> instead of finding you a "best deal", it colludes with the merchants, allowing them to control how many people get what kind of "deals", completely defeating the point.
This is how "deals" have always worked, to the extent to the current technology makes it possible. Companies don't issue "deals" to be pro consumer, they do it because it benefits them, and they do it in ways that benefit them. For example, they would mail coupons two a few zip codes but not actually mark down the prices unless you actually possess a coupon. That's just a low-tech version of what you're describing.
I'm honestly surprised that people are surprised by this aspect of Honey. The hijacking of affiliate links is one thing, but coupons have always been a way for businesses to influence consumer behavior. Who did people think Honey's real customer was, given that the extension is free?
Sure, but it's as much a lie as "deals" ever are. The whole concept has always been in the business's favor, not consumers', and if something like Honey leads to a lot of people learning that truth, so much the better.
People like you are such a pain. Yes, companies are duplicitous and we should be wary of them. But that doesn't excuse the fact that a company that says we will find you the best deal, and then not only does not but actively colludes with the merchant to decide which deal to offer, if any, is lying and needs to be held responsible.
We have to collectively hold people responsible for lying. People like you make lying nothing to be worried about.
This is how "deals" have always worked, to the extent to the current technology makes it possible. Companies don't issue "deals" to be pro consumer, they do it because it benefits them, and they do it in ways that benefit them. For example, they would mail coupons two a few zip codes but not actually mark down the prices unless you actually possess a coupon. That's just a low-tech version of what you're describing.
I'm honestly surprised that people are surprised by this aspect of Honey. The hijacking of affiliate links is one thing, but coupons have always been a way for businesses to influence consumer behavior. Who did people think Honey's real customer was, given that the extension is free?