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New User Onboarding

This guide walks you through the complete registration and onboarding process for new users of RTC Collector. From creating your account to adding your first collection item, we'll cover every step.

Overview​

The onboarding process typically takes 5-10 minutes and includes:

  1. Account Registration - Create account with email and password
  2. Email Verification - Verify email with 6-digit code
  3. 2FA Setup (optional) - Enable two-factor authentication
  4. Plan Selection - Choose subscription tier
  5. Username Setup (optional) - Set unique username
  6. First Login - Explore dashboard and add first item

Requirements:

  • Valid email address you control
  • Password (minimum 6 characters)
  • Access to your email inbox
  • Internet connection

Step 1: Account Registration​

Accessing the Registration Page​

Four Ways to Register:

  1. Click Sign Up button on landing page
  2. Navigate directly to https://rtccollector.app/register
  3. Click Register link on login page
  4. Download the app from the Google Play Store and register from the app

Registration Methods​

Option A: Email & Password

Fill in the registration form:

Required Fields:

  • First Name - Your given name
  • Last Name - Your family name
  • Email - Valid email address for account verification
  • Password - Minimum 6 characters
  • Confirm Password - Must match password field
  • CAPTCHA - Cloudflare Turnstile verification

Option B: Continue with Google

Tap Continue with Google for one-tap registration:

  • Select your Google account
  • Your name and email are filled automatically
  • If an RTC Collector account already exists with that email, it is linked automatically
  • You'll be prompted to choose a username after your first sign-in

Optional Fields:

  • Username - Unique identifier (3-30 characters)

Username Format (Optional)​

If you choose to set a username during registration:

Format Requirements:

  • Length: 3-30 characters
  • Allowed: Letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), hyphen (-), underscore (_)
  • Cannot: Be all numbers, have 3+ consecutive hyphens/underscores
  • Reserved: 31 usernames reserved (admin, support, moderator, etc.)
  • Case-Insensitive: JohnDoe and johndoe are the same

Examples:

  • ✅ retro_gamer
  • ✅ n64_collector
  • ✅ JohnDoe
  • ❌ jo (too short)
  • ❌ 123456 (all numbers)
  • ❌ john---doe (3 consecutive hyphens)
  • ❌ admin (reserved)

Username Availability Check:

  • Types as you type (500ms delay after you stop)
  • Real-time feedback: green checkmark (available) or red X (taken/invalid)
  • Rate limited: 10 checks per minute

Why Set Username?

  • Required for collection sharing
  • Used for friend discovery
  • Professional marketplace presence
  • Custom profile URL: rtccollector.app/users/yourname

Can Skip: You can skip username during registration and set it later in Settings or via the username setup modal after first login.

Email Format​

Email Requirements:

  • Valid email format ([email protected])
  • Must be unique (not already registered)
  • You must control this email address
  • Required for account verification and password reset

Email Availability Check:

  • Real-time checking as you type (500ms delay)
  • Instant feedback: available or already registered
  • If taken, you must use different email address

Email Recommendations:

  • Use personal email (not corporate email if possible)
  • Avoid temporary/disposable email addresses
  • Double-check for typos before submitting
  • Ensure you can access this email inbox

Password Requirements​

Minimum Requirements:

  • At least 6 characters long
  • No maximum length
  • Can include letters, numbers, special characters

Password Strength Indicator: Real-time strength assessment as you type:

  • Weak (score <40) - Red: Too simple, vulnerable
  • Fair (score 40-59) - Orange: Could be stronger
  • Good (score 60-79) - Blue: Reasonably secure
  • Strong (score 80+) - Green: Very secure

Scoring Factors:

  • Length: 8+ chars (+20), 12+ chars (+10), 16+ chars (+10)
  • Lowercase letters: +15
  • Uppercase letters: +15
  • Numbers: +15
  • Special characters: +15

Example Passwords:

  • password - Weak (only lowercase)
  • Password1 - Fair (lowercase + uppercase + number)
  • P@ssw0rd! - Good (mixed case + number + special)
  • MyC0ll3ct!on2024 - Strong (long + mixed variety)

Recommendations:

  • Use passphrases: RetroGaming2024!
  • Include variety: uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special chars
  • Avoid common words or patterns
  • Don't reuse passwords from other sites

CAPTCHA Verification​

Cloudflare Turnstile:

