Frequently Asked Questions
Questions, answered.
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Getting Started
- Which card games does FlipScan support?
- FlipScan currently supports Pokémon TCG cards. We cover all Pokémon sets from Base Set (1999) to the latest releases. New sets are added within days of release so you're always up to date.
- Does FlipScan work on cards in sleeves or toploaders?
- Yes. Our AI model is trained on hundreds of thousands of real-world photos including cards in penny sleeves, toploaders, and binders. It handles glare, tilt, and worn edges with typical recognition confidence above 95%.
- How fast is the scanning?
- Card recognition happens in under one second. Simply point your camera at a card — no button press required. The AI identifies the card, set, edition, and language automatically.
- Does FlipScan work offline?
- Card recognition works offline after the initial app download. However, live price data requires an internet connection to fetch the latest market information from TCGplayer, eBay, and CardMarket.
- What is FlipScan used for?
- FlipScan is a Pokémon card scanner app that instantly identifies cards and shows real-time market prices. Collectors use it to check card values at card shows, sort through bulk collections to find valuable cards, track portfolio value, and get accurate pricing before selling.
- Is FlipScan the best Pokémon card scanner app?
- FlipScan is designed specifically for serious Pokémon collectors who need fast, accurate pricing. With sub-second scanning, prices from multiple marketplaces (TCGplayer, eBay, CardMarket), and 95%+ recognition accuracy, it's built for real-world trading scenarios.
Pricing & Data
- How accurate is the price data?
- Prices are aggregated from real completed sales on TCGplayer, eBay, and CardMarket — not seller asking prices. The Near Mint price you see is the median of the last 30 confirmed sales, refreshed hourly for accuracy.
- Which marketplaces does FlipScan pull prices from?
- We aggregate pricing data from three major marketplaces: TCGplayer (US market), eBay (global sales), and CardMarket (European market). This gives you a comprehensive view of actual market values.
- How often are prices updated?
- Market prices are updated regularly. To see the most current prices for any card, tap into the card details screen where you'll find the latest market data from all supported marketplaces.
- Why do Pokémon card prices vary so much?
- Pokémon card prices depend on several factors: card condition (NM vs HP can mean 2-5x price difference), edition (1st Edition, Shadowless, Unlimited), language, and whether it's holographic. FlipScan shows prices by condition so you can find the right value for your specific card.
- How do I find the value of my Pokémon card?
- Open FlipScan and point your camera at any Pokémon card. The app instantly identifies it and shows real-time market prices from TCGplayer, eBay, and CardMarket. You'll see prices broken down by condition (Near Mint, Lightly Played, etc.) so you know exactly what your card is worth.
Card Condition Guide
- What do NM, LP, MP, and HP mean for Pokémon cards?
- These are standard condition grades: Near Mint (NM) means virtually perfect with no visible wear. Lightly Played (LP) has minor edge whitening or light scratches. Moderately Played (MP) shows obvious wear like whitening, scratches, or light creases. Heavily Played (HP) has significant damage but remains structurally complete.
- How do I grade my Pokémon card's condition?
- Examine both the front AND back of your card. Look for: edge whitening (white spots along edges), surface scratches, corner wear, centering issues, and creases. A pristine front with a scratched back is LP at best. Near Mint cards look perfect even under close inspection.
- What is a Near Mint (NM) Pokémon card?
- A Near Mint card looks flawless to the naked eye. Sharp corners with no whitening, no scratches visible without magnification, perfect centering, and no creases or bends. It should look like it was just pulled from a pack and immediately sleeved.
- What is a Lightly Played (LP) Pokémon card?
- Lightly Played cards show minor wear that's visible on close inspection: small edge whitening, faint surface scratches, or slight corner softening. They look great in a binder or from arm's length but reveal imperfections when examined closely.
- What is a Moderately Played (MP) Pokémon card?
- Moderately Played cards have obvious, noticeable wear: whitening across multiple edges, visible surface scratches, soft corners, or a light crease. The card is fully functional for play but clearly shows use.
- What is a Heavily Played (HP) Pokémon card?
- Heavily Played cards have significant damage: heavy whitening, multiple creases, peeling, severe scratches, or water damage. The card remains complete and identifiable but has major condition issues.
- Does card condition affect Pokémon card value?
