Photograph eBay listings with me | My exact process

[@miksstudio]

Mel,I was in the local church today because they have their own thrift store in there. Saw a book, Hans Christian Anderson's Complete Illustrated Stories. Printed in the UK (I'm a Brit in the US), great condition, I did comps on eBay, and one photo popped out right away, straight on, great color saturation and a beautiful white background. Caught my eye immediately. I noticed the listing was from Australia and I thought, and yes, when I looked it was one of your listings. So your photo taking is on point and the awesome photos are impactful and eye catching.

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you! That’s great feedback to hear!

[@shelleyocallaghan6260]

Your waffling keeps me company as I do my listing. I prefer the long vids where you are talking, coz I'm not watching the screen. So....thanks for your company :)

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much ❤

[@biffboffo]

Your content has been superior these last few months. I feel like you’ve been inspired to create videos. One thing I’ll do is that when I start a new photo session, I take three blank white photos in a row so that I can easily locate the beginning of the series.

[@backfromburnout]

That’s a great idea, I really like that! Thanks for sharing your tip. If I’m not filming I normally take the photos on my film camera which helps as I only have ebay photos or YT videos on that one. As soon as I upload them to my computer I delete them from the phone so I know not to double up with them. Thank you for the feedback. I’ve been enjoying making more content.

[@jodimurphy8440]

I really enjoy methodical, long-form videos. I need to get better at streamlining my processes (even as an everything seller), so I always glean information as well as get comfort of watching someone work and get things accomplished. Don't ever worry about it being too long, as far as I'm concerned.

[@resellmaven]

Same here, I make longer videos now bc they are packed with info, not just random video!

[@allisonboulton1754]

Im loving the longer videos...dinner was late tonight though ..my hubby must have asked where i was and i heard my 17 yr old son say...shes watching that bookseller lady again to which hubby said, oh well we could be waiting awhile then 😊 thanks for all of the effort you put in for us... ive been a little seller on Ebay for 17 yrs....i love books, always wanted my own book store but joined the police force instead...now in my 50s books are my best seller...i have learnt so much from you Mel, thanks so much ❤

[@georginah.9391]

I usually watch your videos on my TV whilst I work so rarely get the opportunity to comment on one of your videos, but today I am on my computer so wanted to pop on with a comment! I am a long time follower from the UK and love your relaxed, relatable content! I own my own business selling personalised gifts and keepsakes that I make by hand, so not a reseller but an ecommerce business. I find your videos very motivating, you're often on my TV as I am working and your stock control and clearing of your death piles in particular has given me the creative kick I needed to reorganise my own stock room too! The amount of stock I buy but then never do anything with is scary! Currently copying your idea of a day focused to each job - hyper focused! I am getting lots cleared. Its a mission but I know there is light at the end of the tunnel! Constantly getting ideas from you and as weird as it may sound, your chatty video content helps me feel less alone as a solo worker! I am so much more productive with one of your videos in the background! So yeah, big thanks and hello from me!

[@backfromburnout]

Wow thank you so much. That’s such a great comment and feedback.

[@redesignedbydelicia3052]

Don’t change a thing about the way you make videos 😊 they are the best! Thank you!!!!!!!

[@mariemax3129]

I've officially watched each and every one of your videos from day one...And this is my favourite! Love the step-by-step, in detail, specifics of how you get it done. Thank you

[@backfromburnout]

Wow! Thank you

[@juliana22]

I love the long videos. Any length is appreciated. Great job Mel. 😊

[@backfromburnout]

Glad you like them!

[@bonisbitsandbobs9075]

I don’t sell anything I just like watching you and your life😂

[@backfromburnout]

Oh yay! You might like the next video then, it's a little bit random LOL

[@suewebb3147]

I also just love watching her life also.

[@mimikennedy-chassie1056]

Same! 😊

[@karmenmrak]

Same😂

[@backfromburnout]

@@suewebb3147I’d love to know what type of content the non resellers would like to see me make?

