Collector & Reseller Glossary

What the jargon actually means — and what it does to resale value. 3,211 terms across 12 categories.

73 terms starting with “A” · page 1 of 2

1. abandoned cartReselling
   This refers to a situation where a potential buyer adds items to an online shopping cart but leaves the website before completing the purchase and paying for the goods. For online resellers, this is a metric indicating l
2. acceptableVinyl & Music
   This term is a subjective descriptor used when grading the physical condition of a vinyl record, usually in conjunction with established grading scales like Goldmine. It signifies that the record is playable and generall
3. acceptable conditionReselling
   This term refers to the agreed-upon standard of quality for an item being sold, indicating that while it may not be brand new, it is functional and cosmetically sound enough for a buyer to consider it a worthwhile purcha
4. accessorizedToys
   This describes a toy that comes with additional, supplementary pieces beyond the main figure or item. These extras could include clothing, weapons, vehicles, or small environmental props. For collectors and resellers, th
5. accessory setToys
   This term refers to a collection of smaller, often supplementary items that accompany a main toy or collectible figure. These can range from miniature weapons and vehicles to interchangeable parts or display stands. For
6. acid burnComics
   This refers to a type of paper degradation where the acidic components within the comic book's paper stock have reacted over time, causing the material to become brittle, yellowed, and prone to foxing or staining. It is
7. acidic paperComics
   This refers to paper that has degraded over time due to chemical reactions, often caused by acidic components in the paper itself or the storage environment. Acidic paper accelerates yellowing, brittleness, and foxing—th
8. acquisition costReselling
   This refers to the total amount of money spent to acquire an item, including the purchase price, shipping fees, and any necessary initial fees or taxes. For resellers, understanding this cost is fundamental because it es
9. action figureToys
   These are articulated, miniature representations of characters from media such as comics, movies, or video games. They are designed to be posed and displayed, often featuring accessories like weapons or specialized gear.
10. action figure buildToys
    This refers to the process where a collector or reseller assembles an action figure from its various component parts, often when the figure comes in a kit form or when pieces are missing from the original packaging. It i
11. action figure chaseToys
    This refers to a specific variant or rare version of an action figure within a production run, often designated as a "chase" item. Manufacturers intentionally include a very small percentage of these special figures in s
12. action figure gradeToys
    This refers to the overall condition and quality assessment of an action figure, much like grading a comic book or trading card. Collectors and resellers use specific terminology to describe aspects like paint applicatio
13. action figure lineToys
    An action figure line refers to a cohesive series of collectible figures produced by a specific manufacturer, usually based on a particular intellectual property like a movie, comic book, or TV show. These lines often sh
14. action figure lotToys
    This refers to a collection of multiple action figures sold together as a single unit, rather than individually. Buyers often seek these lots for bulk purchasing, completing a collection, or for parts harvesting. The val
15. action figure packaging variantToys
    This refers to subtle or significant differences in the outer box or blister card used to present a specific action figure. These variations can include different artwork, color schemes, logo placements, included accesso
16. action figure scaleToys
    This refers to the standardized size or proportion of a collectible figure relative to real-life objects or other figures in a line. Common scales include 1:12, 1:6, and 1:18, where the number indicates how many times sm
17. action figure variantToys
    This refers to a specific, often subtle, variation of a commonly produced action figure. These differences can range from minor paint application changes, unique accessory inclusions, slight mold alterations, or being re
18. action figure variant huntToys
    This refers to the dedicated pursuit by collectors and resellers to find subtle or significant differences between otherwise identical toys. These variations can include slight color shifts, packaging errors, mold change
19. adidasSneakers
    This refers to the globally recognized sportswear brand, Adidas, which produces a vast range of athletic and casual footwear. For resellers and collectors, the brand name itself is a significant factor in perceived value
20. age gradeComics
    This refers to the specific grading assigned to a comic book based on its condition, typically using a numerical scale from 0.5 to 10.0, established by professional grading services like CGC or CBCS. The grade is a stand
21. age specificComics
    This term refers to comics that are specifically targeted toward a particular demographic, such as children, teenagers, or adults. Publishers create these lines with themes, art styles, and content tailored to resonate w
22. air forceSneakers
    This refers to a specific, iconic silhouette of sneaker, originally released by Nike. It is a foundational model known for its versatile design and cultural significance across various fashion subcultures. For resellers
23. airmaxSneakers
    This refers to a specific line of athletic footwear, most famously associated with Nike, characterized by visible air cushioning units in the sole. These shoes have been highly popular across multiple decades, making the
24. albumCoins & Currency
    In numismatics, an album refers to a specialized book or binder used to house, organize, and display coin collections. These albums are not just storage; they are presentation tools that allow collectors to document the
25. alloyCoins & Currency
    This refers to the specific metallic composition of a coin, meaning it is made from a mixture of two or more metals rather than a single pure metal. Different alloys were used throughout history, and the material composi
26. alpha buildVideo Games
    An alpha build is an early, often unstable version of a video game that is still under active development by the creators. These versions are not intended for public release and frequently contain bugs, missing features,
27. alt artTrading Cards
    This refers to a variation of a trading card where the artwork used is different from the standard, mass-produced version of that card. Instead of the typical illustration, alt art often features unique, sometimes more s
28. alternate artVideo Games
    This refers to packaging artwork that differs from the standard, mass-produced cover art for a video game. These variations might include different character illustrations, unique color schemes, or special edition design
29. alternate coverComics
    This refers to a comic book that has been released with a different cover art than the standard edition. Publishers sometimes create these variations for special promotions, limited runs, or to target specific markets. F
30. alternate sculptToys
    This refers to a variation of a toy's original design, often featuring a different mold, paint application, or accessory set while maintaining the core character or model. Manufacturers create these to appeal to niche co
