This has long been a heated topic of discussion in newsgroups and forums,
the importance of selecting the proper material for product shot
backgrounds.  I have been known to use my signature and trademarked
blue/gray mover's blanket for my background.  The cool side benefit is the
gray side is standardized in 18% grayscale.  Perfect for setting WB and
exposure.  I've been known to throw in a painter's white canvas drop cloth
for products that need to stand out even more.

Other suitable background materials can be found when the typical eBay
seller is doing what they do best, dumpster diving.  Turn a corrugated
cardboard box inside out and you have another professional looking
background for your heavier and cruddy objects that will ruin your normal
studio backdrops.  Mover's blankets are $10 each while cardboard is free.

See how the pros work with backgrounds.

<http://ritaberk.myhosting247.com/backgrounds.htm>

Rita