Is there an app that notifies me of Amazon price changes?

Question

Okay so Ive been a hardcore CamelCamelCamel user for like a decade now so Im not a total newbie to this stuff but lately the email alerts are just too slow. Like Ill get the notification that the price dropped on the specific gear Im watching but by the time I click through to the product page its already back up or sold out. Im trying to snag a Sony FE 24-70mm GM II before I fly out to Tokyo next Thursday and the price is bouncing all over the place. I really need an actual app that sends a push notification straight to my phone instead of just sitting in my inbox. Im tired of checking my email every five minutes like a crazy person.

Requirements:

Must have real-time push alerts (no delay)

Needs to work on iOS specifically

Ideally shows a price history graph so I know if Im actually getting a deal

Budget is pretty tight after buying the tickets so hopefully free or a one-time cheap buy

Is there anything that actually pings you the second the API detects a change? I tried Keepa but the mobile interface is kinda clunky for what I need right now. Anything else out there that Im missing?...

ydwqwxkiyy · Accepted Answer

There are options out there, but be careful. I missed a lens deal last year because my tracker had a massive delay on the free tier. The one I got later works way better but cost a bit. I learned that real-time pings require more server resources than free apps provide tbh.

Be careful with free versions since they often deprioritize scraping

Check your iOS background refresh settings or the alert wont fire

Look for sub-minute refresh specs

qgvldferzg · Answer

Been thinking about your situation for a few hours now. While I get why you want a dedicated app, I actually have to respectfully disagree with the idea that an app is always the faster solution. In my experience over the years, iOS background refresh can be really flaky. If your phone decides to sleep the app to save battery, you might miss the notification anyway, which is the last thing you want before a big trip. Ive tried many different setups for high-end camera gear and if youre on a tight budget, you really dont want to miss a drop because of a software glitch. Here is what I would suggest instead:

Try PricePulse. It is honestly one of the more reliable ones for iOS specifically and the graphs are way less intimidating than Keepa. It is free which fits your budget perfectly.

Use the browser-based alerts from Honey alongside your app. Sometimes their servers hit the Amazon API at slightly different intervals, giving you a second chance.

If you stay on the CCC route, set your phone to VIP status for their specific email address. It makes it act more like a push notification with a unique sound. I know you really want that Sony FE 24-70mm for Tokyo, but dont get too hung up on the absolute lowest price. Sometimes saving an extra fifty bucks isnt worth the stress of missing the window entirely. Stick to the proven tools, just tweak how you receive the alerts. Those GM II lenses are worth the effort though, good luck.

ztkqeqimth · Answer

Actually been quite satisfied with PricePulse for these types of high-frequency price fluctuations. It works well on iOS because it is a native build rather than a web wrapper, which helps reduce notification latency. No complaints on my end after using it for a few lens snags last year.

PricePulse: The app is free and the push notifications generally hit within seconds of the API detecting a price movement.

Interface: The price history graphs are clean and easy to interpret on a mobile display.

Optimization: You have to ensure Background App Refresh is active so the iOS kernel doesnt suspend the process.

Reliability: It handles the Amazon API polling significantly faster than the email-based alerts from CamelCamelCamel. Honestly, this should handle the tracking for that Sony 24-70mm without issues before your flight. Its a killer lens btw.