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What Is This Worth? The Ultimate Guide to Finding Item Values in 2026

Jan 24, 2026 • 16 min

What Is This Worth? The Ultimate Guide to Finding Item Values in 2026

You’re standing in a thrift store holding a vintage camera. The price tag says $12. It looks old—maybe valuable? You pull out your phone, search “vintage camera values,” and get 47 million results. Twenty minutes later you’re more confused than when you started.

This is the reseller’s dilemma: How do you know what something is actually worth before you buy it?

I’ve watched new resellers make the same mistakes over and over: buying based on gut feeling, overpaying for items that “look valuable,” or worse—passing on goldmines because they didn’t know how to check comps. One reseller I know passed on a Pyrex bowl for $4 because “it’s just a bowl.” That bowl was a rare Turquoise Butterprint worth $180.

The difference between profitable resellers and broke ones isn’t luck—it’s knowing how to accurately value items in under 2 minutes. This guide shows you exactly how to do that, whether you’re evaluating a vintage t-shirt, a piece of electronics, or something you can’t even identify.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • The 5 reliable methods to find what anything is worth (and when to use each)
  • How to use eBay sold listings like a pro (the 90-second research technique)
  • Category-specific valuation strategies for clothing, electronics, collectibles, and more
  • Red flags that scream “this isn’t worth what you think”
  • The exact 2-minute process I use to decide buy or pass on any item

Table of Contents

The 5 Ways to Find What Something Is Worth

There are only five truly reliable methods to determine an item’s market value. Everything else is guessing.

Quick Comparison

Method Speed Accuracy Best For Cost
eBay Sold Listings 30-90 sec Very High Most items Free
Google Lens 10-30 sec High (ID only) Unknown items Free
Price Guide Apps 20-60 sec High Books, video games, collectibles Free-$10/mo
AI Valuation Tools 5-15 sec High General items with photos Free-$6/mo
Professional Appraisers Days Very High High-value antiques, art, jewelry $50-500+

The Rule: For 95% of thrift store/marketplace finds, eBay sold listings + Google Lens is all you need. The other methods fill specific gaps.

Method 1: eBay Sold Listings (The Gold Standard)

eBay sold listings show you what items actually sold for, not what sellers hope to get. This is the most accurate free valuation method available.

Why Sold Listings Beat Everything Else

  • Real market prices: These are completed transactions with actual buyers
  • Condition comparison: You can see exactly what condition items sold in
  • Timing data: Recent sales (last 30-90 days) reflect current demand
  • Volume indicators: 50 recent sales means stable market; 2 sales means risky flip

Active listings lie. Someone can list a $10 mug for $500. It doesn’t mean it’s worth $500. Only sold listings tell the truth.

The 90-Second eBay Sold Listings Technique

Here’s my exact process for checking comps in under 90 seconds:

Step 1: Get specific with your search terms (10 seconds)

Bad search: “vintage camera”
Good search: “Canon AE-1 35mm SLR camera black”

Include:

  • Brand/maker
  • Model number or specific style
  • Key identifiers (color, size, era)
  • Condition indicators (if visible)

Step 2: Filter to sold listings (5 seconds)

On eBay’s search results:

  • Click “Advanced” next to the search bar
  • Under “Search including,” check “Sold listings”
  • Or use this shortcut: Add &LH_Sold=1 to any eBay search URL

Step 3: Scan the first 20 results (60 seconds)

Look for:

  • Price range: What’s the typical selling price? (ignore outliers)
  • Sell-through rate: Are there 5 recent sales or 100? High volume = proven demand
  • Condition variance: How much more do “excellent” items sell for vs “good”?
  • Shipping costs: Are sellers charging $8 or $25 to ship?

Step 4: Calculate your target buy price (15 seconds)

Formula: Median sold price × 0.40 = Maximum buy price

Example:

  • Vintage Nike windbreaker sold comps: $45, $52, $58, $48, $55
  • Median: $52
  • Maximum buy price: $52 × 0.40 = $20.80

If the thrift store price is $22, it’s a pass. If it’s $12, it’s a buy.

