Product Photo Quality Standards
The Handmade Collective is a curated directory, and we expect makers to present their work with clear, attractive, and professional-looking photographs.
All submitted product photos must:
• Be sharp, clear, and well-lit.
• Show the actual handmade item accurately, including its colors, materials, and details.
• Have a clean, uncluttered background that does not distract from the product.
• Be large enough for visitors to see the item clearly.
• Be free of excessive blur, pixelation, distracting clutter, and visible watermarks from other businesses.
• Be owned by the maker or used with proper permission.
Makers are encouraged to crop, brighten, and improve their photos before submitting them, provided the edits do not misrepresent the actual product.
Photo Quality and Listing Approval
The Handmade Collective is for independent makers of handmade goods. Sellers must apply and be approved before being included in the directory. Factory-made or resold items are not allowed.
The Handmade Collective reserves the right to reject product photos that do not meet these standards. If an approved listing contains photos that do not meet the required quality, the maker may be asked to replace them within a reasonable timeframe. Listings may be suspended or removed if the requested improvements are not made or if the photos are misleading.
Our goal is to showcase genuine handmade products in a way that reflects the care and creativity of the makers behind them.
AI-Assisted Product Photos
Makers may use AI tools to enhance or improve their product photos, including lighting, background, sharpness, and overall presentation. However, the finished images must accurately represent the actual product being offered for sale. AI must not be used to change or invent product features, colors, materials, patterns, size, details, or craftsmanship. The item shown must be the same product the customer will receive. Do not use AI-generated images that could mislead shoppers about the actual handmade item. For example, improving the background or lighting is acceptable, but changing the design of a piece of jewelry or adding details that do not exist on the real product is not.
Who Can Sell
Shipping & Customer Service Responsibilities
- Every seller is fully responsible for their own shipping costs, destinations, processing times, delivery estimates, tracking, customs charges, returns, and customer service.
- Sellers must clearly communicate their shipping policies, delivery expectations, and any extra fees (such as customs or duties) to customers through their own individual shops.
- The Handmade Collective is a directory only and does not set or manage shipping rates, shipping zones, checkout, or payment processing, and does not handle or guarantee delivery, returns, or refunds.