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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 1:35:40 GMT
I asked this on the other board but I know a lot of you don't post over there anymore and I'd like to get your opinions too so I'll repost here.
Since I'm just starting back I have about 500+ things to photograph, mostly blazers, tops and dresses. If I just leave them on their plastic or plastic covered metal hanger I could blast through pics super fast. Because I could just pull it off my rack, snap pics and put it right back. If I use a dress form on 1/2 mannie I'd have to take it off the hanger, dress the mannie, then put it back on the hanger so it would slow things down.
Do you think it makes a difference to buyers? I don't have a smaller ladies size mannie but I do have a fairly thin guy 1/2 mannie that I bought a padded bra for LOL and a plus size 1/2 mannie, plus some kid forms.
Trying to decide if it's worth the extra time or not. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 1:39:09 GMT
I haven't seen a huge difference in manni vs hanger. I do think it makes a difference as opposed to laying things on the floor though. As a buyer it doesn't really bother me, because as a seller I know most of the stuff has been on the floor at one time or another anyway - but I've seen several people say it bothers them.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 1:42:52 GMT
Yeah definitely no floor shots, everything would be hung up against my backdrop. I have some plus size dresses that I'm sure would do better on the mannie since they look pretty lifeless on a hanger. Maybe I should just suck it up and use the mannies for everything I can even though it will take longer. I hate to waste the time but on the other hand I don't want to waste potential profit either.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Feb 13, 2015 1:44:32 GMT
I do most my stuff on a half form, although some things I just do a hanger shot. As long as the picture is clear, and it's at least front and back shot, I think you'd be OK either way.
As a buyer, it doesn't matter to me as long as the picture is clear and the garment isn't pinned into a totally different shape. I'm not fond of shots taken with the garment on the floor, though.
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Post by jellybeanscloset412 on Feb 13, 2015 1:46:50 GMT
No not at all. There are some sellers that are selling circles around manni sellers and they do it all from a hanger. One that I know of is on this board.
I think good quality pictures is key and getting the detail in the picture. Neither if which I have because my camera is on the mend and I am photographically challenged to begin with.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 1:49:29 GMT
I think it depends how "structured" each garment is. Lots of blazers (and ski jackets, heavy winter coats, etc.) don't look much different on a hanger than they do on a person. But a silk dress might look like a shapeless rag.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 1:57:18 GMT
Good to know some are doing well with just a hanger. maybe I'll just use the forms and mannies for the ones that look crappy on the hanger. That should help move things along, thanks  |
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kritter
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Post by kritter on Feb 13, 2015 2:03:45 GMT
As a buyer, it makes no difference whether it is on a manni or a hanger as long as there are good pics and measurements.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 2:06:43 GMT
For me as a buyer it doesn't matter either.
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Post by dutchjazz on Feb 13, 2015 2:07:29 GMT
I agree with ahrn. Depends on the item. I've actually taken pictures of an item on my manni and didn't like the way it looked so I took pictures of it either on a hangar or on the floor (of course, I use a piece of muslin to lay the item on.)
Having said that, I do believe mannis help when selling plus size. If you can make it look good on the manni, I think it helps it to sell. Perfect example would be mysweetamericandressing. Even though she doesn't use a manni, I wonder how many of her tops are sold based on the way the item looks on the model. I also wonder how many people buy based on that image only to realize after purchasing, um not so much on them.
Maybe it does or maybe doesn't help with selling, who knows, but I do think you can get a better price with a better presentation.
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Post by zoesam on Feb 13, 2015 2:57:28 GMT
Yes, I think it does make a difference in many cases. They show the structure & shape of a garment. It's all in the boobs IMO. I def noticed a difference in my sales when I started using a form. That said, there are a few things, if I'm in a hurry that I'll show on a hanger, but only t-shirt type items.
In general, for women's clothes I think it makes a pretty big difference & as a buyer, while I don't care if they don't use a form. An item that is truly showing the shape, drape, etc. on a form is far more likely to get my attn. if I'm browsing. If I'm looking to replace a specific item, for example, then I know what it's like IRL & it won't make any difference to me.
