How to Find Out What Something Is Worth
A practical guide to checking item value for free, from AI scanning and sold listings to price guides and professional appraisals.
Quick answer
The fastest free way to find out what something is worth is to identify the exact item, assess condition honestly, then compare it with recent sold prices. Use a photo scanner when labels, marks, or packaging matter, and use manual lookup when the exact model is easier to type.
Why Knowing Item Value Matters
Whether you're cleaning out your attic, inheriting items from a relative, or simply curious about your collectibles, knowing what your items are worth is essential. Understanding value helps you:
- Sell confidently - Price items correctly on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or to dealers
- Insure properly - Document valuable items for homeowner's or renter's insurance
- Make informed decisions - Know whether to keep, sell, or donate items
- Avoid scams - Recognize when someone is offering you less than fair value
- Discover treasures - That old card or coin might be worth more than you think
Method 1: AI Image Scanning (Fastest)
The fastest way to find out what something is worth is to use an AI-powered scanner like PriceSnap. Simply take a photo of your item, and the AI will identify it and search millions of sales records to give you an accurate market value.
How AI Scanning Works:
- Take a clear photo of your item with your phone
- The AI identifies the item, brand, model, and condition factors
- It searches recent sales on eBay, Amazon, and specialized marketplaces
- You get an instant value estimate based on current market data
AI scanning works best for items with visual identifiers like trading cards, coins, electronics, designer goods, and collectibles. It's ideal for getting a quick ballpark value before doing deeper research.
Try our free AI scanner to find out what your items are worth
Scan Your Item NowMethod 2: Check Recent Sales
The most accurate way to determine value is to see what similar items have actually sold for recently. Asking prices don't matter; only completed sales show true market value.
Where to Check Sold Prices:
- eBay Sold Listings - Filter by "Sold Items" to see what buyers actually paid
- Specialized Marketplaces - TCGPlayer for cards, Discogs for vinyl, Chrono24 for watches
- Auction Records - Heritage Auctions for collectibles, Christie's and Sotheby's for high-end items
- Price Guides - Beckett for sports cards, Overstreet for comics, Red Book for coins
When comparing, look for items in similar condition. A mint condition item will sell for much more than a worn example of the same thing.
Method 3: Professional Appraisal
For high-value items, rare collectibles, or when you need official documentation, a professional appraisal may be worth the investment.
When You Need a Professional:
- Insurance documentation for valuable items
- Estate planning or probate
- Donation tax deductions
- Authentication of potentially valuable antiques or art
- Items you suspect may be worth thousands of dollars
Professional appraisers typically charge $50-150 per hour or a percentage of item value. Look for appraisers certified by organizations like the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) or International Society of Appraisers (ISA).
Method 4: Online Research
For items you can't easily scan or find sold listings for, online research can help you understand value factors.
Research Resources:
- Collector Forums - Reddit communities, specialty forums, and Facebook groups
- Price Guide Websites - Many categories have dedicated price tracking sites
- Manufacturer Records - Original MSRP, production numbers, and history
- Auction House Archives - Past sale results for comparable items
Tips for Getting Accurate Values
Assess Condition Honestly
Condition is often the biggest value factor. Be honest about wear, damage, and missing parts. A "good" condition item is worth less than a "mint" example.
Verify Authenticity
Fakes and reproductions exist in almost every collectible category. Learn the authentication markers for your item type.
Consider Market Timing
Values fluctuate based on trends, seasons, and news. A player's card spikes when they make the Hall of Fame; holiday items sell better in season.
Get Multiple Opinions
For valuable items, cross-reference multiple sources. AI scans, sold listings, and expert opinions together give the clearest picture.
Popular Category Checkers
Some items need category-specific checks because condition, rarity, and collector language matter. Start with the matching checker when the category is clear.
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