In previous articles I've discussed couponing and its current U.S. popularity. As you likely know, coupons come in many forms, the most common of which is paper. But did you know that with the rise of the smartphone, mobile couponing is gaining in use and familiarity?

SnipSnap . . . What Is It?

I recently read an article discussing SnipSnap. To be sure, I'd never heard of a product or company with this nifty name before. What is SnipSnap? It has such a catchy name! I want to know . . . . To satisfy curiosity, it is a mobile couponing app feature.

What Does This Mobile App Offer?

From what I understand, this nifty and catchy app has multiple purposes. Certainly, it has been created to help its users save money at stores across the U.S. But its original intention was to save people time and energy by eliminating the need for clipping coupons (with scissors), and keeping them organized (in a binder, or what have you!). Basically, SnipSnap was designed to make couponing easier.The app works as follows: you take a picture of a coupon, you take your phone to the store and at checkout you present your phone; the bar code of the coupon is scanned from your phone and deducted from your bill. Thus, there's no need for cutting and presenting slips of paper.

Or Is There . . . Still a Need For the Bits and Pieces?

SnipSnap, while it is useful and helpful, is admittedly a work in progress (as all projects and creations are). Many are downloading this special app and currently using it for great savings. However, one highly important feature that SnipSnap is presently working to better utilize is that stores (particularly certain grocery stores, from what I understand) will actually accept these paperless coupons. Yes, it's true that some stores will not yet accept digital coupons. Thus, SnipSnap's website maintains, "We are hard at work on a breakthrough method for allowing you to redeem paper-based coupons via your phone . . . ." In other words, the creators of this app are well aware of the importance of being able to redeem digital coupons from the grocery store and are working hard to see that stores will allow the use of their product.

Will I Be Using Mobile Couponing?

While many around me are using and purchasing their smartphones, I personally do not own one, nor do I plan to anytime soon. Thus, for me, this paper-less form of couponing will not soon be used. That said, I think the idea of mobile couponing is an interesting and worthwhile idea. Furthermore, SnipSnap is a neat, neat creation. Though certainly SnipSnap has its present limitations, the potential of it is presently big and is only expected to become larger. Couponing is big nowadays, and mobile couponing might just be really kicking off.