  • Automatic challenge appears at bottom of form
  • Required to prevent automated registrations
  • Usually completes in 1-2 seconds
  • May ask you to verify you're human

If CAPTCHA Fails:

  • Refresh the page
  • Try different browser
  • Disable browser extensions temporarily
  • Check internet connection

Form Validation​

Client-Side Validation: Before submission, the form checks:

  • All required fields filled
  • Email valid format
  • Username valid format (if provided)
  • Password meets minimum length
  • Passwords match
  • Email available (not taken)
  • Username available (if provided, not taken)
  • CAPTCHA completed

Real-Time Feedback:

  • Red border: Invalid or missing field
  • Green checkmark: Valid and available
  • Loading spinner: Checking availability
  • Error message below field: Explanation

Submitting Registration​

Steps:

  1. Fill all required fields
  2. Wait for availability checks to complete (green checkmarks)
  3. Complete CAPTCHA verification
  4. Click Create Account button
  5. Form submits to server
  6. Wait for processing (2-5 seconds)

On Success:

  • Success toast: "Registration successful! Please check your email for a verification code."
  • Automatic redirect to email verification page
  • User data passed to verification page (email, name, username)

On Failure: Possible errors:

  • "Email already registered" - Use different email or log in
  • "Username already taken" - Choose different username
  • "CAPTCHA verification failed" - Refresh and try again
  • "Registration failed" - Server error, try again later

Step 2: Email Verification​

After successful registration, you're redirected to the email verification page.

Verification Email​

Email Details:

  • From: RTC Collector <[email protected]>
  • Subject: "Verify Your Email Address"
  • Delivery Time: Usually within 1-2 minutes (can take up to 5 minutes)

Email Contents:

  • Welcome message with your first name
  • 6-digit verification code (large, bold)
  • Code expiry time: 15 minutes
  • Instructions to enter code
  • Link to verification page
  • Link to resend code if needed

Example Code: 493827 (6 digits, numbers only)

Email Not Received?​

Check These First:

  1. Spam/Junk Folder - Verification emails often filtered
  2. Wait 5 Minutes - Email delivery can be slow
  3. Check Email Address - Verify you entered correct email during registration
  4. Promotions Tab (Gmail) - Check other tabs

Provider-Specific Tips:

  • Gmail: Check Promotions or Social tabs
  • Outlook/Hotmail: Check Junk folder
  • Yahoo: Check Spam folder
  • Corporate Email: May block automated emails (use personal email)

If Still Not Received: Click Resend code button on verification page (see below).

Verification Page​

Page Layout:

  • Email address displayed (the one you're verifying)
  • 6 input fields (one digit per field)
  • Countdown timer: "Code expires in 14:32"
  • Verify Email button
  • Resend code button (60-second cooldown)
  • Back to Register button

Entering Verification Code​

Steps:

  1. Check your email inbox for verification email
  2. Find the 6-digit code in the email
  3. Enter each digit in the 6 input fields
  4. Fields auto-advance as you type
  5. Code auto-submits when all 6 digits entered

Input Field Behavior:

  • Auto-focus on first field when page loads
  • Type one digit → auto-advance to next field
  • Backspace → return to previous field
  • Arrow keys → navigate between fields
  • Paste support: paste full 6-digit code at once (auto-distributes)

Auto-Submit: When you type the 6th digit, the code automatically submits. No need to click Verify Email button.

Manual Submit: If auto-submit doesn't trigger, click Verify Email button.

Countdown Timer​

Format: MM:SS (e.g., "14:32" = 14 minutes, 32 seconds)

Updates:

  • Countdown updates every second
  • Shows time remaining until code expires
  • When reaches 00:00, code expires

Expired Code: If timer reaches zero:

  • Code no longer valid
  • Error message: "Code has expired. Please request a new one."
  • Must click Resend code to get new code

Resending Verification Code​

When to Resend:

  • Code expired (15 minutes passed)
  • Email not received after 5 minutes
  • Email deleted or lost
  • Entered wrong code multiple times

Resend Process:

  1. Click Resend code button
  2. Button shows cooldown: "Resend code in 59s" (counts down)
  3. Wait for cooldown to reach 0
  4. New code generated and sent to your email
  5. New 15-minute timer starts
  6. Old code invalidated (no longer works)
  7. Input fields cleared, focus returns to first field

Resend Cooldown:

  • 60 seconds between resends
  • Prevents email spam
  • Button disabled during cooldown
  • Counter shows seconds remaining

No Resend Limit: You can resend as many times as needed. Each resend generates a fresh code with a new 15-minute timer.

