How tech transforms the shopping experience
From apps to virtual wallets, the way we buy goods is less hands on than ever before
While technology has given rise to the popularity of online shopping, it has also had an impact on how we shop at “brick and mortar” stores, as well.
Whether it’s to find a good deal, or to add convenience or enhanced security to your purchase, a few software and hardware innovations are changing the game.
Here’s a look at how tech is playing a key role at retail. Before you shop Even if you plan on buying at retail, leverage websites and apps that can help you get the best deal possible.
“My first tip: preparation is key,” says Preet Banerjee, a personal finance expert and creator of the YouTube channel Money School. “Make a list of what you would like to buy before you start browsing through deals and then tune out anything that isn’t on your list.”
Flipp, for example, is a free app and website that lets you browse all the flyers to retailers in your area, so you can see what’s on sale. There’s also a slider bar if you’re only interested in sales that are, say, 20- or 30-per-cent off or higher. You can tap to read more about the product, clip it into a saved section, add it to shopping list and print coupons from within the app.
Banerjee says to also take advantage of websites such as RedFlagDeals.com and the Black Friday subreddit section at Reddit.com.
Some online stores to traditional retailers let you reserve the item for collection in person, which could save you the aggravation of showing up to buy something only to find it’s sold out. At retail There are some apps to use while shopping in-store, too. Some, like ShopSavvy and Red Laser, let you scan a product’s barcode off the shelf and might show you where it’s cheaper somewhere else. Yes, this is a retailer’s nightmare.
“But unless it’s a large item, the extra cost of gas, parking and your time rarely tend to be worth using these apps, in my opinion,” cautions Banerjee.
Another tech trend at retail: mobile payments. Rather than pulling out your wallet, many Canadians tap a smartphone or smartwatch on one of those contactless NFC (near field communications) terminals to con- duct a transaction.
Usually capped at $100 or so, the funds are then added to your credit card bill or deducted from a bank account.
While it’s still early days, payment services such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Wallet make it easy — and fun — to buy something with your tech.
And both solutions are very secure, says Barry Choi, personal finance expert at Moneywehave.com. “Your information is never saved by the merchants when using mobile payments, since it’s a one-time use ‘token.’ ”
What’s more, Apple Pay requires biometrics verification; place your finger or thumb on the Touch ID sensor built into the circular Home button to confirm it’s you. Other mobile payment providers may require a PIN code for the digital handshake to be made with the point-of-sale terminal.
“You’ll also want to make sure your phone is secure by setting a PIN or fingerprint scan,” adds Choi. “This way, it’ll be hard for thieves to get access to your banking information if they get a hold of your phone.”
And you no longer need to bring loyalty cards to the mall or department store, thanks to apps that hold them all — digitally.
The abovementioned Flipp or apps such as CardStar — which also works with iOS and Android devices — lets you scan all your loyalty cards; then, simply pull out your phone and have the cashier scan your phone’s screen when buying items in-store, to ensure you earn rewards points and other benefits.
Jessica Moorhouse, an award-winning personal finance blogger and host of the Mo’ Money podcast, says her favourite tech tip is for shoppers to load up their phone with virtual versions of their loyalty cards.
“Now you don’t have to remember to bring all your cards with you. It’s great.”
Tablets are also being used by retailers, often as portable cash registers for digital payments, such as iPads under the arms of sales associates roaming the floor at Apple Stores. The benefit? Customers are helped right there on the spot, which also reduces line-ups at a conventional retailer. After the purchase The technology doesn’t stop at the point of purchase.
American Express Canada, for example, recently launched Use Points for Purchases, a new mobile-driven feature that allows card members to redeem membership rewards points towards everyday purchases charged to their card, such as home items, consumer electronics, groceries or even a dinner out with your significant other.
After the purchase is made on the card, card members launch the app or go to the Amex website (or call a phone number) to use earned points towards the purchase, to help lower the balance before the statement comes.
You no longer need to bring loyalty cards to the mall or department store, thanks to apps that hold them all — digitally