Our Handmade Standard
The word “handmade” gets used loosely, we think it deserves better.
Our standard exists to protect makers who genuinely craft their work, and to give shoppers the confidence that what they’re buying is exactly what it claims to be.
The core principle
If removing the human from the process makes the product identical, it doesn’t belong on Luma.
Handmade
If a human designs it, controls the process, and finishes it.
Not handmade
If a machine is producing finished goods at scale with minimal human involvement.
Tools & techniques
Makers may use modern tools. Here are some examples below to illustrate where tools could be used as part of the creative process, and enables human creative control rather than replacing.
CNC machining
CNC is a valid tool when the maker created the original design, human finishing is required (sanding, oiling, assembly), and items are made in small batches or to order.
Not allowed when identical items are produced in large quantities and there is no meaningful hand finishing.
Laser cutting
Laser cutting is part of a valid process when the maker designed the piece, the laser is one step in a broader handmade process, and assembly or hand finishing happens after.
Not allowed when a product comes off the laser with no additional work.
3D printing
3D printing is allowed only when the maker designed the model themselves, printing is low-volume, and significant post-processing happens by hand (sanding, painting, assembly).
Not allowed for downloaded STL files, print farms, pure “print and ship”, or AI-generated models.
What is never allowed
The following are not permitted on Luma, regardless of how listings are described:
- Print-on-demand products
- Dropshipping
- Purchased or licensed designs
- AI-generated product designs
- Mass production, even if the seller owns the machine
- “Hand-assembled” products where all parts are factory-made
- Food, drink, and perishables
- Digital files (patterns, templates, downloads)
- Reselling (second-hand, vintage, or retail goods)
How we uphold it
Every listing on Luma requires makers to describe their process — the steps involved, the tools used, and what makes it theirs. This isn’t paperwork; it’s how we help shoppers understand and appreciate what they’re buying.
Shoppers can report listings that don’t feel genuinely handmade. We review reports and act on them, not just to enforce rules, but to protect the integrity of every maker on the platform.
We’re a small team, and that means we can actually apply judgement rather than just ticking boxes. That’s an advantage we intend to keep.
Handmade means handmade.
If you’re a maker who meets our standard, we’d love to have you. If you’re a shopper who cares about buying genuinely crafted goods, you’re in the right place.