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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Classified Ads photos OT
Michael Pina, Photographer
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SF Bay Area | ca | usa | Posted: 6:49 PM on 04.02.10 |
->> Hi everyone. I thought i would start a thread to find the answer to my topic. Is there a reason why we cannot require a photo to be uploaded of the merchandise that is posted on the Sportsshooter Classified Ads section. It seems that the items that get posted with photos might get more attention to those that are left with a link to a NEW item and not a photo of the actual item for sale. It only seems fair that we get to see what we are buying rather then some link to another website. Why drive the traffic to some where else? We are photogs by the way.
Just thinking out loud and not to offend anyone.
Cheers. |
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Erik Markov, Photographer
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Kokomo | IN | | Posted: 7:11 PM on 04.02.10 |
| ->> sounds reasonable, only thing I would mention is I just bought a lightroom serial #. Obviously no pic is needed for that. I would hate to think someone might not post something here b/c a photo's required when it really isn't needed. Or worse post a random photo that might be inappropriate but was on their desktop and easy to grab. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 9:20 PM on 04.02.10 |
->> Michael thanks for the thread. This is a pet peeve of mine too. I really don't care where the photos are hosted. Bandwidth cost money and if hosting the classifieds off-site saves SS a few bucks that's cool too. What I do care about are items that have different versions withing the same product. A good example being (not picking on anyone) the pair of magic arms that were listed. There are two (more?) versions of the arm. One has the knob while the other has the lever.... ditto with clamps. A photo of the item would save on email back and forth looking for details....
I totally agree that seeing the exact item up for grabs is very helpful. |
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Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 9:57 PM on 04.02.10 |
->> Michael,
First, when people create a post in the classifieds, they do so with the objective of SELLING an item not drawing attention to it.
Second, the classified system only allows for a single image to be uploaded. If a seller wants to provide a comprehensive set of photos of the item they are selling, linking to a set of photos on their site is only logical.
Three, as a seller, using a link to a gallery or set of images on another site is a good practice as it filters out the 'window shoppers'. Anybody *serious* about purchasing the item will happily make the enormous amount of effort to click the mouse one more time.
Four, why should, would the SS admin want to bare the financial burden of the additional bandwidth this would cause by requiring a minimum number of photos?
Five, I agree with you on one point; linking to a new item on retail site when someone is selling a used item should not be allowed. In fact, I view the practice as deceptive. The seller should provide a link to photos of the item he or she is actually selling so the buyer can review the condition of the actual item or none at all. |
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Ronnie Montgomery, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 12:01 AM on 04.03.10 |
->> Thank you for starting this thread Michael.
To become a member of this community you had to demonstrate an ability to take a decent photograph and the fact that you joined indicates that you have some measure of passion for photography. So to post something for sale, especially an expensive item, without a photo is annoying.
I'm sure there are lots of folks who will buy stuff unseen or take the time to email you asking for a photo but there are plenty of us who won't even consider buying your item if you are going to make us work to get the info. Think of it this way, if you post a photo it will increase the odds of a sale.
If nothing else it will give you an opportunity to work on your lighting skills. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 7:51 AM on 04.03.10 |
->> I just sold a 400mm f2.8 AFS. It took 3 days for me to get around to shooting images and then posting them in a hidden gallery.
It took 24 hours after I posted for the lens to sell. Multiple potential buyers wanted to see what the lens looked like. IF you're too lazy to shot some friggin images for goodness sakes.......... |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 9:09 AM on 04.03.10 |
->> OFF TOPIC rant but still related to the classified section:
I'm surprised this is the classified section issue being brought up and not the multitude of people (usually students) announcing that "I've got a credential (through another publication) for xxxxx event and I am willing to make a few extra bucks from your publication and hopefully circumvent another shooter in my area from possibly getting a day rate by being on assignment that day too."
