Start with a photo that identifies the product

Standing in a shop with an unfamiliar product is a different problem from browsing a retailer's website. You may have a box and a shelf label, but no link to search. A photo can give you a starting point without typing a long product name.

Photograph the front of the packaging in good light. Include the brand, model name, and size where possible. If the price label is separate, make sure it belongs to that item. A label one shelf below the product can lead to a misleading comparison.

For electronics, find the model number on the box. For cosmetics, include the volume and formulation. For shoes, capture the model and version. The more distinctive the details, the easier it is to distinguish a real match from a lookalike.

Use OLMA to start a price check

  1. Open OLMA on your iPhone or iPad and photograph the product or price tag.
  2. Let the app identify the item and search for current retailer prices.
  3. Read the price verdict and comparison, then verify the product details before acting.

OLMA offers five free scans per month without an account. Pro is available for people who need more scans. See the current website pricing and the App Store purchase screen for subscription details.

Check that the result is the same item

A product photo can be ambiguous. Two boxes may look almost identical while containing different generations, sizes, or accessories. Treat the first result as a candidate to verify.

  • Model: match the full identifier, including the suffix.
  • Variant: check capacity, pack count, size, and included accessories.
  • Condition: separate new products from used or refurbished ones.
  • Availability: an unavailable listing is not an offer you can buy.

If the match looks wrong, take a clearer photo of the identifying label or use the model number to search a retailer directly. An uncertain match is a reason to investigate, not proof that the shop is expensive.

Turn the comparison into a buying decision

Suppose a shop asks $85 for headphones and an online listing shows $79. If delivery costs $8, the online total is $87 before any difference in tax. The smaller headline price does not win that comparison. This is an illustrative example, not a live offer.

Also consider whether you need the item today and how you would return it. A useful price check ends with an option you can actually buy on acceptable terms. Read how to tell whether a sale is a good deal for a fuller decision checklist.