Everyday Photography

It’s Hard to Sell Online Without Photos

21st April, 2010 - Posted by blazingcircle - No Comments

Back at the beginning of March, Single Guy Money posted this piece about selling on Craigslist.  One point caught my eye.

Pictures. Take good, clear photos of your item. I personally would not buy anything if there was no picture of the item. Putting up a stock photo is better than nothing but a photo of the actual item is preferable.

Yes, you need photos, but I have a problem with the latter part of this suggestion.  Scammers use stock photos to sell their items and if you do this it makes you look like a scammer too.  Use photos of your item and nothing else.

One thing to remember is we buy because stuff grabs our eye.  Make an effort when taking the photos.  Selling a leaf blower doesn’t likely need crazy great photos and it’s something you can take yourself.  Showing it in your yard on a bright day, in focus, after the yard is clear of leaves is likely as good as you need.   With big ticket items, the best photos get the most eyes.  When selling a car you’re fighting a dealer selling a used car in glossy ads.  In a time when people are low on money and looking for a deal, making your car seem better than the rest is even more important than before.  I offer $85 sessions for personal property photos.  The late fee or cost of one month’s interest on a loan is often more than $85 these days.  Selling quicker has value.