31. analog fidelityVinyl & Music
    This refers to the accuracy with which a vinyl record reproduces the original sound captured during the recording process. High analog fidelity means the playback closely mirrors the sonic characteristics intended by the
32. ancient coinCoins & Currency
    This refers to numismatic items dating back to very early civilizations, often predating the common era. These pieces are significant not just as currency, but as historical artifacts, providing tangible links to ancient
33. annual calendarWatches
    This complication indicates that the watch displays not just the day and date, but also the month and the year. It is a sophisticated feature that requires precise mechanical engineering to track the varying lengths of m
34. antique coinCoins & Currency
    This refers to a coin that is genuinely old, typically predating the modern era, and often carries historical significance. The term is broad, encompassing anything from ancient Roman denarii to early American colonial c
35. antique sourcingReselling
    This refers to the entire process of finding and acquiring items with significant age or historical value for the purpose of resale or collection. It involves scouting various locations, such as estate sales, flea market
36. appraisalToys
    This refers to the professional evaluation of an item's worth, typically conducted by an expert in the specific collecting niche, such as vintage toys or action figures. It's not just about what you think it's worth; it'
37. arbitrageReselling
    This strategy involves purchasing an item in one market or location where it is priced low and then immediately reselling it in another market or location where the same item commands a higher price. Essentially, you are
38. arcade stickVideo Games
    An arcade stick is a specialized input device designed to emulate the controls found in classic arcade video games. It typically features a joystick for directional movement and a set of buttons for actions, providing a
39. archivalSneakers
    This term refers to items that are preserved in a manner suitable for long-term historical study or collection, often meaning they are in near-mint or deadstock condition. For sneakers, "archival" implies the shoe has be
40. archive copyVideo Games
    An archive copy refers to a preserved, often digital, version of a video game, typically sourced from original media or early distribution methods. For collectors, this signifies a piece of gaming history, representing t
41. articulation pointToys
    This refers to any joint or movable section on an action figure or collectible toy that allows for posing and dynamic display. The quality and number of these points are crucial indicators of a toy's engineering and play
42. artist nameComics
    This refers to the credited creator or illustrator of a comic book or graphic novel. For collectors and resellers, the artist's reputation and popularity significantly influence the desirability and, consequently, the ma
43. artisteComics
    This term refers to the original artist or creator responsible for the visual design and artwork within a comic book. In the collecting world, the identity of the artist is a significant factor in determining a comic's d
44. artworkTrading Cards
    This refers to the original design, illustration, or graphic elements printed on a trading card, distinct from the card's overall condition or rarity. It encompasses the character art, background scenery, and any unique
45. artwork variationVinyl & Music
    This refers to subtle or significant differences in the packaging, sleeve design, or inserts accompanying a vinyl record pressing. These variations can include slight color shifts in the jacket, different text placements
46. asicsSneakers
    Asics is a well-established Japanese sportswear company known for producing athletic footwear, particularly running shoes, but they also offer lifestyle and fashion sneakers. For resellers and collectors, the brand offer
47. atariVideo Games
    This refers to the historic video game company, Atari, which was a dominant force in the early days of the industry. When discussing collectibles, "Atari" generally encompasses games, consoles, and peripheral hardware fr
48. atari 2600Video Games
    This refers to the classic home video game console produced by Atari, a foundational piece of early home gaming history. For collectors, the Atari 2600 represents the dawn of the cartridge-based console era, making origi
49. attack statTrading Cards
    This refers to a specific numerical value printed on a trading card, usually representing a character's or creature's offensive capability within the game associated with the card. In collectible card games, these stats
50. attack valueTrading Cards
    This refers to the specific numerical strength or power rating assigned to a card, particularly in collectible card games (CCGs) like Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering. It quantifies the offensive capability of a creature
51. auction durationReselling
    This refers to the set timeframe during which an item is listed and available for bidding on an online marketplace. It dictates how long potential buyers have to view the item, assess its condition, and place their bids.
52. auction houseTrading Cards
    An auction house is a specialized firm that facilitates the sale of high-value collectibles, including rare trading cards. These houses manage the entire sales process, from cataloging and authentication to marketing and
53. auction listingTrading Cards
    An auction listing is the formal advertisement created by a seller on an online marketplace, detailing the item being sold, such as a trading card. It includes crucial information like the card's condition, rarity, set,
54. auction lotComics
    An auction lot is a specific grouping of items presented together for sale in an auction setting. Instead of bidding on individual comics, buyers bid on the entire lot, which might contain several related issues, a colle
55. auctioneerReselling
    An auctioneer is the professional who manages and conducts an auction, calling out items and driving the bidding process. For resellers and collectors, understanding the auctioneer's role is crucial because the environme
56. audio fidelityVideo Games
    This refers to the technical quality of the sound within a video game, encompassing aspects like clarity, dynamic range, frequency response, and overall sonic richness. For collectors and resellers, high audio fidelity i
57. audio qualityVinyl & Music
    This refers to the fidelity and sonic characteristics of the vinyl record when played back. It encompasses aspects like the clarity of highs, the depth and richness of the lows, the accuracy of the midrange, and the over
58. audiophile gradeVinyl & Music
    This descriptor refers to vinyl records that meet exceptionally high standards of audio fidelity, often implying superior pressing quality, mastering techniques, and material composition. Audiophile-grade vinyl is typica
59. audiophile pressingVinyl & Music
    An audiophile pressung is a vinyl record manufactured with superior materials and mastering techniques to achieve maximum sonic fidelity, commanding a premium price.
60. audiophile vinylVinyl & Music
    This term describes vinyl records that are specifically chosen or produced with a focus on superior sound quality, often exceeding standard consumer grade. Audiophile vinyl typically features high-quality pressing, metic