Many bad purchases start with incomplete seller photos. Ask for the angles that actually reveal packaging condition.
Full front photo, straight-on.
Full back photo, straight-on.
Both crimped ends in sharp focus.
Side seams and corner folds.
Pack thickness, especially for cello and rack packs.
Any slab label or holder edge.
Close-up of tears, staining, cloudy plastic or seal irregularity.
A photo beside a ruler when size or format is unclear.
Photo red flags
Be careful when a listing uses only glamour shots, crops off the edges, hides the back, or refuses reasonable photo requests on a high-value item.
