When it comes to decluttering your home or making a little extra money by selling your old things online, having great photos can make all the difference. It’s easy to think that a few quick snaps from your phone will be enough, but in a crowded space like online auction sites—whether it’s eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist—quality photos can make or break your sale. If you want your listing to stand out from the rest, learning a few photography tricks will help your items shine.
It’s not just about getting your clutter out of the house, either. Think of selling items online as a mini version of your business. While you might not be shipping out products at scale, you are still looking to make your goods look as appealing as possible, and a well-staged photo can do the trick. Here’s how you can make your old items look so good that potential buyers won’t be able to resist bidding.
The Power of First Impressions
We all know first impressions matter. Whether you’re meeting someone new or deciding if a vintage lamp is worth the price, that initial glance plays a huge role in decision-making. And on platforms like eBay, buyers are relying solely on the photos you provide since they can’t physically inspect the item. That’s why your photos need to be clear, well-lit, and show every angle of the item.
If you’re selling a used gadget, for example, include close-ups of any scratches or wear. Being upfront about flaws actually builds trust with buyers. A well-lit photo that highlights these imperfections can feel more honest than a grainy photo that hides them. You can even use a tool like Uncrop to expand the background of your image if you’re working with tight spaces, ensuring your item looks centered and professional.
Capture Different Angles
One photo is never enough. Just as you wouldn’t buy something in a store after only looking at it from one side, people shopping online want to see the full picture. For larger items like furniture or electronics, take photos from multiple angles—front, back, and sides. Don’t forget the little details: close-ups of any unique features or markings will give buyers confidence that they’re getting exactly what you’re selling.
If you’re feeling creative, include lifestyle photos, which are particularly effective if you’re selling home goods. For example, showing a table with place settings in a dining room can help buyers imagine the item in their own space. Think of these shots as adding context to your sale—people want to see how things can fit into their lives, not just what they look like sitting in your garage.
Use Natural Light and Neutral Backgrounds
Lighting is everything. If possible, take your photos in natural light. A well-lit space—preferably near a window—will give your items a clean, inviting look. Dark, shadowy photos can make even the best items seem a little sketchy. If natural light isn’t available, using a soft light lamp can help mimic daylight and ensure your photos don’t look too harsh or overexposed.
Backgrounds matter too. While it might seem convenient to snap a picture with the item sitting on your kitchen table or in your living room, this can often make the listing look cluttered or unprofessional. Try using a neutral backdrop, like a white sheet or plain wall, so the focus stays on the item, not on your surroundings. Tools like “Uncrop” can help in adjusting the background if you don’t have much space or need to fill out the image.
Honesty in Product Descriptions
A photo might say a thousand words, but your product description seals the deal. After snapping a series of high-quality images, take the time to write clear and honest descriptions. Avoid the temptation to gloss over imperfections. Instead, address them upfront. If the item has some wear and tear, show it in the photos and describe it in the listing. The key to writing product descriptions is not to just list features but to connect them to the buyer’s needs.
For instance, if you’re selling an old, slightly worn leather jacket, don’t just mention that it’s genuine leather. Talk about how the slight wear gives it character or how it has been well-loved and broken in. You want potential buyers to imagine themselves wearing the jacket and feeling great in it, even if it’s secondhand. Storytelling is your friend when writing product descriptions, helping you build a connection between your items and the people browsing through them.
Editing: When and How to Use It
We’ve all seen those overly edited photos that make us think, “That’s too good to be true.” While it’s tempting to retouch your images to perfection, restraint is key. You want the photos to look true to life. Basic adjustments like cropping, brightening, and correcting color balance are perfectly fine—and can make your items more appealing. Tools like “Uncrop” can even help if you need to tweak the background to give your item some breathing room.
But be careful not to go overboard. Buyers want to know what they’re getting, and if the actual item looks drastically different from your edited photos, you’ll likely end up with unhappy customers. Think of editing as enhancing reality, not distorting it. Adjust the lighting or sharpness to make your photos pop, but stay true to the actual condition of the item.
Consistency Is Key
Consistency in your photos and descriptions is crucial when you’re trying to sell multiple items. This might sound like a strategy more suited to “your business” website, but even on auction platforms, buyers are reassured by uniformity. Imagine you’re selling several pieces of old kitchenware. If all your photos follow the same format—a clean background, well-lit images, multiple angles—it shows that you’ve put thought and care into the process.
Additionally, keeping the tone of your descriptions similar across listings helps maintain a professional feel. You don’t want one item to have a casual, flippant description and another to be overly formal. Consistency builds trust, which can lead to repeat buyers if you’re clearing out a lot of items. Plus, it makes the whole experience easier for you; once you establish a routine for photographing and listing your items, you’ll be able to crank out those listings in no time.
Why Investing Time Pays Off
It might be tempting to throw up a few quick photos and be done with it, but spending a little extra time on your listings can make a huge difference in both how quickly your items sell and how much money you make. High-quality photos, combined with thoughtful descriptions, can help justify a higher price point. People are often willing to pay more for something that looks polished and well cared for, even if it’s secondhand.
It’s similar to running your business—presentation matters. When buyers can see that you’ve taken the time to showcase your items properly, it adds a level of professionalism that can set you apart from the dozens of other people selling the same thing. Your items don’t just become a secondhand good; they become a treasure someone else can envision in their own life.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Don’t be discouraged if your first few listings don’t look as polished as the professionals. Take the time to play with different lighting, angles, and backgrounds. Experiment with storytelling in your product descriptions and see what resonates with buyers. Over time, you’ll develop a system that works for you, and selling online might even become something you enjoy—not just something you have to do to clear space.
Whether you’re offloading old furniture, selling last season’s jackets, or cleaning out your garage, remember that a little effort can go a long way. With the right photos and descriptions, you’ll have buyers lining up to take those items off your hands—and maybe even bidding more than you expected.
