Marketplaces offer retailers the chance to showcase their products online, even if they don’t have their own sales platform. The rise of online marketplaces has transformed the way businesses sell their products. With access to a vast audience, sellers can expand their reach, while customers benefit from an extensive range of products to choose from. However, different marketplaces have unique specifications for product listings, making it crucial for sellers to understand these requirements and ensure their products are presented appropriately.

Global e-commerce sales reached $6.2 trillion by 2022, with online marketplaces representing a significant portion of that growth. With access to a vast audience, sellers can expand their reach, while customers benefit from an extensive range of products to choose from.

report by eMarketer

The fashion industry is highly competitive, and online shops are continually expanding globally. According to Statista, the online fashion industry is expected to reach $872 billion by 2023. Therefore, we would like to take a closer look at the three largest online marketplaces and point out the special features as well as the challenges from the perspective of a professional photography studio. If you’re a fashion seller looking to expand your market reach, it’s essential to understand the most relevant marketplaces in Europe.

Marketplaces have specific requirements, such as:

•  technical and background specifications: aspect ratio, file size, image type, color mode, format, background color, number and type of photos,

•  general guidelines: lighting, product preparation, styling for additional items, cropping, and image order,

•  post-production specifications: file naming, retouch.

To ensure your products are presented effectively and to increase your chances of sales success, it’s crucial to understand and follow these guidelines. By complying with these requirements, you can optimize your product listings, attract the right customers, and stand out from the competition. In the following sections, we’ll explore the key requirements of Zalando, About you, and Breuninger for selling fashion items.

ZALANDO

Zalando is a leading online fashion and lifestyle marketplace based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 2008, the platform has grown rapidly over the years and now operates in 17 European countries, with over 38 million active customers. Zalando offers a wide range of products from more than 4,000 brands, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products. The platform has specific requirements for product pictures, including:

• aspect ratio (width x height): The aspect ratio for images should be 1:1.44
• image size: The maximum size for images is 2.000 x 2.880 px and maximum file size of 2 MB
• resolution: 100 dpi
• image type: JPEG is the preferred image type
• background color: all packshots should have a white background and model photography should have a plain light grey background color
• color space: RGB / sRGB
• amount of pictures: maximum 9 pictures per product

Example picture set for tops/shirts/sweats/jackets/lingerie/nightwear

General information:

1. Minimum requirements of all platforms 4 pictures with mandatory views: Packshot + Model View + Front Crop + Back Crop
2. If a Back Crop is not available than deliver a Side View
3. Always show the full length / size of the article
4. Arms should be shown in full length, should not be bent, rolled up, sticking out or propped up
5. Details: fastening, fabrics, applications, prints etc.

ABOUT YOU

About You is a leading online fashion and lifestyle marketplace based in Germany. Launched in 2014, the platform has quickly become one of the fastest-growing e-commerce companies in Europe, with a presence in over 20 countries. About You offers a vast range of products from over 1,500 brands, catering to a diverse customer base. The platform is known for its personalized shopping experience, using machine learning algorithms to recommend products tailored to each customer’s individual style and preferences. The platform has specific requirements for product pictures, including:

• aspect ratio (width x height): The aspect ratio for images should be 3:4
• image size: The maximum size for images is 1.600 x 2.133 px and maximum file size of 2 MB
• resolution: 100 dpi
• image type: JPEG is the preferred image type
• background color: all packshots should have a white background and model photography should have a plain light grey background color
• color space: RGB / sRGB
• amount of pictures: maximum 9 pictures per product

Example picture set for tops/shirts/sweats/jackets/lingerie/nightwear

General information:

1. Minimum requirements of all platforms 4 pictures with mandatory views: Packshot + Model View + Front Crop + Back Crop
2. If a Back Crop is not available than deliver a Side View
3. Always show the full length / size of the article
4. Arms should be shown in full length, should not be bent, rolled up, sticking out or propped up
5. Details: fastening, fabrics, applications, prints etc.

BREUNINGER

Breuninger is a luxury fashion marketplace based in Germany, with a history dating back over 135 years. The platform offers a wide range of high-end fashion and lifestyle products from over 1,000 brands, including designer clothing, accessories, beauty products, and homeware. With a strong focus on customer service and personalization, Breuninger aims to provide a luxury shopping experience both online and in-store. The platform has specific requirements for product listings, including:

• aspect ratio (width x height): The aspect ratio for images should be 1:1.37
• image size: The minimum size for images is 1.122 x 1.536 pixels, including portrait format 120 pixel frame
• resolution: 72 dpi
• image type: JPG is the preferred image type
• background color: all type of pictures should have a beige-gray background color code R:248;G:243;B:237
• color space: RGB / sRGB

Example picture set for dresses

General information:

1. Minimum requirements of all platforms 4 pictures with mandatory views: Packshot + Full Body or Half Body Front View + Full Body or Half Body Back View + Detail Image
2. Cropped between eyes and nose
3. 120 px baseline for Full Body and Half Body images, no baseline for detail images

Selling through marketplaces offers numerous benefits to brands, including:

• Exploring new markets and marketplaces
• Expanding customer base by reaching new segments
• Enhancing visibility and exposure
• Increasing customer outreach and engagement
• Boosting sales and revenue
• Managing budget allocation and preventing losses
• Expanding globally and establishing international presence
• Raising brand awareness and recognition
• Selling surplus inventory or overstocks

Selling through marketplaces offers numerous benefits, and as a result, they have become a popular way for businesses to sell their products online. As a brand owner, you have access to a wide range of marketplaces where you can list and sell your products. While it’s essential to learn and follow the specific requirements and guidelines for each marketplace

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Don’t worry about meeting photo criteria anymore! By partnering with our studio, you can trust us to ensure that all your photos meet the necessary requirements and increase your chances of sales success on these platforms. Experience the power of our photography studio’s expertise with our free test shoot.