Collector & Reseller Glossary

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

225 terms starting with “T” · page 1 of 4

1. taggingSneakers
   This refers to the practice of affixing labels, stickers, or specific identifiers to a pair of sneakers. For resellers and collectors, the type and authenticity of these tags are crucial because they can denote the shoe'
2. tagging detailSneakers
   This refers to any specific markings, labels, or informational tags present on a pair of sneakers. This can include manufacturer tags inside the tongue, size stickers on the box, or unique product codes printed on the so
3. tagging errorSneakers
   A tagging error refers to any mistake made on the product's original labeling, such as incorrect size markings, wrong color descriptions, or misprinted model numbers on the shoe's box or the shoe itself. For resellers an
4. taglineVideo Games
   A tagline is a short, memorable phrase associated with a product, often used in marketing materials, packaging, or promotional content for a video game. It's designed to quickly communicate the game's core theme, unique
5. tamcoVideo Games
   Tamco is a former Japanese video game publisher that was known for releasing various titles, often in partnership with other companies. For collectors, identifying a game as a Tamco release can be important because it he
6. tamper proofVideo Games
   This refers to packaging, cartridges, or game cases that have been secured in a way that makes unauthorized opening or modification difficult or impossible without visible damage. For collectors and resellers, the presen
7. tanningComics
   This refers to the discoloration or yellowing that occurs on comic book paper over time due to exposure to light, humidity, and environmental pollutants. It is a form of aging that affects the paper's original white or v
8. tanning levelComics
   This refers to the degree of discoloration or yellowing present on the comic book's paper, which is a key component of its overall condition grade. Tanning is an unavoidable chemical change in paper over time, often acce
9. tape copyVideo Games
   A tape copy refers to a digital backup or recording of video game data, often made using magnetic tape or similar recording media. In the context of collecting, this term is highly specific and usually relates to early h
10. target demographicReselling
    This refers to the specific group of buyers most likely to purchase your items. Instead of trying to sell to everyone, identifying your target demographic allows you to tailor your listings, pricing, and marketing effort
11. target profitReselling
    This concept refers to the desired net profit margin you aim to achieve on a specific item after all associated costs are factored in. It's not just about the selling price; it accounts for the initial purchase cost, shi
12. tax implicationsReselling
    This refers to the various legal and financial obligations sellers must adhere to when buying, selling, or importing goods. For online resellers, understanding tax implications is crucial because incorrect reporting can
13. tax liabilityReselling
    This refers to the legal obligation to report and pay taxes on the income generated from selling goods, whether you are a small-scale reseller or a large collector flipping items. For resellers, understanding tax liabili
14. taxable salesReselling
    This refers to any transaction where the sale of goods or services is subject to local, state, or national sales tax regulations. For resellers, understanding this is crucial for legal compliance and accurate financial r
15. TCGTrading Cards
    This abbreviation stands for Trading Card Game, referring to a broad category of collectible card games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, or Yu-Gi-Oh!. For resellers and collectors, knowing the specific TCG is crucial
16. tearComics
    This refers to any physical damage to a comic book where the paper has been ripped or torn. The severity of the tear is crucial when assessing condition, as even a small nick can significantly impact its grade and, conse
17. tear lineComics
    A tear line refers to any visible damage on a comic book where the paper has been ripped or torn, creating a distinct line of separation. This is a significant form of physical wear and tear that directly impacts the boo
18. tear locationComics
    This refers to the specific spot on a comic book where a tear or rip has occurred. For collectors and resellers, the location is crucial because damage is assessed based on its visibility and severity. A tear hidden on t
19. tear sizeComics
    This refers to the physical dimensions of any rips or tears present on a comic book. Collectors and resellers meticulously examine the size and location of these imperfections because damage directly impacts the book's g
20. tearsComics
    This refers to physical damage on a comic book where the paper has been ripped or torn. The severity of the tear significantly impacts the book's grade and, consequently, its market value. Minor nicks or small tears migh
