Fix No Results in Tactical Arbitrage Category URLs Search

May 7 / Adinda Wardani
Getting zero results from a Category URLs Search in Tactical Arbitrage?

It’s a common issue, especially for new users and it’s usually not a bug. Most of the time, the problem comes down to using an invalid or unsupported URL.

The good news? It’s easy to fix once you know what to look for. Let’s walk through the steps.
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What a Valid URL Looks Like (and What to Avoid)

Tactical Arbitrage’s Category URLs Search is built to scan product data from category-level pages. To work effectively, it requires a direct link to a category, typically sourced from a site’s menu or product navigation. Filtered search results, session IDs, or personalized links simply won’t do.

Good URLs (Category Pages)

The ideal URLs are clean and structured, straight from a retailer’s category navigation and not the search bar. They often include category IDs at the end, signaling that they’re likely to work in Tactical Arbitrage. For example, valid Walmart category URLs look like this:
Notice how these links feature clean slugs and end with numbers. That’s a strong indicator of compatibility.

Bad URLs (Search or Filtered Pages)

Certain links, such as those containing filters, search queries, session data, or referral tags, won’t work in Tactical Arbitrage. Even if products display correctly in your browser, the scan will often return zero results. Here are examples of invalid URLs:
If you’re getting zero results from your Category Search, your first step should always be to double-check the URL itself. A valid link makes all the difference!

How to Know If a URL Will Work

If you’re not sure whether a link is valid, each supported site in Tactical Arbitrage shows an example of a valid category URL. This is the structure your link should follow.
Even valid category URLs can break if the retailer redesigns their site. So, if something that used to work suddenly doesn’t, double-check the URL structure again. Retailers often update their category pages, and that can impact Tactical Arbitrage scans.
  • Pro tip: when you’re browsing a retailer’s site, try navigating through their main menu (not the search bar). Click through categories until you land on a page that lists items by type; like “TVs” or “Diapers.” The URL you land on is usually the one you want to use.

Before You Hit Search: A Quick URL Checklist

If you’re setting up a Category URLs Search, here are three quick questions to ask before scanning:

  • Did I get this link from the site’s category navigation? If you typed something into the search bar, that link probably won’t work.
  • Is the URL clean and free of filters or session data? Watch for extra bits like ?query=popcorn or ref=srp. They usually mean trouble.
  • Is the site supported for Category URLs Search in TA? Not every site supports this scan type. Use the Site List in Tactical Arbitrage to double-check.
  • Did I use my browser’s tools to get a clean link? For example, right-click a category menu item and select “Copy Link Address” to avoid filtered or dynamic pages.

Still Stuck? We’ve Got You

Sometimes it’s not obvious whether a URL is valid or not, and that’s okay. If you’ve tried all the tips above and still can’t get your scan to return results, our support team is here to help. Just send over the URL you’re using to our email at support@tacticalarbitrage.com, and we can let you know if it’s compatible or help you find one that is.


We’re also working behind the scenes on better in-app guidance to catch common URL mistakes before they slow you down. But until then, just knowing how to spot a good link can make your sourcing much smoother.

Wrap-Up: A Simple Fix with Big Results

Category URLs Search is a powerful tool but like most powerful tools, it works best when used the right way. A single URL mistake can lead to confusion, empty scans, and missed opportunities.


The next time your scan returns zero results, take a deep breath and look at the link. That tiny fix might be all you need to get back on track and start finding those winning products.

Need a refresher on Product Search in general?
Check out the full Product Search guide for step-by-step help.

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