Lighting On Ebay Listings

Disclaimer: I do not have a background in photography or lighting

How is the average consumer supposed to know whether stamps in an eBay listing are truly toned or if the background lighting of the photograph is causing the stamps to appear toned? Yes, one can always ask the seller, but often times the price of a BIN listing might be a great deal to where by the time you ask the seller, the item has sold and you may have missed out on a great deal if lighting truly was the issue.

Here are two examples of the same sheet. I am personally not interested in the items in these listings, but am using them for example/illustration purposes only.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-SCOTT-2...89513?tmp=no How can one tell if the second sheet has true toning vs lighting?

Torin - the description says "MNH AS SHOWN", so if you are not impressed with the pic, I would ASSUME you would not be impressed with the sheet. Having said that, it's pretty hard to screw up a relatively modern sheet like that (at least toning-wise). Still, I'd walk away.

Yes!! It is amazing what people will try to use to show their wares! A decent photo DOES bring a better return than a poorly lit (or otherwise stinky) photo. It is too bad some sellers don't know that. They are only hurting themselves, though.

The one sheet shown looks fine. However it is a stock photo and not likely the one that would be received.

I try very hard not to ever be interested in anything that is labeled "stockphoto". One never knows what one gets?


Peter

I "fly on by" the dimly lit, or out of focus items. If the seller doesn't have time to "do it right", then I am not interested.

Also, items with "estate sale", "job lot", and "stock photo" send the wrong message to me.

I thought I put a link to the two different sheets in my original post but apparently I didn't. Anyways, the link in my OP shows a good looking, albeit stock photo, of what the sheet is supposed to look like in MNH condition--nice white selvage. Now, here is a link to the same sheet, different seller, with what appears to be toned selvage or is it lighting?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-2619-19...192174994627

I know the old adage about moving on when in doubt, however, I was wondering if there is a way to decipher if it's truly toning or poor lighting on a non-stock photo?

I completely agree that it's common sense to show items you are selling in the best light and most attractive way possible. Also builds trust.

Although you did not like the option, you provided the answer in your own question. This is why eBay has a "contact seller" link. Use it.
Honestly, and maybe too bluntly, apologies in advance, you seem too picky for perfection to be buying on eBay.

Moderator: Previous poster, who frequently attacks my posts and others seems to be oblivious to the forum rules about keeping it civil.

https://www.stampcommunity.org/rules.asp#rulesid2

I have purchased on eBay several times in the past. I purposely avoid sellers who have an attitude like the previous poster.

No need to link the rules, I am aware of them. In my opinion saying someone might be too picky is not a personal attack.
Don

My post cautioned that it might require a thick skin.
I believe it was an honest reply to your question and concern.
I fully stand by it.
Sorry if you don't like it.

Previous poster also failed to comprehend my OP. Often times on a BIN listing and a good price, there is no time to contact the seller to ask the seller to take additional photos of items in different lighting conditions.

Most people who promulgate sarcasm have probably failed to comprehend that from the perspective of psychologists, it's unhealthy on the part of the person engaging in the behavior. I'm not psychologically affected by it nor passive aggressive behavior on forums. It just wastes everyone's time while diminishing the reputation of the engager. That's why I think there should be more moderation for such behavior on forums. I've noticed that when it comes to eBay and this forum, and a buyer has a legitimate complaint, posts can become quite nasty--perhaps because there may be sellers trying to protect their turf. Who knows, but the debates sure become heated when it comes to issues surrounding eBay.

Nothing I wrote in my OP was controversial. It was all centered around education and knowledge. After all, this forum's motto is "Education is the key to collector success!"

Thank you to those who have or have attempted to provide helpful responses. We all have different talents. Photography and lighting is not mine.

I have thick skin, but I believe you failed to comprehend my OP. Obviously, the motto, when in doubt--move on, is a good one, but it doesn't fully answer my question as there are a plethora of listings on eBay where it's hard to tell if lighting is an issue or if it's toning. I just brought up one of many examples.

Look at previous poster's response here. Other's don't appreciate sarcastic behavior either.

http://goscf.com/t/76341

I openly and publicly post here that I promise and swear upon pain of death that I will NEVER reply to another of Torin's threads. Satisfied?

Torin, check the rest of the listings that the seller has and see if they all suffer from bad lighting.
In my opinion then I would bid low so as not to be disappointed.
I deal with a seller on Hip and all his stamps appear toned, and everything I have purchased is fine.
Except for the MNH OG that was a regum.
Cheers

In response to the original question, I am a bit skeptical/careful about buying from people I haven't dealt with on eBay. So, in the case where a full pane of mint stamps is concerned, there are quite a few potential pitfalls, such as condition of gum, perforations, minor "shop wear", etc. Often, even good photographs won't show these flaws.

So, if I collected full sheets of modern stamps, I would only buy from someone that I know would deliver items in "post office fresh" condition.