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.
If removing the human from the process makes the product identical, it doesn’t belong on Luma.
The core principle. Everything below follows from it.
Handmade
A human designs it, controls the process, and finishes it.
Not handmade
A machine produces finished goods at scale with minimal human involvement.
Tools & techniques
Makers may use modern tools. What matters is whether the tool serves human creative control or replaces it.
CNC machining
Allowed
The maker created the design, finishes the piece by hand, and works in small batches or to order.
Not allowed
Identical items produced at volume, with no meaningful hand finishing.
Laser cutting
Allowed
The maker designed the piece. The laser is one step, with assembly or hand finishing after.
Not allowed
The product comes off the laser with no further work.
3D printing
Allowed
The maker modelled it themselves, prints in low volume, and does significant finishing by hand.
Not allowed
Downloaded STL files, print farms, 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 maker 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.