Use this guide to scan, value, and assess whether an item is worth selling — and if so, determine the best selling channel for it.
Why use Sourcing Monster?
The current method for appraising used or donated items typically involves manual research on eBay or using Google Lens. Sourcing Monster offers several advantages over these traditional methods:
Realistic valuation: It benchmarks against actual sold prices on eBay (unlike Google Lens, which shows unrealistic list prices from across the web).
Speed: It’s faster than manual ebay research — just take 1–2 photos.
Consistency: It allows your organisation to apply rules for handling items based on valuation and other characteristics, ensuring items are consistently routed to the revenue-maximising channel.
How to use Sourcing Monster?
There are two key processes involved:
Before starting, we recommend reading the instructions below and watching the 5 minute instruction video.
Preparation
Logging in
Before starting a scanning session, you should:
Have a phone or tablet with good internet connection (WIFI or 4G/5G)
Are logged into Listing Monster on your internet browser (preferrably Google Chrome)
Select "Sourcing" on the lefthand menu
Optimal process
Perform the Scanning step for all items first, then review results for the entire batch afterward. Do not pause after each scan to check the result.
Example Workflow:
Open a bag/box (e.g. of 15 items)
Discard any clearly unsellable items (e.g., due to poor condition) — say 5 items
This leaves you with 10 items to scan
Scan all 10 items consecutively, then review the results in one go
Batching this way saves time, as the AI analysis happens in the background. You’ll avoid waiting between each item.
Photo guidance
We recommend taking 1–2 photos per item to ensure accurate valuation.
Your photo should include:
A main image clearly showing the whole item
A close-up of key specifics that affect value, such as:
Brand
Model name/number (if applicable)
Any other specifics that will have a big impact on valuation (eg special material like cashmere, signatures, unique/valuable features)
Often, one photo may be enough — for example, with books, vinyl, or media. In other cases, an extra photo may be needed to get key specifics in.
Remember: This is not a final eBay listing. You just need clear images that help the AI understand the item. You don't need to attract buyers with beautiful images at this stage.
Tips to help the AI:
Avoid blurry photos
Photos of labels or text should be orientated the right-way up for the AI to read easily
Don’t worry about perfect lighting or staging
1: Scanning
Click the "Add Item" button
Please note: on some devices, you may see two Add Item buttons, you must select the one circled in the screenshot - this is the Sourcing Add Item button)
Snap 1-2 photos (+ optionally enter more info):
Click "Camera mode" to open the in-app Camera
Take 1-2 images, then click "Done".
As an alternative to images, you scan in the item's barcode if available.
Optionally, you can add a custom "note" to help the AI (e.g "limited edition") if its clear in the photos.
Click "Analyse item"
Repeat steps 1-3 for all items in your batch
2: Reviewing Results
Once scanning is complete for the full batch, proceed to review your results.
Review the Sourcing results table
Title: The AI’s identification of the item based on your photo(s)
Pricing Range: The valuation range from eBay sold listings
Status: The AI's recommendation based on your organisation’s custom allocation rules
Follow the Allocation Decision - for example:
“Send to Ecom Hub” → Place in the box designated for Ecom shipment
“Sell In-Store” → Place in the in-store pile to go on the shop floor (or list in-store if applicable)
“Reject” → Dispose of the item accordingly
Final notes
Always batch scan items to avoid waiting unncessarily
One or two clear photos is enough
Use your organisation’s rules for allocating scanned items to determine your "next step" with the item