Spotting Fake Scarcity: Tracking Real Store Inventory Levels

Many e-commerce stores use countdown timers or text like "Only 3 items left!" to encourage customers to purchase. While some scarcity is real, much of it is created artificially using apps. To verify competitor claims and gauge real sales volumes, you can track real store inventory levels locally.

This guide explains how to monitor competitor stock levels over time to verify their sales performance.

1. Inspecting Shopify Variant JSONs

Shopify stores track inventory quantity for each product variant to prevent overselling. By appending `.js` or `.oembed` to product URLs, or querying their public cart endpoints, you can sometimes view active stock levels.

2. Exporting Stock Data

Use Shopify Product Exporter to extract variant catalogs regularly. By comparing inventory values over a few days, you can calculate the exact number of units sold per variant, giving you accurate data on which colors or sizes sell the best.