Selling your pre-loved treasures on Mercari? You know the drill: good photos equal better sales. Compelling images not only grab a buyer’s attention but build trust and help them visualize the item in their life. This guide takes you through a step-by-step process to creating those eye-catching photos, using insights from two successful resellers, Seller 1 and Seller 2.
Table of Contents
- Setting Up Your Photo Shoot (Seller 1)
- Efficient Photography Workflow (Seller 1)
- Seller 2’s Streamlined Approach
- FAQ Section
Introduction
In the world of online reselling, high-quality photos are your secret weapon. On a platform like Mercari, where buyers scroll through countless listings, your images are the first impression. They need to stand out, showcase the item’s best features, and provide enough detail to encourage confident purchases.
This post will guide you through two distinct photography approaches: Seller 1’s meticulous approach, perfect for those who prefer a more controlled setting, and Seller 2’s streamlined strategy, ideal for resellers juggling multiple platforms. Whichever method resonates with you, get ready to transform your Mercari listings with pictures that sell.
Part 1: Setting Up Your Photo Shoot
Seller 1, a reseller specializing in clothing for men, women, and children on eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari, has a detailed photography process designed to capture high-quality images for each item. Let’s dive into her setup:
- 1. Gather Your Equipment:
- Camera: While Seller 1 uses a dedicated camera (Canon G7x) for crisper, cleaner results, phone photography is a perfectly acceptable option, especially when starting out.
- Lighting: Natural light is your best friend! If you have a well-lit space with plenty of natural light, use it to your advantage. For indoor shoots, two ring lights can be used to mimic natural light, strategically positioned to minimize shadows. Seller 1, for instance, has two ring lights positioned on each side of her flat lay setup.
- Backdrop: A white or bright-colored backdrop provides a clean, professional look. Seller 1 utilizes a white backdrop for her flat lays and the back of her door for hanging shots, demonstrating that a simple setup can work wonders. Alternatives like poster board or a plain bed sheet can also serve as effective backdrops.
- Other Tools: These include a measuring tape, a lint roller, scissors, and a fabric shaver. These items help to ensure that your clothing is presented in its best possible light.
- 2. Prepare Your Items:
- Cleaning: Carefully clean your items, paying special attention to any flaws or imperfections. Good lighting can help reveal even the smallest of flaws, so inspect thoroughly.
- Steaming: Wrinkle-free clothes look more appealing and professional. Invest in a steamer and demonstrate how to properly steam your garments to eliminate wrinkles.
- Styling: Styling your clothing can significantly elevate your photos. Seller 1 prefers laying out items like jeans, sweaters, and jackets for a flat lay style. For shirts and blouses, she hangs them up.
- 3. Choosing Your Photo Style (Seller 1’s Process):
- Flat Lay: This style works particularly well for items like jeans, sweaters, and jackets. Seller 1 lays these out flat on her backdrop, carefully arranging the sleeves and overall look of the clothing. Clear visual examples of well-styled flat lays can be included in the post.
- Hanging Photos: Blouses and dresses tend to photograph better when hanging, allowing buyers to get a better sense of their drape and fit. Seller 1 uses the back of her door, demonstrating that a simple setup can be just as effective.
Part 2: Efficient Photography Workflow
Once your setup is complete, it’s time to start capturing those perfect shots. Seller 1’s photography workflow emphasizes consistency and efficiency:
- 4. Taking the Photos:
- Camera Settings: If using a dedicated camera, auto settings will often suffice. When taking photos with your phone, select the correct aspect ratio for Mercari (1:1 for square photos) and use the highest resolution setting possible.
- Photographing Measurements: Seller 1 incorporates photographs of key measurements (pit-to-pit for chest, length of garments) into her workflow, eliminating the need to measure again later when writing her descriptions.
- Consistent Order: For every item, take photos in a consistent order, for example, front, measurements, tag, flaws (if any), and back. This approach ensures you capture all the essential details without missing anything.
- 5. Batch Editing and Uploading (Seller 1’s Process):
- SD Card Transfer: Efficiently transfer photos from your camera’s SD card to your computer.
- Bulk Editing Software: Seller 1 uses Photoscape X, a free and user-friendly program for batch editing. Demonstrate how to adjust brightness and shadows in bulk to enhance the photos’ overall look.
- Uploading to Computer: Organize your photos into folders for each item to keep them well-structured and easily accessible.
- Platform Uploading: Briefly explain that once your photos are edited and organized, they can be seamlessly uploaded to Mercari, eBay, and Poshmark.
Part 3: Seller 2’s Streamlined Approach
Seller 2, a part-time reseller active on Poshmark, Depop, Mercari, Vinted, and Curtsy, has a streamlined approach that prioritizes efficiency across multiple platforms:
- 6. Optimize for Multiple Platforms:
- Phone Photography (16:9 Aspect Ratio): Seller 2 takes photos with her phone, using a 16:9 aspect ratio to capture images that will be automatically cropped to squares on Depop.
- Depop as Base: Depop serves as Seller 2’s primary platform. She uploads photos and descriptions to Depop and then copies and pastes them to other marketplaces.
- 7. Leveraging Google Lens:
- Detailed Descriptions: Seller 2 utilizes Google Lens to quickly find comprehensive item descriptions, saving her time and ensuring she provides detailed information to buyers.
- Stock Photos: Google Lens can also be helpful for finding stock photos, which are particularly useful for platforms like Poshmark, where stock images are often preferred.
- 8. Organizing Descriptions (Seller 2’s Method):
- Structure: Seller 2’s descriptions follow a consistent format: brand, item name, size, measurements, condition, color, and relevant hashtags.
- Hashtags: Relevant hashtags help buyers easily discover her items when searching on the platform.
Part 4: FAQ Section
Q: How many photos should I take for each item?
A: Aim for 4-8 photos per item, showcasing different angles, details, and any flaws. While Depop limits you to 4 images, other platforms allow more, so take advantage of the extra space.
Q: Do I need professional lighting equipment?
A: Natural light is always best, but ring lights are a very effective alternative for indoor shoots or when natural light is insufficient.
Q: What kind of backdrop should I use?
A: White or light-colored backdrops create a clean, distraction-free look. Alternatives like poster board or bed sheets can also work well.
Q: What should I do if my item has flaws?
A: Be transparent! Take clear, close-up photos of any flaws and accurately describe them in your listing.
Q: How do I find good stock photos?
A: Google Lens can be a great resource for finding relevant stock images. You can also check official brand websites and retail sites for high-quality images.
Conclusion
Great photos can make all the difference in your Mercari success. While both Seller 1 and Seller 2 have developed distinct workflows, their shared focus is on capturing high-quality images that clearly showcase their items. By incorporating these tips and techniques into your own process, you’ll be well on your way to creating compelling photos that attract buyers and boost your sales. Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment with different approaches and find what works best for you.