line, pardon the pun, is that if you invest plenty of time in looking for ways to cut your costs through technology; you will save plenty the next time you have to restock the kitchen and home.
