---
title: "Getting Started with CartSnitch"
status: draft
version: 1.0
last_updated: 2026-03-20
description: "First-time user onboarding guide — from signup to first savings insight."
---

# Getting Started with CartSnitch

Welcome to CartSnitch. Here's how to go from zero to tracking your grocery prices in about two minutes.

---

## Step 1: Create Your Account

Open CartSnitch and tap **Create Account**. Enter your name, email, and a password. That's it — no credit card, no subscription, no trial period.

Once you're in, you'll land on your dashboard. It'll be empty for now. That changes fast.

---

## Step 2: Connect a Store

This is where CartSnitch gets useful. Head to **Settings > Connect a Store** and link at least one loyalty account:

- **Meijer** — your mPerks account
- **Kroger** — your Kroger Plus account
- **Target** — your Target Circle account

CartSnitch uses your store credentials to pull your purchase history automatically. No receipt scanning. No barcode swiping. Your past purchases start appearing within minutes.

For detailed instructions, see the [Connecting Your Store Accounts](connecting-stores.md) guide.

---

## Step 3: Explore Your Dashboard

Once a store is connected, your dashboard comes to life:

- **Recent purchases** — your last few shopping trips, pulled directly from your store account
- **Price trends** — sparkline charts showing how prices are moving on everyday items like eggs and milk
- **Triggered alerts** — if any prices you're watching have dropped, you'll see it right at the top

`[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Authenticated dashboard showing recent purchases, sparkline charts, and alert banner]`

---

## Step 4: Set Up a Price Alert

Spot something you buy regularly? Set a price alert so CartSnitch tells you when the price drops.

1. Go to **Products** and search for the item
2. Tap the product to see its price history
3. Tap **Set Alert** and enter your target price
4. CartSnitch notifies you the moment it hits

For the full walkthrough, see [Setting Up Price Alerts](setting-up-alerts.md).

---

## Step 5: Compare Stores

If you've connected more than one store, you can compare prices side by side. On any product page, tap **Compare Stores** to see where it costs less.

CartSnitch highlights the cheapest option and tells you exactly how much you'd save by switching stores.

See the [Comparing Stores](comparing-stores.md) guide for details.

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## What Happens Next

CartSnitch keeps working in the background. Every time you shop, your new purchases are imported automatically. Prices are tracked. Shrinkflation is flagged. You don't need to do anything — just shop like you normally would and check in when you want to see what's changed.

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## Quick Reference

| Feature | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Connect a store | Settings > Connect a Store |
| View purchases | Purchases tab |
| Search products | Products tab |
| Set price alerts | Product detail > Set Alert |
| Compare stores | Product detail > Compare Stores |
| Browse coupons | Coupons tab |

---

## Installing CartSnitch on Your Phone

CartSnitch is a web app that works like a native app on your phone. When you visit CartSnitch in your mobile browser, you'll see an "Add to Home Screen" prompt. Tap it, and CartSnitch gets its own icon on your home screen — no app store download needed.

It works offline too, so you can check prices and your shopping list even when you're in a store with spotty reception.