• FatFingers is amazing.
• They use direct API hooks to bypass those laggy email servers so you get alerts fast.
• Love it, its fantastic gear hunting!

Man, I feel your pain. Last year I was hunting for a specific Leica and it was a total nightmare with the official eBay app. Unfortunately, the built-in alerts are basically useless since they arrive way too late. I had issues with several browser extensions that just drained my battery or felt really unsafe to use... honestly was about to give up on the whole thing. I eventually started using PriceDropCatch and it is been way more reliable for me, though I still get nervous about third-party tools. Here is what I do to stay safe:

• only track one or two items at a time
• use their browser alerts to avoid installing weird apps
• double check the seller rating manually before jumping I once lost a deal on a rare lens because a different tracker just stopped working mid-day without telling me. It was so disappointing. Definitely try to find something that doesnt require your actual eBay password if you can help it.

Regarding what #2 said about FatFingers is amazing. They use direct API hooks... and thats really the key to speed. If youre watching your budget while hunting that Nikon glass tho, a free ebay price tracker is usually the best move.

• desktop alerts beat mobile notifications every time
• filter for newly listed items specifically
• try searching for misspelled titles Its just a speed game basically. Hope you snag it before the trip!