The 0.40 multiplier accounts for:

  • Platform fees (~16% on eBay)
  • Shipping costs (~12-15%)
  • Your profit margin (minimum 2x ROI)

Pro Tips for eBay Sold Listings

Tip 1: Sort by “Newly Listed” to see actual recent demand

Default sort shows highest-priced sales first, which skews perception. Sort by “Time: Newly Listed” to see chronological sales and spot trends (prices rising or falling?).

Tip 2: Check “completed listings” vs “sold listings”

“Completed” includes unsold items (listings that expired). “Sold” is what you want—actual sales only.

Tip 3: Use the eBay Sold Link Generator for speed

Manually filtering to sold listings every time wastes 20-30 seconds. Generate a direct link to sold listings with one click.

Try the eBay Sold Link Generator →

Just paste your search term, select your region (US/Canada/UK/EU), and get instant links to eBay sold listings, Mercari sold, Poshmark, and Terapeak research.

Tip 4: Watch for seasonal variance

Winter coats sell for 3x more in October than April. Christmas decorations spike in November. If you’re checking comps in March for a winter item, look at sales from Oct-Feb (the previous season).

Method 2: Google Lens for Instant Identification

Google Lens is a game-changer for items you can’t identify. Point your phone camera at an object, and Google shows you what it is, where it’s sold, and often what it’s worth.

When Google Lens Wins

  • Unknown brands or unmarked items: “What is this logo?”
  • Collectibles with no visible markings: Vintage glassware, pottery, figurines
  • Designer items you suspect are fake: Visual match to authentic versions
  • Foreign or old text: Translates and identifies vintage labels

How to Use Google Lens for Valuations

Step 1: Open Google Lens

  • Android: Open Google Photos, tap any photo, tap the Lens icon
  • iPhone: Download the Google app, tap the camera icon in search bar, select Lens
  • In-store: Point camera at the item directly (no photo needed)

Step 2: Frame the most distinctive part

  • For clothing: The brand tag or any unique design elements
  • For dishware: The pattern and any maker’s marks on the bottom
  • For electronics: Model numbers or brand logos
  • For collectibles: The most unique visual feature

Step 3: Review visual matches

Google shows similar images from across the web. Look for:

  • Exact matches on retail sites (shows MSRP for new)
  • Matches on eBay, Mercari, Etsy (shows resale market)
  • Blog posts or collector guides (shows rarity info)

Step 4: Cross-reference with eBay sold listings

Google Lens identifies what it is. eBay sold listings tell you what it’s worth. Always verify Lens results with actual sold comps.

Real Example: Pyrex Mystery Bowl

You find a turquoise glass bowl with no visible markings. Tag says $3.

  1. Google Lens the pattern → Matches “Pyrex Turquoise Butterprint 403”
  2. Search eBay sold listings for “Pyrex Butterprint 403 turquoise”
  3. Recent sales: $120, $145, $165, $180 (excellent condition)
  4. Buy immediately at $3

That’s a $115-175 profit from a 45-second Lens search.

Method 3: Price Guide Apps and Databases

For specific categories with established price databases, specialized apps beat eBay for speed and accuracy.

Best Apps by Category

Books: BookScouter

  • Scans ISBN barcodes
  • Shows buyback prices from 30+ book buyers
  • Instant valuation (5 seconds per book)
  • Best for: Textbooks, collectible books, recent releases

Video Games: PriceCharting

  • Complete game price database (NES to PS5)
  • Historical price charts
  • Tracks loose, complete, and sealed values separately
  • Best for: Retro games, sealed games, strategy guides

Trading Cards: TCGPlayer, eBay 130point.com

  • TCGPlayer for Pokémon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh values
  • 130point.com for sports cards (aggregates eBay sold data)
  • Best for: Graded cards, specific card sets

Comics: GoCollect, Key Collector

  • GoCollect tracks graded comic sales
  • Key Collector identifies first appearances and key issues
  • Best for: Silver Age and older comics, key issues

