eBay Image Search vs FlipTip
The eBay app can search by photo, for free. It shows listings that look similar — active ones by default. Getting sold prices takes a filter workaround, and judging the matches and doing the maths is up to you.
We make FlipTip. Facts about other tools come from their own websites and app store listings, checked November 2026 — sources at the bottom.
⚡ The short answer
Use the eBay app's image search when you have time to scroll and compare. Use FlipTip in the aisle: it names the exact item, keeps only the sales of that item and does the profit maths for you.
| FlipTip | eBay app image search | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | The item named, its recent sold prices with dates, profit after fees, the most to pay and a verdict | Listings that look similar to your photo |
| Sold prices | Shown by default (paid plans and the trial) | Active listings by default; sold items only after locking the Sold filter (see below) |
| Matching | Only sales of the exact item — other versions, lots and parts left out | Visual similarity; you judge which listings match |
| Price | Free plan (3 photo scans a day) · Starter $1.99/mo (40 scans a month, any day) · Hustler $9.99/mo (15 scans a day, up to 450 a month) · Flipper $19.99/mo (40 a day, up to 1,200) · Dealer $39.99/mo (90 a day, up to 2,700) · Flipper free for 5 days for new accounts, no card | Free |
How to see sold items with eBay image search
- In the eBay app, open the search Filter menu, tap Customize and turn on lockable filters.
- Do a normal keyword search, choose Sold items and tap the padlock next to that filter.
- Now run the image search: the results show sold items until you unlock the filter.
When FlipTip is the better choice
- Similar is not the same: a different model, size or a lot of several items can sit next to yours in visual results. FlipTip keeps only the sales of the exact item.
- You want the answer in one screen: typical price, range, profit after fees, the most to pay and WORTH IT / SKIP.
- You also sell on Mercari or Poshmark, or outside the US: FlipTip checks the marketplaces you use.
📸 Try FlipTip on your next find
Point your phone at any item: FlipTip identifies it, shows what it actually sold for, your profit after fees and a clear buy-or-skip. Free plan (3 photo scans a day) · Starter $1.99/mo (40 scans a month, any day) · Hustler $9.99/mo (15 scans a day, up to 450 a month) · Flipper $19.99/mo (40 a day, up to 1,200) · Dealer $39.99/mo (90 a day, up to 2,700) · Flipper free for 5 days for new accounts, no card.
Scan an item freeFAQ
Can you search eBay sold listings by image?
Yes, in the app, with a workaround: lock the Sold filter on a keyword search first, then use image search. eBay Community members describe the steps.
How far back do eBay sold listings go?
The Sold Items filter shows about the last 90 days. Sellers with Seller Hub can see up to 3 years in eBay's Product Research.
Sources
- eBay Community — Sold items via image search
- eBay Community — Completed items filter with image search
- eBay — Product Research
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