[@susanwest1696]

I love the long working videos. You are a great instructor! You have helped me so much with my business and I love to watch you as a person! Always positive and happy. I love watching your road trips with Thom. Since he has met you he actually smiles!!! It’s a win win! Good work Mel keep doing what you’re doing 😊

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you!

[@cynthiaschwenk4568]

I really enjoy your chit chat videos! Makes me feel like I am hanging out with a friend! Thanks for sharing your hard work and tips.

[@backfromburnout]

I’m so glad as that’s how I want my videos to feel ♥️

[@antoinettedaly1284]

I love these longer videos Mel. Always fun and informative. Thank you.🙂

[@AuntGrace]

Me too. So happy to enjoy “visiting” with her.

[@JennyinGero]

Oh and yes Mel, watched till the end and love these type of vlogs - would never get sick of seeing the books you sell and the way you describe them! I particularly love it when you say a bit about the book, the author or your own stories - so good!! Go you !! 🥰🥰🥰

[@kellysheridan4064]

I really enjoy the longer working videos ... they make me feel motivated ! I'm not doing ebay as a business but I do have a ton of nice things to sell and you are teaching me how to do that so ... THANKS ❤

[@zelmabyrn2115]

Mel, neat setup and photo process. Yes, I watched 👀 to the end, it is what I normally do. I enjoyed all your videos. Thank you for your teaching techniques. Blessings!

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@OtterCreekHomestead]

Love watching you work and hearing your tips about figuring out processes and getting our shit done. I'm a clothing seller and never miss a video. Thanks Mel!

[@RobinL4715]

This was so helpful, and shows the benefit of selling in a niche, since the photo process is quick and almost automated. When you sell mixed inventory, it’s easier to get bogged down with setting up different backgrounds, angles, lighting etc. I plan to get back into selling, and may take the leap into a niche, vs. my sell everything mode from before. Thanks Mel! Loving your content!

[@backfromburnout]

Yep! This is exactly why I did niche. Occasionally I pick up a random item here and then as I can’t help myself but the benefits to selling a niche is it makes all the systems so much faster.

[@raia9]

You can sell a wider range f things but you spend one day photograghing and listing books, one day doing clothes etc - batch them.

[@angelahunt2779]

I enjoyed the ‘work with me’ long format. 😊

[@aliasmarkus]

Hey Mel... Absolutely love the longer format videos... You might feel like you're doing the same thing over and over but every time, I learn something new or you inspire me to try something different. Love your work!!!

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much!

[@catwhisperer968]

OMG thank you so much for phone tips on iPhone. I can’t believe I didn’t know this before. Thank you thank you 🙏

[@backfromburnout]

So glad they have helped you!

[@annabarry1193]

I’ve implemented quite a bit of your techniques in hopes that I will improve. You are a very good teacher Mel, thanks for your time and help.❤❤

[@DatabaseDesigns4U]

I love books and I love your videos! You inspire me to think about being an eBay book seller, quit my job, and work for myself. I’m watching from Wichita, KS, USA. ❤️

[@backfromburnout]

Always start on the side before quitting a full time job. It takes a while to learn what sells in your area but also what is available to source locally to you. It’s a fun side hobby :)

[@DatabaseDesigns4U]

@@backfromburnout Thank you Mel 😃

[@catherinehammond23]

Hi Mel, Love this video and like that you are “talking to a friend”. I am not a book seller or reseller but find your videos very entertaining and therapeutic- watch them while I am working at my desk at work. And you do not have a squirrel brain 😀 You have great systems and processes in place and lI like the way you are always striving to improve your business. Keep up the good work 😀👍👏

[@kaiphoenix144]

That was absolutely epic Mel and much appreciated. I don’t sell books (I’m an artist) but there was something in there for everyone. Especially your photography tips and process.

[@virginiahoffman7803]

Hi! I love this kind of videos. I’m always learning from you. Keep up the work and keep making videos like this!👍❤️

[@maryhodges1673]

Hi Mel!! I get excited when I see you’ve added another video! Have a wonderful and blessed day!!💐

[@krzysamm7095]

Even though I am not a seller I enjoy your videos as you give little tricks or tips that can be used or adjusted to use in other areas of life.

