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Low Stock Alerts

Get notified when household staples are running low so you never run out of essentials.

Low stock alerts notify you when household staples are running low. Plan shopping trips before you run out of essentials.

How Alerts Work

Nook monitors your staples and alerts you when:

Days Since Purchase ā‰„ Consumption Days - Threshold

Example

  • Milk consumption: Usually lasts 7 days
  • Alert threshold: 3 days before running out
  • Alert triggers: Day 4 after purchase

You get a notification: "Running low on Milk - usually runs out in 3 days"

Configuring Alerts

Per-Staple Settings

Each staple has its own alert settings:

  1. Go to Groceries > Staples
  2. Click on a staple
  3. Configure:
    • Consumption rate - How long it typically lasts
    • Alert threshold - Days before running out to alert
    • Enable/disable - Turn alerts on/off for this item
  4. Save

Global Settings

Set defaults in Settings > Notifications > Grocery Alerts:

  • Enable low stock alerts - Master toggle
  • Default threshold - Days before low to alert (default: 3)
  • Alert channels - How to receive alerts (push, email, etc.)
  • Alert time - When to send daily alerts (default: 6 AM)

Alert Delivery

Daily Summary

By default, low stock alerts are combined into a daily summary:

šŸ“¦ Low Stock Alert

Running low on:
ā€¢ Milk (estimated 2 days left)
ā€¢ Bread (estimated 1 day left)
ā€¢ Eggs (out)

ā†’ Add to shopping list

Individual Alerts

For critical items, enable individual alerts:

  1. Edit the staple
  2. Enable Immediate alert
  3. You'll be notified as soon as it's low

Channels

Choose how to receive alerts:

  • In-app - Shows in notification center
  • Push - Browser/mobile notification
  • Email - Daily email summary
  • SMS - Text message (for critical items)

Shopping Day Reminders

Weekly Reminder

Set a weekly reminder for your regular shopping day:

  1. Go to Settings > Notifications > Grocery Alerts
  2. Enable Shopping day reminder
  3. Select your shopping day (e.g., Saturday)
  4. Set reminder time (e.g., 9:00 AM)

You'll receive:

šŸ›’ Shopping Reminder

It's your usual shopping day!
Your list has 23 items.
3 staples are running low.

ā†’ View shopping list

What's Included

The reminder shows:

  • Number of items on your list
  • Low stock staples
  • Generated meal plan items
  • Quick link to the list

Improving Predictions

Consumption Learning

Nook learns your actual usage:

  • Tracks time between purchases
  • Calculates average consumption
  • Adjusts predictions over time

Marking Purchases

Keep tracking accurate by marking purchases:

  • In shopping list (check off items)
  • In Staples view (click "Mark Purchased")
  • After shopping trip (bulk update)

Manual Adjustments

If predictions are off:

  1. Edit the staple
  2. Adjust Consumption rate
  3. Predictions update immediately

Alert Examples

Milk Running Low (3 days left)

šŸ„› Running low on Milk
Usually runs out in 3 days
Last purchased 4 days ago

[Add to List] [Dismiss]

Multiple Items Low

šŸ“¦ Low Stock Summary

These items are running low:
ā€¢ Milk - 2 days remaining
ā€¢ Bread - 1 day remaining
ā€¢ Paper Towels - low

[Add All to List] [View Details]

Item Out

āš ļø Out of Eggs

Eggs typically last 14 days.
It's been 16 days since last purchase.

[Add to List] [Mark as Purchased]

Managing Alert Fatigue

Too Many Alerts?

Adjust to reduce noise:

  • Increase threshold (alert earlier, fewer urgent alerts)
  • Disable alerts for non-critical items
  • Use daily summary instead of individual alerts
  • Reduce alert channels

Not Enough Alerts?

Ensure you're notified:

  • Enable alerts for important staples
  • Set appropriate thresholds
  • Enable immediate alerts for critical items
  • Check notification settings

Best Practices

Set Realistic Thresholds

  • Milk/bread: 2-3 days (buy frequently)
  • Paper goods: 7 days (buy less often)
  • Pantry items: 14+ days (longer shelf life)

Review and Adjust

Monthly, review your staples:

  • Are predictions accurate?
  • Are thresholds appropriate?
  • Any items to add or remove?

Coordinate with Family

If multiple people shop:

  • Share shopping responsibilities
  • Use shared lists
  • Mark purchases promptly

Align with Shopping Habits

Set alerts to align with when you typically shop:

  • Shop weekly? 3-4 day threshold
  • Shop as needed? 1-2 day threshold
  • Bulk shopping? 7+ day threshold