Successful Verification​

What Happens:

  1. Server validates code (decrypts and compares)
  2. Checks code not expired
  3. If valid:
    • Your emailVerified field set to true
    • Verification code cleared from database
    • Account fully activated
    • Success message displayed: "Email verified! Your account has been activated"

Redirect After Verification: 1.5 second delay to show success message, then:

  • If 2FA setup required: Redirected to 2FA setup page
  • If no 2FA: Redirected to plan selection page

Features Unlocked: With verified email, you gain access to:

  • ✅ Full marketplace access (buying and selling, all tiers)
  • ✅ Sending messages to other users
  • ✅ Collection sharing
  • ✅ Friend requests
  • ✅ Email notifications
  • ✅ Account deletion and data export

Verification Failure​

Invalid Code:

  • Error message: "Verification failed - Invalid code"
  • Causes: Typo, wrong code (if resent), code already used
  • Fix: Re-enter code carefully or click Resend code
  • Input fields cleared, focus returns to first field

Expired Code:

  • Error message: "Code has expired. Please request a new one."
  • Cause: 15 minutes passed since code generation
  • Fix: Click Resend code to get new code

Already Verified:

  • Error message: "Email already verified"
  • Cause: Email was verified previously (trying again)
  • Fix: No fix needed - you're already verified
  • Redirect to login or dashboard

Step 3: 2FA Setup (Optional)​

If your account requires two-factor authentication (2FA), you'll be redirected to the 2FA setup page after email verification.

When 2FA Required​

Scenarios:

  • Account created by administrator with 2FA requirement
  • High-security account settings
  • Corporate/team accounts
  • User opted in during registration

Most Users: 2FA is optional and this step is skipped. You'll go directly to plan selection.

2FA Setup Process​

If 2FA setup appears:

Steps:

  1. Download authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, 1Password, etc.)
  2. Scan QR code displayed on screen
  3. Enter 6-digit TOTP code from authenticator app
  4. Save backup codes (10 codes, one-time use)
  5. Confirm you've saved backup codes
  6. 2FA enabled

Authenticator Apps:

  • Google Authenticator (iOS, Android)
  • Authy (iOS, Android, Desktop)
  • 1Password (cross-platform)
  • Microsoft Authenticator (iOS, Android)
  • Any TOTP-compatible app

Backup Codes:

  • 10 codes generated (e.g., AB12-CD34-EF56)
  • One-time use only
  • Use if you lose access to authenticator app
  • Store securely (password manager, printed copy)
  • Required to complete 2FA setup

After 2FA Setup: Redirected to plan selection page.

Step 4: Plan Selection​

Choose your subscription tier to unlock features.

Available Plans​

HOBBYIST (Free):

  • Cost: Free forever
  • Items: 50 items max
  • Images: 3 per item
  • Locations: 3 storage locations
  • Marketplace: ❌ No access
  • Analytics: ❌ Locked
  • Best For: Trying out the platform, small collections

COLLECTOR (£5/month or £50/year):

  • Cost: £5/month or £50/year (2 months free)
  • Items: 150 items
  • Images: 10 per item
  • Locations: Unlimited
  • Marketplace: ✅ Yes (10 listings max from collection)
  • Analytics: ✅ Full access
  • Marketplace Fee: 5%
  • Best For: Casual collectors, regular sellers

ENTHUSIAST (£15/month or £150/year):

  • Cost: £15/month or £150/year (2 months free)
  • Items: Unlimited
  • Images: Unlimited per item
  • Locations: Unlimited
  • Marketplace: ✅ Yes (unlimited listings)
  • Analytics: ✅ Full access
  • Marketplace Fee: 2.5% (reduced)
  • Bulk Listing: ✅ Yes
  • Priority Support: ✅ Yes
  • Best For: Serious collectors, active sellers

Choosing Billing Interval​

Monthly:

  • Pay each month
  • Cancel anytime
  • No long-term commitment

Yearly:

  • Pay once per year
  • Save 2 months (10 months price for 12 months)
  • Cancel anytime (no refund for unused months)

