Compare Prices Using Bing Shopping, Track Price Changes Over Time
Bing Shopping Enhances User Experience with Advanced Price Comparison and Tracking Features
In a bid to bolster its e-commerce capabilities and provide users with a more comprehensive shopping experience, Microsoft's Bing Shopping has introduced several innovative features that enable users to compare prices, track price changes over time, and make informed purchasing decisions.
Price Comparison and Aggregated Ratings
Bing Shopping now allows users to compare buying options across various sellers, a feature that brings it on par with, and in some aspects surpasses, Google’s shopping search capabilities. When users search for a product, they are directed to a detailed page where they can compare prices from different retailers, view aggregated ratings, and read excerpts from expert reviews. This at-a-glance information facilitates comparison shopping, helping users identify the best deals and make well-informed decisions.
Historical Pricing Data
One of the standout features of Bing Shopping is its ability to display historical pricing data. Users can check the price history of a product, which helps in understanding price trends and identifying the best time to make a purchase. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to ensure they are getting the best possible price for their desired product. Marketers also benefit from this data, as it provides insights into how competitive their pricing is.
Expert Reviews and Product Specifications
In addition to price comparisons and historical pricing data, Bing Shopping integrates expert reviews and detailed product specifications. Users can access summaries of reviews from various sources, which saves time and effort in researching products. The AI-aided Bing Chat feature further enhances this by summarizing what online users are saying about a product, providing a quick and concise overview of the pros and cons.
Visual Search and Alerts
Bing Shopping has also incorporated visual search features, allowing users to search for products using images. This feature, introduced in June 2020, enhances the shopping experience by providing a more intuitive way to find products. Moreover, users can sign up for alerts when prices drop, ensuring they never miss out on a good deal. This feature is particularly useful during sales events like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day.
Integration with Microsoft Edge
Microsoft has extended these shopping features to its Edge browser, making it easier for users to find deals and compare prices directly from the URL bar. The Edge browser now includes coupons and price comparisons accessible at a glance, further streamlining the shopping process.
AI-Powered Buying Guides
In a recent update, Microsoft has integrated AI-powered buying guides into Bing Shopping and the Edge browser. These guides, available in the US and rolling out globally, generate categories, product suggestions, and comparison tables based on the user's search terms. For example, searching for "college supplies" will yield a comprehensive guide with recommended products and a comparison of their features and prices. This AI-driven approach aims to make shopping more efficient and personalized.
Cash Back and Discounts
Bing Shopping also offers various cash back and discount programs through partnerships with multiple retailers. Users can earn up to a certain percentage of cash back on their purchases from participating stores, and the platform often features special promotions and discount codes that can be applied during checkout. This includes offers like up to 45% cash back during specific sales events and additional savings with promo codes.
By leveraging these advanced features, Bing Shopping positions itself as a robust competitor in the e-commerce search market, offering users a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to find the best deals and make informed purchasing decisions.