eBay photo requirements and tips

What are eBay’s photo requirements?

These are the current numbers from eBay UK’s picture policy and its help page on adding pictures. eBay can change them, so check the sources below if you’re reading this a while after the date at the top.

What isn’t allowed in eBay photos?

eBay’s picture policy lists what you can’t do. Most of it comes down to one idea: the photo should show the item, and nothing else.

• Photos that don’t accurately represent the item.
• Placeholder images used to give buyers a message, such as “photo coming soon”.
• Stock photos for used, damaged or defective items.
• Added borders.
• Added text, artwork or marketing material, such as “free postage” or “sale” banners.
• Watermarks of any type, including ones that show who owns the photo.

Tip eBay’s photo tips also say added text, artwork, logos or watermarks can stop your images showing up in third-party search results. Keep your shop name and offers in the listing, not on the photo.

Can I use stock photos or images from other websites?

Usually not. eBay’s images, videos and text policy says that if you upload photos created by someone else, you must have explicit written permission from anyone who has rights to them. It also says you can’t use images from a manufacturer’s website, even if they are publicly available, and that copying content from other websites or internet searches may be copyright infringement.

The same applies to photos on other marketplaces and retailer sites. Finding a product somewhere else doesn’t give you the right to reuse its pictures. Take your own photos, or get written permission from whoever owns them. If you buy from a supplier, ask whether you’re allowed to use their images, and get the answer in writing.

There is one built-in option. eBay says you can use images from its own catalogue through the Sell one like this feature. But its Best Match guidance says not to use the catalogue stock photo as your main picture if your item isn’t brand new.

Watch out Rights owners can report listings that use their photos through eBay’s Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) programme. eBay can then remove the listing, issue a warning, restrict your account or suspend it.

How many photos should you add, and what should they show?

You can add up to 24, and there’s no rule about the right number. Add as many as it takes to answer a buyer’s questions without them having to message you. eBay’s photo tips suggest capturing several angles, including all wear and tear.

A good set usually covers:

• A clear main photo of the whole item, front on.
• The back, sides, top and bottom.
• Close-ups of labels, tags, model numbers, materials and textures.
• Everything included in the sale, such as cables, cases or instructions.
• Something that shows size, if it isn’t obvious, such as the item being held or next to a ruler.
• Any scratches, marks or faults, photographed clearly.
• Only the exact item or variant you’re selling. Don’t show a different colour or a bundle the buyer won’t get.

Photos for used, damaged or faulty items

eBay’s picture policy doesn’t allow stock photos for used, damaged or defective items. Buyers need to see the actual item they’ll receive, not a perfect version of it.

eBay’s Best Match guidance says to include photos of any scratches, flaws or other parts of the item a buyer would want to see. Photograph each fault close up and in good light, and mention it in the description too, so the photos and the words agree.

Being upfront protects you as well as the buyer. A buyer who saw the scuff before they bought has far less reason to say the item isn’t as described.

Best background and lighting for eBay photos

eBay says white backgrounds are generally best, but a darker background may work better for shiny or reflective items like jewellery. A plain, neutral background keeps the buyer’s eye on the item.

For light, eBay suggests avoiding flash to reduce glare, and its photo tips say not to use filters. Soft daylight from a window is easy and free.

1. Clear a surface and set up a plain white or neutral background. A large sheet of card works.
2. Place the item near a window for even daylight. Turn off the flash.
3. Centre the item and fill most of the frame with it.
4. Hold the camera steady, or rest it on something, and check each shot is in focus.
5. Take the main shot first, then the angles, details and any flaws.
6. Crop and straighten if you need to, but don’t add borders, text or filters.

Photos for variation listings

If one listing offers several colours or styles, you can add photos for each variation. eBay’s help page says you can add up to 24 for each variation.

Variation photos are linked to one variation detail, usually colour, so when a buyer picks Blue they see the blue item. Make sure every option has its own photo, and that each photo shows the exact option it’s attached to.