Collectibles: WorthPoint

  • Massive database of sold auctions and price guides
  • Requires subscription ($30-40/month)
  • Best for: Antiques, pottery, glassware, estate sale finds

When to Use Apps vs eBay

Use price guide apps when:

  • The category has standardized items (books with ISBNs, games with UPCs)
  • You need speed (scanning 50 books at a thrift store)
  • You’re evaluating rare/collectible variants

Use eBay when:

  • The item is one-of-a-kind or vintage
  • Condition heavily affects value (clothing, electronics)
  • You need to see shipping costs and actual sell-through

Method 4: AI-Powered Valuation Tools

AI tools analyze photos and compare against market data to estimate value instantly. They’re fastest for general items but less accurate for rare/unusual finds.

How AI Valuation Works

  1. You upload a photo or link to a marketplace listing
  2. AI identifies the item (brand, model, condition)
  3. AI pulls recent sold comps from multiple platforms
  4. AI estimates fair market value and profit potential

Accuracy: 80-90% for common items, 60-70% for rare/vintage items (always verify high-value finds manually).

When AI Tools Shine

  • Marketplace sourcing: Analyzing 20 Facebook Marketplace listings in 5 minutes
  • Multi-item evaluation: Checking a box lot or bundle quickly
  • Beginner-friendly: Don’t know what questions to ask? AI does it for you

Underpriced: Built for Resellers

Full disclosure: Underpriced is an AI valuation tool built specifically for resellers. Here’s how it works:

  1. Paste a Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp link
  2. AI analyzes the photo, title, and description
  3. Pulls live eBay sold comps for each item
  4. Calculates profit after platform fees and shipping
  5. Flags red flags (damaged, fake, incomplete, overpriced)

Example output:
“Sony PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB - $180 asking price. Recent eBay sales: $220-260. After fees/shipping: $35-75 profit. Moderate ROI. ✅ Deal if works + has cables.”

Try Underpriced Free → (10 free analyses, no credit card)

Limitations of AI Tools

AI struggles with:

  • Rare/vintage items with few recent comps
  • Authentication (can’t tell real from fake without physical inspection)
  • Condition subtleties (scuffs, odors, functionality issues photos don’t show)
  • Local market variance (what sells in NYC may not in rural Iowa)

Always visually inspect items AI flags as valuable. Never buy sight-unseen based solely on AI valuation.

Method 5: Professional Appraisers (When to Pay the Expert)

Professional appraisals cost $50-500+ but are worth it for high-value items where accuracy matters.

When You Need an Appraiser

  • Fine art over $1,000 (authentication + market value)
  • Jewelry with precious metals or stones (gemologist for grading)
  • Antiques from estate sales (period verification, provenance)
  • Rare collectibles over $2,000 (authentication critical)
  • Insurance purposes (need certified appraisal for coverage)

Types of Appraisers

General antiques appraisers:

  • Broad knowledge across furniture, ceramics, glassware
  • Cost: $75-150/hour or $25-50 per item
  • Find via: American Society of Appraisers, local auction houses

Specialist appraisers:

  • Deep expertise in one category (coins, watches, stamps, art)
  • Cost: $100-500+ per item
  • More accurate for rare/high-value pieces

Online appraisal services:

  • WorthPoint, ValueMyStuff ($20-40 per item)
  • Submit photos, get written appraisal in 24-48 hours
  • Good for “ballpark” estimates, not insurance/legal use

ROI on Paid Appraisals

Example: You find a painting at an estate sale for $200. The signature looks valuable but you’re not sure.

  • Pay $75 for appraisal
  • Appraiser identifies it as a known regional artist
  • Market value: $1,200-1,500
  • Total cost: $275 (purchase + appraisal)
  • Profit after selling at $1,300: $1,025

The $75 appraisal prevented a $200 gamble and unlocked $1K+ profit.

Rule of thumb: If potential value is 10x+ the appraisal cost, get the appraisal.

Category-Specific Valuation Guides

Different categories require different valuation strategies. Here’s what works for each.

