eBay Your Old GearWhat’s old to you is new to someone else. Get some cash back from cameras you don’t need and make new friends in the process |
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Page 3 of 7 2. Gather all of the accessories, manuals, discs and the original box. I’ve been chided for saving product boxes, but when you want to sell used gear, nothing helps add value to the sale like including all of the original packaging. 3. Check that everything works. This is especially important if you haven’t used the camera in a while. Charge the battery, take a few shots and download them using the camera—basically, do everything your buyer will do when it arrives. 4. Include a bonus. If you have an extra memory card or camera bag, it can be a big selling point if you include it as an added value. This may be what sets your listing apart and fetches you a higher price. Photographing Your Item The photographs you show of your item are your most valuable sales tool. They don’t have to be technically perfect, but they need to be clear and show the item in good detail. After all, this is the only visual confirmation for the buyer that the item is in the condition you claim. eBay lets you post one image free with each listing. Additional photos are an extra charge, but the charge is minimal and you’d be wise to include three to four images of your item to help your buyer feel confident. Here’s how to make some great shots for your listing. 1. Use a white background. A roll of white butcher paper, available at most art stores, makes the perfect smooth background. In a pinch, a white tablecloth or linens will do the trick, too. Smooth out the kinks, and clean up the background in Photoshop if there are elements that distract from your item. 2. Light the item well. If you think you’ll be a regular seller on eBay, consider investing in a simple lighting setup. I use two Lowel Ego lights (www.lowel.com) at 45 degrees to light my items from the front. The quick and dirty solution is to photograph the item in a well-lit room. Don’t use flash, as it creates harsh highlights that look bad and may obscure important details. Soft, even lighting is key.
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