Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the data come from?

All listings come directly from eBay's official API. We display real, active listings that are currently available on eBay.

How often is the data updated?

Our data is cached for up to 6 hours to provide fast results and reduce server load. You can always click the refresh button to get the latest listings. The timestamp at the bottom of search results shows when data was last fetched.

Are the profit calculations accurate?

The calculator produces an estimate from the resale price, fee rate, per-order charge, shipping, and purchase cost shown in its inputs. Verify those assumptions for the exact sale. Actual results can vary due to:

• Item purchase cost (which you determine)
• Promotional eBay fee rates for some sellers
• Additional shipping materials or insurance
• Category-specific, promoted listing, or Store-tier fee differences
• Returns or damaged items

Always do your own research before making purchasing decisions.

Why don't I see sold prices?

ItemsToFlip currently shows active listings and asking prices rather than an in-app sold-history dataset. Use the completed-sales handoff to inspect like-for-like sold and unsold results directly on eBay before choosing a resale price input.

What filters are available?

You can filter by:

• Price range (Under $50, $50-$100, $100-$200, $200+)
• Condition (New, Used, All)
• Listing type (Buy It Now, Auction)
• Free shipping only
• Sort by price, date listed, or default relevance

Can I save searches or favorite items?

Pro users can save a query for scheduled scan batches. When a processed search finds a new listing that meets the active asking-price-gap threshold, ItemsToFlip sends a search-specific alert email. This is a research signal; verify completed sales and full costs before buying. You can also bookmark source listings directly on eBay.

What do the category examples mean?

Category examples are search starting points, not measured average margins or a current demand ranking. Narrow the search to an exact item and verify its evidence before sourcing.

Is ItemsToFlip really free?

The core search and calculator are free without signup. When enrollment is available, the optional Pro plan is $7 per month after its stated trial. ItemsToFlip may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying eBay activity after an outbound click; see the affiliate disclosure for details.

What does the paid version include?

When enrollment and messaging are active, Pro includes scheduled Deal Alert scan batches and raises active-listing search capacity from 30 to 300 searches per minute. Confirm current availability, plan, and trial details on the Pro page.

Does ItemsToFlip work on mobile?

Yes! Our website is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets. You can search for items while shopping at thrift stores or garage sales.

Is there a mobile app?

Not yet, but the mobile website provides a great experience. Add itemstoflip.com to your home screen for app-like access.

Why am I seeing an error or no results?

Common reasons include:

• eBay API rate limits (try again in a few minutes)
• Very specific search terms with no active listings
• Temporary eBay API outages
• Your internet connection

Try broadening your search term or refreshing the page. If problems persist, contact us.

Do you collect my personal data?

We collect minimal data. Search queries are temporarily cached (24 hours) for performance. We don't require login or store personal information. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Is ItemsToFlip affiliated with eBay?

No. ItemsToFlip is an independent third-party tool that uses eBay's public API. We are not owned, operated, or endorsed by eBay Inc. eBay and the eBay logo are trademarks of eBay Inc.

I have a question not listed here. How do I contact you?

Visit our Contact Page to get in touch. We typically respond within 24-48 hours.

Can I suggest a new feature?

Absolutely! We love hearing from users. Send us your ideas through the Contact Page. While we can't implement every suggestion, we carefully consider all feedback.

I found a bug. How do I report it?

Please report bugs via our Contact Page. Include details like what you were searching for, what happened, and what browser you're using. Screenshots help too!

What makes a good item to flip?

Look for items that:

• Have like-for-like completed sales, not just many active listings
• Meet your own full-cost and time target under conservative inputs
• Are easy to ship safely (avoid large/fragile items when starting)
• You can authenticate or verify condition
• Have enough comparable evidence to support a resale-price assumption

How do I avoid common mistakes?

• Don't forget to factor in your purchase cost
• Account for shipping materials and packaging time
• Research sold prices on eBay (completed listings) before buying
• Start small - test items before buying in bulk
• Know eBay's policies on restricted items
• Be honest about condition - returns hurt your profit and seller rating

Should I trust the profit calculations?

Use them as estimates, not guarantees. Review the resale price, fee rate, per-order charge, shipping, supplies, purchase cost, and return risk. ItemsToFlip is a research tool, not financial advice.