I promised a follow up on all 7 Rules and after my ranting about why to read the pinned post, here some tips about taking pics to sell your bag.
First, a little disclaimer: I am no photography expert, merely somebody who thinks that if I sell a bag for a sizeable sum, I want to a) represent it looking its best and b) make sure potential buyers get a good idea of what it looks like. As mentioned above, I also admin a page and see what can happen if adequate pictures aren't supplied: at best your post won't get approved. At worst you will find yourself at a dispute with a buyer.
- Include all pictures as listed in the Pinned Post
Yes, I know, you're sick of me constantly referring to the pinned post, but - honestly! - it's just there to help you!
Essentially, these pictures are there to fulfil three functions:
- proof that your bag is authentic
- illustrate its condition and
- simply for showing off your bag.
For authenticity you will typically be required to supply clear pictures of the Mulberry imprint, fob (front and back) and made in label (front and back).
For more info on showing its condition have a look at 2. below.
For showing off how lovely it is just think about what is no nice about your bag. Does it have some fab internal pockets? Is the colour beautiful? Can it be worn multiple different ways? Showcase these features!
- Show all details and flawsYou're asking for somebody who has
never seen the bag to part with their money so you want to
make sure they know what to expect. Make sure you not only mention any
flaws in your description but you photograph them as well as possible.
This applies for example to stains, scratches or marks on the leather
(especially any damage to piping), scratches on the hardware, any damage
to inking and any stains on the lining/interior. Believe me when I say
you don't want to omit anything: firstly that's not fair and secondly
it's not worth the hassle. Paypal (which should always be used for
payment) will most likely side with the buyer if you weren't quite
honest.
- Use daylight where possibleThis is a tricky one for me,
especially in the winter: leaving the house in darkness and returning
after sunset, means I could really only ever take pictures at the
weekend - and on dull days not even the daytime will afford great
conditions. In that case I try and use multiple, non-harsh light sources
to avoid glare and shade. This is really most important if you want to
show off a not so well known colour. Always good to point out which in picture the colour is the closest to what it looks like in real life. If you're
really struggling I'd advise to do all your pics and add a stock photo
of the colour to refer to.
- Stuff your bag
Potential buyers want to see how your bag looks when being carried - and presumably that would be with some stuff inside it. So, especially if your bag is slouchy or not particularly structured, show them. Nothing quite as sad as a deflated Alexa... It's best if you store your bag stuffed anyway, so you might have tissue paper or maybe even a Pilo from LoveLolo, if you don't, just get creative with some scarves, socks or cuddly toys... - Remove distractions
You want to show off your bag, not your busy carpet, kid's toys or kitchen paraphernalia. If you think you have a gorgeously patterned duvet or wallpaper you could, of course, use this to your advantage and add a bit of style in the background but I'd say keep it simple.
- Provide clear pictures
No-brainer really: blurry pics are rubbish, as are those that are so tiny you can't make out any detail.
So... don't do this...
Deflated Alexa with bonus Lego.
What am I even looking at..?
Blurry details.
Unclear imprint.
But do this instead:
Stuffed Alexa without distractions
Hardware flaws
Clear pics of imprint...
...and fob.
Clear pic of made in label front...
...and back
...and I'll shut up now... ;)
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