FAQ
How do I get an API Token / MCP Key?
There are two ways:
- Chrome Extension: After installing the PriceMinder Chrome Extension, your Token and MCP Key are visible on the extension settings page.
- API Creation: Create an account and obtain a Token via the
POST /auth/initendpoint.
TIP
Hosted HTTP Mode uses MCP Key (shorter format). Local Stdio Mode uses API Token (longer). Both are obtained from the Chrome Extension settings page.
Which Shopee sites are supported?
Currently four sites are supported:
| Site | Domain | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SG) | shopee.sg | SGD |
| Malaysia (MY) | shopee.com.my | MYR |
| Thailand (TH) | shopee.co.th | THB |
| Vietnam (VN) | shopee.vn | VND |
What is the data crawl frequency?
The crawler runs automatically in three time windows per day: morning 07:00-12:00, afternoon 12:00-17:00, evening 17:00-21:00 (Shanghai time). Within each window, crawling executes at random intervals to simulate real user browsing behavior.
Free plan crawls 3 times per day (once per window). Pro plan crawls 9 times per day (3 times per window).
Our data collection strictly complies with Shopee's platform terms of service and Robots.txt protocol, retrieving publicly available product information through compliant API channels.
What is the relationship between MCP and the Chrome Extension?
They are complementary:
- Chrome Extension: Handles "one-click add to monitoring" and data crawling. Installed in the browser, automatically identifies product information on Shopee product pages.
- MCP Server: Enables AI to query and manage your monitoring data. Operate via natural language conversation without manually navigating any interface.
- Shared backend: Both connect to the same backend API with fully synchronized data.
What is the difference between Hosted HTTP Mode and Local Stdio Mode?
| Hosted HTTP Mode | Local Stdio Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | One URL line | Requires command + env |
| Dependencies | None (runs in cloud) | Requires local Python 3.11+ / uv |
| Authentication | MCP Key | API Token |
| Best for | Regular users (recommended) | Developers for local debugging |
| Address | mcp.priceminder.online | Local process |
What to do if a tool call returns 401 Unauthorized?
The Token/MCP Key is invalid or expired. Troubleshooting steps:
- Open the Chrome Extension settings page and copy the Token / MCP Key again
- Verify there are no extra spaces or quotation marks in the configuration
- If using Hosted Mode, confirm you are using the MCP Key and not the API Token
- If using Stdio Mode, confirm you are using the API Token and not the MCP Key
What to do if a tool call returns a 500 error?
The backend API may not be deployed or is under maintenance. Troubleshooting steps:
- Verify the backend service is running (contact the administrator)
- Retry after a short wait
- If errors persist, check if
SENTINEL_API_BASEpoints to the correct API address
AI client doesn't show the sentinel tools?
The MCP Server failed to load correctly. Troubleshooting steps:
- Check if the MCP configuration format is correct (JSON/YAML syntax)
- Confirm the service is running: HTTP mode check
/health, stdio mode check the process - Restart the AI client
- Check the client's MCP logs (usually available in the settings page)
- See the specific client's configuration tutorial
How many products can I monitor at the same time?
- Free plan: Up to 10 products per site
- Pro plan: Up to 100 products per site
MCP tools can query and manage all added monitoring products.