A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
- But What if There Isn't One?

Online auction sellers usually upload a photo of the item they're selling. A photo helps buyers see what it is they're buying, in some cases it can better explain an item than just words (although the seasoned seller will do both).

But what happens when there is no photo or the photo is blurred, grainy or small? Well, this usually means that the item won't sell or won't sell for very much.

As a seller you want to avoid this scenario. Some sellers go so far as to use models when selling clothes, shoes or jewellery or the manufacturers' professionally taken photographs when selling electronic goods, tools and appliances.

However, for the buyer, a lack of a clear photograph can be a good thing. If you know what you're after and can make out that the item on sale is what you want from the description then you stand to get it for far less than you would if the listing was accompanied by a good photograph.

So sellers, take the time to have a good photo taken and buyers, don't discount auctions with unclear or even no photos. It could be a bargain in disguise.