Handmade Guidelines: Rules for Selling on Goimagine

Goimagine is an online platform exclusively for artisans and makers to showcase and sell their handmade creations. To maintain the integrity of our platform and ensure customer confidence, we have a careful application process for all new sellers.  All products sold on the goimagine marketplace or through a private Moasic site must be handmade by the seller, who must be based in the United States. 

We reserve the right to take legal action against sellers who misrepresent their products as handmade, as this damages the trust we've built with our customers.  If you have any doubts about whether your products meet our handmade criteria, please don't hesitate to contact us for clarification.

Goimagine reserves the right to revoke selling privileges at any time and for any reason. We may update these terms at our discretion. If you have any questions regarding our policies or seller requirements, please reach out to our support team.. We are always here to help.

Defining Handmade on Goimagine

"Handmade" refers to items crafted through a creative process, resulting in products distinctly different in form or function from the individual pieces or supplies used to create them. The seller must play an integral and hands-on role in producing the product. 

Handmade encompasses a wide range of products, including physical items and digital creations such as photography or digital graphics. Products should not be created through automated systems for mass production. The genuine human craftsmanship in their design and creation sets handmade products apart. Items listed for sale should reflect the maker or artist's unique skills, creativity, and dedication, making each piece a work of art in its own right.

Eligibility

All products listed on Goimagine must adhere to the below requirements:

• Products must be made by the seller alone or with the assistance of a small group of family members or employees working with the seller.
• Products must not be mass-produced, which means they cannot be produced in large quantities by an automated mechanical process. Outsourcing of production is prohibited.
• We permit the use of hand tools and light machinery or home equipment; the seller should use said tools in their home, studio, or workspace. Using tools from a shared maker space is also acceptable.
• Sellers are strongly encouraged to print their own products. However, we understand that some items, such as high-quality artwork prints or certain stationery products, may require specialized printing equipment that is cost-prohibitive for individual sellers. In these cases, using an outside print lab is allowed. Small-format items should still be fulfilled by the seller directly. Please see specific guidelines for Artwork and photography prints below.
• We will allow sellers to hand-alter pre-made items. For example, sellers can apply their own designs to blank T-shirts or mugs. 
• Upcycling existing products or using vintage supplies to create something new is allowed.
• Due to the regulations of our payment processor, we cannot allow the sale of:
  • Sex Toys
  • Tobacco Products
  • Products containing cannabis or derived substances, including but not limited to CBD, THC, and CBG.
  • Guns, Fireworks or other Explosives
  • 3D printed weapons

Additional, more specific guidelines can be found below. When selling products on Goimagine, the seller must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. 

Use of images, language, and adult content.

Goimagine strives to be a welcoming space for all shoppers, valuing artistic expression while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. While we understand some makers offer adult-themed items, we require all content displayed on the Marketplace, including product images, banners, and other promotional materials, to adhere to PG-13 guidelines.

Language: We request that all product descriptions and titles be suitable for a PG-13 audience. Mild profanity like "hell," "damn," "shit," and "bitch" is permissible, but stronger language must be appropriately censored (e.g., "F-word," "C-word"). Derogatory, offensive, or hateful language is strictly prohibited.

Images and Nudity: Nudity is allowed in artistic contexts where it is presented tastefully and is essential to the artwork. Models showcasing other items for sale on Goimagine must be clothed appropriately, reflecting the product's intended use. Images and banners on the Marketplace must not contain explicit nudity or sexually suggestive content.

Adult-Themed Items: All adult-themed product listings must be appropriately labeled and discreetly presented with images and descriptions that adhere to PG-13 guidelines. Due to regulations from our payment processor, we cannot permit the sale of sex toys, regardless of censorship.

We ask that everyone use their best judgment. If you have a product that would be classified as adult content, we ask that your first thumbnail image and product name be appropriate for a general audience, censoring where needed. This ensures the marketplace remains a safe space for all browsers. You do not need to censor your keywords or tags.

We appreciate your cooperation in creating a positive and inclusive shopping experience for all Goimagine users. By adhering to these guidelines, you help us foster a community where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

Drop Shipping & Print on Demand (POD):

Goimagine is deeply committed to celebrating and promoting genuine handmade craftsmanship. To uphold this core value, we strictly prohibit the sale of drop-shipped products and items produced through traditional print-on-demand (POD) methods. These practices conflict with our ethos, removing the artist's direct involvement in the creation and delivery process.

Print-on-Demand’s automated processes fundamentally contradict our belief in the importance of the artist's hand in every step of the creation process. Our commitment to the handmade ethos is rooted in the belief that if the hands of the maker never touch the final product, it cannot be considered handmade. We hold this standard to ensure that every item listed on Goimagine reflects its creator's authentic craftsmanship and artistic contribution.

Goimagine does recognize the importance of enabling artists to share their work widely while preserving the integrity of their creations. To strike this balance, prints of original artwork and photography are the only exception to this rule. Artists may use a trusted print lab to produce and ship these prints directly to customers, provided they follow the detailed guidelines on artwork and photography below.

