# Quickstart

From an account to your first product search. Choose the connection that fits your application.

## Create your connection

- [Open the console](https://app.gaisho.co/console): Sign in to manage your account, API keys and usage.

If your MCP client supports OAuth, connect it and sign in through your browser. For scripts and REST, create an API key in the console. Keep it on your server or in your local environment; never put it in browser code, a repository or a chat message.

## With an MCP client

- [Install the MCP connection](https://gaisho.co/docs/mcp): Give your personal agent the installation prompt and follow its sign-in guidance.

Ask your agent

```
Find me a cordless vacuum under $300.
```

Your agent calls the connected tools and presents the results. You do not need to construct HTTP requests or create an API key when OAuth sign-in is available.

## With the REST API: authenticate

Shell

```
export GAISHO_API_KEY='YOUR_API_KEY'
```

Replace YOUR_API_KEY locally with your key. The examples below read this environment variable without embedding the key in source code.

Check the connection

```
curl --fail-with-body 'https://mcp.gaisho.co/v1/tools' \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GAISHO_API_KEY"
```

## With the REST API: search

Shell

```
curl --fail-with-body 'https://mcp.gaisho.co/v1/tools/search_products' \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $GAISHO_API_KEY" \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --data '{
  "query": "cordless vacuum under $300"
}'
```

The response contains tool and summary. Read summary for matched products and their product and offer IDs. Use those IDs in follow-up requests; do not invent IDs.

## Continue the task

- [Read product details](https://gaisho.co/docs/api/get_product): Inspect a product and its offers.
- [Check a quoted price](https://gaisho.co/docs/api/vet_price): Get a price judgment and its supporting reasons.
- [Connect an agent instead](https://gaisho.co/docs/mcp): Install the MCP connection and shopping guidance.