eBay Tips: Put Photo On Your Item For Sale

Photo Do's

• Use proper lighting to light the entire item thoroughly.

• Try to use a background that contrasts with the item.

  • Use a plain, colored fabric backdrop to make your item stand out. Pure white backgrounds are great for very dark items and sometimes jewelry.

  • Consider using hardwood floors as a background for large and small items.

• Avoid background clutter that can distract buyers or confuse them regarding what you are selling.

• Set the camera to a medium resolution (for example 1024x768 pixels). This provides excellent photo quality and results in a faster upload time for pictures used on eBay. It is also good for photo editing, if needed.

• Photograph items at close range and at an angle.

  • Photos should be big enough to show details and fill the whole frame when appropriate.

  • Multiple photos enable buyers to see as much detail as possible. For example, tabs, labels, original packaging, and accessories.

• Include scale where appropriate.

• If the item has any flaws, wear, or damage be sure to document it with a photo.

• Consider using a tripod to take sharp pictures using indoor lighting without flash.

Photo Don'ts

• Don’t copy pictures (without permission) from another eBay seller or manufacturer/retailer.

• Don’t photograph using flash if your item is reflective—like a mirror or the glass on a framed picture.

• Don’t use flash or avoid relying on it.

• If an automatic flash comes on, it means that you need another light source or that there isn't enough natural light.

To add pictures to your listing:

1. In the Describe your item section, enter a Title and click the Add Pictures button. A pop-up window will be displayed that defaults to the Basic tab.

2. Click the Browse button (see A below) and search for the picture that you want to upload.

   

   The Choose file screen will be displayed with a list of pictures that can be uploaded.

3. Select the picture that you want to upload, then click the Open button (see B below).

   

   The Standard tab screen will be displayed with the picture you've selected for upload (see C below). Alternately, if you have trouble using the Standard Uploader, or haven't installed Flash, version 9 or later, you can click the "Try the Basic Uploader" link on the bottom right-hand corner of the page to switch to the Basic Uploader.

4. Click the Upload button (see D below).

   

   The picture will be uploaded to the Sell: Create Your Listing page, under the Pictures section (see E below).

   

Using the Enhanced Uploader

If you are using Windows 2000 and Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, you can use the eBay Enhanced Uploader.

Note: You will need to click the "Add/remove options" link on the Create Your Listing page, to enable the Enhanced Uploader (see the Screen above).

To add pictures to your listing:

1. In the Describe your item section, enter a Title and click the Add Pictures button.

2. Click the Enhanced tab and then click the Add Pictures button. The Open screen will be displayed with a list of pictures for you to choose from.

3. Select the picture that you want to upload and then click the Open button (see A below).

   

   The picture will be displayed under the Enhanced tab (see B below).