The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[NYRhockey]

For those with experience listing at C&B/BAT, is there value in paying for professional photos? Full set of ~100 pictures is $250.

[fredo]

BaT has these 2 links in their Resources page. I think you can save those $250.

https://bringatrailer.com/bat-photog...s-of-your-car/

https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content...ist_Mobile.pdf

[NYRhockey]

BaT has these 2 links in their Resources page. I think you can save those $250.

https://bringatrailer.com/bat-photog...s-of-your-car/

https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content...ist_Mobile.pdf

Yea CB has something similar. Probably not worth paying. Nowadays even phone cameras are so good.

[NYRhockey]

What are people’s thoughts on reserve vs no reserve?

Sites will say no reserves get more activity but wonder if that’s the case.

[fredo]

Personally, I don't see a difference. If I'm interested in a car, I would bid no matter what (reserve or no reserve).

[t.er]

What are people’s thoughts on reserve vs no reserve?

Sites will say no reserves get more activity but wonder if that’s the case.

I think it's too much of a gamble with no reserve

[///Mark_D]

I would absolutely pay for professional photos. $250 is nothing compared to how much poor photos will hurt a listing. Doug Demuro has gone on several rants about this in various videos and podcasts. Pro photos bring value to the listing and the return is worth the small price. Realistically speaking it's about 1 bid.


Yes, you can take great photos with a phone, but professionals also have an eye for staging the car properly. You want to avoid distractions in the background, set up a location with good lighting conditions, etc. I think I'm a pretty decent photographer but there's something to be said about a pro that specializes in cars and knows how to capture them well.

[pedro2u]

When I sold my ZHP on BaT, I paid a local photographer to take the shots. There was no way I was going to get great shots and perfect lighting with my iPhone.... Phone cameras are good, but not that good. I think it was money well spent (and returned) https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...onvertible-13/

Another note, I had an issue with BaT setting a reserve. I requested what I thought was a reasonable number, and they came back and low balled me. It took a few days to negotiate with them to get to a number we settled on... I knew it would make it to the reserve. But it can be nerve racking to have the market tell you what your car is worth!

[NYRhockey]

Thanks guys for the feedback.

Of the 2 bid sites, i am leaning towards C&B.

[YoitsTmac]

Professional photos are always worth it. I used to keep all the data sheets. The two biggest points were the following: brighter photos are more visually attractive and when you see a visually pleasing photo, you consider it more valuable. You can really think of anything...a roll of tape at the floor of your desk vs a roll of tape advertised on a website well lit and all. You'll also notice in the link above the black car was rather bright. Also professional photos can enhance the gloss and the like to look as good as something truly is.

Also I agree BaT just straight up brings more dollars per car. When I look at ZHPs alone, that's the correlation I see.