[@backfromburnout]

I’d love to know what type of content the non resellers would like to see me make?

[@karenkonz3181]

I love watching your work videos cause I feel like I’m working right along with you…even tho I’m too old to keep up!

[@SarahAnew]

I’ve watched this several times!

[@WayneTradingCompany]

I've integrated an awful lot of how you do things into my listing and storing. Makes my life much simpler. Thanks! One thing I do differently is, I use the eBay app to take the pictures, creating a draft as I go. Instead of moving all the photos to the desktop for creating listings, I just finish the drafts when I sit down. Works for me, maybe not anyone else, but we're on KZbin to see how others do it, aren't we?

[@k-g-7270]

Thank you for sharing! I always feel like I learn something new with your videos!!

[@backfromburnout]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@sincerelysakura8071]

I enjoy these videos. I started watching last night while I was making dinner and washing dishes and finished it this morning while feeding the kids. I got into storage units this year. We just won our 4th and are picking it up this evening. The first I sorted all by myself (it was a large 20'x20' unit) and it took me a full week. The second and third we developed a better system and my husband helped me go through everything the first night to separate keep, donate, list, trash. Then all the stuff to be listed gets stored in the shed and pull one bin at a time. Really enjoying this process and ststem we've developed.

Mel I love❤ that you are so open and honest. Please continue to be yourself! Great job with your videos 😊

[@MyEarnestEndeavors]

Working on my inventory and enjoying your mindset, accent, drive and humor! Thank you😊

[@winterfawn2341]

I love your videos! I love you talking like we are your friends and sharing all these awesome tips! I just discovered your channel yesterday and I'm hooked! ❤❤❤

[@miladelpamatmat]

Thanks for this video! I'm always reworking things to be more efficient. And today you've given me a couple great tips to help make the photo process faster.

[@backfromburnout]

Happy to help! Thank you for watching!

[@ca7439]

Watched to the end! Really helped me to stay in my flow while I did some photos for my eBay! I love the longer videos because it helps me stay focused. It’s easy to get distracted if a shorter video ends!

[@MichelleZammit-p5m]

Just recently found you on KZbin. Really enjoy watching your videos. Found you on Ebay and have placed an order. Can't wait to receive them.

[@backfromburnout]

Oh thank you so much for supporting me. Please do let me know if there is any problems when it arrives.

[@BloomingSteel]

i love this style because i can still work and listen to you without losing momentum

[@treasurepedlar]

I started out by selling books on AZ, and I follow this exact process in photographing. The only thing I add sometimes is the TOC. You and Tech and a few others have helped me so much in analyzing my FLOW, and it's definitely helped me be more efficient.

[@backfromburnout]

That’s so awesome! Well done!

[@redandpink219]

I'm so impressed you can work and talk at the same time. Great streamlining work practice tips too. All the best for selling those new listings!

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you

[@bobedwards7927]

I just watched Thom’s interview with Technsports. It was a great interview. I never knew Tom could talk.😂😂

[@backfromburnout]

He talks non stop lol. I guess we must remember making videos was never Thom’s thing. He was thrown into the camera life, and has totally been supportive of being in my videos, but it can be hard to get used to being on film.

[@bethschroeder2482]

I appreciate the chit chat between friends style. I feel like I always pick up great tips that just happen organically. Also good solid work boots make life better. Happy to hear you have discovered them. Thanks for giving me a chance to hang out with you while you work.

[@yinzflipz1934]

I love the longer videos. It fills my time as i am listing. Thanks!!!

[@backfromburnout]

Glad you like them! When I'm doing and showing tasks it can be harder to tuen them into shorter lengths.

[@vtw8825]

You are so nice for showing your listing process ! I’m not a reseller but found this video fun !

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much! I do like to help people and it's why I enjoy making videos for this channel x

[@Nicole-zv7ee]

What an awesome video, Mel. I learned so much from this one. Thank you!

