eBay is wonderfully practical: buyers want to see exactly what they're getting. Good photos aren't about looking glossy — they're about being clear and trustworthy.
Clean background, real item
A plain background makes the item easy to see in search results. You can shoot against a plain wall or sheet, or remove a messy background afterwards. Just don't edit the item itself — buyers need to see its real condition.
Angles to include
- Front, back and sides
- Labels, model numbers and serials (blur serials if you prefer)
- Close-ups of any wear, scratches or marks
- Everything included in the sale, laid out together
Show the flaws
It feels counterintuitive, but clear photos of imperfections reduce returns and bad feedback. Buyers trust sellers who are upfront.
Use the first photo wisely
The first photo appears in search results. Make it the clearest shot of the whole item, centred, on a clean background. A quick pass through the background remover with a white or light-grey fill makes it pop in a list of cluttered photos.
Lighting
Daylight near a window, no flash. Flash creates glare on glossy items and flattens texture.
FAQ
Can I remove the background from used items?
Yes — just don't remove or hide the item's condition. The background is fair game; the product should be shown honestly.
What's the minimum photo size?
eBay's minimum has been 500px on the longest side, but larger photos look far better and enable zoom.
