Create a wishlist tracker across platforms

Creating a wishlist tracker that works across platforms involves building a centralized system where users can save, organize, and access their desired items from multiple sources (e.g., Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, etc.) via web, mobile, and possibly browser extensions. Here’s how to design and implement such a tracker:

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Cross-Platform Wishlist Tracker: Features and Implementation Guide

Core Features

1. Universal Wishlist Addition

   • Bookmarklet or Browser Extension: Allows users to click “Add to Wishlist” from any product page.

   • Manual Entry: Input product name, link, price, and notes manually.

   • Import via URL: Automatically fetch product metadata (title, image, price) from supported sites.

2. User Accounts and Syncing

   • Account-based system (email/password or social login) to sync data across devices.

   • Optional offline mode with auto-sync when online.

3. Platform Accessibility

   • Web App: Built with React, Vue, or Svelte; accessible via any browser.

   • Mobile App: Android/iOS using Flutter or React Native for shared codebase.

   • Browser Extension: Chrome/Firefox for one-click saving.

4. Categorization and Tags

   • Organize wishes into categories like “Tech,” “Books,” “Fashion,” or with custom tags.

   • Filter and sort by category, priority, price, or store.

5. Price Tracking

   • Periodic price-check via web scraping or API integration (where permitted).

   • Alerts for price drops via push notifications or email.

6. Sharing and Collaboration

   • Share wishlist via public/private links.

   • Collaborate on group wishlists (e.g., weddings, holidays).

7. Priority and Notes

   • Mark high-priority items.

   • Add notes like color preference, model number, or occasion.

8. Privacy Controls

   • Public, private, or shared settings per wishlist or item.

   • Guest mode with temporary, cookie-based tracking.

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Tech Stack Recommendations

Frontend

• Web App: React + Tailwind CSS

• Mobile App: Flutter or React Native

• Browser Extension: Vanilla JS/TypeScript with Manifest V3

Backend

• Server: Node.js with Express

• Database: MongoDB or PostgreSQL

• Authentication: Firebase Auth or Auth0

• Web Scraping (for price tracking): Puppeteer, Playwright, or use third-party APIs like SerpAPI or RapidAPI (Amazon, eBay).

Optional APIs

• Amazon Product API

• Walmart Developer API

• Etsy API

• Google Shopping API

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Sample Workflow

1. Adding an Item

• User clicks “Add to Wishlist” on a browser extension or copies a URL into the app.

• Metadata is extracted and saved to their account.

• Item is categorized and prioritized.

2. Viewing Wishlist

• User logs in from any device to view their list.

• Filter by tag, price, or store.

• Option to mark as purchased or remove.

3. Price Alert

• A background job checks prices on user items.

• Notifies user if there’s a drop or sale.

4. Wishlist Sharing

• User generates a shareable link.

• Others can view (or comment if allowed) without logging in.

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Monetization & Enhancements

• Affiliate Links Integration: Earn from users’ purchases.

• Premium Features:

  • Unlimited wishlists or collaboration.

  • Advanced price tracking and historical graphs.

• AI Suggestions: Recommend similar or trending items.

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UX Considerations

• Drag-and-drop organization.

• Dark mode and accessibility.

• Progress indicators (e.g., gift completion percentage).

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Security & Privacy

• HTTPS everywhere.

• OAuth and 2FA support.

• GDPR-compliant data handling.

• Optional anonymized mode for data analytics.

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This system provides users with a seamless, consistent experience across platforms while being robust enough to scale with more features or ecommerce partnerships.