Lots of first time ShopSavvy users send emails asking, “How do I get local results for items I scan with ShopSavvy?“  When I say lots I mean HUNDREDS of users.  I figured it was worth a simple blog post.

If you are like most ShopSavvy users with issues getting local results, you just bought your G1 and spent the better part of an hour scanning random items in the mall.  These first few scans are made before you figured out how to turn on the GPS or WiFi (or before the phone has been able to connect to either at least once).  This means WE don’t know where you are – i.e. so we can’t deliver a local result to you.  There are a few things you need to check:

• You must be in the US or UK to have a chance at local results (in January local results will also return in Germany, Austria, Poland, Holland and the Czech Republic).
• You must have the GPS turned on and it needs to have made at least one good connection (go outside if necessary).
• You must be in a populated area.  Most major stores are already included in ShopSavvy, but small mom and pop stores most likely are not included (they can get in ShopSavvy by adding themselves to Google Base or contacting us directly).

So if you are having problems open the map application and make sure the phone is able to pinpoint your location on a map.  If it can and you don’t get local results on ShopSavvy reboot the phone.  If that doesn’t work and you are in an area with stores like Walmart, BestBuy and Circuit City please email us at support@biggu.com – please include: a) your ZIP, b) the UPCs of several items you scanned (look in your history tab) and c) let us know when you bought your phone and confirm you have checked that the GPS is on and is working.  Thanks!