Manage your storefront and support your creators.
Learn how to set up your partner account, add and support creators, manage products and orders, track your impact, and grow your Trove storefront, all in one place.
Trove Market is the first online marketplace designed for people with disabilities… and the organizations that support them.
We work with schools, districts (including ISDs), transitional and vocational programs, nonprofits, and other groups, so the people they serve can create and sell handmade products, while also developing skills in marketing, customer engagement, and business operations.
Partners, use this guide as your starting point for setting up, managing, and growing your Trove Market storefront.
Get started
How to become a Trove Market partner seller
Becoming a Trove Market partner seller gives your school, nonprofit, or organization a way to help creators with disabilities sell their products online, build real-world skills, and share their talents with more people.
To get started:
- Apply to become a partner. Visit trovemarket.com. Click Become a Partner → Register as a Partner → Become a Partner Support Seller. Fill out the form with a few key details about your organization and why you’re interested in working with Trove. We’ll review your application and get back to you within five business days.
- Choose who will manage your account. Before launch, identify the person or team who will handle day-to-day storefront tasks, support creators, manage orders, and communicate with Trove if questions come up.
- Gather your setup materials. You’ll need a logo, banner image, description, bank account information for Stripe, credit card information for ShipStation, and, more than likely, leadership approval.
- Set up your storefront. Once approved, you’ll create your shop, connect payments and shipping, add products, and prepare your team to support your creators.
- Start small and grow over time. Your storefront doesn’t need to be perfect on day one. Many partners start with a few products or a small group of creators, then add more as their team gets comfortable.
Trove tip: Think of your storefront as both a sales channel and a learning opportunity. The goal is to help creators gain experience, build confidence, and share their work with a wider community.
How to set up your storefront
A clear, welcoming storefront can help buyers understand who you are, feel connected to your mission, and feel confident making a purchase. But you don’t need professional photos or polished marketing copy to get started. A few thoughtful details can make your shop feel personal, trustworthy, and impactful.
Start with these basics:
- Choose a store name. Most partners use their organization, school, or program name. Choose something people will recognize, and something your team can use consistently. (You can always change it later, if needed.)
- Add a profile photo. This could be your logo, a photo of your organization, or an image that represents your program. (If you include people in the photo, make sure you have the appropriate permissions.)
- Add a banner image. Think of this as the welcome sign for your shop. (Recommended size: 1200 × 400 pixels with a 3:1 ratio. Keep file under 5 MB. PNG is best, but JPG or JPEG also works.)
- Write a short About section. Share who your organization supports, what your creators make, and how sales help your community.
- Review your storefront before sharing. Before you send people to your shop, check that everything looks accurate. Ask another team member to review it, too.
Want to make your shop even more personal? We’ve created easy-to-use Canva templates that you can customize for your organization.
Follow the instructions below to get started:
- Open the Canva template. For your convenience, we’ve done the design work for you. Simply open the template and make it your own.
- Upload your image. Click Uploads on the left side, then click Upload Files and choose your image. Choose a product photo, logo, or image that represents your shop. Once it loads, drag it into the photo placeholder area.
- Add your shop name. If you’d like, add a short sentence about what your organization makes or who your storefront supports. Delete any text you do not need.
- Download your design. Once you’re happy with it, click Share in the top right corner, then click Download. Choose PNG as the file type. Then, click Download again.
- Upload it to Trove. Head back to your shop and upload your new banner.
Trove tip: Your storefront doesn’t need to be perfect before you launch. Start with the information and images you have, then update your shop over time as your creators add new products, your program grows, or your team learns what buyers respond to.
How to set up Stripe, our secure payment system
Before you can get paid for the products you sell, you’ll need to connect your organization’s bank account through Stripe. Once connected, Stripe will automatically process payments and deposit funds into your account, typically within seven days of a sale.
To set up Stripe, watch the video below, follow the written steps, or do both.
- Open Stripe from your Seller Dashboard. Log into your Trove account. Go to Seller Dashboard → Store Settings → Banking Information. Click Create Stripe Account. A new tab will open. (Keep the Trove tab open, too.)
- Enter your information. You’ll need to confirm your phone number, choose your country and business type, and enter your organization’s details.
- Connect your bank account. Enter your organization’s financial information. If everything looks correct, click Submit.
- Review and finish. Click Save with Link, then look for the message confirming your link has been saved. This means your Stripe connection was successful. Review your information one more time, and if everything looks correct, click Agree and Submit to complete your Stripe setup. Return to the Banking Information page in Trove to confirm that your Stripe account is connected. (If you need to make changes later, click Update Stripe Account.)
Trove tip: We recommend having the person responsible for your organization’s financial accounts complete this step, since they may need access to banking information and authorization to verify the account.
How to set up ShipStation, our secure shipping provider
When someone purchases a product from your storefront, you’ll need a way to send their order. ShipStation allows you to print shipping labels directly through Trove and ship using carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
Trove tip: Before you begin, make sure you have a credit card available for shipping label purchases. We recommend using an organizational card, if possible.
To set up ShipStation, watch the video below, follow the written steps, or do both.
