Too Much Information?

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Posted By: Nick

Hello,
I have a question for those that buy and sell on ebay:

Is it possible to give too much information in an auction listing?

I recently purchased a new Digital camera. The camera produces pictures with great detail. The problem is that the flaws on the card appear far worse then they are. I could edit the photo or change the camera setting so it picks up less detail. But, that just doesn't seem honest. On the other hand I feel as though I am making the cards I sell look worse then they really are; and perhaps because of that they are bringing a lower final price than I expected.

Any advice?

Thanks Again,
Nick

Here is an example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=2734469026

Note:I am not soliciting bids, I chose this auction because it is a good example of my point. The card looks alot better then it shows in the picture.

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Posted By: jay behrens

depending on the card, I've had some cards that look much worse in the scan then they do in person. It is a dilema as to what to do. I've just left the scan the way it is and make a note that card looks much better in person, which sounds a bit husterish, which bothers me as much as possibley retouching the scan.

Jay

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Posted By: Hankron

Pointing out or otherwise detailing all the flaws (within reason, most auction bidders aren't there to read a novel), will often hurt you in the short run but help you in the long run. In the long run, if it is known to bidders that you detail all the faults of an item and provide big pictures, they will not only bid with confidence but will have no doubt when you claim "This is perfect." On the other hand, all those sellers who attach the adjective "rare" to 1988 Fleer Tom Glavine Rookies and such, have dug themselves in a hole when they actually have something that is rare (This also explains how the term 'ultra-rare' came into being).

Following Jay's line, I often describe the quality of the image provided. This can include saying "Item is much better than in picture" and "Be aware that the image hides some of the creasing."

Like trying to find twin snowflakes, I doubt I've ever had a digital image that perfectly reflected the actual item.

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Posted By: petecld

I've had this same problem with scanning cards. For some raeson creases just seem to show up a lot worse than when you see the card in your hand. I wish there was an answer that makes it fair to the buyer and the seller.

You can start retouching the images but then you run into the problem of misrepresentation.

I agree with Jay, the only answer is saying the creases aren't as bad as they appear. If you are worried that a seller is over-using that statement I'm sure their feedback will reflect it.

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Posted By: julie

I recently sent a N172 GAI 6.5 Ewing with Mascot to two people--and what a mess it looked (and I had bragged about how undergraded it was, etc.). There was all sorts of white stuff like scrapes on both sides, and the focus was a tad blurry. It's very embarassing (and I wasn't even trying to sell it!)--but i don't even know how to doctor scans--the built in stuff around the picture doesn't work at all. I will shortly be trying to sell a N172 Kelly--and i don't know what to do if it doesn't come out looking like the card!

Sometimes they come out fine--I sent a gorgeous '52 Robinson to several people, and it looked--gorgeous!

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Posted By: Lee Behrens

Nick, I have the same problem with my scanner. On most creases it seems to enhance the crease and make it look worse that it actually is. I have been wondering what also to do because if you leave a note about it in the description it makes you look like you are cheating the buyer because they can see the picture and know you are telling them it isn't so bad. I guess the only thing you can do is to add a little side note, because you know that you are telling the truth and hopefully that is enough for the people to believe.

As far as description in ebay listings, I try to write as little as possible, just the facts and only the facts. I think that alot of ebay listings have too much clutter in them, and alot of them don't even have information revent to the auction or it is really hard to find in all the writing. I tend to move on to other auctions if this is the case.

A suggestion for listing is to make this facts easy to read and find:
1. item for sale
2. description of item
3. forms of payment accepted
4. shipping charges

to me these are the most important information in the auction description. The rest maybe relative but not always needed.

Lee

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Posted By: runscott

I haven't run into the described problem, but my suggestion would be to try editing the contrast on the resulting file. There are also options on some scanners and editing packages for "enhancing contrast or detail" - make sure these options are not turned on.