NowInStock.net's Q&A

Q: How Do I Unsubscribe from Alerts?

A: To unsubscribe from alerts, whether they are email, desktop, or browser, please login to your account and either turn "OFF" the switches for the selected items or DELETE the items from your items list. Either way will discontinue alert delivery.

Q: Why do I receive alerts when stock is not available?

A: I am going to answer this question as simply as possible.

First, not all inventory systems are created equal. Some do an outstanding job (Amazon, Gamestop), while others have a tendency to hiccup (Walmart, Sears, Kmart, Toys R Us). But I feel at some level or point in time, they all hiccup.

Second, my job at NowInStock.net is to tell you when we notice stock being available. There are variables we look for at the online stores, check and double check these variables, then make our decision on whether stock is available or not. So as an example, if we check a product page that says stock is available, but when you click that button to add to the cart, it tells you it isn't, well that extra step of adding to the cart changes things and must talk to other systems not tied to the one that says stock is available. If I cannot directly access that same system that adds to the cart, well then we produce what some might perceive as errors, when in reality the retailers product page still says stock is available!

Third, there are times when inventory, for some unknown reason "floats". One second it shows in stock, the next it shows out of stock. If our program fetches the page when the system decides to show in stock, we then report stock as available with an alert. Sure we could double check before sending alerts, but that double checking wastes valuable time, especially on extremely hot items, and you could be already adding items to the cart. The best thing to do when you see stock floating, which can be recognized by reviewing the history of each tracker, is to stay on that product page and keep refreshing your browser page. You might get lucky!

So, yes, there will be times when the alerts are not 100% accurate.

Q: I keep receiving TXT alerts even though I deleted my account?

A: More than likely you are subscribed to TXT alerts via Twitter. This means you need to login to your Twitter account at Twitter.com, and stop following any NowInStock.net Twitter accounts.

Q: What can I do to support NowInStock.net?

A: First and foremost, purchase products right after you click on my links. Please note, if you can only buy one product at a time because the store you are purchasing from limits orders to X units per order, please go back and click my link again before starting the next order. Why? Read on...

Some stores end my referral period whenever you make a purchase. For example, if you purchase the first unit by completing your first order, then go back and purchase the second unit without clicking my link again, I lose the commission on the second unit. I am losing this commission even though I am technically the one that referred you on the second unit as well. So, if you have to place more than one order to get your desired quantity, please go back in between orders and click on my link to ensure NowInStock.net receives its proper commission.

Secondly, if you use the Google Toolbar in your browser, you can download my Support NowInStock.net Shopping Button and whenever you want to buy something, visit the stores listed on the button and make your purchases. So you are aware, installing this button does NOT result in the release of any personal information nor does it contain spyware.

Q: Do you accept donations?

A: I have NEVER asked for donations even though many users have wanted to donate. The reason being, as I mentioned above, is that I get a commission from MOST stores I list on the site. However, there are some stores I do NOT receive a single penny from other do NOT pay on the most important items, the video game consoles themselves. The reason I still do not ask for donations is that my costs are currently being covered by the links that do provide a commission. So, do I accept donations? No, however, if you use the Google Toolbar in your browser, you can download my Support NowInStock.net Shopping Button and whenever you want to buy something, visit the stores listed on the button and make your purchases. So you are aware, installing this button does NOT result in the release of any personal information nor does it contain spyware.

Q: Why did you create NowInStock.net?

A: I decided in 2005 to create NowInStock.net for a two main reasons.

The first and main reason was to challenge myself. I am an average programmer at best and wanted to test my skills. You can't beat learning and completing a project that has an impact on society. It is very fulfilling. You should check out the testimonials page and see what I mean. Here was one of my most prized comments I received:

"Justin...thanks so much for putting your time and energy in this site. I was able to finally get the Wii bundle from Circuit City. Your site was a constant addiction and a great service during my search. Now I have a Wii on the way to play during my last few months here for the Air Force in Iraq. Thanks! ~Mike"

Second reason was to address a need that was not being filled. I was not the first tracker out there. However, I was the one that introduced the email alerts. I knew that not every one could sit around and continually refresh a screen while sitting at work, including myself, and I wanted that XBOX 360! So why not just send people and email alert when an item comes in stock? And that is exactly what I did.

Q: Why don't you charge for your service like other sites do?

A: Frankly, I feel this is a service that should be free. I do not need to charge people AND make a commission like these other services out there do. I will just take the commission and be happy. You, the user gets what you want, I get a little compensation on my end, I learn things, I fail at things, and in the end we all get what we want at no cost to anyone. I love working on the site, as I mentioned look at that testimonials page.

Q: I know nothing about these Wii's. Where do I start?

A: Glad you asked! I have gone ahead and broken down the whole Wii purchasing process to help those of you are unfamiliar with this whole video game craze. Read my guide:
Buying a Wii, A Beginner's Guide »

If you still have questions after reading this guide, feel free to contact me directly via my contact form.

About Now In Stock

Welcome to NowInStock.NET. We are a web service that monitors online shopping web sites to see when products come in stock. This way you never have to filter through hundreds of pages, subject yourself to tons of notification emails, and so on. NowInStock brings everything together in one tight little package.

We continually add new products, let us know if you have any you would like to see here. If you like our service, let us know! We love to hear from you.

Testimonials

"I want to say thank you! I was able to get my daughter a Zhu Zhu Pet gift set from Amazon because of Nowinstock.net! You guys have made her Christmas very special! I appreciate how simple the site is and the desktop notifier is the best!" -miller721