[@backfromburnout]

So glad!

[@darrenstokes5274]

Please show the process after the photography. I list video games one by one so I'm really interested in your process and how you then start listing the photos you've done

[@backfromburnout]

I come home, air drop them to my Mac desktop and keep them in a folder that says "To List". Once they're uploaded to my computer I delete them from the phone. I use an application called Bridge (it comes with Photoshop so if you don't have Photoshop you won't have Bridge) to view my folders of photos. Bridge stays open to the left of my screen so I can see the photos. I then sit and I list them one by one, dragging the photos into eBay for each listing. Once the book is listed the photos then get deleted from my desktop. I normally sit and list for a few hours at a time and I schedule out the listings to go live daily (20-30 per day). Bridge is not necessary, it's just how I like to do it. You otherwise view your folders of photos by clicking on the folder and opening all the photos to view. I do not physically list every day as I schedule my listings out and like to be a couple of weeks ahead at all times. I just sit and list whenever I get the chance for a longer period of time. I find it quite therapeutic to list for several hours at a time and it puts me in a good flow. I do not listen to anything when I list. I prefer to do it in silence. It takes me approx 1min per listing.

[@darrenstokes5274]

@@backfromburnout Thank you so much for the detailed reply. I really like the idea of listing in one go and scheduling them throughout the month. Do you really think this helps with the algorithm of eBay rather than just listing 200 live listings? Thanks once again look forward to your next video 👍

[@backfromburnout]

@@darrenstokes5274 eBay does like daily consistency and I think listing daily keeps sales more stable

[@ba3140]

Watching you work gives me so much motivation. Your such a boss babe!! I truly admire your work ethic with both your ebay shop and KZbin, it feels like the most positive form of envy.

[@janenewman2984]

Perfect timing - just finished the ironing pile! Thanks for the company, lovely to listen to you and in awe of your staying power. My favourite KZbinr.

[@wtf106]

8:40 I also use this boards. These are "foam boards" or "hard foam boards". You can find them in craft stores. They come in different thicknesses and sizes. Perfect white background for perfect pictures. Very inexpensive. However, they are sensitive to pressure marks.

[@backfromburnout]

These ones aren’t foam so they don’t get the pressure dents which is a bonus

[@wtf106]

@@backfromburnout got you, i use the foam ones for magazines and comics

[@VanessaV44]

Thanks for the great video Mel! Not a reseller either, but your vids are great for motivation to declutter and organise around my own home. Also your business finance videos have some great principles we can apply to our personal finances. Glad you've found a schedule with bulk photos and scheduled listings that works for you. The chit chat is also great, keep it up 😊

[@Doing_It_Wrong]

Hey Mel, if you find yourself getting headaches, sore neck, back, legs, knees after long photography sessions you might want to look at getting a tall stool. I find it helps me. It might help you too.

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you! I was pretty good this day and didn’t have any pain but I do normally make sure I have a magnesium bath after a long working sesssion.

[@TheDebbiesDooDads]

I just learned so much from you. It takes me so long to photograph. Thank you for all the great tips. It takes me two hands with my camera I need to learn to do it one handed and keep the book open with the other. That has always been my struggle photographing books. But I now see how and your rythem to it.

[@SueWilliams-d2p]

Thank you Mel, I am a part time small re seller of books in Adelaide. I love your videos and always find them helpful and inspirational. This time it was the fact about grading the books acceptable if there is an inscription or name inside the book. Glad you’re making more videos again. Stay warm ❤ Sue 😊

[@backfromburnout]

Yes, if you hover over the little question mark where you grade the books in the listing it gives a description of what eBay classifies for all the different condition gradings.

[@beverlyb5144]

You could say the same things over and over because I am learning so much from you. Thank You!!! 😊

[@backfromburnout]

I'm so glad! Thank you!

