How to scan an item

Scanning is the main thing you do in Underpriced AI: you photograph an item and get an identification, a price range built on real recent sales, and listing content you can use right away. It works on web or mobile.

Before you start

There is nothing to pair or connect. The scan screen uses the camera already built into your phone or computer. The first time, your browser or phone asks permission to use the camera, so tap Allow. If the camera does not open or you see a black screen, camera access is almost always blocked: re-enable it for our site in your browser or phone settings, or tap Upload and pick a photo you already took.

Scan an item step by step

1. Tap Scan in the menu.
2. Take a photo with your camera, or upload an existing image from your photo library.
3. Add up to 12 photos of the same item (the first 3 set the price) when extra angles help, for example the front, the back, and a label. However many you add, they count as one scan. With two or more photos the page asks "One item, or scan each photo separately?", so tap "One item".
4. Add hints if you know them: brand, artist or designer, item name, dimensions, condition, or notes.
5. Wait a few seconds for the analysis: identification, price range, recent sales, what is for sale now, and how fast it sells.
6. On a paid scan the item saves to your inventory on its own. Tap List on eBay to start a listing from it.

Get a more accurate result

• Use good lighting. Natural light works best.
• Capture maker's marks, labels, and signatures.
• Show any flaws or damage so the condition read is accurate.
• For clothing, include the brand tag and the size or care label.
• Include dimensions for furniture or art.
• For a book, CD or record, get the barcode into one of the photos. The scan reads it and checks it against what it sees.

What to do next

Scroll to the "Should I Buy It?" section on the result, enter what you would pay plus estimated shipping, and you get net profit and ROI on each marketplace that operates in your country before you buy. If you save the item, you can add more photos, record the purchase price, publish to eBay or Bonanza, or copy the content for other marketplaces.

Every analysis counts as one scan toward your limit, including re-analyzing a saved item. Scans you do not save still count.