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Photos that sell your car

Photos decide whether a listing is clicked at all. They cost nothing but ten minutes, and the difference between two dark phone snaps and a complete set shows in the sale price. A phone is entirely enough; no equipment is needed.

What to look at

  • Daylight; an overcast sky is ideal. Bright sun creates hard shadows and reflections that hide dents — and make buyers suspicious.

  • Wash the car and clear out the interior first. That is the cheapest price increase available.

  • In order: front three-quarter, rear three-quarter, both sides, front, rear. Then inside: dashboard, front seats, rear bench, boot, and the odometer showing the mileage.

  • Photograph the flaws too, each one close up. It sounds counterproductive but sells better: the buyer knows where they stand, and there is no argument at handover.

  • A neutral background, no one else's property, no other cars' plates in shot. You may blur your own plate but need not.

Common questions

How many photos are right?
At least eight, better twelve to fifteen. A listing with a single photo looks like a listing with something to hide.

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