8d382e723f
- Added Walmart scraper to scrape product data from Walmart.com, including category pages and product details. - Introduced a stealth browser module to handle bot protection and improve scraping reliability. - Created a SQLite database for tracking product history, price changes, stock events, and user favorites. - Developed a Discord bot for user interaction, allowing location setting and stock checking at local stores. - Implemented a favorites system to manage priority products and categories with custom notification settings. - Added news aggregation module to fetch and analyze Pokemon TCG news from various sources. - Created tools for API discovery and monitoring, including a backend monitor for detecting new products. - Added unit tests for database operations, product filtering, and API endpoints to ensure functionality. - Enhanced existing modules with improved error handling and logging for better maintainability.
1.7 KiB
1.7 KiB
Pokemon Center Drop Strategy Notes
Source: https://www.pokepullz.ca/blog/pokemon-center-drops-guide.html
Queue System
- Pokemon Center uses a randomized virtual queue that activates before major drops
- Position is NOT based on when you arrived - it's assigned randomly once queue activates
- This prevents site crashes and distributes access fairly
Timing Signals
- Security changes on the Pokemon Center site serve as early warning signals that drops are imminent
- Products sometimes load in waves rather than all at once
Multi-Device Strategy
- Join queue on primary device (desktop on WiFi) first
- Wait a few minutes, then join on second device (phone on mobile data)
- This gives you two separate queue positions and accounts for staggered product loading
Technical Tips
The Cart Trick
When Add to Cart button isn't displaying during glitchy drops:
- Click the cart icon to go to your cart page
- Hit browser back button to return to product page
- This forces a page reload that may show the button
Order Flagging Risks (Avoid These!)
- Typos in billing/shipping information
- Mismatched address data
- VPNs or browser extensions
- Multiple rapid orders
- Overloaded carts
- Queue-checking tools or auto-refreshers
Pre-Drop Prep Checklist
- Log into account days ahead
- Have devices ready
- Monitor Discord alerts
- Disable browser extensions
- Turn off VPN
Implications for Our Monitor
- Don't use VPN/proxies during actual purchases - only for monitoring
- Queue position is random - early detection still helps you GET in queue early
- Watch for security changes - could indicate imminent drop
- Multi-wave loading - may need multiple checks to catch all products