Problem
When trying to access and purchase a specific item from store X, which releases limited quantities randomly throughout the week, trying to load the page via the browser is essentially pointless. 99 out of 100 requests time out. By the time 1 page loads, the stock is sold out.
Question
What would be the fastest way to load these pages from a website -- one that is currently under high amounts of stress and timing out regularly -- programmatically, or even via the browser?
For example, is it better to send multiple requests and wait until a "timed out" response is received? Is it best to retry the request after X seconds has passed regardless? Etc, etc.
Tried
I've tried both solutions above in browser without much luck, so I'm thinking of putting together a python or javascript solution in order to better my chances, but couldn't find an answer to my question via Google.
EDIT:
Just to clarify, the website in question doesn't sporadically time out -- it is strictly when new stock is released and the website is bombarded with visitors. Once stock is bought up, the site returns to normal. New stock releases last anywhere from 5 minutes to 25 minutes.
The best way is to inspect the website and find out how the http query's are done. Maybe a special buy  There is no fastest way because you want to load from a server that is stressed, you will have the same 'luck', as others. You could decrease theping of your internet, but will do minimal good.
Best way to increase odds of connecting to a server that is temporarily timing out due to an influx of visitors?