How Many Photographs For Your eBay Listing?

How Many Photographs?

How many photographs does your listing need? The simple answer is: as many as it takes to show every detail a potential buyer needs to know. Because connection speeds vary and your buyers' patience isn't unlimited, you may wonder, exactly how many is enough? How many are too many?

Sadly, there is no simple formula to determine the correct number of photos. The very minimum needed is one. Buyers need to see the item to feel comfortable buying it. They can't touch it, so it is doubly important that they see a good picture of it. The first photo in a listing is usually free - and I say, "Never pass up free." Always include at least on picture.

What Do Buyers Look For?

What product information are potential buyers looking for?

In general, the first thing buyers want to know is that your truly have the piece - so a full shot of the item is a good place to start. Many online sellers are "Drop Shippers" - people who act as agents for the distributors of certain products. The person listing the item never has it in his or her possession. They can't guarantee that it is in stock or that it will be shipped promptly. These sellers usually have "canned" product shots that are instantly recognizable. Your photographs will set you apart from such sellers, and may make your listings more appealing.

Next buyers want to know specific things about the item, such as condition, color, imperfection's, etc. You can best answer these questions and document your article's condition through photographs.

Not every product will require the same sorts of photos. Collectibles like coins or stamps may have variations that make them especially valuable, for instance, and you'll want to concentrate on those details. Think about what questions you would ask if you were buying (rather than selling) your item, and let that be your guide.

Here's a general list of additional areas to photograph:

• Damage to the item - chips, cracks repairs, rips, wear marks, flaws of any kind
• Signatures - On the bottom of most pottery or glass there is a manufacturer's stamp or signature. On hand made items or crafts, if there is a signature - photograph it. It doesn't matter if you can't read the signature clearly. Someone might recognize it and bid according
• Labels and tags on clothing.
• Close-up of the pattern
• Certificate of Authenticity
• The backside - people like to see both sides and the bottom and top
• Any accessory (including software) that comes with the main item
• The plug - This is especially important for vintage collectibles that require electricity. Many people want to see if the wires are frayed or if the plug is grounded. For modern equipment, buyers may be able to discern special requirements for voltage or electrical outlets by seeing the plug.

Other situations may require special photos. For instance:

• Before and after shots are important if you are selling a product that, when used, improves something. For instance, if you were selling rust remover, you might photograph a rusty, tarnished kettle and then show the same kettle cleaned up and gleaming after the rust remover was used.
• If you are selling vehicles, photograph the interior, exterior, engine and trunk.

This list is a place to start when your are considering what you need to photograph to sell your item.

The text above is used with permission from Easy Auction Photography, A Guide For Everyone Who Sells On The Internet. To Find out more, or to purchase go to www.ezauctionphotos.com