“If you don’t include a photo, your chances of selling something online are almost zero,” says eBay’s Jim Griffith. Here’s how to point and snap.

Shoot the item with a digital camera, and opt for natural light, which is softer than a flash.

Offer close-ups of interesting buttons or the texture of fabrics. The more images you offer, the more likely it is your item will sell.

Use a solid-color bedsheet or plain paper as a background to make the shot look professional.

Carefully lay out the object to show its form. “Don’t drape the item over the back of the sofa,” says Griffith. “The buyer will not be able to see what it looks like.” Full-time sellers usually invest in a mannequin so the cut and style are visible.