Walmart Savings Catcher for Android: Daily App Review

Posted By Sandy Berger in App Picks, Features, Lifestyle, Mobile

BreakingModern — Walmart has come up with a unique way to prove that its prices are unbeatable. All you have to do is shop at the superstore and use the Walmart Savings Catcher app. The app will check local competitors for a lower advertised price on all of your purchases. If a lower price is found, you get an eGift Card for the difference. That gift, of course, will keep you coming back again and again to Walmart. This is a win-win for you and Walmart, the store gets a loyal customer that feels good about getting the best price.

But is it valuable?

The question is “Is this app worthwhile for the customer?” I headed to Walmart to find out. I made three purchases on separate occasions. For $70.22, $1.04 and $134.07. In all three instances I referred to the app to check my prices. The app is available for Android on Google Play and Apple iOS and as a Desktop App.

After I installed the app, I simply placed my phone’s camera over the QR code at the bottom of the receipt. It automatically took a picture of the code and entered an accurate representation of the entire receipt into the app. (If you are using the desktop app, you can scan in the receipt.) Then I waited. It takes three days for the price comparison. Once the number crunching was complete I got an email notifying me of the results. The results are also shown in the app.

Each item is listed. If a lower price was found, the store offering that price and the difference is clearly noted.

At the bottom of the app, it indicates the amount I was due with a large “Get It Back” button. The process is seamless. It’s incredibly easy to use. Even a complete newbie can use this app.

After spending $205.33, my savings came to $3.76, or a little under 2 percent. This amount was immediately available as an eGift card. The savings are quite unpredictable. For instance I got $1.73 back on diet coke, but only two cents back on the sour cream I purchased.

There are plenty of caveats. First, only brand-name products are price-matched, not store-branded or generic products. Second, only local brick and mortar stores are searched. The app doesn’t match prices with online services like Amazon, and they don’t even price-check Walmart.com, where lower prices might be found. Also, not every purchase is eligible for price matching. Exceptions include deli, bakery and weighed items like meat, tobacco, firearms, gasoline, tires, prescription drugs, optical and photo products and services and products that require a service agreement, such as wireless, automotive or financial products. More information on what is included is available at Walmart’s website.

In spite of the exclusions, the Walmart Savings Catcher provides at least a little extra money for the bargain hunter. It can also make the consumer a little more comfortable with Walmart’s pricing. If you are a regular Walmart customer, this app is worthwhile. It provides some free money with very little work.

For BMod, I’m Sandy Berger.

All screenshots: Sandy Berger

Featured/Header image: “Money - Savings” by 401(K) 2012 via Flickr Creative Commons