[@brianhenry2385]

Tape Measure Pocket Size Photos: saw you using a seamstress type tape measure. Those have their place, but for faster photography, I keep a pair of steel machinists rulers in my photo area. They are rigid, so they stay flat where you put them and have high contrast, often black numbers on a silver body. If I use both, I can put them in an L configuration, to show 2 dimensions in 1 photo. Being rigid, they align quickly during placement.

[@THEEBAYSTOREDOTCOM]

Using this video as a training lesson for my photographers. Thank you. Great video!

[@backfromburnout]

Fantastic!

[@socalogp7296]

LOVE the long vids Mel!! Keep 'em coming! ✌

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you

[@travisadkins3422]

Thank you for sharing your process of Taking photos it has made me rethink my process of listing.

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you!

[@leselp8725]

You work so hard. I really do get inspired by you, and it's much appreciated. Thanks Mel

[@backfromburnout]

You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@chelseag5923]

Cup of Tea, Tim Tams and your video :) that was my reward to myself after listing today :) Thanks Mel! Love that you have being doing so many videos lately xx

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you! Doing my best to keep them coming . :)

[@bijoubug6535]

Thank you Mel for the work with me video. I had you on while I was steaming and taking pictures of my clothing. Would love more of these!

[@barbaraphillips5608]

I’m entertained watching you take pics, if I’m ever going too start sales I will know more than I did.

[@fireballflippers3598]

I wish more resellers would make videos like this of their complete process from photo to storing their items. I am intrigued by all the different ways of storing things.

[@backfromburnout]

It is fascinating as we all do our things a little differently and we can all take tips from each other when sharing more. Thank you for watching

[@sandypratt581]

This was actually fun. I was listing while listening to you. May I make a suggestion? As you unload your bags of newly sourced book to put on the back-up table, maybe sort them in small, medium & large sizes so that you don't have to pick through each pile to find the size filler you need for your shelf. You are SO right... the prep BEFORE the pics is SO important. Thanks for another great video.

[@makingthebudgetwork2845]

Watched it all while I photoed. Love these videos when I work!

[@lisagolden253]

I learn more from you and am more inspired by you than any other KZbinr! Love your videos. Please keep them coming! - Lisa (Bobbies Closet and More).

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much that means a lot!

[@stephleephoto]

This was great! Thanks Mel for sharing your process. A few tips I will definitely implement in my photographing process! Look up the phrase “body doubling” with ADHD. I reckon that’s why you love doing these videos while you work! Having A friend or family member sitting with me while i work helps me to get through my jobs/work so well! I always say if my mind is entertained my hands just work!

[@backfromburnout]

Interesting! Thank you I’ll look it up!

[@mrs.donaldson8940]

Thanks for keeping me company while I sorted/folded my laundry Mel. :)

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you! I need to go do my laundry now lol

[@tonyaneblett]

Love this video. Always love to watch you even though I don’t sell books the information and tips are still valuable. ❤❤

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you!

[@jameswhite-x4k]

Really good work Mel thanks

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you for watching!

[@nfldshorty21]

Thanks Mel I didn’t know you could change the settings for exposure and make square on iPhone so much help

[@ComputerPete]

Love the process videos! Thanks Mel!

[@jacqulynhilyard1561]

Excellent information and perfectly sensible production process. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Also I like that you speak from the heart, as if you are talking to a friend, It makes it much more natural to learn in my opinion, and you are a great teacher, as well as the best example of a responsible caring reseller that I have seen. Wishing you all the best! New subscriber.

[@JenniferR411]

Love Love Love it! It's kinda my motive to show kindness and respect because we are all going thru stages in our life...and you show just grace under pressure to show great passion for all you do..we love everything about your journey Mel.. Appreciate you thru and thru! From my heart to you and yours..Jen from California.❤😅😢😊

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much ♥️

[@brianhenry2385]

Angled Photos: I find when I’m doing close-up photos of flaws, I tend to take those on an angle, so the stand out more then squared up pics.

[@cindyw6922]

Loved watching your process. Thanks for sharing.

[@viviangustafson9004]

Always love your videos! Keep them coming.

