Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions

How do I check if a username is available on eBay?

To check eBay username availability:

1. Visit usernameinspector.com
2. Select eBay from the platform checkboxes
3. Enter your desired username in the text field
4. Click "Check Availability"
5. In auto-check mode, the result appears instantly — green means available, red means taken
6. In manual mode, click the generated eBay link — "Sorry, this user was not found" means available

For a detailed walkthrough with three different methods, see our guide on how to check eBay username availability. You can also do a broader eBay username search to find existing sellers or look up any user profile.

Can I check multiple usernames at once?

Yes. Username Inspector supports bulk username checking. Enter usernames separated by commas (example: "username1, username2, username3") and the tool will generate check links for all of them across your selected platforms. This saves significant time when brainstorming username options.

Can I check username availability across multiple platforms simultaneously?

Yes. This is one of Username Inspector's core features. Select multiple platform checkboxes (eBay, Poshmark, Depop, Etsy, Grailed, Vinted, Mercari, Whatnot, Bonanza, Ruby Lane, Chairish) before clicking "Check Availability." The tool will check each username on every selected platform, allowing you to verify brand consistency across all platforms at once.

What is auto-check mode?

Auto-check mode automatically checks username availability on supported platforms without you having to open any links. Results appear instantly alongside each username:

• Green checkmark (✓) — the username is available on that platform
• Red X (✗) — the username is already taken
• Yellow question mark (?) — that platform requires manual verification; a link is provided to check yourself

Auto-check currently supports eBay, eBay Store, Poshmark, Grailed, Vinted, Whatnot, Bonanza, and Chairish. Depop, Etsy, Mercari, and Ruby Lane require manual checking. Auto-check is limited to 5 usernames at a time. For bulk checking of up to 500 usernames, switch to manual mode using the toggle above the button.

Can I check if a username is available as a domain too?

Yes. Every username result — in both auto-check and manual mode — includes a "Domain: Check {username}.com" link alongside the platform results. Clicking it opens a domain registrar search for that name as a .com, so you can see if the matching domain is also available before you commit to a brand name.

Pricing & Access

Is Username Inspector free?

Yes. Username Inspector is 100% free with:

• No registration required
• No downloads needed
• No hidden fees
• Unlimited username checks
• All platforms included

The tool is supported by optional donations via Buy Me a Coffee.

Do I need to create an account?

No account required. Username Inspector works without any registration, login, or email signup. Simply visit usernameinspector.com and start checking usernames immediately.

Platform Support

What platforms does Username Inspector support?

Username Inspector currently supports 11 selling platforms:

• eBay (ebay.com) - Global online marketplace
• Poshmark (poshmark.com) - Fashion resale marketplace
• Depop (depop.com) - Youth-focused fashion marketplace
• Etsy (etsy.com) - Handmade and vintage marketplace
• Grailed (grailed.com) - Men's fashion marketplace
• Vinted (vinted.com) - Secondhand fashion marketplace
• Mercari (mercari.com) - General marketplace
• Whatnot (whatnot.com) - Live selling marketplace
• Bonanza (bonanza.com) - Online marketplace for unique items
• Ruby Lane (rubylane.com) - Antiques and collectibles marketplace
• Chairish (chairish.com) - Vintage and luxury furniture marketplace

Additional platforms are added regularly based on user requests and demand.

Technical Details

How does Username Inspector check username availability?

Username Inspector uses two methods, depending on the platform:

1. Auto-check (eBay, eBay Store, Poshmark, Grailed, Vinted, Whatnot, Bonanza, Chairish): a stateless serverless function queries each platform's public profile URL server-side in real time and reads the response to determine availability
2. Manual mode (Depop, Etsy, Mercari, Ruby Lane, or any platform in manual mode): the tool generates a direct URL to the profile page — platform.com/username — and you click it yourself
3. For manual links: if the platform displays "user not found" or similar, the username is available; if an active profile loads, it's taken

Auto-check requires no third-party API access or web scraping — it makes plain HTTP requests to each platform's own public profile URL, the same way a browser would if it could make cross-origin requests directly.

Does Username Inspector store my username searches?

No. Username Inspector prioritizes privacy:

• No usernames are stored or logged
• Auto-check requests pass through a stateless serverless function and are discarded immediately after — nothing is retained
• Manual mode never sends data anywhere; it all happens in your browser
• No tracking cookies are used
• Your searches are completely private

We use Google Analytics only to track page views and traffic sources, not individual username searches.

Use Cases

Why would I need to check usernames across multiple platforms?

Brand consistency across platforms provides several benefits:

• Customer Recognition: Customers can easily find you on any platform
• Professional Image: Consistent branding looks more established
• Cross-Platform Marketing: Easier to promote one username across channels
• SEO Benefits: Consistent naming helps with search visibility
• Brand Protection: Prevents others from using your name on different platforms

For resellers and small businesses operating on eBay, Poshmark, Depop, Etsy, and other platforms, username consistency is a simple but effective branding strategy.

Troubleshooting

What should I do if my browser blocks popup windows?

When using the "Open All Tabs" feature, browsers often block multiple popups. Solutions:

1. Allow popups: Enable popups for usernameinspector.com in your browser settings
2. Click individually: Instead of "Open All Tabs," click each check link one at a time
3. Use keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+Click (Cmd+Click on Mac) to open links in new tabs without popup blocking

Most browsers show a popup blocking notification in the address bar - click it to allow popups from our site.

Additional Resources

Where can I learn more about Username Inspector?

Additional resources:

• About Page - Technical details and background
• Fee Calculator - Compare selling fees across eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, Etsy, Grailed, and Vinted
• Homepage - Start checking usernames
• Support the Project - Optional donations

Can I suggest new features or platforms?

Yes! We actively add new platforms and features based on user feedback. Visit our Contact page to suggest additions, or browse the blog for guides on using the tool and choosing usernames.

Where can I learn more about choosing a username?

Check out our blog for guides on choosing the right username and username rules for each platform.