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Adding Your First Item

Learn how to add items to your collection with detailed information and photos.

Choosing a Category​

RTC Collector supports six item categories:

Computer​

Desktop computers, laptops, servers, workstations, and computer systems.

Console​

Home video game consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Sega, etc.

Handheld​

Portable gaming devices like Game Boy, PSP, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, etc.

Game​

Physical video games for any platform (cartridges, discs, downloads).

Accessory​

Controllers, cables, memory cards, adapters, and other peripherals.

Other​

Items that don't fit into the above categories (calculators, electronic toys, etc.).

Basic Information​

Required Fields​

  • Name: The name or model of the item
  • Category: Select from the six categories above
  • Condition: Select a descriptive condition (New, Like New, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor, Needs Repair)
  • Ownership Status: Owned, Wishlist, Sold, or Loaned

Optional Fields​

  • Serial Number: Unique identifier for the item
  • Model: Specific model or variant
  • Manufacturer: The company that made the item
  • Release Year: When the item was first released
  • Purchase Date: When you acquired the item
  • Purchase Price: What you paid for the item
  • Current Value: Current estimated market value (or use live market prices)
  • Location: Where the item is stored
  • Tags: Custom labels for organisation

Using Master Items Database​

The Master Items database contains pre-filled information for thousands of retro technology items, including data from Wikipedia.

Searching for Master Items​

  1. Start typing in the "Name" field
  2. Suggestions will appear from the Master Items database
  3. Select a matching item from the dropdown
  4. Most fields will auto-fill with accurate information
Master Items Benefits

Using Master Items ensures consistency across collections and provides rich information like specifications, release dates, and images from Wikipedia.

Creating Custom Items​

If your item isn't in the Master Items database:

  1. Simply type the name manually
  2. Fill in all fields yourself
  3. Your item will be unique to your collection

Barcode Scanning​

The fastest way to add an item is by scanning its barcode:

  1. On the category selection screen, tap Scan Barcode to Add Item
  2. Point your camera at the UPC or EAN barcode on the item's packaging
  3. If the barcode is recognised, you'll be taken to the correct add form with details pre-filled
  4. If the barcode isn't in the database, you can match it to an item — search by name and link it so future scans are instant for everyone

The scanner supports UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, and EAN-8 barcodes. You can toggle the torch for low-light scanning, and the screen stays awake while the scanner is open.

Adding Photos​

High-quality photos help you remember your items and are required for marketplace listings.

Photo Requirements​

  • Format: JPG, PNG, or WebP
  • Maximum Size: 10MB per image (auto-compressed to ~1MB)
  • Recommended: At least 800x800 pixels
  • Photo Limits: 3 per item (Hobbyist), 10 per item (Collector), Unlimited (Enthusiast)

User Photos​

In addition to product images from the master database, you can upload your own photos to each item's personal photo gallery:

  1. Open any item and go to the Photos tab
  2. Tap Add Photo to upload from your gallery or take a photo with your camera
  3. Add a caption to each photo to describe what it shows
  4. Tap any photo to view it full-screen with navigation between images

Photo Tips​

  • Use good lighting
  • Photograph all sides of the item
  • Include any accessories or packaging
  • Show condition issues clearly
  • Capture serial numbers or unique markings

Upload Process​

  1. Click "Add Photos" in the item form
  2. Select photos from your device (or drag & drop)
  3. Photos will be automatically optimized and converted to WebP
  4. Reorder photos by dragging
  5. Set the primary photo (shown in listings and thumbnails)
Image Optimization

All uploaded photos are automatically compressed and converted to WebP format for faster loading while maintaining quality.

Item Relationships​

Link related items in your collection to show connections.

Relationship Types​

  • Peripheral: Accessories that work with the item (e.g., controller for a console)
  • Game: Games that work with the item (e.g., games for a console)
  • Accessory: Cables, carrying cases, memory cards linked to a device
  • Bundle: Items sold together as a set
  • Related: General connections between items

Adding Relationships​

  1. Click "Add Relationship" in the item form
  2. Select the relationship type
  3. Search for items in your collection
  4. Select the related item
  5. Add notes about the relationship (optional)

Storage Management​

Track where your items are physically stored.

Assigning Storage Locations​

  1. Create storage locations (Settings > Locations)
  2. Examples: "Living Room Shelf", "Garage Box #3", "Display Case"
  3. Assign items to locations when adding them
  4. Filter your collection by location

Condition Guide​

Use these condition labels to consistently describe your items:

ConditionDescription
NewFactory sealed, never opened
Like NewOpened but looks brand new, minimal signs of use
Very GoodLight wear, fully functional, well cared for
GoodModerate wear, fully functional
FairHeavy wear or minor cosmetic issues, works as expected
PoorSignificant wear or issues, may have functional problems
Needs RepairNot fully functional, requires repair or restoration

Valuation Conditions​

For market pricing, items are also valued based on completeness:

  • Loose: Item only, no box or manual
  • CIB: Complete in Box — item with original box and manual
  • New: Factory sealed, never opened
  • Box Only: Just the original box (games)
  • Manual Only: Just the manual (games)

Maintenance Tasks​

Track repairs, cleaning, and upkeep for any item in your collection:

  1. Open any item and go to the Tasks tab
  2. Tap Add Task to create a maintenance task
  3. Enter a name, optional description, and due date
  4. Set the status: To Do, In Progress, On Hold, or Complete
  5. Completed tasks are hidden by default to keep your list clean

Use tasks to track things like "Replace capacitors", "Clean cartridge contacts", or "Test power supply".

Notes​

Keep a running log of observations, history, or anything you want to remember about an item:

  1. Open any item and go to the Notes tab
  2. Tap Add Note to write a timestamped note
  3. URLs pasted into notes become clickable automatically
  4. Your existing description field is preserved as a pinned entry at the top

Saving Your Item​

Before Saving​

Review all information for accuracy:

  • Check spelling and capitalization
  • Verify dates and prices
  • Ensure photos are in the right order
  • Confirm relationships are correct

Save Options​

  • Save: Add item to collection and return to collection view
  • Save & Add Another: Add item and immediately start adding another
  • Cancel: Discard changes
Unsaved Changes

If you navigate away without saving, all information will be lost. The browser will warn you before leaving the page with unsaved changes.

After Adding Items​

Once you've added items, you can:

  • View Collection: See all your items in a grid or list
  • Search & Filter: Find items by category, manufacturer, condition, etc.
  • View Analytics: See collection statistics and value tracking
  • Create Listings: List items on the marketplace
  • Share with Friends: Let friends view your collection

Next Steps​