Online shopping has made it easier than ever to browse and purchase products. However, there are times when you may want to share your shopping cart with someone else before completing a purchase.
Sharing a shopping cart can simplify the process of shopping with friends, organizing a group order, or getting feedback.
This guide explains different ways to share an online shopping cart and alternative methods for websites that don’t support this feature.
Why Share an Online Shopping Cart?
Sharing a shopping cart can be helpful in many situations, such as:
- Collaborative shopping – When multiple people contribute to a purchase, such as planning a wedding registry or group gift.
- Getting feedback – Allowing someone to review your cart before finalizing a purchase.
- Sending a cart for someone else to buy—helping family members, employees, or clients complete a purchase quickly.
- Comparing prices across devices – Transferring carts between devices to continue shopping later.
How to Share a Shopping Cart on Popular Retail Websites
Not all eCommerce sites allow direct cart sharing, but some platforms provide built-in features. Here’s how you can share carts on major retailers:
Amazon (Using Lists Instead of a Cart)
Amazon does not have a built-in cart-sharing feature, but you can use wish lists as a workaround:
- Add items to a wish list instead of the cart.
- Go to Your Lists and select the one you want to share.
- Click Share List and send the link to others.
- Recipients can view and add the items to their cart.
Walmart (Built-In Cart Sharing Feature)
Walmart allows users to share their cart easily:
- Add items to your Walmart cart.
- Click the Cart icon and select Share Cart.
- Copy the generated link and send it via email or message.
- The recipient can open the link and checkout with the same items.
Target, Best Buy, and Other Major Retailers
Some retailers allow cart sharing through registered accounts, while others require you to create a shared wish list instead. If cart sharing isn’t available, try making a list and sharing it with the recipient.
eCommerce Sites Without Cart Sharing – Alternative Solutions
If a website does not provide a built-in cart-sharing option, you can still share your selections.
A straightforward method is to take a screenshot of your cart and send it to others, allowing them to see the selected items and search for them manually.
Another option is to copy and paste the product links individually so the recipient can add them to their cart.
For a more automated approach, some third-party tools generate shareable carts for supported stores. These tools allow users to create a temporary shopping list that others can access and modify, making collaborative shopping easier.
Workarounds for Sharing a Shopping Cart
If a website does not support cart sharing, here are some alternative ways to send your selected items to someone else:
- Browser Extensions – Some extensions allow you to save and share carts across different devices and users.
- Wishlist Features – Many websites offer wishlists that function similarly to carts and can be shared.
- Saving Cart as a Link – Some sites let you save your cart for later, generating a unique link for access.
- Shared Login Method – If secure, logging into the same account on different devices can keep a cart synced.
How to Transfer a Shopping Cart to Another Device
If you want to move your cart from one device to another, here are some steps to do so efficiently:
- Sign in to the same account on both devices to sync the cart.
- Use cloud-based browsers like Chrome, which save sessions across devices.
- Email yourself the cart link (if the site supports saved carts).
- Use a shopping app that syncs carts across multiple devices for seamless transfers.
- Manually recreate the cart on the new device if automatic syncing is unavailable.
Best Shopping Platforms That Support Cart Sharing
Some online stores offer built-in cart-sharing features, including:
- Walmart – Allows easy cart sharing with a generated link.
- Instacart – Let users share grocery carts before checkout.
- Wayfair – Enables collaborative shopping with friends.
- Zappos – Provides shared cart features for easy order management.
Privacy & Security Considerations When Sharing Carts
When sharing a shopping cart, it is crucial to consider privacy and security to prevent unauthorized purchases or data breaches. Always share carts only with trusted individuals to ensure no unintended transactions occur. If you need to collaborate on a purchase, use official cart-sharing features or temporary lists instead of sharing sensitive account information.
Avoid sharing login credentials unless essential, especially for business or team purchases. If someone else will complete the checkout, ensure that no saved payment details are stored in the shared cart to prevent accidental or fraudulent transactions. Taking these precautions can help maintain security while making online shopping more convenient.
Conclusion
Sharing an online shopping cart is helpful for group purchases, collaborative shopping, and easy order management. While some retailers offer built-in cart-sharing features, others require alternative methods such as using wish lists, copying links, or utilizing third-party tools. If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might need assistance sharing their shopping carts easily!