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Post by zoesam on Feb 13, 2015 3:04:13 GMT
Here's a perfect example. Even without the necklace added, HUGE difference.
 
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Shirley U Geste
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Feb 13, 2015 3:08:41 GMT
I'm with Zoe.
For some items it does make a huge difference to be able to show the shape and structure.
For average ordinary straight cut stuff a hanger is fine.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 3:26:53 GMT
I also think it depends on the item. I put the vast majority of my stuff on a manni. Not sure if it helps sales or not, as I've never done otherwise. Pretty much the only clothing items I've bought on ebay are styles that I'm already familiar with. In that case, as a buyer, it doesn't make much difference to me.
Personally, if I take a pic of something on a hangar or laid out on a posterboard, I sometimes end up messing with the placement so much that I think I end up spending nearly as much time as I would putting it on a form.
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Post by Dawn R on Feb 13, 2015 12:22:25 GMT
I also think it depends on the item. I wear a 14/16 and will not buy from someone who uses a size 2 manni and pins it back so I have no idea of the shape. If they include unpinned or laying flat then I'm good. I need o see the shape. I have a good understanding of what flatters my larger figure but I have to see the shape.
I have a sewing form that I use sometimes. It is easier to photograph dresses, shirts, and skirt on the form so I use it for anything that fits. Smaller stuff I hang or lay flat on a background. I see no difference in selling rate but I am a small-time seller.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 15:06:24 GMT
It turned out I didn't have much of a choice, my mannie was too chunky to fit into my dresses, I got one on her and that one took me probably 5 minutes just to get her dressed and hung (she's heavy and bulky). Then it turns out her hanger is on the back of her neck so she can't be turned around, so I had to still take the back pic on the hanger. I did manage to get 45 dresses photographed last night using hangers, and had time left to edit the pics. Hopefully the increase in productivity will make up for the lack of a mannie.
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Post by jellybeanscloset412 on Feb 13, 2015 17:49:27 GMT
Zoe you have a point there. But I still think you can be successful without a manni or form. If you look at popular retailers you will see all of it; live models, a manni and then nothing just the garment floating in space! So I guess it is what ever you find is working best for you.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 18:16:10 GMT
I think it might have something to do with age group. Abercrombie does just fine with tops that aren't even smoothed out. Like this. I don't care for those pics, but I'm not their target buyer. They also do the same type of photos for shorts and skirts (new skirt KW for me - skater). I think Zoe's pic perfectly illustrates why a lot of things need to be filled out by a person or a manni/form. |
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Post by zoesam on Feb 13, 2015 18:18:45 GMT
Zoe you have a point there. But I still think you can be successful without a manni or form. If you look at popular retailers you will see all of it; live models, a manni and then nothing just the garment floating in space! So I guess it is what ever you find is working best for you. I never said you can't be successful! When I first started, I used a hanger for everything, probably for a year or so. But I do think a hanging form improves sales. I think most womens items look better on a form. T-shirts & mens shirts I think are fine on hangers, as they tend to be square with a straight hem.
The thing is with those garments floating in space - they're not. They are on a model or form, perfectly draped, pinned, wind machines, etc & then the background is removed. They are NOT just hanging on a hanger. I forget what catalog it is that I get which always makes me laugh, as they are all 'floating in air', but you can see every single curve & drape of the fabric, which kinda makes the floating in air thing look odd. Esp when the wind machine is used LOL.
It does depend on the item, here's another one...this would have looked ridiculous on a hanger. Instead it sold overnight.
www.ebay.com/itm/351297863018?ssPageName=STRK:MESDIX:IT
I think dresses are the worst on hangers, unless they have structure, but straight hem tops & tees, there's not much point to a manni. I have never used a full manni, as the work is too much of a tradeoff for me, but the $8 a hanging form costs, is well worth it IMO, even with the extra time it takes. There are still times I have to use a hanger, like OP's situation where the dress is simply too small. Though I have 5 hanging forms now, so I can usually make at least the front fit on 1 of them. I still sometimes have to take a hanger pic of the back cuz I can't zip up the dress.
