Why Photos Matter on eBay
On eBay, your photos are your salesperson. Buyers can't physically inspect items, so they rely entirely on images to make purchasing decisions. Research shows that listings with high-quality photos:
- Get 3x more views than listings with poor photos
- Sell 50% faster on average
- Receive fewer returns due to accurate representation
- Command higher prices - up to 20% more
eBay Image Requirements
Before diving into tips, let's cover eBay's basic requirements:
- Minimum size: 500 x 500 pixels
- Recommended: 1600 x 1600 pixels for zoom
- Format: JPEG, PNG, or GIF
- Up to 24 photos per listing (use them all!)
- No borders, text, or artwork on images
10 Tips for Better eBay Photos
1. Use Natural Lighting
Natural light is free and produces the best results. Photograph near a large window during daytime. Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows - cloudy days or north-facing windows provide ideal diffused light.
2. Create a Clean Background
White or light gray backgrounds work best. They look professional and don't distract from the product. Use Pixelift Background Remover to instantly create clean white backgrounds.
3. Show Multiple Angles
Include photos from every angle:
- Front view
- Back view
- Side views (both sides)
- Top and bottom if relevant
- 45-degree angles
4. Capture Important Details
Close-up shots of:
- Brand labels and tags
- Serial numbers or authenticity markers
- Material textures
- Any unique features
- Defects or wear (for used items)
5. Show Scale
Help buyers understand size by including:
- Common objects for reference (coin, ruler)
- The item being worn or held
- Measurements overlay on image
6. Keep It Steady
Blurry photos kill sales. Use a tripod or rest your phone/camera on a stable surface. Most smartphones have stabilization - use it.
7. Edit for Consistency
All photos in a listing should have:
- Same background color
- Similar lighting
- Consistent color temperature
8. Optimize Image Size
If your images are small, use Pixelift AI Upscaler to enlarge them to 1600+ pixels for the zoom feature.
9. Be Honest About Condition
For used items, clearly photograph any:
- Scratches or scuffs
- Stains or discoloration
- Missing parts
- Signs of wear
This builds trust and reduces returns.
10. Use All Photo Slots
eBay allows 24 photos - use as many as possible. More photos = more buyer confidence = more sales.
Common Photo Mistakes
Avoid these sales-killing errors:
- Cluttered backgrounds - distracts from product
- Poor lighting - makes products look cheap
- Stock photos only - buyers want to see actual item
- Watermarks - against eBay policy
- Screenshots of other listings - unprofessional
Equipment You Need
You don't need expensive gear:
- Smartphone - modern phones have excellent cameras
- White poster board - for backgrounds ($2)
- Desk lamp - for additional lighting
- Tripod or phone stand - for stability ($15-30)
Summary
Great eBay photos don't require professional equipment - just good technique and the right tools. Focus on clean backgrounds, multiple angles, proper lighting, and honest representation. Use AI tools like Pixelift to quickly create professional-looking images that sell.