The restocking community has developed its own vocabulary over years of competing for limited-release products. If you have ever read a Discord alert or a restock tweet and felt lost by the terminology, this glossary is for you. We have compiled over 50 terms used across the sneaker, electronics, and general restocking communities, organized alphabetically with clear definitions and real-world examples. Bookmark this page and refer back to it whenever you encounter a term you do not recognize.
If you are brand new to restocking, start with our beginner’s guide to restocking for a complete introduction to the fundamentals, then return here as a reference.
A
ACO (Auto Checkout)
An automated checkout process, typically performed by a bot, that completes the purchase without manual input. ACO bots handle adding to cart, filling in shipping and payment details, and submitting the order. Using ACO tools violates most retailer terms of service and may be illegal depending on jurisdiction.
Add to Cart (ATC)
The act of successfully placing a product in your shopping cart. In restocking, “ATC” often refers to the critical step of getting a hyped product into your cart before it sells out. “ATC link” refers to a direct URL that adds a product to your cart in one click, bypassing the product page.
Example: “I got ATC on the Dunks but it sold out during checkout.”
Aftermarket
The secondary market where products are resold after the original retail sale. Platforms like StockX, GOAT, eBay, and Mercari form the aftermarket. Prices on the aftermarket can be above or below retail depending on demand.
AIO Bot (All-In-One Bot)
A software tool that automates the purchasing process across multiple retailer websites. AIO bots can handle Nike, Adidas, Shopify, Footsites, and other platforms from a single interface. Prominent AIO bots include Wrath, Prism, and Stellar. These tools are expensive (often $300+ for a license plus monthly subscription fees) and their use is widely considered unethical in the restocking community.
B
Backdoor
An illegitimate method of obtaining a product before or outside of the official release process. Backdooring typically involves store employees selling products early to resellers before the public drop. This is a violation of retailer policies and is considered one of the most unethical practices in the community.
Example: “Those Jordans were backdoored — half the stock was sold before the doors even opened.”
Bot
An automated software tool that performs purchasing tasks faster than a human can. Bots range from simple browser scripts to sophisticated AIO platforms with proxy support, CAPTCHA solving, and multi-site capability. For a deeper dive into how retailers detect and combat bots, see our article on anti-bot systems.
Brick
A product that fails to sell out and remains available at or below retail price. Bricks are the opposite of hyped products. Resellers who purchase bricks expecting them to sell above retail lose money.
Example: “That colorway is a brick — you can still buy it on the site a week later.”
Bump
When a retailer or brand re-lists or re-promotes a product that was already released, sometimes indicating incoming restock. In Discord communities, “bump” can also mean moving a message to the top of a channel.
C
Cancelled Order
An order that is voided either by the buyer or the retailer. Cancelled orders free up inventory, which is why sudden restocks sometimes appear without warning — a batch of cancelled orders releases units back into the available pool.
Cart Jacking
When a product is removed from your cart by the retailer’s system before you can complete checkout. This happens when demand exceeds supply and the system cannot hold inventory in carts for everyone simultaneously. Cart jacking is not a deliberate act against you — it is an inventory management mechanism.
Checkout Speed
The time it takes to complete a purchase from the moment you click “Add to Cart” to order confirmation. On FCFS drops, checkout speed is the primary determining factor in success.
Collab
Short for collaboration. A product created through a partnership between a brand and a designer, celebrity, artist, or another brand. Collabs are typically more limited in production and carry higher resale value than standard releases.
Example: “The Nike x Travis Scott collab sold out in under 10 seconds.”
Confirmed (App)
Adidas’s dedicated app for limited releases. The Confirmed app uses a draw/raffle system and a tier structure that rewards engaged users with better odds. See our Adidas Confirmed guide for strategies.
Cook
Successfully purchasing a hyped, limited product at retail price. “Cooking” implies skill and preparation, not luck.
Example: “I cooked three pairs on the SNKRS drop.”
Cook Group
A paid community (usually on Discord) that provides members with early restock information, bot setup guides, market analysis, and group buying strategies. Cook groups charge monthly fees ($30 to $80 is typical) and cater primarily to resellers.
D
Dead Stock (DS)
A brand new, unworn, unwashed, untouched product in its original packaging. Dead stock condition commands the highest price on the aftermarket. The term originated in retail inventory management, where “dead stock” referred to unsold inventory.
Draw
A purchasing format where interested buyers submit entries during a window and winners are selected (randomly or by algorithm) to purchase the product. Nike SNKRS uses draws for most limited releases. Unlike FCFS, draws do not reward speed — entry timing does not affect selection odds.