Vintage Clothing & Fashion

Key value drivers:

  • Brand tier: Nike, Levi’s, Patagonia, North Face vs fast fashion
  • Era: 80s/90s vintage is hot; 2000s is not (yet)
  • Specific models: Levi’s 501 vs 505; Nike Windrunner vs generic jacket
  • Condition: Vintage can have wear; stains/holes kill value
  • Size: Medium/Large sell faster than XS/XXL

Valuation process:

  1. Check brand tag for exact brand + era (tag style dates it)
  2. Use Google Lens if brand is unknown
  3. Search eBay sold: “[Brand] [Style] [Era] [Size]”
  4. Check Brand Resale Value Index for tier ranking

Red flags:

  • Fast fashion brands (H&M, Forever 21, Old Navy) rarely have resale value
  • “Vintage style” reproductions (look at tag construction)
  • Heavy pilling, fading, or odor (doesn’t photograph well = lower sale price)

Tools:

Electronics & Gaming

Key value drivers:

  • Model number (determines specs, year, value)
  • Functionality (powers on? fully works? as-is/for parts?)
  • Accessories (cables, controllers, remotes—missing items drop value 30-50%)
  • Cosmetic condition (scratches, dents affect price)
  • Generation (PS4 Pro vs base PS4; iPad 5th gen vs 9th gen)

Valuation process:

  1. Find model number (usually on back or bottom label)
  2. Google “[brand] [model number] specs” to verify exact model
  3. Power on if possible (test functionality)
  4. Search eBay sold for exact model + condition (working vs parts)
  5. Check if accessories are included (look up accessory values separately)

Red flags:

  • iCloud/Google locked devices (worth $0 unless you can verify unlock)
  • Missing power adapters (can cost $20-60 to replace)
  • Cracked screens (repair cost often exceeds profit margin)
  • Old laptops with <8GB RAM (nearly worthless in 2026)

Tools:

Collectibles (Pyrex, Funko, Trading Cards)

Key value drivers:

  • Rarity (limited edition, retired, error variants)
  • Condition (grading matters—PSA 10 vs PSA 7 is a 10x difference)
  • Completeness (sets vs individual pieces; original box vs loose)
  • Authenticity (fakes flood the collectibles market)
  • Demand trends (what’s hot changes fast—Funko Pop hype fades)

Valuation process:

  1. Identify exact variant (color, pattern, edition, release year)
  2. Check sold listings for that specific variant
  3. Compare condition (mint vs played, intact vs damaged)
  4. For cards/high-value items: Check if graded copies sell for significantly more
  5. Check volume (100 recent sales = stable market; 2 sales = risky flip)

Red flags:

  • Reproductions of vintage items (Pyrex reissues, bootleg cards)
  • Damaged items in collectible categories (chips, cracks, fading kill value)
  • “Rare” items with 50+ active listings (not actually rare)
  • Collectibles from dying fandoms (check Google Trends for interest over time)

Tools:

Sneakers

Key value drivers:

  • Colorway (Chicago 1s vs random colorway = 5x price difference)
  • Size (men’s 9-11 sell fastest; 7.5, 13+ harder to move)
  • Condition (DS vs VNDS vs worn affects value 40-70%)
  • Box + extras (original box, laces, hang tag add 10-20% value)
  • Hype (limited collabs, retros, Off-White, Travis Scott)

Valuation process:

  1. Find style code on box label or inside tongue tag
  2. Search StockX or GOAT for exact colorway + condition
  3. Cross-check eBay sold listings (StockX prices are inflated 10-20%)
  4. Verify authenticity (check stitching, tags, box label vs fake guides)
  5. Factor in size (larger/smaller sizes may be worth 20-40% less)

Red flags:

  • No box (reduces value 15-30%)
  • Reps/fakes (common on Facebook Marketplace—learn to LC)
  • Worn with heavy creasing (significantly lower value)
  • Non-hyped models (general release Jordan 1 Mids, team shoes)

Tools:

Furniture & Home Goods

Key value drivers:

