How to search

1. Start general, or be specific. Year, Company and Player are enough: leave Card # blank and pick from the cards eBay’s listings name. If you know the exact card, add its number.
2. Narrow it down with a Keyword when you know the card’s details: a parallel or variation (gold /50, image variation), a phrase in quotes ("1st Bowman"), or -word to leave something out (-reprint).
3. Or search broad and use Parallels. Try 2018 Topps Chrome #150 Ohtani: every version shows as a chip (Refractor, Pink, X-Fractor…), and you pick the one you want.
4. Wildcard company: * means any company; Topps* means Topps and its sub-sets (Chrome, Update…).
5. Or search by photo. Tap Search by photo and take a picture of the card, flat, straight on and without glare. The boxes fill in and the search runs; check them, and fix any that are off.
6. Basketball and hockey: type the season (1992-93) or just its first year (1992). The second year (1993) is a different card.

Reading the results

1. Grade Piles show the lowest Buy It Now at each grade, Raw to 10, with how many copies and their range. A = Authentic (genuine, no number grade); 4.5 sits under the 4; Q = qualified (off-centre, miscut, marks…), which sells for less.
2. Tap a grade to see its copies. Tap a photo to see it full size; the rest of the copy opens the eBay listing.
3. Filters switch Buy It Now or auctions, graders and price. Asks over 5× their pile’s usual price are hidden unless you untick Hide crazy asks.

Tips

1. Try name variations. Sellers spell players differently: try the surname, the full name (Aaron Judge) or a nickname (Shaq), and see which finds more.
2. Describe the variation. A Keyword like sand glitter or image variation finds the version you want faster than the chips.
3. Check each listing before you buy. Compare the front and back with the others listed, and check the seller’s feedback and ratings.
4. Only a few copies? That may be all eBay has right now. Try a wider search: leave out the Card #, or use Topps*.