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By Michael Brito
Today, many consumers who make purchases online won’t buy
anything until they consult with a comparison shopping website
first such as Shopzilla, Cnet.com, or Shopping.com. They
understand that comparison shopping ensures that they are
getting the best deal around, which is what most value
conscious shoppers want after all. However, with today’s
social
and lifestyle pace being faster than ever, there is a growing
need for comparison shopping on the go. Sure, there are
laptops
and wireless connections all over the place, but the average
person is more likely to leave home with their cell phone
instead of their laptop. So, the need for comparison shopping
using a mobile phone was answered and there are several ways
to
take advantage of this new technology.
Google SMS
Google recently launched a new service that allows U.S. mobile
phone users to tap into its search results via the short
message service (SMS) infrastructure. Users send queries to
GOOGL or 46645 and receive results on their phones. The
service
returns directory information about local businesses via
Google
Local and provides price comparison shopping information
through Froogle.com. It also lets users search for residential
phone numbers, dictionary definitions and Web search results
snippets. Google SMS also does calculations, area code
look-ups
and ZIP code look-ups. Results usually come within a minute,
and
are text-based only.
This is a great alternative to wasting gas money and time
driving all over the city looking for the best deal.
Frucall
Launched in March 2006 as the first price-comparison mobile
service using voice, Frucall allows consumers to compare
retail
store prices with prices for the same products on Amazon.com
and
online comparison shopping service Yahoo Shopping, directly
from
their mobile phone. It’s a simple solution that sidelines many
services that offer price comparison results to be sent via
text message. Even better, is that consumers can soon buy
products directly from their mobile phone, assuming they have
registered and have a valid credit card in their profile.
Frucall enables consumers in the midst of examining retail
aisles to call a toll-free number (888-FRU-SHOP) and input the
product’s barcode. Within approximately 10 seconds, the caller
gets a confirmation of the product name and the price of the
product as listed online. Currently, the service compares
prices for products from a variety of categories available on
Amazon including automotive supplies, books, electronics,
jewelry, movies, music, tools and pet supplies. There are even
features that will allow consumers to save purchase history,
makes notes, and reminders.
Lastly, is that Frucall be accessed from any phone and since
the results are not returned via SMS, there are no text
messaging fees that sometimes occurs with Google SMS.
Conclusion
With cell phones being as popular as socks, and everyone from
age 10 to 100 having one, there is no surprise that mobile
phone comparison shopping services are taking off.
It is a simple concept that brings tremendous value for
consumers who are looking to save a few dollars; and they can
now feel confident about making the right purchasing decision,
online or offline.
About The Author: To learn about online comparison shopping
tools, please visit: www.frucall.com. Michael Brito is
a
freelance writer/internet marketer for a variety of consumer
goods and services. Visit: www.michaelbrito.com
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