Pocket BargainFinder: A Handheld Device for Augmented Commerce

Abstract

The Internet has engendered a new type of commerce, commonly referred to as electronic commerce, or eCommerce. But despite the phenomenal growth of eCommerce, the vast majority of transactions still take place within the realm of traditional, physical commerce. Pocket BargainFinder is a handheld device that seeks to bridge the gap between electronic and traditional commerce. It represents one of the earliest examples of a new breed of commerce we call augmented commerce store, find an item of interest, scan in its barcode, and search for a lower price among a set of online retailers. The device allows customers to physically inspect products while simultaneously comparison shopping online (where prices are often lower.) As such, Pocket BargainFinder is an example of a disruptive technology that may well transform the nature of both electronic and physical commerce. With consumers able to find the best price regardless of where they shop, the physical retailer is left at a distinct disadvantage.

Acknowledgment

Thank you to Joseph F. McCarthy of Andersen Consulting for input and editorial review of this paper.