If you've ever had an Amazon listing suppressed for a non-compliant main image, you know the frustration. Amazon requires a pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255) on main product images. Trade Me and eBay don't strictly mandate white, but sellers who use clean backgrounds consistently report better click-through rates.
Professional product photography studios charge anywhere from $25 to $70 NZD per image. If you're a small seller with 50+ SKUs, that adds up fast. Here's how to do it yourself with remove-bg.io — for free.
What Each Platform Actually Requires
Trade Me recommends clean, well-lit product photos. Amazon requires a pure white background on main images. Shopify NZ recommends consistent white backgrounds for better conversions.
Trade Me
- No strict background requirement, but clean photos stand out
- Good lighting and clear product shots drive more enquiries
- Up to 20 images per listing — use them
- First photo is what shows in search results
Amazon (for NZ sellers)
- Main image must have a pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255)
- Minimum 1000px on longest side; 1600px+ recommended
- Product should fill at least 85% of the frame
Shopify NZ
- No strict requirement, but white performs best
- 2048x2048px square images recommended
- Consistent style across your catalogue matters
eBay
- Minimum 500px on longest side
- White or light backgrounds preferred
- Up to 24 images per listing
The Process: From Phone Camera to Listing-Ready
1. Shoot with removal in mind
You don't need a lightbox or studio. A smartphone camera on a table near a window works. The key is even lighting on the product. Overcast days or indirect light give the most even results.
2. Upload and remove the background
Go to the Background Remover and drop in your photo. The AI isolates the product and strips away everything else.
The Bulk Background Remover lets you process up to 20 at once.
3. Set your background
For Amazon main images, select white. For secondary images, add a subtle shadow underneath the product. Download both white-background and transparent PNG versions.
4. Download in HD
No watermarks, no downscaling.
Practical Tips
White products on white backgrounds look odd. Add a subtle drop shadow.
Batch your work. Photograph all products in one session, then batch-process.
Keep your originals. You might want to re-process later for Christmas promotions or a different marketplace.
File naming matters. Name files descriptively before uploading.
Test lifestyle backgrounds for secondary images. Use the Add Background tool to place products in context.
When to Use White vs. Transparent vs. Lifestyle Backgrounds
| Use Case | Background Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon main image | Pure white | Required by policy |
| Trade Me primary | White or clean | Professional look |
| Secondary images | Lifestyle | Shows product in context |
| Etsy listings | Mix of both | White for clarity, lifestyle for personality |
| Social media ads | Custom/branded | Catches attention |
| Your own website | Match your brand | Consistency |
Common Mistakes
Uploading low-res photos. Pixelated input means pixelated output.
Ignoring Amazon's 85% fill rule. Crop tight.
Inconsistent lighting across products. Batch your photography sessions.