[@Babs-991]

This long video. I worked watching and listening. Time goes fast and is enjoyable. Thank you.😊

[@zoea2812]

Really enjoyed this. I'm not a seller but I loved seeing the whole process.

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much!

[@thriftymandy]

Love it Mel! Thanks for keeping me company while I work! 🥰

[@JennyinGero]

OMG!!! Banana bread in the slow cooker - yes please Mel!!! Can’t wait till you share it with us❣️Thanks for another great video - love those pants - be good for 4WDriving!☺️🥰

[@christinedurant9522]

Enjoyed watching till the end thanks Mel

[@sharonshiel]

Fantastic video, thank you Mel! I love the thumbnail...you look like an eBay Ninja!!!

[@KTTreasures]

I love this idea Mel! List it all in one day and then schedule

[@jennyarduser3096]

I love this video and the chit chat!! It has been great seeing your process! Great music towards the end! Well done!!!

[@scholasticstudio]

Learned so much from this presentation Mel...I went into one of my listings to change condition of a book I was selling from Good to Acceptable based on your advice...Love your content...Am melting down here in beautiful British Columbia Canada (36 degrees celcius)...Sorry you're so cold!

[@backfromburnout]

I wish I was as warm as you. Enjoy that summer sunshine ♥️

[@MelissaSamson8]

Finally, full watched! I’ve been watching this video for few minutes each day. Great explanations!😊

[@mrslehman3]

Great video for any type if seller. I am sending this to a new reseller. Great advice. Well done

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you, I do hope my tips carry on to all genres!

[@AndrewBuckleBookReviews]

Love the photo taking cardboard, great idea. Will do that with mine from now on. Also love the rubber board, that will be a good idea for me as well. Have you ever thought about putting on the timer to say 3 seconds as that means you can hold the camera rock steady without any movement when the photo is processed / pressing the button ? Super useful video as ever

[@emilysimon2676]

YAYAY your vids are my most favorite and motivate me more than anyone elses. Keep up the work and I cant wait for the next vid!

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you so much, that means a lot!

[@michellethroneburg2120]

Excellent video. I really enjoyed watching your process.

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you

[@kysinclair]

Hi Mel, Thank you for your videos! They are always helpful. It would be great to see how you list items directly into the computer, as you seem to do it very quickly. It would be interesting to see how you have set up your administrative processes, especially with the LEAN principles you apply in the workshop. Additionally, it would be fantastic if Thom could do some videos from start to finish. I am mainly in media, and given the scale at which he operates, it is quite inspirational. It would be fascinating to see how his processes compare, as you seem to have very efficient workflows. Thank you for considering this! Best wishes Ky!

[@patreynolds6974]

Love this type of video, as work while it is playing. Thank you

[@buyallmeansnowh7493]

Your angel energy is showing

[@MichaelGroll-p9h]

Mel. Thanks ,loved the video. I like the chit chat and photographed with you. More long videos please.

[@captainopshopnerd7406]

Great to see you at work Mel! Always interesting to see others with what they do and how they do. As a process nerd, I always love seeing the breakdown. One hot tip I've got, stop using corflute and grab shiny/glossy backing instead. Why? It levels up you photos, it's easier to clean. Also, grab another ring light to have on the left and balance your lighting :) love it Mel, super stoked to see ya smashin' it!! :)

[@BreinGames]

Much props that you don’t use stock photos. What’s worst is when sellers use stock photos, their descriptions are also vague and include lines like, may rot may not included original dust jacket. May or may not have XXXXXXXXX. I avoid stock photo listings like the plague. Although sometimes youre desperate and a stock photo listing is all you can get. Do a video on stock photo listings lol

[@Jaycee268]

I heard that If you use a stock photo on used listing, then the buyer can claim 'not as described' !

[@backfromburnout]

Stock photos should only be used for new items. Each second hand book is in a different condition and sellers need to accurately show the actual condition of each item.

[@tamsmixedbag9977]

I absolutely learned something, settings on the camera, I'm going to give it try tomorrow for sure...thank you I just love your videos