| The number one unwritten rule for selling on | | | | You need a picture of your toaster, but don't |
| Craigslist is to include a picture of what you are | | | | want to get the countertop clutter in the |
| selling. So, you take a picture, upload it, and think | | | | background, so you flip the camera. This is great, |
| you are all good. You are right? No. Take a look | | | | but now your picture is sideways. Don't upload it |
| around Craigslist.org. Some of the people who | | | | like this to Craigslist. Buyers will think you are lazy. |
| uploaded pictures would have probably been | | | | Honestly, you are if you can't take the two |
| better off without one. Why? Because they made | | | | seconds it takes to flip your picture around. |
| simple, but stupid mistakes. | | | | Crop out anything in the background you don't |
| So, how can you take and upload a good picture | | | | want others to see. You are selling a car, not |
| to get your stuff on Craigslist to sell? | | | | creating a personal ad, so crop out your wife |
| Don't (under any circumstances) use a stock | | | | sunbathing in the background behind your car. |
| photo. You see this all the time with new baby | | | | Whether it is another person or a bunch of junk |
| stuff. The Craigslist seller has a car seat that has | | | | in the background, crop it. This again takes two |
| been used for a year, but the picture looks brand | | | | seconds to do and can be done with the free |
| new. They opted for a stock photo. Basically, | | | | paint programs on most computers. |
| they went to and copied and pasted the picture | | | | Take a good picture. Your best bet is to take |
| there. Not everyone recognizes a stock photo | | | | multiple pictures. Take ten pictures of that toaster |
| and not everyone puts two and two together. | | | | or whatever it is you are selling. Upload them on |
| You used the car seat for one year; it will show | | | | your computer. Browse though each picture and |
| signs of wear and tear. Save yourself the trouble. | | | | choose the best. This is not the picture with the |
| Show buyers exactly what they will get; take a | | | | flash reflecting off the toaster. This is not the |
| picture of the item you have for sale. | | | | picture that is too dark to even make out the |
| Clean your things before taking pictures. No one | | | | toaster. This is not the picture with a bunch of |
| wants to buy junk on Craigslist. An old bookshelf | | | | crap in the background. Your picture needs to |
| that is covered in an inch of dirt will appear to be | | | | show buyers that your item is worth the cost |
| junk, even though it really is nice. Whether you | | | | and the trip (even if you are only charging $5 and |
| are selling kids toys, furniture, home decor, or | | | | live right down the street). |
| home appliances, take a few minutes to wipe | | | | By taking the above mentioned picture taking tips |
| down the item with a damp cloth or scrub if you | | | | into consideration, you should have a nice looking |
| must. A clean item always translates into a better | | | | Craigslist ad. This is the quickest way to ensure |
| picture. | | | | your item sells, whether you are selling a $5 |
| Don't leave your picture sideways or upside down. | | | | toaster or a $5,000 car. |
| We all have funky habits when taking pictures. | | | | |