Should I list new product with fair pictures or wait?

[jeanalt1]

I just created some new scarves and had my husband help me take pictures last night. Now I see the pictures aren't that great.

I really want to list, but should I wait until I can redo the pictures? (I will have to wait quite a few days to redo pics.)

Is it better to get items listed right away or to have nice pictures?

[Former_Member]

I know exactly what you mean. I've taken hundreds of photos and sometimes certain items don't come out right, or the lighting just isn't right. I am personally trying to get better photos before I post anything. But then again, I'm a newer shop and only have 9 items up right now, so having good photos and a "look" are really important to me. It looks like you have 2 pages of items. You might be able to get away with posting some photos you aren't completely happy with until you can take new ones. Maybe don't showcase those photos on the first page? Just a suggestion. I know how you feel too, I want to get my items up and get kind of bummed if the images don't turn out so great. Good luck!!!

[Former_Member]

I have read that it is better to wait until you have the great pictures you want. However, I have very little patience and I want to list something as soon as it's done. Last week I created some new Mardi Gras fascinators and when I took the pictures they did not turn out as planned. I posted them knowing that I was doing a photo shoot in a few days. Low and behold, one of them sold. It was only my 2nd sale, and if I would have waited, may not have gotten it! Basing my advice off that experience I would say post them, and fix them later.

[jeanalt1]

Thanks for the advice!

I think I will go ahead and list and redo the pics later.

[Former_Member]

I've listed some things that I'm not 100% happy with (mostly my patterns - still working on getting the colors I want); I think as long as you're getting it out there and the pictures aren't horrible (ie---what is that?!?) go for it and edit after you get the right photos.

[IstriaDesign]

I would probably list it, and then just replace the pictures when I can. Like Ruthie said, I am too impatient to wait :)

[ParadiseChicJewelry]

I think I drive myself crazy, I take 15 to 30 photos of each piece. Some still didn't come out as planned and I want to retake, but they are up for now. But the reason I do that is because have of them I don't zoom right and get a blurry picture for half of them. My biggest thing is can I see the detail and is the picture clear, that is what I mainly look for. However, some of the pieces I sold I was going to change the pictures, but then they were bought. So you never know!

[Former_Member]

If I look back at some of the photos of items from when I started on Etsy, I wonder how the items even sold. The photos were horrible.

I'd go ahead and list the items and once you get some more photos taken, then update the pics.

I'm constantly redoing photos.

[Former_Member]

How about a compromise?....Only make a draft listing with the photos you're not entirely happy with.

It often takes me quite a while to get a listing exactly how I want it/it needs to be so I always have draft listings sitting around for a day or so any way.

[studionubbo]

I'd agree with listing now and replace as soon as you can. It all helps bring the traffic in. :)

[TrioArtisanDesigns]

Just be sure to go back and edit the photo. It's easy once it's listed to not find the time to go back and correct it. Unfortunately I have done this!!

[Former_Member]

I agree with Maya. I would make draft listings and place the photos once you are happy with them. I hesitate to list items until I'm happy with the photos. I feel the quality of my photos speak to the quality of my work and I want everything to be the best within my abilities.

[Former_Member]

Yep just to add to what I already said, customers could be put off your shop entirely because of a bad photo. Whereas if you wait a little and put your best photos up they might hang around long enough to favourite an item or even buy it.
I totally understand the 'need to get it listed now' feeling but a little patience could pay off in the long run.

You'll getter better at photo's, we all do, and then you won't have this problem.

[Former_Member]

I think that you should wait a little so that you can raise the standard of the photos :)

[birdmom9726]

@Danielle - I know what you mean about taking 20 or 30 pictures of one item and still not getting five that are good enough to post!!! Thank heaven we're not still using film - I'd be bankrupt by now!

In answer to the question, I'll join the chorus that says, post it anyway, at least it's out there and you can take some more pictures at the first opportunity, or re-edit the ones you have. I seem to get more views of my stuff that has good photographs, though. Now if they would just BUY the stuff they're looking at ....

[Former_Member]

Becky I say Hurrah!!! for digital. If we still used film I'd be bankrupt AND still have no decent photos lol I never once managed to take a decent photograph on film.