Step #4 Continued: The Do’s of Taking Pictures

Written by Texas Tracy on February 11, 2008

Tagged under category: How to List an Auction

It sounds so simple: put good pictures in your auction. But then why are so many auctions filled with poor, out of focus shots? Still baffles me. Also, to remind you, it is a must to include multiple pictures in your auction. You are losing money by only including one picture. Please sign up for ebay’s Picture Manager. This money saving tool is very cleverly hidden among the dusty web halls of ebay. I found out about it via my PowerSeller newsletter. Worth looking into.

So, without further ado. Here is a nice good looking shot of our Coach wallet:

No clutter, just a good front view. Of course, you want to include the backside of your item. Also, if applicable, you would include the side, bottom, and top, depending on what you are selling.

Personally, I like to show how the wallet opens. Realizing that you will not always be selling a wallet, I just want to emphasize that your photos need to highlight the features of your object. If it does something cool, try to catch it in a photo.

Next, and most importantly, if your item is marked or hallmarked in any way show it in a photo! When buying something off of ebay people like to see the mark that distinguishes what they are buying from something else, especially if this hallmark makes it cost more money. Do not rely on them taking your word for it. Too many crooked sellers out there…

I also like to include some extras. Maybe a picture that your competition is too lazy to include, but something that buyers like to see. Speaking of wallets in particular, the coin purse area often gets quite soiled from dirty coins. Coach lines many of their purses and wallets with pretty signature fabric. People like to see it:

Last-if you are going to sell jewelry of any kind you need to get really good with your photos. If your item is 14KT, people want to see the hallmark. If your piece is signed, people want to see it. For example:

Just by showing the signature of famed Navajo jewelry maker Tommy Singer the price on this turquoise necklace went from $10 for an unsigned piece to at least $100 for a signed Tommy Singer piece. Nice return on one picture. Next topic: your text and why you wish you had paid better attention in English class.

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