Original Artwork & Photography:

Goimagine is committed to supporting artisans who create and sell unique artwork and photography—the policy outlined below details the requirements for fulfilling orders for these products on our platform.

All artwork, including but not limited to paintings, mixed media, drawings (digital or other), and photographs sold on Goimagine, must be original creations by the artist or photographer. This means the work cannot be copied, imitated, AI-generated, or derived from existing pieces that do not belong to the seller. For their protection, sellers should include a copyright notice stating that they retain all rights to the original artwork or photograph within their listing.

• Selling Prints: Selling prints of original artwork outlined above is permitted. Print listings should include a statement verifying that the print is a reproduction of the seller's original artwork or photograph. We encourage sellers to include at least one listing photo of the original artwork or photograph when applicable. This demonstrates authenticity and allows buyers to appreciate the original piece. To give buyers a clear picture of what they're purchasing, sellers must provide specific details about their prints in the listing description. This includes clearly stating the type of material the print is made on (such as canvas, glossy photo paper, matte paper, etc). If relevant, sellers should also mention the type of ink used (ex., Archival inks). While not required, we strongly encourage sellers to include a photo of a sample print on the chosen media. This allows buyers to see the texture and finish firsthand.
• Off-Site Print Labs: While we encourage artists and photographers to print and fulfill their own orders to ensure quality control and artistic vision, we recognize that professional printing services may be necessary in some cases due to size or media. The use of a print lab is permitted to fulfill orders for original artwork prints and photographic reproductions only. The lab must be located within the USA, and the location must be disclosed in the "How It's Made" section of the listing. Goimagine reserves the right to request additional information about the print lab for compliance purposes.

We reserve the right to verify any artwork or photograph listed on goimagine. Artists and photographers may need to provide documentation to our compliance team to verify that their work is their own. This may include sketches, process photos or videos, prior exhibition records, negatives, raw files, photo metadata, or any other proof for our compliance team to verify that the work was created by the seller. This verification process is in place to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of our platform. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from the platform.

AI-Generated Art:

At Goimagine, we have established policies to ensure that our platform promotes the work of handmade artists and makers. We emphasize the human touch and creativity behind each creation listed for sale.

To uphold our core commitment to providing a platform showcasing genuine handmade goods, we prohibit the sale of any visual artwork, design, pattern, or other creation that artificial intelligence (AI) systems have substantively generated. This policy includes, but is not limited to:

• Unaltered AI works
• Physical products made with AI-generated art or designs
• Digital or physical prints
• Outlines, templates, or coloring pages
• AI-generated Patterns or Tutorials

This decision reflects our commitment to supporting and showcasing our artists' unique talents and craftsmanship, fostering a community where every creation is a product of human imagination and skill. Goimagine reserves the right to verify any artwork used for products on the platform.

Digital Items:

Goimagine allows the sale of various digital products, including but not limited to digital art, printable artwork, digital graphics, templates, and digital patterns. Sellers must ensure that the digital products they list are their original work and do not infringe upon the copyrights or intellectual property rights of others. Digital sellers are responsible for complying with all applicable state laws and regulations related to digital products. We strongly encourage making it clear in listing photos and/or descriptions that customers will not receive a shipped physical product.

Food & Consumables:

Goimagine allows the sale of food and consumable products, provided they adhere to the following guidelines. For the purposes of this policy, "consumables" are defined as products intended for ingestion, consumption, or topical application that are used up or depleted over time. This policy applies to both human and animal consumption. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Food & Beverage Items 
• Tea or Spice Blends
• Personal Care Products
• Cosmetics

The following items are strictly prohibited from sale on goimagine.com:

• Raw Meat of any kind
• Hatching Eggs
• Products containing alcohol*
• Products containing CBD
• Products containing tobacco
• Products making medical claims that diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

The seller must prepare all food or consumable items and follow the above handmade guidelines. We do not allow the resale of any items. All food and consumable items must be prepared in accordance with all applicable health and safety regulations. 

Sellers are solely responsible for ensuring their products comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding the sale of food and consumables. Laws regarding the sale of food and other consumable items vary from place to place, so please consult an attorney or qualified legal expert to ensure you meet all requirements in your area. Goimagine assumes no responsibility for any food or consumable items sold on our platform and reserves the right to remove any listings that violate this policy.

For more information about selling food, please read 5 Best Practices for Selling Food Online.

Plants:

We do allow the sale of plants if any of the following criteria is met:

• The plant is being sold with a handmade item that meets our guidelines above. Some examples may be a hand-painted or thrown pot, macrame plant hanger or set of plant stakes etc.
• The plant is part of an arrangement created by the seller. This could be in the form of a bouquet, bonsai or other tray and container plantings.
• Plants that have been dried as part of a piece of art. For example, pressed flowers or leaves.

The following items are not allowed:

• Single plants or trees
• Clippings
• Plant bulbs
• Seeds (unless incorporated into a handmade item such as seed paper)

Lapidary:

We do allow the sale of rocks and crystals if any of the following criteria are met:

• The rock or crystal was mined, treated and/or cut by the seller.
• The final product was carved or engraved by the seller 
• Artistically altered rocks such as painted, decoupage etc. 

