Do I need models?

[hollyg9211]

I've got an Etsy shop and I mostly sell t-shirts.  Should I use models instead of photographing the shirts flat?  Does it matter?  Would it make a difference if you were the buyer?
www.kiwicuties.etsy .com

[craftcoeur]

yes! it definitely helps people get a feel for how the shirt might fit them.

[smarmyclothes]

you could try one of those plastic half-mannequins.  they're on ebay usually for like $15. 

[zizzler]

i got my torso mannaquin thing from a Nordstrom that was closing for free! and they don't talk back

[Shaina]

Yeah, people want to know how stuff is going to fit them. Whenever I sell something with details like that I take a picture on me and then lay it flat and take an up-close picture of the logo.

[arrhythmia]

The model isn't a bad idea when you can locate one, but the well done flat shirt is standard on a lot of store sites, so you can go either way. Good luck!

[tomatedepingles]

i always prefer on models, somehow my brain cant create a 3d image if it isnt an actaul 3d representation 

[hollyg9211]

Alrighty, I've bribed my 'pretty-boy' baby brother and his Nicky Hilton look-alike girlfriend into being models as well as some adorable children. 

Your screen name makes my brain read Tomato Pringles everytime.  Which then makes me hungry for chips and ketchup.

[tomatedepingles]

Your screen name makes my brain read Tomato Pringles everytime.  Which then makes me hungry for chips and ketchup.

sounds good

[craftmatic]

Your photos are clear so you might be able to get away without models, but I would venture to guess you would see sales spike if you used models or at least a mannequin to "flesh out" your products and let people see what they are in for.
Good Luck with your etsy shop!