The quality of the auction photo that you use on eBay to advertise your merchandise is very important. Succinct written descriptions of your items are very necessary but photos are vital. People don’t want to buy something they can’t see. And when you do provide photos you are better off providing multiple photos and exposing all of the visual details of your product.

Displaying the Item for Your Auction Photo

First, you have consider the item you are photographing. If it’s clothing, do you think laying it out on a bed makes the best image, or maybe putting it on a mannequin, person or a hanger at the very least? Large items should be photographed with perspective — for instance, standing a large sign next to a fence would give a buyer a visual of just how large the sign is. A small item can be photographed next to a deck of cards or pack of matches to give a better perspective to your buyer.

If possible, take photos from all angles: sides, top and bottom. I also try not to photograph my items on furniture or counters with other, non-auction items in the image. I try to use plain white backgrounds for all of my auction photos. If you do not have clear space on a floor or counter to be able to photograph just the item then lay down a towel or blanket for your background. Take photos of standing items against plain walls or a large box (hiding the edges of the box, of course. The point is to keep the photos clean. No fluff and no extraneous items in your auction photo.

This is also a good time to consider the appropriate lighting and making sure to use a background that is not shiny and has no sheen. Take your initial photo, view it and see how it looks. Do the colors appear bright and clear, are there shadows hiding details of your item, did the flash reflect off of part of the item and make part of the item not viewable? If the photo is not of the best quality, take a more photos. Try different lights in your room, different angles, flash and no flash shots. Don’t settle for second best when you are trying to make top dollar for your item.

Let Your Photos Show the Flaws

Consider any flaws that your item may have. If you are selling vintage clothing then take close-up shots of a torn hemline. You want to give your bidders a better idea of what they are in for when the item arrives at their home. Any scuffs, tears or marks should be described in your item description and carefully photographed. This will not hurt your final selling price. In fact, this will add to your credibility, show your honesty. Since much of what is sold on eBay is used, buyers do not expect all used merchandise to be without flaws. But, they do expect you to be honest about what you are selling.

Filed under: eBay

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