Poor Image quality of customer uploaded images

[ScottsShopForDogs]

I recently was requested to print a custom image. The buyer uploaded the image but the image quality was too poor to use. What is the best way to direct buyers to provide images that I can use? 

[FancyTogs]

Etsy's message system heavily compresses images (so does Facebook's). Email is a better method as it does not alter attached image files. Usually email is good enough but email providers may not accept very large image files in uncompressed formats. Shared cloud storage systems, Dropbox etc, are the solution for the biggest files.

Lawrence (Clare's other half)

[FancyTogs]

Other methods . . .

you could set up your own internet server for direct upload of files, either a hired commercial server or your own on your local network (eg. an old PC or a NAS box with suitable software)

or ask them to post it on a usb stick or cd / dvd!

Lawrence

[ScottsShopForDogs]

Thank you, 

I requested the buyer to email me the images and this worked. I was not sure if this was frowned upon by Etsy. But as I see it, this is the best work around. 

Scott

[audreytherese]

If you're able, try to send them an example of what you need and show why their photo will not work. Maybe do a mock up showing what their photo will look like if you use it as is. Although, from my experience, some people may not care if it doesn't look great. Sometimes when the photo was taken was just as sentimental as the image itself, so even if not a good quality, they want to still use it to remember that moment. 

[ScottsShopForDogs]

thank you for your contribution

[VintageRescueSquad]

The average layman doesn't understand printing. Explain that it needs to be a high-res image in focus. I also recommend having them email it to you (instead of messaging) and doing a mockup if possible.

[Amaradorn]

@ScottsShopForDogs @VintageRescueSquad the average layman doesn't understand resolution either. I would specify the minimum pixel dimensions required for high resolution output at the physical size required.

[audreytherese]

My mom would be more confused if you told her she needed minimal pixel dimensions than if you told her the photo needed to be high resolution.... 

[ArtDollsbyJD]

I've got some review photos that are not the best but I let them be as the buyer took the time to send a photo and I think that is important.   

[CanningCrafts]

I don't think this seller is talking about review photos? The customer asked the shop to print a custom image & the image sent was lower quality for printing purposes.