Apps make it easier to find deals while shopping

CLEVELAND - Cashiers are not the only ones scanning items in stores. It's happening long before checkout in the store aisles as customers hunt for the best deal.

"I'm going to scan the barcode," Joe Daugirdas said.

"Joe -- the coupon guy" is always scanning the ads for a bargain. Now, finding a deal is as easy as reaching into your pocket if you have a smartphone.

Daugirdas doesn't have one yet, so I lent him mine after I downloaded several free apps that make it easy to save money.

"It costs money to run around to different stores so this saves you a lot of time," Daugirdas explained.

Within minutes, Daugirdas was a scanning phenom. It's as easy as click and scan.

The hardest part is getting the scanner to focus on the UPC code.

With the Shop Savvy app (available for the iPhone and Android phones), you get local and online prices for the item.

"76 to $143 for this. Here they have it on sale for $90.99," Daugirdas said scanning the prices for a DVD player.

The store price is on the low end but the app found a retailer selling the DVD player for $14 less.

"Amazon.com has the cheapest price out there. Sometimes the stores will price match too so that might be something to try if you don't want to run around," Daugirdas said.

The only catch, some stores won't match internet prices but it can't hurt to ask.

If you have a lot of questions about an item, Google's Shopper app (Android only) lets you read reviews. That's helpful with all the makes and models of different electronic items.

"If I can read the review it will explain it out to me and I can buy the one that is right for me," Daugirdas said.

The only catch we found in our test, it's hard to find comps for store brands.

But, overall "Joe -- the coupon guy" is sold.

The cost is free once you get a smartphone.

"I'm always looking for the best deal and if i can't find it, it drives me nuts. This will tell me I found the best deal," Daugirdas said.

Other apps:

thefind (Android and iPhone)

Barcode Hero (iPhone available, coming for the Android marketplace)

Red Laser (iPhone)

ScanLife (Blackberry)

If you have a favorite, let us know.