Example Savings:

  • COLLECTOR: £60/year (monthly) vs £50/year (yearly) = £10 saved
  • ENTHUSIAST: £180/year (monthly) vs £150/year (yearly) = £30 saved

Discount Codes​

If you have a discount code:

  1. Click Have a discount code? link
  2. Enter code in field
  3. Discount applied to pricing
  4. Discount shown before checkout

Common Discounts:

  • Launch promotion codes
  • Referral codes
  • Partner discounts
  • Seasonal promotions

Selecting Your Plan​

Steps:

  1. Review plan features and pricing
  2. Click Select Plan button under chosen tier
  3. Choose billing interval (Monthly or Yearly)
  4. Enter discount code if available
  5. Click Continue

If HOBBYIST (Free):

  • No payment required
  • Automatically activated
  • Success message: "Welcome to RTC Collector! You can start building your collection now."
  • Redirected to dashboard (/) immediately

If Paid Tier (COLLECTOR or ENTHUSIAST):

  • Redirected to checkout page
  • Enter payment details (Stripe secure checkout)
  • Complete payment
  • Subscription activated
  • Redirected to dashboard

Payment Process (Paid Tiers)​

Checkout Page:

  • Stripe secure payment form
  • Enter card details (card number, expiry, CVC)
  • Billing address
  • Order summary with plan details

Payment Methods:

  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
  • Debit card
  • Apple Pay (if available)
  • Google Pay (if available)

Payment Security:

  • Stripe PCI-compliant processing
  • Card details never stored on our servers
  • Secure HTTPS connection
  • 3D Secure authentication if required

After Payment:

  • Subscription activated immediately
  • Confirmation email sent
  • Access to all plan features unlocked
  • Redirected to dashboard

Can Change Plan Later?​

Yes!

  • Upgrade anytime in Settings → Subscription
  • Downgrade anytime (effective next billing cycle)
  • Cancel anytime
  • Prorated charges/refunds for plan changes

Step 5: Username Setup (Optional)​

After landing on the dashboard for the first time, a username setup modal may appear.

When Username Modal Appears​

Conditions:

  • User authenticated and on dashboard
  • No username set during registration
  • First time seeing dashboard (hasn't been shown before)

Can Happen:

  • Immediately after plan selection (HOBBYIST)
  • After payment (COLLECTOR/ENTHUSIAST)
  • On first login (if skipped during registration)

Username Setup Modal​

Modal Layout:

  • Title: "Set Your Username"
  • Description: "Choose a unique username to share your collection and connect with others"
  • Username input field
  • Real-time availability indicator
  • Set Username button (disabled until available)
  • Skip for Now button

Setting Username​

Steps:

  1. Type desired username in input field
  2. Wait 500ms after you stop typing
  3. Availability check runs automatically
  4. Status indicator shows:
    • 🔄 Checking... (loading spinner)
    • ✅ Available! (green checkmark)
    • ❌ Taken or invalid (red X with message)
  5. If available, click Set Username
  6. Username saved to your account
  7. Modal closes

Username Requirements: Same as registration (3-30 characters, alphanumeric + hyphen + underscore).

Rate Limit: 10 availability checks per minute. If exceeded, wait 1 minute before trying again.

Skipping Username Setup​

Click Skip for Now:

  • Modal closes
  • No username set
  • Can set later in Settings → Profile
  • Modal may appear again on next login

Why Skip?

  • Unsure what username to choose
  • Want to explore platform first
  • Don't need collection sharing yet
  • Can always set later

Impact of No Username:

  • ✅ Can use all collection features
  • ✅ Can buy/sell on marketplace
  • ✅ Can use messaging
  • ❌ Cannot share collection publicly
  • ❌ Friends cannot find you by username
  • ❌ Collection URL uses user ID instead

Setting Username Later​

If you skip:

  1. Go to Settings (Profile icon → Settings)
  2. Navigate to Profile tab
  3. Find Username field
  4. Enter username
  5. Check availability (same process as modal)
  6. Click Save Changes

Step 6: First Login & Dashboard​

Welcome to your dashboard! This is your home base for managing your collection.

