How to Take Good photos for eBay, Vinted, and Depop listings?

Introduction: What’s Stopping Your Perfect Item from Selling?

 

Have you ever wondered why you have the perfect item, but it still isn’t selling?

If your photos aren’t doing it justice, buyers will scroll straight past. Great photos are one of the most powerful sales tools you have.
 

• Buyers see good photos as a signal of care. If your images are clear and thoughtful, it tells them you likely take care of your clothes and the entire handling process.

• Second-hand buyers want detail. Condition matters, but what they really want is to see exactly what they’re getting before making a decision.

• Platforms prioritise high-quality images. Great photos help your item stand out in search results on eBay, Vinted, Depop, and Poshmark, increasing visibility and clicks.​​

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Budget-Friendly Photography Essentials

 

What You Need to Get Started (Hint: A Photography Studio or DSLR Are Not On the List!)

• Natural light

• Smartphone camera (yes, it’s enough!)

• White/light wall, door, sheet, or poster board

• Hanger, flat surface, or optional mannequin

• Wrinkle-free clothes - always iron or steam!

• A clean, clutter-free space

 

This setup is enough to start listing like a pro, even if it’s your very first time figuring out how to sell on eBay or how to sell on Vinted.

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Optimising Natural Light 

Daylight is your secret weapon. Place your setup near a window (avoid direct sunlight, which casts harsh shadows). Indirect light gives your items that soft, even glow.

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Affordable Lighting Solutions

If your space is dark, don’t stress. You can:

• Use clip-on LED lights or desk lamps (white bulbs only!)

• Reflect light with white poster boards

• Avoid using flash - it tends to flatten detail

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Keeping the Setup Clutter-Free

A stray charger or messy carpet can kill the mood. Before snapping away, check your frame. No distractions. Your listing should say “minimal and professional,” even if your setup is a bedroom corner.

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Creating the Perfect Background

 

Top Background Choices for Second-Hand Listings

• Plain white or neutral wall = classic, clean

• Poster board or contact paper on cardboard = portable and cheap

• Bedsheets or large sheets of white paper = works for flat lays

• Remember your goal here is to help the item pop!

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💡 To achieve a clean and consistent look, pick a background and stick with it across all your listings. Uniformity makes your page visually cohesive - this boosts trust and makes it look like you’ve got your own boutique.

 

What We Typically Don't Recommend 

• Busy prints or messy beds

• Mixing colour backgrounds that clash with the item

• Heavily branded or AI-generated backgrounds (especially on Vinted - they’ll take your listing down)

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💡 We understand that not everyone has the space or time to curate a clutter-free setup, so we offer a background removal tool to help. While it’s best used only on platforms that allow it (eBay and Poshmark), it is purposefully designed to only remove the background - not alter the item - because showing true condition is essential for building trust, minimising disputes, and protecting your rating.

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Flat Lay, Hanger, or Model? Choosing the Best Display Style

 

When to Use a Flat Lay

Flat lays work great for tops, trousers, or knits. Smooth out the garment, shape it naturally, and shoot from above. Add a tape measure in the photo for extra buyer confidence.

 

Using Hangers Like a Pro

Hang your item on a neutral hanger against a white wall or door. Perfect for coats, jackets, and dresses. Make sure the item hangs naturally and isn't pulled or bunched.

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Should You Use Yourself or a Mannequin as a Model?

Modelling the item can increase conversions, but only if it fits you well. Otherwise, opt for a mannequin. These can often be sourced second-hand at low prices. Just note that Depop and Vinted users often prefer hanger or mannequin shots over real models.

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​​Capturing Details, Tags, and Flaws Accurately​

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Close-Ups that Convertm in on:

• Brand labels

• Care instructions

• Unique details (buttons, stitching, prints)

• Any flaws (pulls, stains, or repairs)

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💡Buyers don’t expect perfection, but they want honesty. The flaw details protect you from disputes, improves trust, and boosts your seller rating. You'd be surprised how many buyers are actually okay with minor imperfections, if communicated transparently. 
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Showing Measurements Clearly

Including a measuring tape in your photos can make a big difference. Key measurements like shoulder width, bust, inseam, and overall length help buyers better understand the fit. Sizing is already tricky with new clothes, and it can be even harder with pre-loved pieces, which may have shrunk or been altered.

 

💡 The following are guidelines on how you could measure different types of clothing - scroll through to see more.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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​​​​Platform-Specific Guidelines & Expectations

 

eBay, Vinted, Depop, and Poshmark buyers and algorithms all have different preferences. Plan your listings wisely! If this sounds like a lot, sit tight as we will show you how to maximise your workflow next.

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​​​Expert Tips to Maximise Your Photography Workflow

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Batch Shooing Techniques

• Group 10–20 items and shoot them in one session. It’s efficient and helps maintain consistency.

 

Prepping Clothes Ahead of Time

• Steam, lint roll, and sort your items beforehand. It’ll save time and make your shots cleaner.

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Post Shoot Best Practices

• Review your photos. Delete blurry ones. Upload straight from your phone with edits limited to cropping and exposure tweaks.

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​Conclusion

 

Selling second-hand clothing online doesn’t require fancy gear or a pro studio. With smart use of natural light, consistency, and platform-specific awareness, you can create listings that convert, even from your bedroom floor.

Want even more support? Join the waitlist for As Good As Ever. Our AI-powered solution to automate and elevate your second-hand clothing listings.​​​​​