ShelfScout

ShelfScout is a mobile + web price comparison app focused on the hardest problem: knowing the real price in nearby physical stores (not just online listings). Users search a product (barcode, photo, or text) and see a map of reported shelf prices at local retailers, with timestamps and confidence scores. Prices come from two sources: (1) community submissions (receipt scan or shelf-tag photo) and (2) lightweight retailer integrations where available. The app flags likely mismatches (promo not applied, wrong size, outdated tag) and shows the “true out-the-door” estimate including local sales tax and common loyalty discounts. This is not magic—coverage will start thin—so the MVP targets a few high-volume categories (groceries, household essentials, OTC meds) in 1–3 metro areas to build density. Monetization is a freemium model: free browsing, paid alerts and bulk lists for heavy savers.