We do not allow raw, unaltered rock or crystal to be sold. We strongly encourage all sellers to include sourcing information or the mining location in their listings. 

Animal Products and Taxidermy:

We have established specific regulations pertaining to the sale of animal products. This is in place to ensure all individuals' well-being and uphold ethical standards. While we do allow ethical taxidermy, items made with animal hides or fur and altered animal bones, the following items are prohibited:

• Live or fresh animals.
• Endangered species: It is prohibited to sell items crafted from animal species that have been designated as threatened or endangered by the US Endangered Species Act. 
• Cat and dog parts or pelts: In accordance with US Federal Law, the sale of items created from parts or pelts of cats and dogs is strictly forbidden.
• Ivory: Products derived from ivory-producing animals, such as tusks, elk ivory, fossilized ivory, and wooly mammoth ivory.
• Human-derived biological substances, including anatomical waste, biohazardous material, and body parts. 
  

Sellers must include the source of the animal in their listing. Any product made with or from animal fur must also comply with the Fur Products Labeling Act put in place by the Federal Trade Commission.

Cremated Remains and Ashes:

Memorial products custom-made with pet or human cremains are allowed on goimagine. Listings must include detailed instructions on how to ship cremains to the seller via USPS Priority Express as per United States Postal Rule 451.22.

For more detailed information on how to ship, please see the official USPS Guidelines.

Gift Baskets & Kits:

Selling gift baskets and kits on goimagine is acceptable if the primary/main component is handmade. For example, as a soap maker, it is acceptable to create a gift basket with a selection of handmade soaps, which includes a manufactured loofah. If the majority of the basket/kit is made up of manufactured items with a small handmade component, this is not allowed and will be removed from the platform. When creating a gift basket or kit, ask yourself, "If I remove the handmade item from this basket/kit, is it realistic that someone may still buy it?" If the answer is "yes," then your basket/kit most likely doesn't have enough handmade items to sell on Goimagine. 

Curation and Collaboration: Collaborations hold a special place in our ethos as they exemplify the power of collective creativity. While we wholeheartedly embrace collaborative efforts, please note that every kit or basket listed for sale on Goimagine must include at least one item handmade by the seller. We do not allow curated baskets or kits.

Offering Services:

We permit offering services only if the customer receives a tangible item (digital or physical). Examples of permitted services include custom design or writing services, photograph retouching, jewelry modification or custom sewing.

The following services are not permitted:

• Divination or Spell Related Services
• Metaphysical Services*
• Ritual or Prayer Services*
• Rental Services
• Customer Lists that include personal information such as name, contact information or websites.

*Direct metaphysical or ritual services (example: online tarot readings, distance healing, spell casting) are not permitted. Sellers must not make promises or guarantees about the effectiveness of metaphysical or ritual items or practices. "Magical claims" similar to medical claims are strictly prohibited. For example, sellers cannot claim that a product will cure illnesses or guarantee specific life outcomes. Any items sold as supplies or kits for ritual practices or metaphysical use must follow our general handmade guidelines.

Shop Specific Charitable Activities:

Since we are a platform dedicated to social good, we encourage sellers to support charitable organizations that are important to them. Goimagine has established a set of guidelines to ensure a responsible and ethical environment for all our users regarding charitable activities on the platform. Each listing supporting a charitable organization must include a tangible product for the customer, ensuring a meaningful exchange.

• If you're a 501(c)3 organization using our platform to support your own organization, please clearly state this in your “Meet the Maker” section and your individual listings. This helps buyers understand the purpose behind your shop and its charitable contributions.
• To provide transparency to your customers, including clear information about the donation details and the organization you're supporting in your listing descriptions and other public shop pages is crucial.
• If you plan to use a charitable organization's name and trademark, you must obtain appropriate consent from the organization.
• We prohibit listings that fund organizations supporting weapons and military activities or those that endorse terrorist, extremist, or hate groups.

Any donations made by individual sellers are separate from those made by Goimagine through our mission statement. It's important to note that Goimagine cannot verify seller donations. Each seller is responsible for ensuring that proceeds are correctly directed to the specific organization stated in their listings. Transactions involving charity donations of individual sellers are undertaken at the buyer's risk.

Crowdfunding or Other Forms of Money Transfers:

Listings on our platform must not be created solely for the purpose of transferring money. We prohibit crowdfunding activities, which include raising funds for personal projects, causes, or businesses. This also extends to listings that collect "tips" or "gratuities" for Goimagine shops or sellers. 

Intellectual Property:

The seller represents that they have all necessary rights to list and sell each product they offer on Goimagine, including all intellectual property rights.

We respect the intellectual property rights of the artisans who sell on Goimagine. Goimagine aims to allow customers to buy unique products directly from the artisans who make them. We do not believe your seller agreement gives us the right to reproduce your products. The rights you grant us allow us to promote your products across multiple channels and help you grow your business on Goimagine.

For more detailed information, please visit our Copyright Infringement page.

Information Sharing:

The seller agrees that by creating a store and listing products on Goimagine, Goimagine can share any information about you or your products (including images of you or your products) through websites, mobile applications, and other online points of presence.

Guidelines last updated 8/2024