It’s not too often that I get really jazzed about browser plugins, but this one, InvisbleHand is simply too genius NOT to get jazzed about. The concept is simple enough, but no one’s gone the distance to actually write the script. Until now.
InvisibleHand is a firefox addon that will let you know when a product you’re viewing is available elsewhere at a lower price. If you’re like me, you might go to one of the big guys first to have detailed product descriptions, images, etc., and then likely begin the Googling to find it at a better price. InvisibleHand does the work for you (and probably does a better job).
When browsing for products on the big ones, Best Buy, Amazon, Overstock, Borders, etc., InvisibleHand will slide open from the toolbar alerting you that the item you’re looking at could be purchased elsewhere on the cheap.
Not only will InvisibleHand give you the absolute rock bottom price, but also present you with options from other retailers, sorted by price.
In this example, I chose a MBP, but the plugin works with a wide variety of popular electronics, toys, games, books, home improvement, DIY gear, etc. The full list is here.
I put InvisibleHand through it’s paces, even looking for some rather obscure gear on Crutchfield, and the plugin performed beautifully. The largest savings I (would have) recorded was a decent $123.87 on an HD video camera. And all of this for free? Bonus!
Check out InvisibleHand today, and get the Christmas savings going on early this year!
Update: the good folks over at invisible hand are doing a great job with their PR, and just sent me (and 200 of you) an exclusive beta key for their upcoming version. Leave a comment below, and I’ll ping the code on over to you. 
hmmm, will this work on craigslist under the those “special” services? i would rather not have to haggle — it ruins the mood.
Ha! I personally haven’t tested this method – if/when you do, let me know the results.
How intersting! I can think of one person (wife) who is the quintessential bargain finder. I’ll have her check this out.
That’s a nice plugin. I am always comparing prices manually whenever I order a bunch of new DVDs. I am cheap so even saving 1 buck per DVD will make me happy
That’s a cool plugin, I will use it in the future.
That’s a really good plugin and it saves searching time. How often I spent hours just to find cheaper products. Do you know if this plugin is browsing on english websites only?
Well it certainly is an application we could all use. The thing will need to prove to me that I need it. :p
@apostas – I believe so…at least for now.
Ok thanks, then waiting for advancement.
That is a great way to save a few bucks and I have had some nice results shopping for dvd’s and cd’s with it.
That’s a cool plugin. I am always comparing prices manually whenever I order a bunch of new DVDs.
I always search the internet for reviews and then for prices. the last part is gone now thanks for the plugin.
I do the same thing, first i gel all the info on the product then i start searching for the best price. But, while it may be helpful in getting you the best price, how about the quality of the product? What if it finds some cheap chinese replica of what i need? I didn`t use this plugin yet so i can`t really make an objective point of view, but thanks for highlighting it`s features.
it’s a really useful plugin! I can save a few bucks by using this! I am not good in buying things so this will save me from wasting money! Thanks a lot!
Thats an awesome plugin, i’d love to use it, im sure it will save a lotta time, manual comparing is a pain. Let me know the results how it works. Thanks for the post, very useful
The title of this story is interesting because it is the central image that Adam Smith used to describe the mystical way in which an unseen or invisible hand (the free market) controls prices, supply, profit, etc.
So, I can’t help making a connection here. The act of shopping for the best prices is part of the overall activity of a free market.
It is interesting to note that even the Communist Party under Stalin when asked if they would want the whole world to be under their control. They responded, “Yes, except for one country, any country at all, would need to be capitalist so that we would know what the prices are.
That invisible hand again.
Hello, I’m french. So i don’t understand everything but what i understand is very interesting. Thanks