  • Designer/maker (Herman Miller, Eames, mid-century makers)
  • Era (MCM 1950s-70s is hot; 80s/90s oak is not)
  • Condition (structural integrity > cosmetic wear)
  • Material (solid wood > veneer > particle board)
  • Size (fits in SUV vs needs truck = accessibility affects demand)

Valuation process:

  1. Look for maker’s marks, labels, or stamps (underside of chairs, back of cabinets)
  2. Google Lens unknown pieces
  3. Search eBay sold + Facebook Marketplace sold
  4. Factor in local pickup value (furniture ships poorly—local buyers pay more)
  5. Consider restoration cost vs value (refinishing adds $100-300+)

Red flags:

  • Particle board/IKEA furniture (low resale value)
  • Heavy odors (smoke, pet, must—won’t sell)
  • Structural damage (wobbly, split wood, missing hardware)
  • Needs refinishing unless value justifies cost

Note: Furniture is best sold locally (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist). Shipping kills margins.

Books & Media

Key value drivers:

  • Edition (first edition, first printing = most valuable)
  • Condition (dust jacket, no writing, tight binding)
  • Signed copies (author signature + authentication = 2-10x value)
  • Textbooks (current edition, ISBN match, rental vs purchase)
  • Out of print (no longer published = scarcity premium)

Valuation process:

  1. Scan ISBN barcode with BookScouter app
  2. Check buyback offers (instant cash = floor value)
  3. Search eBay sold for collectible/first editions
  4. Verify edition (copyright page shows printing number)
  5. Check Amazon ranking (sales rank <100K = decent demand)

Red flags:

  • Outdated textbook editions (worthless if new edition exists)
  • Ex-library books (stamps, labels, wear = low value)
  • Book club editions (worth 10-20% of first editions)
  • Mass market paperbacks (rarely valuable unless very old/rare)

Tools:

  • BookScouter app (iOS/Android) - Scans ISBNs for instant values

Red Flags: When Something Isn’t Worth What You Think

These warning signs mean an item is worth less than it appears:

1. “Rare” Items with 50+ Active Listings

If it’s truly rare, there wouldn’t be 50 people selling it right now. Search eBay sold listings—if there are 100+ recent sales, it’s not rare. It’s common.

Example: “Rare vintage Pyrex bowl” with 200 active listings. Not rare. Maybe $15-25, not $150.

2. Retail Price Doesn’t Equal Resale Value

An item that retailed for $200 doesn’t mean it resells for $200. Used electronics, opened cosmetics, and out-of-season clothing sell for 30-60% of retail at best.

Example: A $150 North Face jacket from 2019 might sell for $40-60 used, not $100+.

3. Reproductions Masquerading as Vintage

Companies reissue vintage designs constantly. New Pyrex bowls, reproduction band tees, modern “vintage style” items are worth retail (or less), not collectible prices.

How to spot: Check tags, materials, manufacturing details. Real vintage has specific tag styles, fabric blends, and construction that reproductions lack.

4. Damaged Items in Collectible Categories

A chipped Pyrex bowl isn’t worth 50% of a perfect one—it’s worth 10-20%. Collectibles are condition-sensitive. Damage kills value more than in other categories.

Example: Mint condition Funko Pop: $60. Same Pop with box damage: $25.

5. High Shipping Costs Eating Profits

You find a $40 item that sells for $100 on eBay. But it weighs 18 lbs and costs $35 to ship. After fees ($16) + shipping ($35), you net $49. That’s $9 profit on a $40 investment (22% ROI). Not worth it.

Always factor shipping into your math.

6. Incomplete Sets

Board games missing pieces, electronics missing remotes/cables, collectible sets missing items—these sell for 30-70% less than complete versions.

Example: Nintendo Switch without dock or controllers: $120. Complete set: $220.

7. Trending Items After the Trend Died

Fidget spinners, 2017 Funko Pops, 2020 pandemic items (puzzles, dumbbells)—what was hot 2-3 years ago is often worthless now. Check Google Trends to see if interest has collapsed.

