Using the Barcode Scanner
Turn your phone into a price intelligence scanner! Check prices and ratings instantly while you're in the store - before you put anything in your cart.
"See that can on the shelf? Scan it! I'll instantly tell you if it's a great deal or if you should walk away. No more buyer's remorse!"
📱 How to Use the Scanner
Open the Scanner
Tap the barcode icon on the search screen, or tap the + button and choose Scan Barcode.
You'll need to grant camera permission the first time. The scanner only uses your camera while you're actively scanning - we don't access photos or record anything.
Point at the Barcode
Hold your phone about 15-20cm from the barcode. Keep it steady and make sure there's good lighting.
📌 Where to Find Barcodes:
- • Bottom or back of product packaging
- • Price tag on the shelf (sometimes includes barcode)
- • Look for black & white vertical lines or QR codes
View Instant Results
In a moment, you'll see the product details including:
Make Your Decision
Based on the rating, decide whether to buy now or wait for a better price.
🖥️ Understanding Scan Results
The product you scanned
With its rating at the store you're in
This store's price
What it costs here
Low, average, high
How the price has moved
Other stores
Where it costs less
💡 For example: a B means it's a fair price here. If another store has it for less, you'll see that too, and you can set an alert to catch it at an A.
✨ Tips for Better Scanning
Good Lighting
Barcodes scan best with bright, even lighting. Move to a well-lit area if needed.
Right Distance
Hold phone 15-20cm away. Too close or too far won't work well.
Straight Angle
Point camera directly at the barcode, not at an angle.
Clean Barcode
Damaged, wrinkled, or dirty barcodes may not scan. Try another item of the same product.
🔧 Troubleshooting
❌ "Product Not Found"
This means we haven't seen this specific barcode before.
Solution: You can add it! Tap "Submit Price" to add the product with the price you see. You'll earn points for contributing. Barcode won't scan? Tap "Enter Barcode" to type the number.
⚠️ "Camera Not Working"
The scanner needs camera permission.
Solution: Go to your phone's Settings → BuyersMarket → Camera → Allow
🔄 "Scanner is Slow"
Poor lighting or unstable hands can slow scanning.
Solution: Move to better lighting and brace your phone hand against a shelf for stability.
🔒 Privacy & Security
Great Job!
Your privacy matters! The barcode is read on your phone, and only the barcode number is sent to look up the product. The scanner doesn't save photos or video of your scans.
✓ Camera only active when scanner is open
✓ No photos saved or uploaded
✓ Barcode data processed locally
✓ Only barcode numbers sent to our servers
🎉 Scanning Pro!
Try these features next:
Still Need Help? 🤔
Our team is here to help you get the most out of BuyersMarket. Reach out anytime!