Drop
A scheduled release or restock event. “Drop” can refer to both new releases and restocks. “The drop is at 10 AM EST” means the product will become available for purchase at that time.
E
EA (Early Access)
A pre-release purchasing window given to select customers before the general public can buy. EA is common on Nike SNKRS, where certain accounts receive push notifications allowing them to purchase a product hours or days before the official drop. EA selection criteria are not publicly disclosed but appear to be based on account activity and purchase history.
Example: “I got EA on the Jordan 1s two days before the public release.”
Exclusive Access
See EA (Early Access). The terms are used interchangeably.
Entry
A submission to a draw or raffle for the chance to purchase a product. One entry per person/account is standard, though some platforms allow multiple entries.
F
FCFS (First Come, First Served)
A release or restock format where the fastest buyers get the product. There is no draw or queue — the product page goes live, and whoever completes checkout first wins. FCFS heavily favors prepared buyers and, unfortunately, bots.
Example: “The restock was FCFS, so it sold out in under 30 seconds.”
Finesse
To successfully obtain a product through clever strategy, persistence, or exploitation of a system quirk. Similar to “cook” but implies a creative or unconventional approach.
Flip
To buy a product at retail and resell it for profit. “Flipping” is the core activity of reselling. For a detailed comparison of flipping culture versus restocking for personal use, see our guide on restocking vs reselling.
Footsite
A website operated by Foot Locker, Inc. Footsites include Footlocker.com, Champssports.com, Eastbay.com, and Footaction.com. These sites share a common checkout infrastructure and are frequently targeted by sneaker bots.
G
GR (General Release)
A product released in large quantities and widely available at multiple retailers. GRs rarely sell out and have minimal or no resale value above retail. They are the opposite of limited releases.
Example: “Don’t stress about copping — it’s a GR, it’ll sit on shelves.”
GOAT
An online marketplace for buying and selling authenticated sneakers, apparel, and accessories. GOAT authenticates all products before they reach the buyer, similar to StockX. The name stands for “Greatest Of All Time.”
H
Heat
A slang term for highly desirable products, especially sneakers. “Heat” items have high demand, limited supply, and significant resale value.
Hold
When a retailer temporarily reserves a product in your cart or account, giving you a limited time window to complete the purchase. Holds typically last 5 to 15 minutes.
Hype
The level of demand and excitement surrounding a product. “Hyped” products have strong community interest and typically sell out quickly. Hype is driven by scarcity, celebrity endorsement, design appeal, and social media attention.
I
In-Store Only
A release available exclusively through physical retail locations, not online. In-store drops eliminate bots from the equation since physical presence is required. They are considered the fairest release format for consumers.
Inventory
The available stock of a product. Restock monitors work by detecting changes in inventory status (from zero to available or from available to zero).
K
Keyword Monitor
A monitoring tool that watches retailer websites for specific product keywords rather than monitoring individual product pages. Keyword monitors can detect new listings before a product page URL is known, giving users a head start on surprise drops. Our DIY monitor tutorial covers the basics of building your own.
L
L (Loss)
Failing to purchase a product on a drop. Taking an “L” is the opposite of getting a “W.” Ls are a normal part of restocking — even experienced restockers take Ls regularly on hyped products.
Example: “Took an L on the SNKRS draw again.”
LEO (Let Everyone Order)
A release method used on Nike SNKRS where the product is made available for purchase by everyone simultaneously, but orders are processed and confirmed (or denied) after a short window rather than immediately. LEO is similar to a draw but with a shorter entry window and faster results.
Link
A direct URL to a product page. “Early links” are product URLs discovered or leaked before the official release, allowing users to access the page and prepare before it is publicly visible. Links can also refer to ATC links that add a product directly to your cart.
Loading
The process of waiting for a product page to update from a placeholder or “coming soon” state to a live, purchasable state. “The page is still loading” means the product is not yet available for purchase.
M
Manual
Purchasing a product by hand, without bots or automated tools. “Going manual” means relying on your own speed, preparation, and strategy. The restocking community is built around manual purchasing — it is the legitimate alternative to botting.
Mesh Site
A retailer website built on a specific platform (originally Demandware/Salesforce Commerce Cloud) that shares common checkout infrastructure across multiple brands. Mesh sites are a frequent target for sneaker bots because a single bot module can work across multiple retailers.
Monitor
A tool that tracks product pages for changes in availability, price, or other attributes. Monitors send alerts when a change is detected, allowing users to act quickly. See our restock monitor tools guide for current recommendations.
MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price)
The price at which the manufacturer recommends the product be sold. Also called “retail price.” The goal of restocking is to buy at MSRP rather than paying aftermarket markups.
N
Notify Me
A button on retailer product pages that lets you sign up for an email or push notification when the product restocks. “Notify Me” alerts are useful but often delayed compared to third-party monitors.
NRFND (Non-Refundable)
A product that cannot be returned for a refund after purchase. Some limited releases and raffle wins are marked NRFND to prevent buyers from securing products speculatively and returning them if they cannot resell.
O
OOS (Out of Stock)
The product is not currently available for purchase. OOS is the status that restock monitors watch for changes from — when a product goes from OOS to available, the monitor fires an alert.
OTD (Out the Door)
The total cost of a product including taxes, shipping, and any other fees. Used when discussing the actual cost versus the listed retail price.
Example: “Retail is $170 but OTD with tax and shipping it was $195.”
P
Pair
A unit of sneakers. In the sneaker community, stock numbers and personal collections are counted in “pairs.”
Pending
A transaction status indicating that an order has been submitted but not yet confirmed. On SNKRS draws, orders show as “pending” while the selection process runs. Pending does not guarantee a purchase — many pending orders become Ls.
Pre-Order
An order placed for a product before it is officially released or restocked. Pre-orders guarantee allocation when the product becomes available. Pre-order strategies are particularly relevant for electronics like iPhones and gaming consoles.
Proxy
A server that routes your internet traffic through a different IP address. Resellers use proxies to run multiple bot instances without triggering IP-based rate limiting. Residential proxies (IP addresses from real home internet connections) are harder for retailers to detect than datacenter proxies. Legitimate restockers generally do not need proxies.
Q
Queue
A virtual waiting room used by retailers during high-demand drops. Visitors are placed in a queue and given access to purchase in order (either sequential or random). Queue systems reduce bot advantages because speed of entry does not determine queue position in randomized systems.
Example: “I was number 4,200 in the queue and they only had 500 units.”
R
Raffle
A release format where buyers enter for the chance to purchase a product, and winners are selected randomly. Raffles are used by boutiques, brands, and retailers to distribute limited products fairly. Unlike FCFS, raffles give everyone an equal chance regardless of speed. Our guide on Nike SNKRS drops covers Nike’s specific raffle and draw mechanics.
Restock
A replenishment of inventory for a product that was previously sold out. Restocks happen when retailers receive new shipments, when cancelled orders free up units, or when the manufacturer produces additional stock. Restocks are often easier to purchase than initial releases because competition is lower.
Retail
The official price at which a product is sold by authorized retailers. “Buying at retail” or “copping for retail” means purchasing at MSRP without paying a markup. This is the primary goal of restocking.
Resale / Resale Price
The price a product commands on the secondary market (aftermarket). Resale prices are determined by supply and demand on platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay. Resale can be above retail (for hyped products) or below retail (for bricks).
S
Shock Drop
An unannounced, surprise restock or release that happens without prior notice. Shock drops are impossible to prepare for specifically — they reward users who have persistent monitoring tools running. Shock drops are common on Nike SNKRS and are one of the most exciting events in the restocking community.
Example: “Nike just did a shock drop of the Travis Scotts — no warning.”
Sitting
A product that remains in stock well after its release. Sitting products are not selling out, indicating low demand. “This colorway is sitting” means it is still available and there is no urgency to purchase.
Size Run
The complete range of sizes available for a sneaker release. A “full size run” means every size from smallest to largest is in stock. Size runs are often used to gauge stock levels — a product with a full size run still available hours after release indicates high stock numbers.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
A unique identifier code assigned to a specific product variant (model, color, size). SKUs are used by retailers to track inventory. Knowing a product’s SKU can help you find it faster using search functions or direct URL construction.
Example: “The SKU for the Black/White Dunk Low is DD1391-100.”
SNKRS (App)
Nike’s dedicated mobile application for limited sneaker releases, draws, and exclusive content. SNKRS is the primary platform for purchasing limited Nike and Jordan sneakers. See our SNKRS guide for detailed strategies.
Sold Out
The product has zero available inventory. No more units can be purchased until a restock occurs. Monitor tools watch for the transition from “sold out” to “in stock.”
StockX
A major online marketplace for buying and selling authenticated sneakers, streetwear, electronics, and collectibles. StockX uses a bid/ask system similar to a stock exchange and authenticates every product that passes through the platform.
