Any photography experts out there?

I like to add a picture to my listings as I want to show the condition my gear is in, and I like to see what equipment is like if I am buying, but some of the pictures people post (mine included) can be pretty abysmal. You know the type of thing, flash glare off chrome, fuzzy close ups of serial #'s, black equipment photographed on black backgrounds that makes it all but invisible.
I have no real interest in photography, but can any amateur photographer types suggest a few easy tips (lighting, background color, etc) that will help produce pictures that look decent?
BTW, my digitial camera is a Canon Powershot A20.