8. Counterfeit Designer Items

Facebook Marketplace is flooded with fake designer goods. If it seems too cheap (Gucci bag for $80, Louis Vuitton wallet for $40), it’s probably fake. And selling counterfeits can get you banned from platforms.

When in doubt, pass. Authentication takes expertise most resellers don’t have.

The 2-Minute Valuation Process (My Exact Workflow)

Here’s the streamlined process I use in thrift stores and on Facebook Marketplace:

Step 1: Visual Inspection (15 seconds)

  • Is it branded? (Unknown brands rarely have value)
  • What’s the condition? (Damaged = automatic pass)
  • Is it complete? (Missing parts kill value)

Step 2: Identify Exact Item (20 seconds)

  • Check tags, labels, model numbers
  • Google Lens if unknown
  • Write down or photograph key identifiers

Step 3: eBay Sold Comps (60 seconds)

  • Search exact item on eBay sold listings
  • Note median sold price (ignore outliers)
  • Check volume (2 sales vs 50 sales)

Step 4: Calculate Buy Price (10 seconds)

  • Median sold price × 0.40 = max buy price
  • If asking price < max buy, it’s worth researching deeper
  • If asking price > max buy, immediate pass

Step 5: Quick Profitability Check (15 seconds)

  • Estimate shipping cost (weight/size)
  • Subtract fees (~16%) + shipping from sold price
  • Is net profit at least 2x your buy cost? If yes, buy.

Total time: 2 minutes per item

Example in action:

You find a vintage Nike windbreaker at Goodwill for $8.

  1. Inspect: Brand tag says Nike, late 90s Windrunner style, size L, no stains/damage (15 sec)
  2. Identify: Google Lens confirms Nike Windrunner 90s colorway (20 sec)
  3. Comps: eBay sold shows $45-65 recent sales, 20+ sales last month (60 sec)
  4. Calculate: $55 median × 0.40 = $22 max buy. Asking $8 = ✅ (10 sec)
  5. Profit check: $55 sale - $9 fees - $7 shipping = $39 revenue. $39 - $8 cost = $31 profit (387% ROI) = ✅✅ (15 sec)

Decision: Buy. Total time: 2 minutes.

Common Valuation Mistakes That Cost Money

Mistake 1: Trusting Active Listings Instead of Sold

Active listings show what sellers want. Sold listings show what buyers pay. There’s often a 30-50% difference.

Fix: Always filter to sold/completed listings. Never base buy decisions on active listings.

Mistake 2: Not Accounting for Fees and Shipping

A $50 eBay sale is not $50 in your pocket. After eBay fees (13.25% + 2.65%) and shipping ($8-12 average), it’s $30-34.

Fix: Use a fee calculator before buying.

eBay vs Mercari vs Poshmark Fee Calculator →

Mistake 3: Overvaluing Sentimental or “Cool” Items

Just because something is old, interesting, or nostalgic to you doesn’t mean buyers care. The market decides value, not your feelings.

Fix: Rely on data (sold comps), not gut feeling.

Mistake 4: Buying Items with Low Sell-Through

An item might sell for $100… once a year. If there are only 3 sales in the last 90 days, it’s a slow-mover. Your money will be tied up for months.

Fix: Look for at least 10-20 recent sales (30-60 days) for items over $50.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Condition Variance

A “good” condition item sells for 40-60% less than “new” or “excellent.” Make sure your comps match your item’s actual condition.

Fix: Filter sold listings by condition or note condition in your search.

Mistake 6: Not Checking Multiple Platforms

Some items sell better on Poshmark than eBay. Sneakers do well on StockX/GOAT. Vintage clothing moves faster on Depop. Check where your item actually sells.

Fix: Use cross-platform research tools or check 2-3 platforms manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if something is worth anything without the brand name?

Use Google Lens to identify unmarked items. Point your phone camera at the item, and Google will show visually similar items from across the web. This works for pottery, glassware, vintage items, and anything with distinctive visual features. Once you identify what it is, check eBay sold listings for value.

Are online price guides accurate?

