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?

We calculate estimates based on current eBay fees (typically 12.9% + $0.30) and visible shipping costs. However, actual profits can vary due to:

• Item purchase cost (which you determine)
• Promotional eBay fee rates for some sellers
• Additional shipping materials or insurance
• Payment processing fees
• Returns or damaged items

Always do your own research before making purchasing decisions.

Why don't I see sold prices?

We currently show active listings (Buy It Now prices). Sold data requires additional eBay API access. We show current market prices to help you understand what items are listed for, which is useful for competitive pricing.

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?

Not yet, but this feature is on our roadmap! For now, you can bookmark the eBay listing directly by clicking through to eBay.

What are the profit opportunity categories?

The profit heatmap shows popular categories with estimated average margins based on market analysis. Click any category to search for items in that niche. These are general trends and individual results will vary.

Is ItemsToFlip really free?

Yes! ItemsToFlip is 100% free with no hidden fees, subscriptions, or premium tiers. We may earn affiliate commissions from eBay when you click through to listings, but this never affects our data or recommendations.

Will there be a paid version?

The core functionality will always remain free. In the future, we may offer optional premium features like saved searches, email alerts, or advanced analytics, but the basic tool will never require payment.

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 consistent market demand (lots of active listings)
• Offer good profit margins after fees and shipping (aim for 50%+ ROI)
• Are easy to ship safely (avoid large/fragile items when starting)
• You can authenticate or verify condition
• Have clear market value (not too niche or obscure)

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. Our calculations help you quickly compare opportunities, but you should always verify fees, research market demand, and factor in your specific costs. ItemsToFlip is a research tool, not financial advice.