Dashboard Layout​

Main Sections:

  • Stats Summary - Total items, total value, collection overview
  • Quick Actions - Add Item, Browse Marketplace, View Analytics
  • Recent Items - Last 5 items added to collection
  • Activity Feed - Recent activity (items added, offers received, messages)

Navigation:

  • Top Bar: Logo, Search, Notifications Bell, Profile Menu
  • Sidebar: Collection, Marketplace, Messages, Friends, Analytics, Settings
  • Bottom (Mobile): Tab bar with main sections

Onboarding Elements​

Several helpful prompts and guides appear on first use:

1. Collection Tour (Optional):

  • Interactive walkthrough of main features
  • Highlights important UI elements
  • Step-by-step guide through adding first item
  • Can skip tour anytime
  • Can restart tour later in Settings

Tour Steps:

  1. Welcome to your collection
  2. Add your first item
  3. Browse marketplace
  4. Manage notifications
  5. View analytics (if tier allows)

Start Tour:

  • Appears automatically on first dashboard visit (optional)
  • Or click Start Tour button in help menu
  • Arrow keys or click to navigate steps

2. PWA Install Prompt:

  • "Install RTC Collector as an app?"
  • Allows installing as desktop/mobile app
  • Offline access, faster loading
  • Can install later from browser menu

3. Persistent Storage Prompt:

  • "Enable persistent storage for offline features?"
  • Prevents browser from clearing cached data
  • Improves offline mode experience
  • Recommended to enable

Exploring the Dashboard​

Stats Summary:

  • Total Items: Count of all items in your collection
  • Total Value: Sum of all item purchase prices
  • Categories: Breakdown by category (Computer, Console, Handheld, etc.)
  • Completion: Percentage of collection completed (varies by tier)

Quick Actions:

  • Add Item - Start adding your first collection item
  • Browse Marketplace - Explore marketplace listings (available on all tiers)
  • View Analytics - See collection insights (requires COLLECTOR or ENTHUSIAST)

Recent Items:

  • Empty on first login (you haven't added items yet)
  • Will show last 5 items added after you start building collection
  • Click item to view details

Activity Feed:

  • Empty on first login
  • Will show:
    • Items you add
    • Offers you receive (if selling)
    • Messages from other users
    • Friend requests

Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • Cmd/Ctrl + K - Open command palette (quick navigation)
  • Cmd/Ctrl + / - Show keyboard shortcuts
  • Arrow keys - Navigate command palette
  • Esc - Close modals/palette

Command Palette:

  • Press Cmd/Ctrl + K to open
  • Type to search commands
  • Navigate with arrow keys
  • Press Enter to execute command

Mobile Navigation:

  • Swipe from left edge - Open sidebar
  • Tap bottom tab bar - Navigate main sections
  • Pull down - Refresh data

Step 7: Adding Your First Item​

Let's add your first collection item!

Starting the Add Process​

Three Ways:

  1. Click Add Item button on dashboard
  2. Click Items in sidebar → Click Add Item (+ icon)
  3. Use command palette (Cmd/Ctrl + K) → Type "add item"

Category Selection​

Choose Item Category:

  • Computer - Desktop PCs, laptops, servers
  • Console - Home video game consoles
  • Handheld - Portable gaming devices
  • Game - Video game software
  • Accessory - Controllers, cables, peripherals
  • Other - Anything else retro tech

Each Category Has Different Fields:

  • Computer: CPU, RAM, storage, manufacturer
  • Console: Generation, region, manufacturer
  • Handheld: Screen size, battery type
  • Game: Publisher, release date, platform
  • Accessory: Compatible devices
  • Other: Custom fields

Click Category Card: Navigates to add form for that category.

Add Item Form​

Core Fields (All Categories):

  • Name - Item name (e.g., "Commodore 64")
  • Manufacturer - Select or create new
  • Condition - Mint, Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, Not Working, For Parts
  • Ownership Status - Owned, Wishlist, Sold, Loaned
  • Purchase Date - When you acquired it
  • Purchase Price - What you paid (in your preferred currency)
  • Storage Location - Select or create new (optional)
  • Notes - Additional information (optional)
  • Images - Upload up to 3 photos (HOBBYIST) or 10 (COLLECTOR/ENTHUSIAST)

Category-Specific Fields: Each category has unique fields. For example, Console:

  • Generation (e.g., "5th Generation")
  • Region (PAL, NTSC, NTSC-J, Multi-Region)
  • Model Number
  • Serial Number

Master Item Autofill (Optional)​

What It Does:

  • Searches database of known retro items
  • Pre-fills common fields automatically
  • Saves time entering data
  • You can edit any autofilled data

How to Use:

  1. Start typing item name in Name field
  2. Dropdown appears with matching master items
  3. Click a match to autofill
  4. Review and edit autofilled data
  5. Add your specific details (condition, purchase info, etc.)