For standardized items (books with ISBNs, video games with UPCs), yes—price guide apps are very accurate. For vintage, one-of-a-kind, or condition-sensitive items, eBay sold listings are more reliable because they show what actual buyers paid recently.

How far back should I check sold listings?

30-60 days for most items. This shows current market demand. For seasonal items (winter coats, Christmas decor), check the most recent season (e.g., check Oct-Jan sales for winter items in March).

Older sold data (90+ days) can be outdated—prices change as supply/demand shifts.

What if there are no sold listings for my item?

This means one of three things:

  1. It’s truly rare (high-value antique, obscure collectible)—consider a professional appraisal
  2. It’s worthless (no demand, no one’s buying)
  3. You’re searching wrong (try broader search terms, check spelling)

If you broaden your search and still see no sales, it’s likely #2. Rarity without demand = no value.

How do I value items in lots or bundles?

Value each item individually using sold comps, then sum the total. Buyers rarely pay 100% of individual item value for bundles—expect to discount 10-20%.

Example: 10 video games worth $15 each individually = $150 total. As a lot, you might get $120-135.

Bundles sell faster but at lower margins. Selling individually gets higher prices but takes longer.

Should I get items professionally appraised before selling?

Only if:

  • Potential value is $500+ and you’re unsure
  • Item might be a high-value antique/art (authentication needed)
  • You suspect it’s rare but can’t find comps

For everyday thrift finds under $200, appraisal costs ($50-150) eat your profit. Stick with eBay sold listings + Google Lens.

How accurate are AI valuation tools like Underpriced?

AI tools are 80-90% accurate for common items with lots of recent sales data. Accuracy drops for:

  • Rare/vintage items with few comps
  • Items where condition is hard to judge from photos
  • Local market variations

Always visually inspect items flagged as valuable by AI. Use AI to narrow down which items are worth researching, then verify with sold comps.

What’s the difference between “what it’s worth” and “what I can sell it for”?

Market value = what buyers pay on average (based on sold comps)
What you can sell it for = market value - fees - shipping - your time

An item might have a $100 market value, but after eBay fees ($16), shipping ($10), and packing materials ($1), you net $73. If you paid $40 for it, your actual profit is $33, not $60.

Always calculate net profit, not gross sale price.

How do I know if a price is too good to be true?

If an item typically sells for $200 and someone’s selling for $30, it’s either:

  • Damaged/broken (read description carefully)
  • Counterfeit (common with designer goods)
  • Missing parts (incomplete, no accessories)
  • Stolen (rare, but happens)

Always ask why it’s so cheap. Inspect in person before buying. If it seems sketchy, pass.

Should I buy items I’m not sure about?

No. If you’re uncertain about value after 2-3 minutes of research, it’s a pass. There will be another deal. Don’t buy based on hope—buy based on data.

The most profitable resellers have a high pass rate. They say no to 90% of items and only buy sure things.

How do I avoid buying fakes?

Red flags for counterfeits:

  • Price too good to be true (real designer goods hold value)
  • Seller has many luxury items (one Gucci bag = maybe legit; 20 designer bags = likely fake)
  • Poor photo quality (hiding details)
  • Vague descriptions (“authentic replica” = fake)
  • No original packaging or receipts

When in doubt, pass. Selling counterfeits can get you banned from eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari.

Final Thoughts: Data Over Gut Feeling

The resellers who consistently profit aren’t lucky—they’re disciplined about valuation. They don’t buy based on “this looks valuable” or “I think someone will pay $X.” They buy based on sold comps, calculated profit margins, and proven demand.

The process is simple:

  1. Identify the exact item (Google Lens for unknowns)
  2. Check eBay sold listings (90-second comp research)
  3. Calculate max buy price (median sold × 0.40)
  4. Verify profit after fees and shipping
  5. Buy only if ROI is 2x minimum

This takes 2 minutes per item. Do it consistently, and you’ll never overpay again.

Stop guessing what things are worth. Get instant valuations with AI-powered deal analysis. Paste any Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp link and see profit potential in seconds.

Try Underpriced Free → — 10 free analyses, no credit card required.

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