Lightning Estimator: Instant Value Assessment
Lightning Estimator lets you instantly assess an item’s value. Perfect for thrift stores, estate sales, and anywhere you need to make fast sourcing decisions.
What is Lightning Estimator?
Lightning Estimator is a fast evaluation tool that:
- Instantly identifies products from a photo
- Shows estimated market value
- Helps you decide buy or pass in seconds
- Doesn’t add items to your inventory
How to Use Lightning Estimator
- Open the ListForge app
- Navigate to the Lightning Estimator
- Upload or capture an image of the item
- Snap a photo
- Get instant results
Understanding Results
Lightning Estimator shows:
Product Match
- What the AI thinks the item is
- Match confidence percentage
- Brand and category
Value Estimate
- Estimated selling price range
- Based on recent comparable sales
- Low / Average / High prices shown
Profit Indicator
- Green: Good margin potential
- Yellow: Moderate margin
- Red: Low margin or loss
Lightning Estimator vs. Full Research
| Feature | Lightning Estimator | Full Research |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Sourcing decisions | Inventory management |
| Speed | Fast (~5-15 seconds) | Full research (30+ seconds) |
| Detail | Quick price estimate | Complete listing data |
| Saved? | Optional | Yes, to your inventory |
Best Practices
At Thrift Stores
- Evaluate items before putting in cart
- Compare store price to selling price
- Make data-driven sourcing decisions
At Estate Sales
- Quickly assess unfamiliar items
- Focus your limited time on winners
- Skip items with poor margins
Photography Tips
- Include brand markings in frame
- Capture any barcodes visible
- One clear photo is usually enough
Upgrading to Full Research
If Lightning Estimator shows promise:
- Tap Add to Inventory
- Take additional photos
- Item enters full research queue
- Complete listing data generated
Accuracy Notes
Lightning Estimator uses the same AI as full research, but optimized for speed. For the most accurate results:
- Full research with multiple photos
- Barcode scans when available
- Complete research workflow
Lightning Estimator is designed for speed—it helps you make fast go/no-go decisions while sourcing.