Photographing Fabrics
I'm a relatively new ebay seller, and I specialize in fabrics, particularly acrylic canvas. I have a lot of remnants for sale, and I need help with taking pictures.
I find it really hard to get even 5 photos showing off all the features of the fabrics, let alone using all 24 available slots.
Usually, I use a stock image for fabrics with a really complex pattern (I sell lots of striped stuff like for awnings or canopies). Then, I try to show how it drapes, measurements of the pattern for scale, how it looks rolled up, and a close up of the selvedge. If there's any stains, wrinkles, fraying, or other flaws I try to show that too, but I find myself not taking very many pictures at all; that's only around 6 photos if it's in rough condition, and less if it's clean and smooth.
I know you should take as many pictures as you can, but I'm just not sure what I should be taking more pictures of.
Any help would be super appreciated!
fabrics24
OP5 months agoOh dear! I had no idea about the buyer feedback thing! I'll be sure to leave good feedback from now on; I certainly don't want to leave a bad impression.
soh.maryl
·5 months agoJust reiterating here: Sellers can either leave good FB for buyers or can leave none at all.
You need to try to keep the FB you leave on topic.
To the best of my knowledge here, you've not left positive FB with negative remarks about the buyer. That is not allowed also. If you do that, the savvy buyer can have it removed and you, as the seller will get a "defect". No one seems to know how many "defects" can get you taken down, but it's not a chance you want to take.
Best of luck going forward in your selling career here.
fabrics24
OP5 months agoYikes! I'll be extra careful; if I could go back and edit my feedback, I definitely would now that I know this. I'll be mindful going forward, and try to keep FB on-topic and positive!
soh.maryl
·5 months agoYou are a new seller; however, please refrain from leaving that kind of FB for buyers. It has nothing to do with the buyer's part of a transaction and leaves a bad impression.
Better to leave nothing at all than to remark on things that were not the fault of the buyer.
mantle1951
·5 months agoGreat pictures. I noticed on the feedback you have left, no need to write negative comments, your buyer could try to use those comments against you. On my sales I just say " Extra fast payment AA++", or something similar no need for extra verbiage, good luck.
soh.maryl
·5 months agoFirst off, let me admit that I no longer sell on eBay; however, I would like to complement you on your listings which seem very useful and complete.
Just curious: What do people do with smaller pieces of canvas? One of your listings is for 3/4 yard of canvas for instance.
Enjoyed viewing your very clear pictures. Best of luck to you.
fabrics24
OP5 months agoAside from patching canopies and awnings of the same pattern (the main reason we have so many remnants) small pieces of canvas can be used to make outdoor cushions and tote bags, fabricate deck chairs, cut up for waterproof picnic blankets and quilts, and even decorative flags and other backyard decorations! I like them for outdoor placemats and throw pillows the best.
If you have solids, you can actually stretch and paint on them like real canvas, so hopefully I can get a few more of those listed.
soh.maryl
·5 months agoThank you -- you mentioned so many uses I would never have thought of. We have a local business that makes all kinds of outdoor things and has periodic sales of left over fabrics which I had ignored til now.
tarotfindsandmore
·5 months agoLike others have stated, you seem to have it things pretty well covered. You don't need to use all the pics. That said, if you really feel like you want to add something, you could use your phone's magnifier to get a close up of the warp/weft of the fabric. It's definitely not necessary, but sometimes it's easier to get an idea of the real colors and weight of a fabric with a close-up.
The 24 slots are very rarely necessary. It's typically things like pre-owned handbags or furniture where you might see someone use all, or most, of the slots. Those sellers really do need them to make clear the condition of all sides, interiors, findings, and other details plus photos of COAs, packaging, etc. I wouldn't have the patience for it myself, but if I'm blowing 6k-10k on a used handbag, I do want to see all those things.
fabrics24
OP5 months agoI see, thank you! That's actually a huge weight off my shoulders. I'm sure I have a lot more to learn, but I'm glad to know that at least my photos for this one thing are up to snuff!
You've all been a great help!
caldreamer
·5 months agoYou don't need to take 24 photos. What is really important is exact measurements and colors of fabric customer will be getting. Your Item specific are confusing (says 1-2 yards and width 46-60").
fabrics24
OP5 months agoThat does seem pretty confusing now that I look at it. I wonder if there's a better way to convey that info in the listing.
(For those curious, Length and Width are a lot like shipping dimensions; width is how long the fabric is across the bolt, which varies a lot depending on if you've got something like a JoAnn's bolt vs Upholstery vs Industrial. Length is what gets measured out and cut for you if you buy it by-the-yard.)
caldreamer
·5 months agoWhy not just write dimension (60 inch long x 32 inch wide) and multi-color (olive green/ white/ rust brown). The more accurate your description, the less likely you will get returned items.
Your $8 shipping costs seems very low (Sunbrella Hemlock Tweed). You will be losing money if you don't have exact weights & measurements of packaged item.
If you plan on shipping items using the cardboard tube, you must click on IRREGULAR SIZE PACKAGE when you create your listing. USPS and other carriers charge "extra money" for long tubes.
Best of luck to you!
fabrics24
OP5 months agoI'll tweak my listings to include those dimensions! Thanks for the tip!
Some fabric orders do fit in a #5 Mailer, so I can ship it for $6-8 and cover costs, but anything more than 4yds gets shipped on a roll in polytubing.
I hadn't realized that'd be irregular packaging, though! I'll fix my listings to account for that.
I'm learning a lot today! Thank you!
simply-the-best-for-you
·5 months agoUnderstand that an irregular package generally has very hefty fees associated with it, so be sure to add those to your shipping costs. In general it is best to avoid an irregular pkg if at all possible, as the fees can be outrageous.
squinkercat59
·5 months agoI hardly ever use all 24 picture slots, sometimes only two! I looked at your photos, and you have done everything you need to do. I used to sell fabric as well, and 2-3-4 photos seemed to be enough.