21. tertiary marketReselling
    This refers to the secondary or tertiary layer of the market where goods are traded after leaving the primary retail channel. Essentially, it's the resale market—think eBay, specialized collector forums, or consignment s
22. test copyVideo Games
    A test copy refers to a pre-release or early production version of a video game. These units are often provided to reviewers, marketing teams, or internal quality assurance departments before the final retail version hit
23. test pressingVinyl & Music
    A test pressing is an early, limited run of a vinyl record created before the final, mass-produced version is approved for commercial release. These initial copies are often used by the record label or mastering engineer
24. test pressing vinylVinyl & Music
    A test pressing is an early, limited run of a record pressed before the final, mass-market production run. These initial copies are often used by record labels to check the sound quality, mastering levels, and overall fi
25. test shotToys
    This term refers to an early, often unreleased, or prototype version of a toy that has undergone preliminary quality checks or functional testing by the manufacturer. These items are not intended for mass retail and can
26. test strikeCoins & Currency
    A test strike refers to an early, often uncirculated, proof or mint sample coin that was struck during the die creation process before the final, official production run. These coins are not intended for public sale and
27. textureTrading Cards
    This refers to the physical feel and surface quality of a trading card, encompassing elements like the card stock's finish, the presence of a matte or glossy coating, and any embossed or textured printing. For collectors
28. third partyVideo Games
    This term refers to any company other than the original console manufacturer or the primary game developer. These entities create peripherals, accessories, or games for platforms like PlayStation or Xbox. For collectors
29. third party gradingTrading Cards
    This refers to the authentication and condition assessment of trading cards performed by entities other than the primary manufacturer or established, recognized grading companies like PSA or BGS. While some third-party s
30. third runToys
    This term refers to a subsequent production batch of a toy after the initial, often highly sought-after, first run. Manufacturers sometimes produce limited quantities of a toy for different markets or to extend the produ
31. third-party sellerReselling
    This refers to any individual or business that is not the original manufacturer or the primary authorized retailer of a product. In the context of online marketplaces, these are the independent vendors listing and sellin
32. thrift findSneakers
    This term refers to a desirable item, typically a sneaker, acquired from a thrift store or secondhand source rather than a retail outlet. For resellers and collectors, a thrift find signifies a potential bargain or a rar
33. thrift flipSneakers
    A thrift flip is the process of sourcing used or vintage clothing and footwear from thrift stores, flea markets, or estate sales, and then refurbishing, cleaning, or styling them to sell at a higher price. For sneakers,
34. thrift haulReselling
    A thrift haul refers to the collection of items purchased from second-hand stores, such as thrift shops or consignment boutiques, during a single shopping trip. For resellers, this is the initial sourcing phase, represen
35. thrift sourcingReselling
    This practice involves actively hunting for undervalued or unique items in second-hand stores, flea markets, garage sales, and online marketplaces. It is the foundational activity for many resellers, as the initial acqui
36. thrift store diggingReselling
    This practice refers to the dedicated process of searching through donated goods at thrift stores, consignment shops, and similar secondhand outlets with the specific goal of finding undervalued or rare items. It is an a
37. thrifting haulReselling
    A collection of items purchased from second-hand stores, flea markets, or online marketplaces during a single shopping trip. For resellers and collectors, this term signifies the raw inventory acquisition phase. The valu
38. throwbackSneakers
    This term refers to a style, model, or aesthetic that intentionally references or mimics designs from a previous era, often decades ago. In the sneaker world, a throwback release brings back a classic silhouette or color
39. tie-inComics
    A tie-in refers to a comic book or other media product that is directly related to a specific movie, television show, video game, or other piece of intellectual property. These comics often feature characters or storylin
40. tier oneSneakers
    This term refers to the highest echelon of sneaker releases, typically encompassing collaborations between major brands and highly sought-after designers or cultural figures. These are the most exclusive, limited-edition
