The Study
Q: What auction houses and marketplaces does BidScout search?
BidScout currently searches eBay auctions and marketplace listings. We are actively pursuing partnerships with additional platforms including HiBid, LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, Chairish, and Ruby Lane. As new partnerships are established they will be added to BidScout automatically. Check back often as we grow.
Q: How does the AI valuation work?
When you view a listing or upload a photo BidScout first searches eBay's completed sold listings to find comparable items that have recently sold. That real market data is then analyzed by our AI engine which considers the item's condition, description, and comparable sales to generate a fair market value range and a verdict of Underpriced, Fair, or Overpriced relative to the current asking price. All valuations include a disclaimer that they are estimates for informational purposes only.
Q: What is a Dispatch?
A Dispatch is BidScout's term for an alert. When a saved search finds a new matching item BidScout sends you a Dispatch via email or push notification depending on your preferences. Dispatches are designed to reach you fast — auctions move quickly and timing matters.
Q: How do I upgrade my tier?
You can upgrade your tier at any time by going to The Circle page from the sidebar menu. Choose The Archivist or The Antiquarian tier and complete the secure checkout through Stripe. Your new tier privileges are activated immediately after payment.
Q: Is my data safe?
Yes. All data is transmitted over encrypted HTTPS connections. Payment information is handled entirely by Stripe and never touches BidScout's servers. We do not sell your personal data to anyone. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Q: What happens to my data when an auction ends?
BidScout does not store third party listing data after auctions close. The auction house's listing information disappears from BidScout when the auction ends. However your personal interaction history — items you watched, saved, or archived — remains in your account and is yours to keep.
Q: How accurate are BidScout valuations?
BidScout valuations are based on real comparable sold items from eBay's completed listings database. The accuracy depends on the availability of comparable sales data for that specific item. Common items with frequent sales will have highly accurate valuations. Rare or unusual items with limited comparable sales may have lower confidence valuations. Every valuation displays a confidence level of High, Medium, or Low so you always know how to interpret the estimate.
Q: Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time from the Profile page under Membership. Your paid tier access continues until the end of your current billing period. After that your account automatically downgrades to The Apprentice free tier and you retain access to all your saved data.