Frequently asked questions
The essentials about Searches, plans, and Howard Credits.
What is Ask Howard?
Ask Howard analyzes classified listings to find promising matches for a Search. It reviews listing details and images, estimates value, and highlights possible mismatches between an item and its asking price.
How does a Search work?
Describe the item, location, budget, and match sensitivity you want. Howard searches the supported marketplace, analyzes eligible listings, and returns relevant results with a score, explanation, and estimated value when available.
What are Howard Credits?
Howard Credits pay for genuine matched results. Your available balance is reserved when an operation starts, then only successfully analyzed and persisted matches are charged. Rejected non-matches are not charged, and any unused reservation is released.
How many results does a Search return?
An initial Search returns up to 10 matched listings on Free and up to 25 on a paid plan. Load More and Refresh can return up to 10 new matches at a time. Howard may inspect additional candidates internally to reject irrelevant listings without charging you for them.
What happens if I run out of credits?
New analysis is paused until you have credits again. You can buy a top-up on any plan, or subscribe or upgrade for a monthly allowance. Existing Searches and results remain available.
What is the difference between Free and paid plans?
Free accounts receive 40 one-time Welcome Credits, valid for 30 days, and analyze a smaller initial batch. Scout, Prospector, and Gold Digger include 750, 2,000, and 5,000 credits per monthly credit cycle respectively. Annual subscriptions are billed yearly but still receive credits monthly.
Do unused subscription credits roll over?
Yes. Subscription credits can roll over for one additional monthly credit cycle. After that they expire, so credits expiring soonest are used first.
Do purchased top-up credits expire?
No. Purchased top-up credits do not expire and are used after credits that have an expiration date.
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes. Paid users can manage cancellation through the billing portal. Cancellation is scheduled for the end of the current paid period, and your current plan remains active until then.
Can I upgrade or downgrade?
Yes. Upgrades take effect immediately with Stripe proration and a prorated credit adjustment for the remaining monthly credit cycle. Downgrades take effect at the next renewal, so your current plan and credits are not reduced early.
Are Howard’s valuations guaranteed?
No. Scores and value ranges are estimates based on the listing information available. They are not professional appraisals or guarantees of condition, authenticity, resale value, or profit. Always verify an item yourself before purchasing.
Which marketplaces are currently supported?
Howard supports Leboncoin and eBay. eBay availability depends on the selected country and configured API access. Ask Howard is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by either marketplace.
Does Howard automatically monitor Searches?
No. V1 supports manual Searches, Load More, and Refresh only. Howard does not currently run passive or automatic monitoring in the background.
Can I buy credits without subscribing?
Yes. Top-up credits are available to both Free users and paid subscribers, and purchased credits do not expire.
What happens to my existing Searches if I stop subscribing?
Your existing Searches and results remain in your account. After your subscription ends, you can continue using any available unexpired or purchased credits, buy a top-up, or start a new subscription.
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