You know, I wouldn't mind rendering promo images for people if anyone wants.
I'm sure plenty of others wouldn't mind either if someone approached them.

If a merchant isn't comfortable with doing them or doesn't have the time to do them (lets face it, it's time consuming), why not contact someone whose work you like in the gallery and ask if they would do some promos for you?
I'm sure many of us would be flattered to be asked, and quite a few would do it. :)

Of course, if there are no close up shots for a reason... that's a whole other can of hoopla.

I sometimes rather see a render where a texture / item has been used / is shown off by someone other than the creator, because as the creator you know all the in's and out's and the little kinks of your product and can tweak it to the hilt - while lil ole me might not be as well versed in say... lighting, or morphing something to fit or... I dunno... you know what I'm getting at, I'm sure. :)

To see someone else get a great result means I might just stand a chance! :)

Silke