Launch Posts
I built a Chrome extension that converts prices into time — 700 people already use it
r/SideProjectu/Whole-Government-349·June 7, 2025
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The Post
Hi everyone! I'm a solo developer from Taiwan and I just released Pause Buy, a Chrome extension that shows any online price as the hours you'd need to work to afford it. It's a tiny "speed bump" to help curb impulse buys by asking: "Is this worth X hours of my life?"
Key features: Instant price-to-time conversion — works on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and most other shopping sites. Two display modes — "Price + Hours" or "Hours-only", toggle on the fly. Custom hourly wage — set pre-tax or after-tax income so the math feels personal. Privacy-first — no tracking, no ads; everything runs locally in your browser.
A quick proof-of-concept video I posted on Threads Taiwan hit ~1M views in a week. The flood of DMs shaped the final product (the dual display modes came straight from user feedback).
Why this launch worked
This launch was successful due to its highly relatable and universally understood problem-solution framing. The developer leveraged strong social proof from a viral video and actively engaged with the target community, asking for specific feedback and demonstrating user-centric development. This combination of a compelling concept and community interaction drove significant interest and early adoption.
What Worked
1
Relatable Problem Addressed: The core concept of converting prices to 'hours of life' resonates deeply with individuals concerned about mindful spending and the value of their time.
2
Clear Value Proposition: The extension offers a simple yet powerful way to reframe purchasing decisions, directly addressing impulse buying behavior.
3
Strong Social Proof & Viral Potential: The mention of 1 million views on a previous proof-of-concept video and 700 current users provides immediate credibility and encouragement.