For sellers

Photos and video that sell

Buyers can't pick your item up, so the photos do the talking. Clear photos and a short video answer questions before anyone asks them: fewer “does it work?” messages, more “I'll take it”. All you need is a phone.

Background contrast

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  Dark item on a light background: every edge is clear.

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  Light item on a darker surface: the shape stands out.

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  White on white: the small white pieces nearly disappear.

Seven photo rules

1. 1

   Use daylight. Stand by a window, no flash, no ceiling light. Overcast days are perfect: soft light, no hard shadows.

2. 2

   Contrast the background. Light item on a dark surface, dark item on a light one. A sheet of white paper, a dark towel or a wooden floor all work. Avoid busy patterns.

3. 3

   Fill the frame. Get close so the item takes most of the photo. Hold the phone straight; tilted photos look careless.

4. 4

   Cover photo first. The first photo is the one people see in the list: the whole item, from the front, nothing else in shot.

5. 5

   Then the rest. Back, sides, labels and model number, ports and buttons, what's in the box. 5 to 10 photos is a good number.

6. 6

   Show every fault. Scratches, dents, missing parts: close up and in focus. Buyers trust a listing that shows the flaws, and it saves returns and arguments.

7. 7

   Clear the room. No people, no mess, no post with your name and address in shot. Check reflections in screens and glass.

A 20-second video

Film upright, in daylight, without music or talking. One take is fine. For electronics, a video of it switched on is the strongest proof it works.