We’ve been pondering on the new eBay picture standards and whether eBay has taken any action to enforce them yet. We’re curious to know whether you’ve seen any evidence of this too.
So, we’ve had a quick browse around the eBay site and it appears that even some of the major sellers aren’t exactly playing by the book. They seem to be bending the rules somewhat.
Laptops and TVs still bending the rules
Let’s use the example of laptops and TV. Previously, the graffiti that used to adorn the listings just adorned the image. Nevertheless, some sellers have simply Photoshopped it onto the TV or laptop screen. The question is; does this really help the buyer decide whether it’s the right product for them?
Does this really help the buyer and is it good marketing?
It’s difficult to say whether this particular marketing method is effective or not, but it does seem to break eBay’s no graffiti rules. Doesn’t it?
Logos still being added – is it necessary?
We also noticed that sellers in many categories, including tech products, are still using manufacturer logos on their images. We can see why people would add the logos and how it could benefit consumers. After all, they want to be assured that they are getting a quality branded product. Nevertheless, we’re just not 100% sure that using these logos on your images are compliant with eBay’s new picture rules.
We may be a little judgemental
Naturally, we could just be being overly nit-picky here. These new picture rules actually apply to new listings, or those edited since November 8th 2013. Other existing images don’t actually need to be edited until Spring next year (2014).
Don’t be fooled however, sellers are still breaking the rules!
Nevertheless, we did spot the odd naughty eBayer who had logos and/or graffiti on their screens, which had been listed or edited after November 9th 2013 – shock horror!
Thumbnail tricksters out in force
We’ve also noticed an increase in sellers using pictures of the product in its packaging as a thumbnail in the main image or as the main image itself. This isn’t exactly against the rules, but it does mean that all product information and the manufacturer’s name are highly visible to buyers.
Not out to name and shame
Now, we’re not the kind to name and shame. In fact, it you simply browse this week’s daily deals you can see for yourself. We are just a little surprised that eBay isn’t monitoring the situation and vetting these images more stringently. After all, they were the ones who wanted to enforce the new picture rules. We’re not sure why eBay has managed to miss so many violations.
Some sellers were unprepared
Conversely, other sellers who were blissfully unaware of the changes have suddenly found themselves being reprimanded for having pictures of less than 500 pixels – now unacceptable under the new eBay picture rules. It’s been problematic for sellers who were completely unprepared.
Meanwhile, we’re waiting to see what kinds of trends will emerge for sellers optimising their images under these new rules. We’re also curious to know how many have been caught by eBay and told off for bending the rules!