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Post by zoesam on Feb 13, 2015 18:25:27 GMT
I think it might have something to do with age group. Abercrombie does just fine with tops that aren't even smoothed out. Like this. I don't care for those pics, but I'm not their target buyer. They also do the same type of photos for shorts and skirts (new skirt KW for me - skater). I think Zoe's pic perfectly illustrates why a lot of things need to be filled out by a person or a manni/form. Thank you Elly. I was just trying to look up some T's I have on hangers & even in those, I have the arm held out for shape.
Those A&F pics are interesting! I have not seen that, all wrinkled & rumpled. I'm with you, I don't like them, but I'm not their target buyer either & I can see where it may appeal to a 20-something. Wish I could remember the catalog name that has them all 'floating in air' perfectly.
ETA; I remembered, it's the Paragon. Here's a floating in air sample & the cover of the catalog. I actually really like the way they're displayed, but it is a bit odd, b/c of course this is not how they would hang. I see they tend to use more live models in the items with movement.
i0.wp.com/cdn.theparagon.com/images/220/95805.jpg
theparagoncatalog.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/cover-s1-pg.jpg
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 18:40:58 GMT
I'm in the 'depends on what it is' camp. One seller/boardie who's photos I really admire are all taken with the garment flat on the floor - though you can't tell it's the floor (shopping addiction).
What I do is to take both a photo on my dress form, and one with the garment either lying flat (or on a hanger). It takes a little longer, but this way I can see which shot looks best. Plus, if I have the item hanging around long enough with multiple re-lists, I change up my gallery photo with the alternate shot.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Feb 13, 2015 20:04:29 GMT
I find a manni is faster than a hanger or half-hollow. With those I spend too much time futzing with the sleeves, drape, etc. With the manni I just shove the garment on take photos as I whirl her around on her lazy susan.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 20:37:31 GMT
I went and bought a small table to put the man mannie on for taking shirt pics. I'll see if I can get a screw and loop or an eye hook set into him so it won't pull out then I can hang it up. I don't have a huge amount of mens clothing though, mostly shirts so I may not need to hang it. Although I'm not sure if I'll use him or not, I'll have to compare a few pics. I think I like the 1/2 mannies better than the forms simply because it gives an accurate body shape (not flat on the back) so maybe I'll try to find a couple more of them in smaller ladies sizes.
Hangers are super fast for me. I don't get all picky with it. I put it up there, make sure it's straight and take the pic, 1 minute per item tops.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 20:45:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 20:52:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 21:02:30 GMT
I would assume the watchers are other sellers waiting to see if it really sells that high or window shoppers. The colors in the laid out one look kind of off, but the mannie one is really wrinkled so I don't like either LOL
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 21:02:51 GMT
I find a manni is faster than a hanger or half-hollow. With those I spend too much time futzing with the sleeves, drape, etc. With the manni I just shove the garment on take photos as I whirl her around on her lazy susan. Nice to see you here, Chap! Your pics and garments are fabulous. I wish I could say the same, but then again, I'm not selling stuff high end or anything too unique. I rented a full size manni back in the early fall for a week. My first experience with one, but as much work as it was, I felt it was worth the expense for the amount of pics and sales I got for my $20 week-long rental. At that time I had decided to go with a hollow 1/2 manni and ordered 2. At times I regret not taking the offer of buying the full manni for $100, but it is what it is. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 21:04:56 GMT
Can't seem to find any reasonably priced full forms like Buella May (yes we named her LOL) so guess I'll have to go with half forms. I know before most ordered from robertham, is that still the cheapest place or is there some where else that would be cheaper? Looks like Ebay is pretty high after you add in shipping.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2015 21:18:59 GMT
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Post by jellybeanscloset412 on Feb 13, 2015 21:25:00 GMT
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