Inaccurate product photographs

[gil_3518]

Anyone else totally fed up having to scrutinise other seller photographs to determine what product is actually being sold? Looking at everyone’s lawn edging for two days now and getting frustrated when the images clearly show three different products for the one product being offered. Sellers should use correct images and stop wasting the buyers time. If you’re selling the cheaper variation then reflect that in the images and prices! Stop using the images of a different and often superior product to try shaft the buyer . 

[tressygirl]

It is a little frustrating I agree, but sellers if offering variation items will always show and list the cheapest one whether it's cheaper because of colour or size,  first in their photos , for you to then select the actual item you wish to buy.

However, if this is not a listing showing variation items,  and has misleading photos and descriptions,  eBay do rely on sellers on being honest when listing their items, if not, buyers can rely on eBay's 30 day MBG policy to receive a full refund if receiving an item not as described.

@gil_3518 

[red_magpie · Accepted solution]

This is down to eBay's shameful "Images, Videos and Text Policy".

eBay now allows sellers to copy and use other sellers' photos of used items, rather than taking their own photos of the actual item they're selling. The user agreement requires all sellers to allow this - eBay even prohibits sellers from watermarking their images to identify the seller who owns them.

eBay says photos must "accurately represent" items being sold, but how can a photo of an item previously sold by another seller accurately represent the condition of a used item? So when buying on eBay, buyers don't even know whether the item they will receive is even the one shown in the photos. How can eBay not realise that this simply isn't an acceptable selling practice? 

It wouldn't be a bad idea to routinely ask sellers whether the photos are of the actual item they're selling. 

For details see: https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/listing-policies/images-videos-text-policy?id=4240&st=12&pos=3&...