Barcode Scanning Becoming Second Nature for Bargain Hungry Shoppers

Community Guest Blog post by By Ben Lee

It is no secret that consumers are using barcode scanning technology on their Smartphones in record numbers. Due to the competitive nature of the retailing environment and the weak economy, consumers are holding on tightly to every dollar they must spend while seeking maximum value. The ability to scan a barcode and compare different retailers or e-tailors offerings for price and convenience of procurement is seen as the new must-have for the savvy shopper.

Retailers are catching on in a major way; with 87% of those surveyed agreeing that shoppers can find better deals via mobility. Mobility includes mobile marketing via SMS, location based mobile coupons, and of course barcode scanning.  It is no surprise that retailers are now scrambling to expand their brand’s mobile footprint via a cohesive mobile strategy.

Barcode scanning usage via a consumer grade mobile device increased 900% in 2010. The US is now the number one country/market in the world for barcode scanning with regards to individual scans over the last year. Implementation of barcodes in marketing campaigns will continue to accelerate the consumer demand for this mobile technology. The rapid growth of scanning technology is only expected to continue in the coming years, as consumers begin to view this mobile utility as a standard part of the shopping process.