It's important to remember that, for the most part, the NCAA, NBA, NFL, MLB, etc. usually only issue credentials to a PUBLICATION and very rarely to an INDIVIDUAL to shoot for whomever he/she chooses. So the fact that you already have a credential should be a moot point since you really should approach the tournament officials and explain that you have been requested by xxxx publication to shoot on xx/xx/xx date and will *possibly* need a different credential.
If you already have a credential via some big wire service to shoot at a tournament and the Weekly Shopper asks you to shoot a game then if you're representing yourself as that big wire service that day and getting access and photo positions that otherwise would not be afford to the Weekly Shopper then you're abusing a credential.
Publications, wire services and agencies generally already know who they have in a given geographic area so posting ads like that often makes the shooter look, right or wrong, desperate. It also makes them look, again, correctly or incorrectly, like they're trying to abuse their existing credential.
Back to the discussion about photos on ads now (which I don't have an opinion on). |
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Mark Peters, Photographer
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Highland | IL | USA | Posted: 10:13 AM on 04.03.10 |
->> B&H, Adorama and KEH don't post images of the actual item in their used sections. They rely on their reputation, return policy and rating system.
Obviously, the individuals posting here aren't major retailers (even if they work for them) - that's not my point. Just as obviously though, there are many out there that are willing to purchase gear without the accompanying lens porn.
In my personal experience, I've actually found much less demand for accompanying images on SS than on other sites such as Miranda or POTN when I've posted items for sale.
While an image may help sell an item sooner, particularly if there is something that needs to be highlighted, I don't need to see a photo on every item offered. An image isn't going to make me any more likely to buy filters, cords or similar misc. accessories. Additionally, for items which are described as well worn/bargain - AND priced accordingly, images will only confirm that fact. I bought a lens recently for about 66% of the going used rate that did not have an image - due to the cosmetic condition, which was thoroughly described. if I had waited for images, I would have lost the opportunity as there were multiple others similarly willing to buy (in addition to the seller relating this, I was contacted by one).
I also don't have an issue with people linking to the item at retailers site - especially if it is a less common item. It can be used to provide a price reference and the full description/details without cutting and pasting everything into the ad, like a large number of people do on face book. If it's a item for which there are multiple versions, it's one way to demonstrate exactly which one it is.
Most importantly to me though is this - an image will never show me whether or not the item functions properly - (unless the item is just plain destroyed.)
Next topic: The Cult of the Box and Blank Warranty Card. |
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Will Powers, Photographer
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Denver | CO | USA | Posted: 11:39 PM on 04.04.10 |
| ->> Since the discussion went off topic earlier I'm going to add my complaint. If you've sold your item, don't mark it sold, delete the ad. |
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Thomas B. Shea, Photographer
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Pearland/Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 12:54 AM on 04.05.10 |
| ->> Ditto: What Will Powers said. |
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David Richard, Photographer
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Cleveland | OH | USA | Posted: 5:26 AM on 04.05.10 |
->> OT even more:
If it's for sale please post your asking price! |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 8:44 AM on 04.05.10 |
| ->> Mark a while back I was in the market for a lens. A member here had posted said lens and described it as one version when the photo of the item showed it to be a much older (2 versions back) lens. Would the member have refunded me the cost? Maybe. But the photo of the lens saved us the trouble of having UPS haul 20 pounds of glass and packing coast to coast to coast. |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 1:12 PM on 04.05.10 |
->> LOL, Pricing is a must guys!!
I wish I had a Nickel for every Classified with a Price of $0.00 or $1.00
If I did, I wouldn't be looking a classifieds ;)
Y |
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John Tucker, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Cordova | TN | USA | Posted: 1:57 PM on 04.05.10 |
| ->> Michael, It's about time someone mentions this. I've tried in several other threads, but it seems nobody takes notice. It kills me when photographers can't make a photo of an item that they want to sell. I usually skip all Ads that don't have a photo whether it's here, Craigslist, E-bay or anywhere! Thanks again for posting the thread! |
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