41. tier one hypeSneakers
    This term describes sneakers that are highly sought after, extremely limited in release, and carry significant cultural cachet, often associated with major, influential brands or collaborations. These are the sneakers th
42. tier one releaseSneakers
    This refers to a highly anticipated, limited-edition sneaker drop from a major brand, often involving collaborations with influential designers or celebrities. These releases are characterized by extreme scarcity and hig
43. tier twoSneakers
    This designation refers to a level of desirability or market positioning for a specific sneaker model, typically falling below the most hyped, limited-edition "tier one" releases. Tier two shoes are often popular, well-r
44. tier two hypeSneakers
    This refers to a level of sought-after, desirable sneakers that fall just below the absolute top-tier, ultra-exclusive releases. While they might not command the stratospheric prices of a Travis Scott collaboration or a
45. tier two releaseSneakers
    A tier two release refers to a product launch that is not the primary, highly hyped, or most exclusive version of a sneaker. These are often secondary colorways, slightly less limited editions, or releases that follow th
46. tileVideo Games
    This refers to a small, square or rectangular graphic element used in older 2D video games, often forming the backdrop, characters, or environmental features. While the term itself is technical to game design, its appear
47. timbreVinyl & Music
    This refers to the unique quality or "color" of a sound, distinguishing one instrument or recording from another. In the context of vinyl, timbre is heavily influenced by the pressing quality, the mastering process, and
48. time onlyWatches
    This designation indicates that the timepiece features only analog hands for indicating the hours and minutes, lacking any complications such as a date display, chronograph, or moon phase. For collectors and resellers, t
49. timeless designSneakers
    This phrase refers to a sneaker's aesthetic that transcends current fashion trends, meaning it looks equally relevant today as it did years ago. It suggests a classic silhouette, often with simple, enduring colorways or
50. title optimizationReselling
    This practice involves strategically crafting the descriptive text, or title, of your listing to maximize visibility within online marketplaces. It means going beyond a simple product name; you need to incorporate releva
51. toe boxSneakers
    The front section of a shoe, specifically the area covering the toes, is known as the toe box. For resellers and collectors, the condition of the toe box is a critical factor in determining a sneaker's overall aesthetic
52. toe box wearSneakers
    This refers to the visible abrasion, creasing, or thinning of the material specifically located over the front part of the shoe, where the toes naturally bend and rub against the ground or other objects. For collectors a
53. tokenTrading Cards
    A token in the context of trading cards is a small, often non-standard piece of cardboard or plastic used to represent an in-game resource, currency, or specific effect, rather than being a fully illustrated character or
54. token creatureTrading Cards
    This term refers to a specific type of card, often found in collectible card games, that represents a temporary or supplementary entity rather than a fully realized character or item. These cards are typically used to re
55. tonearmVinyl & Music
    The mechanism that holds and moves the cartridge across the record groove is the tonearm. It is a critical component of any turntable setup, directly influencing the quality of the audio playback. The design, material, a
56. tongue damageSneakers
    This refers to any physical wear, tearing, discoloration, or structural compromise to the padded fabric or material located under the laces of a sneaker. For collectors and resellers, the condition of the tongue is a cri
57. tongue pullSneakers
    This refers to the specific action or condition where the tongue of a sneaker has been pulled or stressed, often resulting in creasing, fraying, or deformation of the material. For collectors and resellers, this is a sig
58. tongue tagSneakers
    This small piece of fabric or material located on the top of a sneaker's tongue often features branding, sizing information, or specific model identifiers. For collectors, the presence and condition of the tongue tag are
59. toningComics
    Toning refers to the yellowing, browning, or discoloration that occurs on comic book paper over time due to exposure to environmental factors like humidity, light, and acidic paper stock. It is a form of aging that affec
60. toning varietyCoins & Currency
    This refers to subtle, natural variations in the surface color or patina of a coin that occur over time due to exposure to environmental factors like humidity, air, or soil. It is not intentional artificial toning, but r