B&M shoppers are only just realising there’s a special way they can find bargains for as little as 10p in store.
The discount store’s app allows shoppers to find the best discounted items before the staff have even reduced them.
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But, not everyone is aware of the handy tool or knows how to use it.
Dedicated Facebook groups have been set up for shoppers to hunt down the best bargains using the app.
People regularly ask how exactly they can grab the discounts and what the app is.
Keen bargain hunters regularly share their finds in groups, leading people to query how it works.
One recently said: “How does the B&M scanner work do I need to download an app? Thanks.”
While another commented: “Any l know how to get the app pls.”
And a third wrote: “How do you find out the prices before you get to the till?”
One B&M fan recently shared a TikTok to a group to help others understand how it works.
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The post was met with dozens of comments from shoppers who were grateful for the explanation.
With one writing: “Awesome. What a great bargain, and thank you for sharing!”
So, how exactly does the app work and how can you find the best bargains at your local shop? We reveal all.
How does the B&M scanner work and how can I get it?
The barcode scanner in the app lets you see if the item’s price is cheaper than advertised on the shop shelf.
Products that are typically discounted are seasonal items and old stock that B&M is trying to shift, or they’re labelled “big brands” and “big savings”.
Hundreds of shoppers have found huge savings, with lots finding items in store that scan at just 10p at the till instead of the shelf price.
Recently, The Sun reported that a savvy shopper was left stunned after finding a £20 item on sale in B&M for just 10p.
The B&M scanner is located on the B&M Stores mobile app, which can be downloaded for free on your smartphone.
Shoppers can download it on the App Store or Google Play.
Once you’ve got the app, click on the “scan” button at the bottom of your homepage.
This will then bring up the camera on your smartphone, which you’ll need to use to scan barcodes.
When you’ve found a product you want to scan, simply point your smartphone camera toward its barcode.
The app will then automatically bring up the item’s price – this is when you’ll know if it is reduced or not.
Bargain hunters say some items come up as £1, 50p or even 10p through the app.
But of course, not all items will scan at a lower price – so don’t be disappointed if the thing you’re after isn’t reduced.
Quite often, you’ll need to have plenty of time on your hands to go around and scan a lot of items in store.
While the reductions can seem random, it’s usually items that are seasonal or old stock.
For example, you’ll likely see Christmas products reduced on the app after December 25, or chocolate eggs down for pennies after Easter.
Another thing to note is that the reductions do sometimes vary between stores.
This means that just because something is reduced in one B&M, prices vary from store to store depending on stock levels.
But if you do get lucky and find a bargain, the product should scan at that price at the till.
The scanner only works in stores and not online though.
How do I maximise my chance of finding a bargain?
The Sun has covered plenty of B&M scanner wins over the years, so we’ve picked up a few tricks or tips along the way.
Here are some pointers to help you nab a deal:
Check seasonal items
These are the items that are most likely to be reduced. So after Christmas, you’ll want to be checking all the festive products.
And after summer, you may find paddling pools and outdoor toys reduced.
Scan reduced items
Even reduced items can be discounted even further when you check them with the B&M scanner.
Visit more than one B&M
If you’ve got the time, it could pay to visit more than one B&M as stock availability and discounts will vary between branches.
For example, we previously spoke to a B&M shopper who nabbed £860 worth of goods for £80 by visiting five stores in one day.
Pick your day and time carefully
We’ve spoken to B&M haulers who claim the time and day you visit your local store does have an impact on how many bargains you’ll find.
There isn’t a set formula for all stores, so try and visit at different times until you know when is best.
Use Facebook groups
Keep an eye on what is likely to be reduced by joining B&M Facebook groups.
For example, the B&M Bargains and More page has more than 274,000 members all posting deals.
For more information on how to use the app, see our handy explainer.
Meanwhile, one shopper used the app and managed to bag a kitchen essential that scans as 99% off.
And another found the “bargain of the year” with an item that scanned for £1 instead of £199.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