Swift
A very fast sellout. “That drop was swift” means the product sold out extremely quickly, often in seconds.
T
Task
In bot terminology, a single purchasing attempt configured to target a specific product on a specific retailer. Bot users run multiple tasks simultaneously across different retailers and products.
Tier
A ranking system used by some brands (notably Adidas Confirmed) that categorizes users based on engagement, purchase history, and activity. Higher-tier users receive better odds in draws and earlier access to releases.
TTS (True to Size)
A sizing designation indicating that a shoe fits according to standard sizing. If a shoe is TTS, you should order your normal size. Shoes that are not TTS may require sizing up or down.
V
Vault
A feature on some platforms (particularly GOAT) where users can store purchased products without taking physical possession. Vault items can be resold directly without shipping them to yourself first.
W
W (Win)
Successfully purchasing a product on a drop. Getting a “W” is the goal of every restock attempt.
Example: “Finally got a W on the Jordan 4s after three straight Ls.”
Waiting Room
See Queue. A virtual waiting area where visitors are held before being given access to purchase a product.
Webhook
A method for one application to send real-time data to another application. In restocking, Discord webhooks are used to send restock alerts from monitoring tools to Discord channels. Our DIY monitor guide includes a tutorial on setting up Discord webhook notifications.
Quick Reference Table
For easy scanning, here are the most commonly used terms in a compact format:
| Term | Quick Definition |
|---|---|
| ATC | Add to Cart |
| DS | Dead Stock (brand new condition) |
| EA | Early Access |
| FCFS | First Come, First Served |
| GR | General Release (widely available) |
| L | Loss (failed purchase attempt) |
| LEO | Let Everyone Order (Nike SNKRS method) |
| MSRP | Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price |
| OOS | Out of Stock |
| OTD | Out the Door (total price with fees/tax) |
| SKU | Stock Keeping Unit (product identifier) |
| TTS | True to Size |
| W | Win (successful purchase) |
Using This Glossary
This glossary covers the core vocabulary you will encounter across Discord servers, Twitter/X restock accounts, Reddit communities, and blog content in the restocking space. Language evolves quickly in online communities, so new terms emerge regularly. If you encounter a term not listed here, check community FAQs or ask in a Discord server — most restocking communities are welcoming to newcomers asking genuine questions.
For putting these terms into practice, explore our platform-specific guides for Nike SNKRS, Adidas Confirmed, Amazon, and Target.
FAQ
What is the difference between a draw and a raffle?
In common usage, the terms are often interchangeable. Both refer to a system where buyers enter for a chance to purchase and winners are selected randomly. In the Nike ecosystem specifically, a “draw” is the platform’s official term for their randomized selection process on SNKRS. “Raffle” is more commonly used by boutiques and third-party retailers. Functionally, both systems work the same way: you enter, you wait, and the system randomly determines whether you win the right to purchase.
What does it mean when someone says they “cooked” a drop?
“Cooked” means they successfully purchased a hyped product at retail price. It implies skill and preparation — the person was ready with the right strategy, had their accounts and payment set up, and executed their plan effectively. It is the opposite of taking an “L” (failing to buy). The cooking metaphor extends to other terms: a “cook group” is a community that helps members successfully purchase products, and “recipes” can refer to specific strategies for different platforms.
Are cook groups worth the monthly fee?
For most restockers buying for personal use, no. Cook groups are designed primarily for resellers who need early intelligence, bot configurations, and market analysis to maximize profit. If your goal is simply to buy products you want at retail, free Discord servers providing restock alerts and our guide on Discord servers for restock alerts offer sufficient information without the monthly cost. Cook groups become worthwhile only if you are treating reselling as a business and the intelligence they provide leads to purchases that more than offset the subscription fee.
What is the difference between a shock drop and a regular restock?
A regular restock is typically announced or follows a predictable pattern — retailers may update their product pages, send email notifications, or post on social media before the restock goes live. A shock drop is completely unannounced. There is no prior warning, no countdown, and no scheduled time. The product simply appears as available without any notice. Shock drops reward users who have always-on monitoring tools because there is no other way to catch them in time.
How do I find the SKU for a product I want?
SKUs are usually listed on the product page, in the product description, or in the URL. For Nike sneakers, the SKU appears on the box label, in the product details section of the Nike website, and in community databases. For electronics, the SKU or model number is listed in the product specifications. Knowing the SKU is useful because you can search retailers by SKU to find the exact product variant across different sites, and some monitor tools allow you to track by SKU rather than URL.