- Significantly. A Near Mint card can be worth 2-5x more than a Heavily Played copy. For rare cards, the difference is even larger. Always check prices by condition — FlipScan shows values for NM, LP, MP, and HP so you know what your specific card is worth.
- Should I get my Pokémon card graded by PSA or CGC?
- Professional grading (PSA, CGC, BGS) makes sense for valuable cards you plan to sell. Graded cards in high grades (PSA 9-10) often sell for significant premiums. However, grading costs $20-150+ per card and takes weeks to months, so it's usually only worth it for cards valued over $50-100 raw.
Using FlipScan
- Can I use FlipScan to sell my cards?
- FlipScan doesn't host listings directly, but every card detail screen includes one-tap links to list directly on TCGplayer or eBay at the suggested price. Your portfolio stays in sync as your listings sell.
- How do I scan multiple cards quickly?
- FlipScan's continuous scan mode lets you move from card to card without pressing any buttons. The AI recognizes each new card automatically. Perfect for sorting through bulk collections or checking prices at card shows.
- Can FlipScan scan Japanese Pokémon cards?
- Yes. FlipScan recognizes Pokémon cards in multiple languages including Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and more. The app automatically detects the language and shows appropriate pricing.
- Does FlipScan work at card shows and conventions?
- FlipScan is perfect for card shows. Quick scanning lets you check prices before buying, ensuring you don't overpay. Many collectors use it to verify vendor prices and find undervalued cards in bulk bins.
- Can I track my Pokémon card collection value?
- Yes. Add scanned cards to your portfolio to track your total collection value in real-time. FlipScan works like a brokerage app for your cards — see performance over time, organize by set or album, and watch values change as the market moves.
- How can I tell if a Pokémon card is fake?
- Look for proper Pokémon Company logos, correct spelling, and appropriate card thickness. Authentic cards have a specific feel and print quality. Compare with known authentic examples — fakes often have blurry text, wrong colors, or missing details. For high-value purchases, consider professional authentication or consult experienced collectors.
Privacy & Security
- What about my privacy?
- We prioritize your privacy by simply not collecting your data. Your scans and portfolio stay on your device. We don't track your collection, don't build profiles, and don't share anything with third parties. No data collection means no data to protect.
- Do you share my collection data?
- Never. Your collection is completely private and stays on your device. We don't have access to your portfolio, scan history, or any personal information. The only data we see is anonymous, aggregated statistics to improve the app.
- Is FlipScan safe to use?
- Yes. FlipScan requests only camera access (for scanning) and optional network access (for prices). We don't ask for contacts, location, or other sensitive permissions. The app is reviewed by Apple's App Store team for safety and security.
Common Search Questions
- How much is my Pokémon card worth?
- Card values depend on the specific card, condition, and edition. Scan your card with FlipScan to see real-time prices from TCGplayer, eBay, and CardMarket. Prices update regularly based on actual completed sales, not asking prices.
- What Pokémon cards are worth money?
- Valuable Pokémon cards typically include: 1st Edition Base Set holos (especially Charizard), vintage holos from early sets, full art cards, alt art cards, gold star cards, and cards with low print runs. Condition matters enormously — the same card can vary 10x in value between Near Mint and Heavily Played.
- How do I know if my Pokémon card is rare?
- Check the rarity symbol in the bottom corner: circle = common, diamond = uncommon, star = rare. Holographic cards, full art cards, and secret rares are typically more valuable. Scan with FlipScan to instantly see if your card has significant value.
- Are old Pokémon cards valuable?
- Many vintage Pokémon cards from 1999-2003 are valuable, especially 1st Edition holos, Shadowless prints, and promo cards. However, condition is crucial — a damaged vintage card may be worth less than a Near Mint modern card. Scan your cards to check current market values.
- What is the most expensive Pokémon card?
- The most expensive Pokémon cards include 1st Edition Base Set Charizard (PSA 10 sold for $420,000), Pikachu Illustrator (one sold for $5.3M), and Trophy cards from early tournaments. Most collections contain cards worth $1-$100, with occasional finds worth more.
- Where can I sell my Pokémon cards?
- Popular selling platforms include TCGplayer (largest TCG marketplace), eBay (global reach), CardMarket (European market), and local card shops. FlipScan provides one-tap listing links to major marketplaces with suggested pricing based on current market data.