Photos decide the sale. Setup, light, on-model shots and AI images used right.
The first photo decides whether anyone clicks at all. Good, bright, honest images massively increase click rate and selling speed and justify higher prices. Poor photos are the most common reason good goods don't sell.
Daylight (by the window, no direct sun), neutral background, item smooth and wrinkle-free, straight from the front. Show all relevant details: label, brand, material, defects. Multiple angles build trust and reduce queries.
No. A current smartphone is entirely enough. More important than the camera are light, background and composition. A constant setup saves time and makes your profile visually consistent.
Both have their place. Flatlays (laid flat) are quick and clear. On-model shots — on a model, dress form or as an AI on-model shot — show cut and drape and tend to sell better because buyers can picture the item more easily.
AI on-model shots place your real item on a generated model. They save time and look professional. Important: the item must exactly match the original (color, cut, print) and you should stay honest. Check the respective marketplace's rules on image use.
Either physically (white wall/cardboard, good light) or via a cutout/background tool that removes the background automatically. Consistent backgrounds make your profile look tidy and on-brand.
Use as many of the available photo slots as possible. At minimum: front, back, brand/size label, material label and close-ups of details or defects. Complete photo sets sell faster and reduce complaints.
Yes, always. Openly showing stains, holes, pilling or wear protects you from returns and bad reviews. Honest defect photos build trust and attract buyers who know exactly what they're getting.
Always use the same background, the same perspective and similar light. A consistent look makes your profile recognizable and professional — a strong trust signal that experienced resellers deliberately use as branding.
Diffuse light (cloudy day, light through a curtain) avoids hard reflections. Dark fabrics need a bit more exposure so texture stays visible. Check that the color in the photo matches reality — color deviations are a common reason for returns.
Both shoes together, from the side, front, back and the sole. Show condition on sole, toe box and heel honestly. Good light and a neutral background make the color look true.
It's not necessary, but it shows cut and drape better than a flatlay and looks professional. Alternatives are on-body shots or AI on-model shots.
Wash/de-pill, then iron or steam — wrinkles make goods look cheap. Remove lint and pet hair with a roller. Five minutes of prep raises perceived quality enormously.
Late morning to early afternoon with indirect daylight (cloudy or a window without direct sun). Direct sun creates hard shadows and color cast.
Close up, in focus, with enough light and no reflections. Brand, size and material label each separately — this builds trust and answers queries in advance.
Use neutral daylight, avoid mixed artificial lighting and correct the white balance if needed. Finally, check that the color in the image matches reality — color deviation is a common reason for returns.
For clothing, good daylight is usually better; a ring light can help with detail or evening shots but quickly creates unnatural reflections. Diffuse, even light beats point light sources.
Brightness, cropping and removing the background are fine. Not fine is falsifying color, condition or defects — that leads to returns and bad reviews. Editing should show reality, not gloss it over.
For most platforms portrait is ideal because it fills the mobile feed. Stick to the platform's recommended aspect ratio so nothing gets cropped.
Same background, same perspective, similar light for every item. A consistent grid acts like a brand and signals a serious, active shop.
Take a sharp close-up of every defect and additionally name it in the text. Better to show one flaw too many — this significantly lowers returns and “not as described” cases.
Only a fraction of a scroll. The cover image must instantly convey brand/item and quality — so put the best, clearest photo there, not a detail.
Frontal and straight, the item flat and wrinkle-free so the pattern isn't distorted. An extra detail shot shows print quality and the print's condition.
An on-body shot helps buyers judge fit and drape and feels authentic. If you don't want that, a dress form or an AI on-model shot are good alternatives.
Practical knowledge from the reseller community and experienced full-time sellers, summarized generally. Legal & tax matters follow official sources (incl. the German Federal Central Tax Office on the Platform Tax Transparency Act/DAC7) and do not replace tax or legal advice. As of 2026.
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