Any browser extensions for syncing shopping carts across multiple users?

Question

Okay so Im in a bit of a panic because my dads 60th surprise retirement party is coming up next weekend and we are totally behind on ordering the supplies. Me and my two siblings are trying to coordinate a massive $2,000 order across Amazon, Wayfair, and some random party supply site but its a total nightmare. We keep adding the same streamers and catering trays to our individual carts then forgetting what we actually decided on. I really need a way for us to see the same cart in real-time so we can just checkout once by Friday night or the shipping wont get here in time. I looked into Share-A-Cart but it seems like it just makes a static list you send to someone else? That doesnt really help if we are all constantly shopping at the same time and want to see updates live like a Google Doc. I also tried finding this thing called Basket but the Chrome store reviews are all over the place and some say it doesnt even work on most sites anymore plus I dont want to put my login info into something that looks abandoned. Does anyone know of a legit extension that actually syncs the active cart across different computers for multiple users so we can all see the same list?

IqaluitIcon · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, ive had a lot of issues finding anything that actually works in real-time. Total disappointment. I spent hours researching this for a corporate event last year and everything was buggy. I think most extensions fail because sites constantly update security protocols. Not 100% sure, but I recall reading that live syncing is technically restricted to prevent fraud... its probably safer to just use a shared spreadsheet.

BondStreetBrit · Answer

Omigosh planning a 60th is so stressful but so exciting!! Totally get the struggle with the cart thing... its literally the absolute worst when you accidentally double buy expensive stuff. I actually used Share-A-Cart for my sisters wedding last year and it was a massive lifesaver for us!! Honestly you really gotta be careful with those random extensions tho. Like, definitely avoid anything that asks for your actual store passwords because thats super sketchy and a huge red flag imo. Some of those live ones are basically just screen scrapers and they can mess with your security big time! We found that just refreshing the shared link every few mins worked fine once we got into a rhythm. Just make sure everyone is using the same version or it gets kinda glitchy. You guys are gonna have such an amazing party, dont let the streamers win!

WildRoseWave · Answer

To add to the point above: I am literally going through this exact same nightmare right now for my brothers surprise party!! It is absolutely wild how hard it is to coordinate a massive order without everything falling apart. Reliability is my biggest concern too because once you hit that checkout button there is no going back if someone double-ordered the expensive stuff. I totally get the frustration. Here are two quick tips that have helped me stay sane:

Have one person lead the session and screen share so everyone sees the updates in real time

Use a solid birthday wishlist maker to finalize the list before anyone starts clicking add to cart so the quantities stay perfect It is fantastic when things actually work, but honestly, I am still hunting for that perfect live-sync extension just like you. The struggle is real...