5 tips for tracking out-of-stock items this holiday season

This holiday season, securing those hard-to-find gifts requires a proactive approach. While supply chain issues persist, several strategies can increase your chances of snagging coveted items before they're gone.

Last year's limited holiday gatherings make this year's gift-giving even more meaningful. However, product scarcity is a reality. Let's explore how to outsmart supply chain woes and other shoppers.

1. Leverage Retailer Alerts:

Many online retailers offer email or app notifications for restocked items. Activate these alerts whenever available. However, remember this requires individual sign-ups on each relevant site, and not all retailers provide this feature for every product. Amazon's "Alert Me" button is a prime example of this inconsistency.

2. Direct Contact with Local Stores:

While pre-pandemic restocking schedules were more predictable, current supply chain volatility necessitates direct communication. Call your local stores directly to inquire about restocking timelines. While some may be unable to assist due to holiday demands or staffing, a direct inquiry offers the best chance of success.

3. Utilize Restock Tracking Services & Social Media:

Websites and social media accounts dedicated to restock alerts have proliferated since the PS5 launch. StockInformer, for example, monitors high-demand items and provides alerts via email, Android push notifications, or Telegram. However, its coverage is limited to popular items. Twitter searches for "#restock" can uncover numerous accounts focusing on specific products or regions. Verify account activity before subscribing to avoid inactive feeds.

4. Employ Browser Extensions:

Several browser extensions offer restock tracking capabilities. OctoShop (Chrome & Firefox) alerts you when items are back in stock on supported retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart). It allows setting notification frequency, price caps, and specific size/color preferences. BackinStockAlerts.com provides email alerts for a limited number of retailers, ideal for clothing from Amazon or ASOS.

5. Webpage Change Trackers:

For ultimate control, webpage change trackers like Distill (Chrome, Firefox, Opera) detect modifications on websites. By selecting specific sections containing "out of stock" messages or size/color lists, you receive alerts the moment an item is restocked. Adjust the check frequency for optimal balance between real-time updates and notification overload.

A Multi-pronged Strategy:

The key is a diverse approach. Combining these methods maximizes your chances of securing those sought-after gifts. Remember, even with the most diligent tracking, shipping and delivery times remain a factor. The effort, however, demonstrates your dedication, and the story of your quest adds to the gift's significance.

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