How to Take Good Photos of Item Listed on eBay

Have you ever surfed eBay and seen pictures of items taken on someone’s kitchen floor, bed, or couch? Unappealing photos can cost you sales. Here are some easy, inexpensive ways to make your photos look clean and professional, which in turn will improve your sales on eBay.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Digital Camera
• Foam Core Board
• Basic Photo Editing Software

1. 

   First, you will need a digital camera. If you don't have one, see if you can borrow one from a friend or relative.

2. 

   Next, set up an area just for photographing your items. It does not have to be elaborate or expensive, but you should find a small space where you can work without clutter. You want to use a solid background for your photos so that the emphasis is on the item you are selling. Use foam core board, which you can buy at office supply stores for about $3, for our background - you want the item for sale to be the focal point of the picture.

3. 

   Use good lighting. Natural daylight is best, however, you won't always have that luxury. Just be sure that the item can be represented accurately in the photo.

4. 

   If you are selling clothing, you may want to invest about $10 to buy a half mannequin. You can then cover a door with butcher paper or posterboard, hook a wreath hanger over the door, and hang your mannequin on the wreath hanger. This is a great way to photograph clothing.

5. 

   After you have taken your photos, you will need to edit them on them on the computer. You don't have to be an expert graphic designer, just crop the picture so the item for sale, and the solid background are all that's in the picture. You may need to adjust color, brightness, and contrast.

6. 

   Finally, upload your photos when you list your item on eBay. You may want to look at using a listing template service, such as Seller Sourcebook, which gives options such as background templates, enlargement of your photos, and image hosting.

7. Join groups, forums, and support websites and interact with other sellers. The best way to learn about eBay selling, as with anything in life, is to talk to others who have experience. You will save valuable time and money by learning from the mistakes of others. Check the resources section below for more ways to improve your sales on eBay.

Resources

• My Free eBay Guide
• Listen to my eBay Podcasts

[ceniamari]

on 10/31/2009 These are great tips on taking photos of items!

[momsrule]

on 4/12/2009 5* Great tips

[aheart4home]

on 2/20/2009 Great tips for photographing items to sell. I think the solid background is very important. I know those items catch my eye easier than the photos that are very busy. 5*