Use BaubleStash while shopping

The most common shopping question is simple: Do I already own this?

BaubleStash can answer it from the mobile app even when the store has poor reception, provided your stash has synced recently.

Before you leave home

1. Open the mobile app while you have a connection.
2. Let the sync finish. The status banner should say All changes saved, or no warning should be visible.
3. Search for a few ornaments you might see on your trip to confirm that your stash is available.

The website is online-first, so it is not the best choice for a store with weak signal.

In the store

Scan the barcode

1. Open Scan.
2. Point the camera at the ornament’s barcode.
3. Hold steady until BaubleStash shows a result.

Possible results:

• Ornament found — BaubleStash recognizes the release. It shows You own N if you have copies.
• Design found — BaubleStash recognizes the ornament but not the exact release. Choose the release or add a copy with Release unknown.
• Which release do you own? — Several releases match. Choose the one that matches the packaging in your hand.
• We couldn't find this ornament — The barcode is not in the catalog. You can add it privately.

Search by name or item number

If the barcode will not scan:

1. Open My Stash.
2. Type the ornament name, maker, series, year, item number, or box name.
3. Open the result and check the ownership count.

You can also type a manufacturer item number into the Scan screen’s manual field, such as QDB2462.

If you are not sure

• A barcode is evidence, not proof of the exact release.
• “Not in the catalog” does not mean “you do not own it.” It may be a private ornament or a missing catalog record.
• Search your stash before buying a second copy.
• If you buy something new, add it to My Stash while the details are in front of you.

Add a new ornament while shopping

1. Scan the barcode or select Add ornament.
2. Enter a name you will recognize.
3. Add the maker, item number, and year if they are printed on the packaging.
4. Choose a condition such as Mint or Excellent.
5. Assign a box later if you do not know where it will live.
6. Save.

If the network is unavailable, the mobile app saves the change on your phone and shows Waiting to sync. See Fix syncing problems.

What not to do

• Do not assume an unknown barcode means the ornament is not yours.
• Do not scan a QR code and open the website it contains. BaubleStash never opens QR content automatically.
• Do not delete or reinstall the app to “fix” a sync problem. Your local data may be lost.

Related guides

• How scanning works
• When a barcode is unknown
• Search My Stash
• What works offline