FIND > Identification (ID)

Values Most Items in Minutes


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5 METHODS - Identify and/or value most items in minutes.

#1 // DIY Pricing Demos

ID & Value Most Items in Minutes

Helpful experts share their tips for quickly identifying and valuing most items in minutes. Showing you step-by-step, how to use a range of free price finder tools to identify and determine the value of your items.

Example: Antique & Vintage ID & Pricing

This page includes a 16-Minute Video by vintage picker Crazy Lamp Lady, in which she demonstrates fast, free, and easy steps for identifying and valuing most items in minutes using eBay. There are also additional demos and tools shared by other experts on this page.

The Crazy Lamp Lady runs a Facebook Group called Old Things Thrifters and Pickers, which has over 55,000 members. The group is a place for people to help each other identify and learn about different older items, as well as exchange tips on buying and selling such items. In addition to the Facebook group, the Crazy Lamp Lady also has a YouTube channel where she shares advice on how to sell items on platforms like eBay.

#2 // Enthusiast Groups

7 Million Years of Knowledge: The Potential of Enthusiast Groups in Identifying Mystery Items

If you're trying to identify a mystery item, enthusiast groups can be a great place to start. With many members who are passionate about their interests and willing to help, you might find that you get a correct identification within minutes.

Take for example the Facebook group "What is this? Antique, vintage, and unusual item identification". With over 195,000 members, all with an interest in antiques and vintage items, the group members have a wealth of knowledge and life experience to draw from. And with an average Facebook user age of 40, that's potentially 7 million years of knowledge in one group.

So, if you're trying to identify an item, don't be afraid to post a photo or description in an enthusiast group. The combined knowledge and experience of the group members may help you find the information you're looking for quickly.

Example: Finding Enthusiast Groups

1-Minute Video by Facebook, demonstrates basics of finding and joining enthusiast groups on their platform.


Other Options

When it comes to identifying mystery items, there are many options beyond just Facebook. You might try searching on Google for enthusiast groups, or looking on other platforms like eBay community boards, YouTube, MeetUp, Twitter. Remember that groups with more members and more activity will generally have faster response times.

Most of these groups are free to join, after a simple registration and agreement to follow the group rules. But a small number might ask for a donation or charge a fee. If you're not sure about joining a group, you can always ask if they offer a free trial membership.

So, if you're looking for help identifying a mystery item, don't limit yourself to just Facebook. Take a look around and see what other options are available. You might be surprised at the knowledge and experience you can find in these enthusiast groups.

Remember

It is always important to remember that no matter where you get your information from, you should always verify everything and do your own research, seeking advice from reputable specialist when needed. It can be difficult to know if every opinion is reliable and especially when it comes to matters of value, it's important to be sure.

#3 // Find Reputable Specialist

Get a Free Appraisal from a Reputable Specialist by Matching Your Item to an Appraisal Category

If you are able to match your item to a specific appraisal category, it is likely that you can find a reputable specialist who will be willing to identify it and provide you with a free appraisal. You can use various fast and free resources to find reputable specialist in your field of interest.

Example: Fast Free Appraisals
4-Minute Video by JB Coins. Shows how free online appraisals work. The same steps apply to most free appraisal categories, A-to-Z

#4 // Fast Image Search

Identify Mystery Items with the Help of AI

This method shows how to upload a photo of your item. Then use artificial intelligence (A.I.) to find related images, to help ID your item.

Example: How To Do An Image Search
1-Minute Video by Google. Demonstrates basic steps for an image search.

A PC magazine article dives deeper. Covering reverse image search for mobile devices. As well as other image searches available... see article.

#5 // Guide Books

Find The Right Guide

Good price guides can be extremely useful when trying to determine the identity of an item. Here are some tips for finding the right guide for your needs:

  1. Look for guides that are published by experts or reputable organizations in the field.
  2. Consider purchasing a guide from a bookstore or online retailer, or checking one out from a public library. Many guides can be found for free at libraries.
  3. Keep in mind that different guides may focus on different types of items, so make sure to choose a guide that is relevant to your needs.
  4. Consider seeking out multiple price guides to get a more well-rounded estimate of the value of your item.

By following these tips, you should be able to find a reliable price guide that can help you identify and value your item accurately. Keep in mind that market prices are rarely stagnant, and may be considerably more or less than the publication date of your guide. If you have a potentially valuable item, always consult with a reputable specialist for the current market prices. It's important to get opinions from several reputable specialists to gather a consensus of value, as this will provide you with a more accurate understanding of your item's worth in the current market.

Example: Finding Good General Guides
2-Minute Video by antique expert Jan Braunstein. Shares tips for finding a good general guide for most items.

Example: Guide Books & Online Research
14-Minute Video by antiques dealer Antiques Arena. Discusses how guide books can be an excellent resource for identification, in addition to online research.

Try-it Before You Buy-it

Amazon.com reviews can help find books others found helpful. Then, the public library can be a great way to try before you buy.

1-Minute Video: If you can't find a book at your local library. This video demonstrates how to get it through an Interlibrary Loan.

Demos | REPORT

Benefits:

  • May Find Treasures - Correct ID, helps find accurate ballpark values, and may find hidden money makers.

  • Saves Time - Leveraging effective free resources that ID most-items fast, can save a tremendous amount of time.

Note:

  • Several Methods May Be Needed - To gather enough clues to properly ID your item.

  • Unique Rare Items can Take Time - Often, extra time will be needed to get help from reputable specialist for unique and rare items.

Broken link, or know a free tool? Let us know

LAST UPDATE / by James Massey, December 20, 2022


DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

All Items Shared by What Sells Best - Are strictly for Informational and Entertainment Purposes only.

VERIFY EVERYTHING

Always Consult with Reputable Specialist - Before making important buy or sell decisions.