The Hidden Card Problem
How we're using Machine Learning to uncover Pokemon card deals that others can't find
The Frustration Every Collector Knows
If you've ever tried to find specific Pokemon cards on marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Vinted, you know the struggle. Sellers list cards with vague titles like "Pokemon cards" or "Old collection" without specifying what's actually in the lot. Photos are blurry, taken at odd angles, or show stacks of cards where you can barely make out what's there.
We spent countless hours manually scrolling through thousands of listings, squinting at images, trying to spot that one valuable card hidden in a pile of commons. It was tedious, time-consuming, and we knew we were missing deals every single day.
What We Discovered
After analyzing thousands of marketplace listings, we found that more than 80% of Pokemon cards listed online are essentially invisible to search. They're buried in poorly titled listings, hidden in lot photos, or described so generically that no search query will ever find them.
This means the best deals - the underpriced vintage holos, the valuable error cards, the PSA-worthy gems - are being scooped up by the lucky few who happen to stumble upon them, while everyone else misses out.
Our Solution: Machine Learning Card Detection
Visual Recognition
We built machine learning models that analyze listing images and automatically identify Pokemon cards - regardless of how they're photographed or described. Our AI can spot a Base Set Charizard in a pile of 500 cards.
Smart Search
Search by what's actually in the images, not just what sellers write. Find specific sets, identify grading potential, and discover cards that would never show up in a traditional keyword search.
Instant Alerts
Set up alerts for the cards you're hunting. When our system detects a match in a new listing - even if it's hidden in a lot photo - you'll be the first to know.
Value Analysis
We cross-reference detected cards with market prices to highlight the best deals. Find underpriced listings before anyone else realizes what's really being sold.
Our Mission
We're collectors ourselves, and we built FirstDips to solve our own problem. Now we're sharing it with the community. Whether you're hunting for your childhood favorites, building a competitive collection, or running a card shop - FirstDips gives you the edge to find deals others simply can't see.
Get the first dip on the best deals.
Questions? Reach out to us at support@firstdips.gg