Getting Started with HobbyAlpha: A Quick Guide to Every Feature

New to HobbyAlpha? Start here.

HobbyAlpha helps you value your sports cards and decide what to buy, hold, or sell — using AI plus real eBay sold prices. This quick guide walks you through every feature in plain English. Just follow the steps and try them out.

A few features are Pro (paid) and are marked [Pro] below. Everything else works on the free plan. You can see exactly what's included on the Pricing page.

1. Get set up

What it does: Creates your account so the app can track your collection.

• Head to the app and click Log in — you can sign in with Google.
• You'll land on your Dashboard, your home base.

2. Scan a card (the fun part)

What it does: Take a photo of a card and the AI tells you what it is and what it's worth.

• From the Dashboard, click Scan.
• Upload or snap a photo of the front of a card.
• In a few seconds you'll get the player, the card details, and an estimated value.
• Click Save to collection to keep it.

💡 Free accounts get a set number of scans per day. [Pro] unlocks more scans and lets you scan many cards at once.

3. Add cards by hand or import a list

What it does: Build your collection even without photos.

• To add one card: open a display case and click Add card, then type in the details.
• To add a lot at once: open Import and upload your list (CSV).

4. Build a display case

What it does: A display case is a virtual shelf for organizing and showing off your cards.

• Click New case and give it a name (e.g. "My PC" or "Football Rookies").
• Add cards to it, then pick a Centerpiece card to feature at the top.
• Share it — anyone with the link can view your case.

💡 Free accounts can make up to 3 cases. [Pro] gives you unlimited cases plus premium themes (including a holographic 3D theme).

5. See the verdict on a card

What it does: For any card, HobbyAlpha gives a clear call — Buy, Hold, Sell, Monitor (wait and see), or Avoid — backed by real sold prices.

• Open any card in your collection.
• Look for the verdict badge and the Card Outlook section.
• Read the Owner view (should I keep, grade, or sell?) and the Buyer view (is now a good time to buy?).

6. Check a player's outlook

What it does: Shows whether a player's cards are trending up or down, with an overall investment read.

• Go to Player Outlook and search for a player.
• Read the verdict, the trend, and the supporting signals.

7. Explore the market

What it does: Find what's hot and what's moving across the hobby.

• Market Leaderboard — see which players are rising and falling right now.
• Hidden Gems — a curated list of potentially undervalued cards.
• Compare — put two cards or players side by side to decide between them.
• Track Record — see how accurate HobbyAlpha's past calls have been.

8. Set a price alert

What it does: Tells you when a card hits the price you care about.

• Go to Price Alerts, add a card, and set your target price.
• You'll get notified when it triggers.

💡 Free accounts get a limited number of alerts; [Pro] raises the limit.

9. Analyze sealed boxes and breaks

What it does: Tells you if buying a sealed box — or buying into a "break" — is worth it.

• Sealed ROI — pick a product to see if the box is likely to make or lose money.
• Break Auditor — check whether a break is a good deal.

💡 Free shows the quick verdict. [Pro] shows the full money breakdown.

10. Pro investor tools [Pro]

If you upgrade to Pro, you also get:

• Card Advisor — an AI that audits your whole collection and gives specific advice.
• Growth Projections — estimated value 3, 6, and 12 months out.
• Portfolio Outlook — buy/sell guidance for the cards you actually own.
• Next Buys — personalized suggestions for what to add next.

You can turn these on from the Pricing page.

Quick tips

• Start by scanning 2–3 cards — it's the fastest way to see what the app does.
• Don't worry about getting it perfect; you can edit any card later.
• A Monitor verdict just means "no strong call yet — wait for clearer signals."
• Questions about your plan or billing are managed on the Pricing/billing settings page.

Have fun, and happy collecting! 🃏