Would you buy something on Ebay if they didn't post a picture?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
August 13, 2007 3:51pm CST
Would you buy a product online sight unseen? For me the answer would be no, because how do I know whether or not the condition of the product is any good. And, often the descriptions are really good, but the picture shows what a piece of junk the item is.
I was cruising around Ebay the other day and saw an auction item that was sorely lacking a good photo. Actually, it was missing the photo altogether, because the picture link was broken and just showing that annoying X where the photo used to be. And, I was wondering why the auction owner didn't bother to put up a valid picture of the product. Did they actually think someone would buy the item on auction just from the description?
And, I've been to other websites, that are selling products and often they don't show pictures of the products either. But, they do have a little picture that says, Image not available. Very annoying! Antics like that don't inspire me to make a purchase.
So, how about you? Do you think a site should put up a picture of the product they are selling? Would you ever buy a product online if you couldn't see it before the purchase was made?
2 people like this
22 responses
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
15 Aug 07
I have bought stuff off of Ebay that didn't have photos with them. I have never gotten anything that was not in good condition from there and so it doesn't bother me that I didn't have photos and with some items it isn't always necessary to include a photo.
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
15 Aug 07
It depends. I generally stay away from those auctions because, as you said, I can't tell whether or not the product is in an acceptable condition. However, I also base my purchasing decision on whether or not the seller has high feedback and posts auctions that are without pictures, but people buy from them and give them a great rating.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
14 Aug 07
I don't think I would. Maybe things like coupons or ebooks would be okay without a picture, but I find that if there isn't a picture, I never really get a feel for the thing. As it is, I prefer buying things in stores where I can feel the item, not even being able to see it is a bit too much for me.
@beyonce03 (2331)
• Canada
14 Aug 07
Of course I would not buy something online that I don't see the picture of it. I want to see what I'M buying.
But on ebvay, something the picture is only a broken link and the auction owner just didnt notice that the link of his picture his not working. It's not always the owner fault.
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
14 Aug 07
I personally will not buy any item without a picture- even concert tickets- I want to see the merchandise first- That way I’m sure it’s in good condition and what I want. This goes for e-bay- I usually won’t even look at an auction that doesn’t post a picture- I don’t know why people do not post them- Probably they don’t have digital cameras- But if you are in the e-bay business you have to invest in one- I’d think you’d get more bids with pictures.
@akumei1269 (1749)
• India
14 Aug 07
You are right . But from my own experiences i may tell you that seeing a good photograph is not enough . I purchased a binocular from ebay being after being satisfied by the photograph . And what came was a broken binocular mended by plastic tapes . Moreover , the product in its good form also was not more than 20% of the price it was sold .
@smartbrain69 (2790)
• Canada
14 Aug 07
I think picture is very much important for purchasing anything. I personally never buy anything online as i feel that it is better to purchase from store and seeing different things and making decision is better than blindly purchasing things online.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
14 Aug 07
I probably wouldn't buy the product. I would ask for the pictures before bidding though but im not sure if you can do that. I would also check the buyers reputation as well just incase they were scamming you.
@8ctavarium (552)
• Australia
14 Aug 07
It depends on what the product is, for example if it is a CD or DVD as such, then there isn't much of a need. But if it is electrical goods, I would usually avoid but if they were items such as equipment or such, then I would like to prefer if there was a picture. That way you can be sure of what you are buying. But more importantly, then there is also the factor of seller ratings and such, and if it seems good enough a seller, then I would go for it.
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
14 Aug 07
no,it must have a picture so at least i can see what i am buying or bidding on.the only thing i would buy online without a picture would be diapers and coupons.even when i sell stuff on ebay i wont list it if i dont have a good picture.
@mom2onlyone1 (1)
• United States
14 Aug 07
To me, it wouldn't matter what it was, if there wasn't a picture, no way would I buy, or even bid on for that matter.
@wondericequeen (7876)
• Hong Kong
14 Aug 07
No I don't think I would buy anything online without pictures! I'd like to see what it looks like before spending my money on it. I haven't had very many buying experiences online, still, I would find it very annoying if the sellers don't have pictures on the site. I have been considering selling things online and the first thing which comes to my mind would be "having a decent photo"! That's just so basic in attracting the customer and it's more honest to do business this way.
@bluishrose (2289)
• Philippines
14 Aug 07
Definitely no! pictures matter alot even without the description there is still a possibility that it will sell. Im a seller at ebay philippines andits hard to sell if i don't post quality and clear pictures. Its like your buying like a blind person you don't have any idea how it look like just descriptions.
