Question about item descriptions and stock photos for website

**markw10** · 05-23-2008, 10:30 PM

I am close to launching a new e-commerce website.
My question, where should I get the item descriptions and photos that are used for the items on my web site? I currently have an eBay store and have been mostly getting these stock descriptions and photos from either the company that makes the product or either the supplier/distributor that I purchased the product from.
I just want to make sure that there are no legal issues involved or even if there are services or places I can subscribe to to get this information. The products that I will be selling are video games and accessories, audio/video products and accessories, computer accessories, notebook computers, and also we sell a lot of books. Thanks for help with this.

**psylencer** · 11-09-2008, 04:52 AM

You should find no legal issues when sourcing the information from a vendors web site. Be careful not to steal creative descriptions from competitors.

Vendors are usually happy to have their own product descriptions re-used.

You can also pay a copywriter to write descriptions for you, however this is a very expensive solution, the advantage being is that once done, you own the copyrights to the text.

**jpf** · 11-09-2008, 11:25 AM

psylencer - your right.

On top of that (is almost nessary) - you could write your own discription- or modify what your supplier has. Give it your own feal - or to have a more uniform looks between products from differnt vendors. Add details - or take out fluff.

If you don't customize it - then several other sites have the SAME blocks of text discriptions. (ie: search engines optimzation)

Graphics:
- ASK permision from your supplier - they may even have a graphic libary of there product available - which is even better - you might be able to select differnt view that what your supplier has on his website - and possably other sites too.
- Nothing wrong in getting your hands on some product and Snaping a few PICS and using them. Clean no print sheet, cardboard, dropcloth, blank wall etc...

DO NOT:
-Take "simular" pics or discriptions from other sites - without asking permission.
-Directly link to other people pics.