You say “Okay, this is a scam!’ … but it is not. Rather it is another way of looking at purchasing, perceptions and true cost
A month ago Jeff, a buddy of mine who also uses an iPhone, tells me to try out a new app called Red Laser. This $2 app allows you to use the iPhone/ iPod Touch camera as a barcode scanner. The application then looks for the best price for that product locally as well as on the Internet.
I have since used it to price out both business supplies as well as stuff we personally use. Some of the better prices I found were more than 30% less than what I was going to buy. The first few day’s savings exceed the $200 that the phone cost. Over the rest of the month the savings well exceeded a year’s worth of cell phone service.
And the savings that you can achieve with the iPhone and other similar technology isn’t limited to purchasing. Using your phone’s camera to document tenant damage and be able to support your deposit claim. Take another photo to show a contractor or employee what you want fixed and save the hassle of miscommunications. I even use the camera to take quick notes such as taking a picture of a for sale sign to get the broker’s number or while shopping to text a photo to my wife to make sure that I am getting the thing she wanted.
All of this makes you more efficient. If utilized to its potential tools such as an iPhone saves you, rather than costs you. I would make the same argument about hiring employees, but that is another story for another day.