Example:

  • Type "Commodore 64"
  • Click "Commodore 64 (Computer, 1982)"
  • Fields autofilled: Manufacturer (Commodore), Year (1982), Category (Computer)
  • You add: Condition (Good), Purchase Price (£50), Your notes

Adding Images​

Upload Photos:

  1. Click Upload Images area or drag files
  2. Select up to 3 images (HOBBYIST) or 10 (COLLECTOR/ENTHUSIAST)
  3. Images upload and compress automatically
  4. Converted to WebP format for efficiency
  5. Thumbnails appear below upload area

Image Requirements:

  • Max Size: 10MB per image (auto-compressed to ~1MB)
  • Formats: JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, TIFF
  • Recommended: Clear photos, good lighting, multiple angles

Image Order:

  • Drag thumbnails to reorder
  • First image becomes primary thumbnail
  • Click X to remove image

Saving Your First Item​

Steps:

  1. Fill all required fields (marked with asterisk *)
  2. Add optional fields as desired
  3. Upload images (optional but recommended)
  4. Review all information
  5. Click Add to Collection button
  6. Item saves to database (2-3 seconds)
  7. Success message: "Item added to your collection!"
  8. Redirected to item detail page or collection list

Validation:

  • Required fields must be filled
  • Positive numbers for prices
  • Valid dates
  • Images within size/format limits

After Adding First Item​

Congratulations! You've added your first item to your collection.

What's Next:

  • Add More Items - Build out your collection
  • View Collection - Browse your items
  • Set Up Storage Locations - Organize physically
  • Create Manufacturers - Add custom manufacturers if needed
  • Link Related Items - Connect peripherals to computers/consoles
  • Try Marketplace - List items for sale (available on all tiers)
  • Enable Analytics - See collection insights (if COLLECTOR/ENTHUSIAST)

Common Onboarding Issues​

Registration Problems​

"Email already registered"

  • Cause: Email already exists in system
  • Fix: Use different email or click "Forgot Password" to log in

"Username already taken"

  • Cause: Someone else has that username
  • Fix: Try variations (add numbers, underscores) or choose different username

"CAPTCHA verification failed"

  • Cause: CAPTCHA not completed or expired
  • Fix: Refresh page, complete CAPTCHA again, ensure stable internet

"Registration failed"

  • Cause: Server error or validation issue
  • Fix: Check all fields valid, refresh page, try again later

Email Verification Problems​

Email not received after 5 minutes

  • Check spam/junk folder thoroughly
  • Verify correct email address entered during registration
  • Click "Resend code" button
  • Wait another 5 minutes
  • Try different email if persistent issue

"Code has expired"

  • Cause: 15 minutes passed since code generated
  • Fix: Click "Resend code" to get fresh code

"Invalid code"

  • Cause: Typo, wrong code, or code already used
  • Fix: Re-enter code carefully, ensure using most recent email

Verification page blank or not loading

  • Cause: JavaScript error or network issue
  • Fix: Refresh page (F5), clear browser cache, try different browser

Plan Selection Problems​

Payment fails

  • Cause: Card declined, insufficient funds, incorrect details
  • Fix: Verify card details, try different card, contact your bank

Redirected to wrong page after plan selection

  • Cause: Expected flow based on chosen plan
  • Fix: HOBBYIST → dashboard, Paid tiers → checkout (normal behavior)

Discount code not working

  • Cause: Code expired, already used, or invalid
  • Fix: Verify code spelling, check expiry date, contact support

First Login Problems​

Username modal won't close

  • Cause: Validation error or submission failure
  • Fix: Ensure username meets requirements and is available, refresh page

Dashboard not loading

  • Cause: Network issue or session expired
  • Fix: Refresh page, clear cache, log out and log back in

Missing features/sections

  • Cause: Subscription tier restrictions
  • Fix: Verify your plan in Settings → Subscription, upgrade if needed

Tips for New Users​

Getting Started Quickly​

First 15 Minutes:

  1. Complete registration and email verification (5 min)
  2. Choose plan (HOBBYIST to try free) (1 min)
  3. Set username (optional) (2 min)
  4. Add first item to collection (5 min)
  5. Explore dashboard and navigation (2 min)

First Hour:

  • Add 5-10 items to your collection
  • Set up storage locations
  • Upload photos of your items
  • Try searching marketplace (available on all tiers)
  • Enable 2FA for security (optional)

First Day:

  • Complete adding main collection items
  • Organize into storage locations
  • Add tags for better organization
  • Link related items (peripherals to consoles)
  • Customize notification preferences

Username Strategy​

Choose Wisely:

  • You can only change username every 30 days
  • Pick something you'll be happy with long-term
  • Consider using same username as other platforms (Discord, Reddit) for consistency

Username Ideas:

  • Your name: johndoe
  • Hobby-related: retro_gamer, n64_collector
  • Creative: pixel_prophet, console_curator

Don't Worry:

  • Username is optional - you can skip and set later
  • Can change it (after 30-day cooldown)
  • Only affects collection sharing and friend discovery

Security Best Practices​

Protect Your Account:

  • Use strong, unique password (not used elsewhere)
  • Enable 2FA for extra security
  • Don't share login credentials
  • Log out on shared computers
  • Review active sessions regularly in Settings

Email Security:

  • Use email address you control
  • Keep email password secure
  • Verify it's really us (check sender: [email protected])
  • Don't click suspicious links in emails

Plan Selection Strategy​

Start with HOBBYIST if:

  • First time using the platform
  • Small collection (under 50 items)
  • Just want to try the platform
  • Don't need marketplace features

Upgrade to COLLECTOR when:

  • Collection exceeds 50 items
  • Want to sell items on marketplace
  • Need analytics insights
  • Want more images per item (10 vs 3)

Upgrade to ENTHUSIAST when:

  • Large collection (150+ items)
  • Active seller (marketplace fees matter)
  • Need bulk listing features
  • Want priority support

Annual Billing:

  • Choose yearly for 2 months free (if you're committed)
  • Choose monthly for flexibility (can cancel anytime)

Next Steps​

Now that you're onboarded, here are your next steps:

Build Your Collection​

Import Existing Data:

  • CSV import: Settings → Import/Export → Import from CSV
  • Prepare CSV with your existing collection data
  • Map columns to RTC Collector fields
  • Import in batches (100 items recommended)

Add Items Manually:

  • Click "Add Item" to add one at a time
  • Use Master Item autofill for speed
  • Upload photos of your items
  • Add detailed notes and serial numbers

Organize Your Collection:

  • Create storage locations (Settings → Locations)
  • Assign items to locations
  • Use tags for better categorization
  • Link related items (peripherals to devices)

Explore Features​

Collection Management:

  • View collection by category
  • Filter and search items
  • Edit item details
  • Add relationships between items

Marketplace (All Tiers):

  • Browse marketplace listings
  • Create your first listing
  • Make offers on items
  • Set up Stripe Connect for payouts

Analytics (COLLECTOR/ENTHUSIAST):

  • View collection value over time
  • Category breakdown and insights
  • AI-powered recommendations
  • Export data for external analysis

Social Features:

  • Add friends by username
  • Share your collection publicly
  • View friends' collections
  • Send messages to other users

Customize Your Experience​

Settings → Profile:

  • Upload profile photo
  • Set username (if skipped)
  • Choose preferred currency
  • Update contact information

Settings → Privacy:

  • Control collection visibility
  • Enable/disable friend requests
  • Manage blocked users
  • Data export options

Settings → Notifications:

  • Customize email notifications
  • Enable push notifications
  • Set notification frequency
  • Choose which events to receive

Settings → Appearance:

  • Choose theme (light/dark)
  • Enable/disable animations
  • Adjust text size
  • Customize dashboard layout

Get Help​

Resources:

  • Help Center - Click "?" icon → Help Center
  • Documentation - Comprehensive guides (this site!)
  • Command Palette - Press Cmd/Ctrl + K for quick help
  • Support - Settings → Help & Support → Contact Support

Community:

  • Join Discord server (link in footer)
  • Follow on Twitter/X for updates
  • Read blog for tips and features
  • Share feedback and suggestions