Frequently Asked Questions

CostBuddy works best with electronics, appliances, collectibles, tools, and branded consumer goods. This includes smartphones, gaming consoles, laptops, cameras, kitchen appliances, power tools, and more. The AI is trained to recognize products that have identifiable brand names, model numbers, or distinctive designs.

Yes! CostBuddy can detect and identify multiple products in a single image. Simply take a photo containing several items, and our AI will attempt to identify each one separately. You can then review and get prices for each product individually.

You can edit the product identification before proceeding. On the identification screen, tap the edit button next to any product to correct the brand, name, or model. You can also remove products you don't want to price.

Some products may not be recognized if they lack visible branding, are too obscured in the image, or are generic/unbranded items. For best results, ensure the product label, logo, or model number is clearly visible. Good lighting and a clean background also help.

CostBuddy can identify many vintage electronics and collectibles, but works best with products that have clear branding or model identification. For antiques and vintage items without clear markings, identification may be less accurate. You can always manually edit the product details.

Our price estimates are based on real-time data from major retailers and recent eBay sold listings. Retail prices are typically very accurate as they come directly from store listings. Used prices are estimates based on recent sales of similar items and may vary based on condition, included accessories, and local market factors.

This can happen with discontinued or limited edition products that are no longer available new. In these cases, the used market price may exceed the original retail price due to scarcity and collector demand.

When we show 'Discontinued' for the retail price, it means the exact product variant is no longer being sold new by retailers. This often happens with older electronics, previous generation models, or products that have been replaced by newer versions.

Product specifications like storage capacity, color, or model variant can significantly affect the price. For example, a 128GB iPhone is worth less than a 256GB version. By selecting the correct specs, we can provide more accurate valuations.

We analyze recently sold listings on eBay to determine used market values. We filter out outliers, bundle listings, and non-matching items to provide a realistic estimate of what your item would sell for in good condition.

eBay is the world's largest marketplace for used goods with over 132 million active buyers. It provides transparent sold price data that reflects real market values. This gives us reliable data across thousands of product categories worldwide.

Yes, prices can vary significantly between regions due to currency exchange rates, import taxes, local demand, and availability. CostBuddy provides prices relevant to your selected currency from retailers and marketplaces operating in that region.

Our used price estimates are based on items in 'good' condition - functional with normal wear. Items in mint or excellent condition typically sell for 10-20% more, while items in fair or poor condition sell for less. Consider adjusting your expectations based on your item's actual condition.

It depends on the item type and your priorities. eBay offers the widest reach for most items. Facebook Marketplace is great for local sales with no fees. Amazon works best for new items. Check our Marketplace Guides for detailed comparisons by category.

No, CostBuddy requires an internet connection to process images with our AI and fetch current pricing data from retailers and marketplaces.

CostBuddy supports multiple currencies including USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and JPY. Prices are fetched from retailers and marketplaces relevant to your selected currency.

CostBuddy is designed as a mobile-first web application and works best on smartphones for easy photo capture. However, you can access it on any device with a web browser - on desktop, you can upload photos from your computer instead of taking them.

For best results: 1) Ensure good lighting so product details are visible, 2) Include the product's brand name, logo, or model number in the frame, 3) Capture the full product without cutting off edges, 4) Avoid blurry images - hold your camera steady, 5) Use a plain background when possible.

Currently, CostBuddy doesn't require an account and doesn't save your scans between sessions. Each scan is processed fresh. We prioritize privacy by not storing your images or results.

Yes. Images you capture are processed to identify products but are not stored permanently. We don't require an account, and we don't sell your data. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

No. Your photos are sent to our AI for processing and then discarded. We don't permanently store, share, or use your images for any purpose other than the immediate product identification you requested.

All data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS. Photos are processed in memory and not saved to permanent storage. We use secure, reputable cloud services for processing. No personal information or images are retained after your session.

Yes, CostBuddy is completely free to use. We display ads to support the service and keep it free for everyone. There are no premium tiers, subscriptions, or hidden fees.

You can reach us at costbuddy@lyratech.dev. We typically respond within 24-48 hours. For faster help, please include details about your issue and any relevant screenshots.

CostBuddy is perfect for resellers, pawn shops, estate sales, and anyone who needs quick valuations. While designed for individual use, businesses are welcome to use the service. For high-volume commercial needs, contact us about potential partnerships.