When selling your equipment on Tractor USA (or anywhere for that matter), presentation and quality photos are essential. Great photos of your tractor, combine, bulldozer, etc. help to ensure the best possible result for your equipment and allow bidders to bid with greater confidence. While we are more than happy to work with you to provide professional level photos of your equipment, we’ve created this guide to help take excellent photos yourself.
Clean equipment sells
This might seem like a no-brainer, but this is often overlooked and can make a huge difference. Wash and dry the exterior of your tractor along with the interior. Try to present your equipment the way you would want to receive it if you were the winning bidder. We’re not saying you need a professional level detail, but every bit helps.
Take pictures outside
Clean tractors and equipment look better when they are photographed outside. Unless weather prohibits, it’s best to move equipment outside for photos.
Pick a good location
This is another often overlooked aspect of quality listing photos. Try to choose an uncluttered and non-distracting location. Try to eliminate any visual distractions or other objects that are not related to your equipment. Something as simple as an open field, front driveway of a shed, or a simple tree line works well. Before you take your photo, look at your camera/phone viewfinder. Are there trucks or other vehicles in the background? Rusty old equipment in the back? If so, try to find a different angle to focus on the tractor being presented.
Take both exterior and interior phots
Ensure you take at least one photo of each side of your tractor. Always have your phone in landscape mode for all photos as well. As for the interior, take one photo that shows as much as the cab/inside as possible. Next, focus on any relevant details such as the steering wheel, transmission, gauges, monitors and a snapshot of the number hours on the tractor as well.
Capture the details
When walking around your tractor, combine or excavator, make sure to take any photos of relevant details on the machine. This would include tire tread depth (one of each tire or track if equipped), number of hydraulic outlets, or any other relevant information (3 point, PTO, etc.). Pictures of the engine also help, as well as any service and maintenance records. Also try to photograph the VIN plate or any relevant stickers/labels.
Be transparent (Do not hide anything!)
This is perhaps the most important key to a successful auction listing. Don’t try to hide or photoshop any problem areas or flaws on your tractor. We believe it is better to be upfront and honest with potential bidders. Photograph wear items or problem areas, so that everyone has a good idea of what they are getting.