Model and serial numbers do different jobs
A model number identifies a product family or specification. A serial number identifies one individual unit. Buyers usually need the model first because it reveals the version, capacity, year or compatible parts. Do not guess from appearance. Two products with the same casing can contain different components.
Photograph the complete label whenever possible. That preserves spacing, suffixes and similar-looking characters such as O and 0. Keep a full serial number in your private records rather than placing it in a public advert.
Televisions, monitors and projectors
Check the rear panel near the input ports or power connection. Many smart televisions also show model information under Settings, Support or About. Wall-mounted screens may be easier to identify through the menu than by trying to reach behind them.
Projectors often carry the model on the underside or rear casing. Photograph the label without resting the lens on a hard surface. Once identified, the projector quotation page asks for resolution, brightness, throw type, lamp or laser usage and included accessories.
Kitchen appliances
Washing machine labels are commonly around the door opening or on the rear panel. Dishwasher labels often sit on the side or top edge of the door. Refrigerators may have a label inside the fresh food compartment, behind a lower drawer or on an interior wall.
Microwaves and countertop appliances usually have a rating plate on the back or base. For a built-in oven assessment, check the door frame, side of the cavity or manual before pulling the appliance out. Do not disturb gas, hard wiring or fitted cabinetry merely to read a label.
Air treatment and cooling equipment
A dehumidifier model may be printed on the rear housing, beside the tank or underneath the unit. Record the stated extraction capacity as well as the code. Air purifiers often place the plate near the filter cover or power input, while filter packaging can help confirm compatibility.
Portable air conditioners commonly carry the label on the back near the hose connection. Include the cooling capacity, exhaust hose and window kit when using the air conditioner quotation page. For an air purifier quote, note room coverage, filter type and whether the sensors and controls work.
Laptops, desktop computers and phones
Phones normally show model information in Settings. Laptops may show it on the underside, in a manufacturer support app or under About this device. Do not rely on the processor sticker alone because the same processor appears in many machines.
A desktop computer may be a branded model or a custom build. For the computer quotation page, record the processor, memory, storage, graphics card and motherboard where known. Photograph the case label and the system information screen without showing account names or personal files.
Smart speakers, watches and older music players
Smart speakers often hide the model on the base. The companion app may confirm the generation, but remove the device from your account before handover. Use the Alexa device page for Echo speakers and displays, including the power adaptor and any screen condition notes.
Smartwatches show model details in their settings or on the case back. Strap size, connectivity and charger matter alongside the code. Older Apple music players can look very similar across generations, so the settings screen and engraved details help when preparing an iPod quotation.
Games consoles and VR equipment
Console labels are normally on the rear or underside. Storage and system information can also appear in the settings menu. An original Xbox 360, Xbox 360 S and Xbox 360 E are different machines, so use the exact label when visiting the Xbox 360 quotation page.
VR headsets may have identifiers inside the strap area, beside a face interface or in the companion app. Record the headset and controller models separately. Do not publish account identifiers. A VR headset assessment also needs storage, lens condition, tracking behaviour and included controllers.
Cameras, drones and smaller electronics
Camera labels are commonly on the base. Lenses have the model, mount and focal range around the barrel. Drones may show separate codes on the aircraft, controller and batteries. Keep them matched in the photographs and use the drone quotation page for flight time, battery condition, camera and crash history.
Use a dry cloth to reveal a dusty label. Do not use solvents, scrape off a plate or dismantle an item to find a code. If the label is unreadable, send a clear picture of the product, controls, ports and original box.
Check the photograph before moving on
Zoom in and make sure every character is sharp. Photograph the whole label first, then a closer view if necessary. A blurred label creates another round of questions and can lead to the wrong specification being assessed.