Need something? Let Milo.com tell you where to get it
Courtesy Milo.com
Often times, when you want to buy something, like a camera, you’ll do some online research first. After learning about different models and features of the cameras and narrowing down the choices, you would then go to an electronics store to try and find the one you want.
There is always the possibility, especially if it is a popular camera in high demand, that the it will be sold out.Milo, a new application that lets you search local chain stores for their product availability, can put an end to these unproductive shopping trips. Using real time search results, Milo lets you know which local stores carry what you are looking for.
You just type in what you want to buy, and Milo will provide a list of results. After selecting the item you want, you will then be shown all of the stores that carry that item and whether those items are currently in stock. Milo also gives you the stores’ prices, so you can compare before you go out and buy.
As if that weren’t enough, Milo’s search results are accompanied by product information and reviews, providing you with even more insight on your potential purchase. It really is a great idea to provide so much information (the stores that carry the item, the distance from your town, the prices, and reviews) all on one page. Otherwise, you would need to have a bunch of tabs and windows open to get all of this important information.
Although Milo is a great way to pre-shop for expensive electronics, you can pretty much find information on any product. The application currently provides the inventory of 22 nationwide retailers, including Target, Best Buy, Macys, Ikea, Barnes and Noble, and even Guitar Center.
I particularly appreciate how Milo presents information for all of the locations of the same chain in the area. In New Jersey, the strip mall capital of the world, we can have two of the same stores in neighboring towns or even on the same highway. With Milo, I can find out which location will have my desired item in stock. If it isn’t at the store in my town, I could easily drive another town over and find it.
Of course, some people think it’s easier to buy everything online. However, I prefer walking into a store and walking out with something, rather than waiting for stuff to come in the mail. Not to mention the extra costs you have to pay for shipping.
If you like buying things in person, like I do, then Milo can be a pretty helpful tool. In just one sitting, and in one browser window, you can research, compare prices, read reviews, and find out where you can buy something. It seems the only thing Milo doesn’t do is calculate the amount of gas you will spend when traveling to the store.
