Why Some Photos Need a Retake (and How to Tell)

**The photo is blurry.** If the image is fuzzy or out of focus, the app can't see details and shoppers won't trust it. Retake it with a steadier hand.

**The photo is too dark or too bright.** If you can barely see the item or the colors look washed out, light was the problem. Retake it in better light. See the Lighting and Framing guide for details.

**The item is too small in the frame.** If the item takes up less than 30% of the photo and the background dominates, the app gets confused. Retake it closer, filling the frame with the item.

**The background is too busy.** If there are toys, clutter, or a dozen other items visible behind the target item, the app may tag the wrong thing. Retake it with a cleaner, simpler background.

**The app tagged it completely wrong.** If the app called a lamp a "table" or a "vase" when it's clearly a lamp, the photo quality or angle probably caused the mistake. Retake it from a slightly different angle or with better light. A clearer photo usually means a correct tag.

**You can see damage or important details in the original photo but the app missed them.** For example, a tag on clothing, a maker's mark on pottery, or a dent on a vase. Retake the photo focused on that detail so the app catches it.

1. In your review queue, tap the photo you want to retake.
2. Tap the "Retake" button.
3. The camera opens. Photograph the item again.
4. The new photo replaces the old one. All your edits to the listing (name, price, condition) stay in place—only the image changes.

**The tag is close enough.** If the app called it a "dining chair" and you see it's actually a "office chair," you don't need to retake—just edit the name in the review queue. Retagging is faster than retaking.

**The photo quality is okay and you can see the item clearly.** A photo doesn't have to be perfect. As long as you and shoppers can see what the item is, the condition, and any damage, it's good enough.

**You're running behind schedule.** If you're trying to get a large sale online before the auction starts, adjust tags in the review queue instead of retaking. You'll get listings live faster.

**You photographed a glass vase but the frame was dark.** Retake it near a window in natural light.

**You photographed a wood dresser but you were too close—only the top drawer was visible.** Step back and retake it so the whole piece shows.

**You photographed a set of dishes but they were stacked and the photo was confusing.** Unstack one or two plates, lay them on a clean surface, and retake.

**You photographed a vintage lamp but the cord and plug were important condition details and they weren't in the photo.** Retake it so the full lamp including the plug is visible.