Honey, We Have A Problem...

Hey there,

Okay, this one stings a bit.

So you know me, if there’s a coupon code floating around, I’ll find it. A rewards trick? I’m on it. So when I heard about Honey, the browser extension that automatically applies discounts at checkout, I was all in.
Free? Saves me money? Say less.

And for a while, it felt like magic. Honey would pop up with a cheerful little animation and promise me the best deals. I used it everywhere. Amazon, Target, random candle websites—you name it.

But then I found out some things that left me blinking at my screen like,
Wait... WHAT?!

Let Me Paint You a Picture

You’re at a store. A helpful salesperson walks you through everything, answers your questions, helps you pick the perfect product. You’re grateful. You’re ready to buy.

Then, just as you're about to pay, a second, sneaky salesman pops out from behind a display and says,
“Hey! Want me to check for a coupon?”
You shrug. “Sure.”

He pretends to check… finds nothing.
Then, as you’re handing over your payment, he quietly swaps the original referral card with his own.
Now he gets the credit—and the commission.

That’s what Honey’s doing.
Except it happens in your browser, silently, and most of us had no clue. They’re stealing commissions from your favorite creators, bloggers, and small business owners—the people actually helping you find great products.

And the worst part? they didn’t even know it was happening.

And Then There’s This…

Honey was bought by PayPal for $4 billion.
Four. Billion. Dollars.
For a “free” browser extension.

So, naturally, you ask:
If it’s free for users… where’s that kind of money coming from?

Well, that’s the twist. Honey makes money by cutting deals with retailers—offering only the discounts the stores want you to see, not necessarily the best ones available.

So while they’re telling you, “We found the best deal on the internet!”
They’re showing you the approved 3% off coupon…
Meanwhile, a 20% off code is out there—but hidden from you.

How can you promise to find me the best price, and also let the store decide what I get to see?

You can't. It’s completely contradictory.
And frankly, it feels like a betrayal.

What You Can Do

I’ve already done it, and I suggest you do too:
✅ Uninstall Honey from your browser
✅ Tell your friends, forward this email to them—especially if they’re creators who rely on affiliate income
✅ Double check your deals manually (I know, not ideal—but better than being misled)

This is about transparency and fairness.
And I’ll always choose both, even if it means a little extra work.

👉 Tap your answer above! I’m sure I’m not the only victim.

Talk soon,
Rachel Carnelle