- Open ShipStation from your Seller Dashboard. Log into your Trove account. Go to Seller Dashboard → Shipping Settings. Click Create ShipStation Account. A new tab will open. (Keep the Trove tab open, too.)
- Create your account. Enter your information and click Create Account. ShipStation will send a verification email. Open the email and click the link. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder. Then log into ShipStation.
- Choose a plan and complete setup. After logging in, select the free ShipStation plan. Continue through the setup process and enter your payment information. When everything looks correct, click Complete Setup.
- Verify your identity. From the ShipStation dashboard, click the account menu in the upper-left corner and select Payments and Subscription. Click Verify Now and follow the Plaid verification steps. You may be asked to scan a QR code, upload photos of the front and back of your ID, and take a selfie. This is a standard security process that helps protect your account and prevent fraud. When verification is complete, Plaid will display a confirmation message.
- Connect ShipStation to Trove. In ShipStation, click Create First Production Key. This key allows Trove and ShipStation to communicate securely. Copy the Production API Key. Return to your Trove dashboard and open Shipping Settings. Paste the Production API Key into the designated field and click Save. Next, review your carrier options and select the shipping carrier(s) that best fit your needs. To purchase shipping labels, you’ll also need to add funds to your ShipStation balance. We recommend starting with a small amount, such as $20 to $25. If you’d like ShipStation to automatically replenish your balance when it gets low, you can turn on Auto Add Funds.
Having trouble connecting ShipStation? The most common setup issue is using a Sandbox API Key instead of a Production API Key. Double-check that you’re copying the Production API Key before pasting it into Trove.
If you’re still having trouble, contact ShipStation at support@shipstation.com or reach out to the Trove team for assistance.
How to define your team’s roles and responsibilities
A successful storefront works best when everyone knows what they’re responsible for.
Before you launch, decide who will lead the partnership, who will manage day-to-day tasks, and who will support creators as they make products, fulfill orders, and develop new skills.
We recommend identifying three key roles:
- Administrator: This person will serve as the main point of contact with Trove. They’ll help guide implementation, shape the partnership, and make sure the storefront supports your organization’s goals.
- Account owner: This person will manage day-to-day operations. They may update shop information, add or review products, monitor orders, coordinate payment and shipping setup, review dashboard activity, and contact Trove support when needed.
- Staff or program support: These team members will work directly with your creators. They may help creators develop product ideas, take photos, write descriptions, prepare orders, communicate with customers, and build real-world skills throughout the process.
Trove tip: For many of our partners, these roles overlap. That’s okay. What matters most is that everyone knows who owns each step, so creators are supported and your storefront runs smoothly
How to add an affiliate seller
An affiliate seller is an individual creator with their own Trove storefront, who is also connected to your account. This allows your organization to provide ongoing support, while helping them build confidence, develop business skills, and earn income through their work. This is a feature available exclusively to paid Trove seller partners. If you are interested in taking advantage of this feature, please reach out to us to learn more.
With the creator’s permission, your team can assist with tasks such as adding products, updating information, managing orders, preparing shipments, and supporting day-to-day activities.
Before you add an affiliate seller, make sure:
- The creator understands what Trove is and how their products will be shared and sold
- Your organization has permission to support their storefront
- Your team knows who will help with their products, orders, communication, and shipping
- The creator has an email address or a trusted support person who can assist with registration
When you’re ready to add an affiliate seller to your account:
- Log in using your credentials. Go to Partner Dashboard → Affiliated Seller → Invite Sellers.
- Enter the seller’s email address. In the pop-up window, enter the email address of the creator you’d like to invite. You can also invite multiple creators at the same time.
- Add a personal message (optional). You can include a short note, so the creator knows the invitation is coming from your organization and understands what to expect.
- Send the invitation. Click Send Invites. You’ll receive a confirmation message letting you know the invitation was sent successfully.
- Have the seller complete registration. The creator will receive an email with your message and a link to register as an affiliated seller.
Trove tip: Once an affiliate seller is registered, consider helping them set up their storefront, add products, and begin learning how to manage their shop. Early support can help creators feel more confident and set them up for long-term success.
Sell and manage
How to list a product
Your products are the heart of your storefront. Listing them helps buyers learn what your organization makes, how much each item costs, and why it may be a good fit for them.
The good news? You don’t need to be a professional marketer. A few quality photos and a thoughtful description can go a long way.
Follow the steps below to list a product on Trove Market:
- Open the product form. Go to your Seller Dashboard. Click Products, then click Add New Product.
- Add photos. Upload 2-3 clear photos of the product and, if possible, show it from different angles. This will help buyers see exactly what they’re purchasing.
- Describe the product. Start by describing the product as if you were showing it to a friend. Explain what it is, what it’s made from, and what makes it special. Need help? Use the Suggest It for Me feature to generate a draft description.
- Set price and inventory. Choose a price that reflects the materials, time, and effort involved in creating the product. Then enter the number of items you currently have available for sale.
- Add shipping details. Enter the product’s size and weight, so Trove can calculate accurate shopping costs for buyers.
- Publish your listing. Review the information one final time, then save your product to make it available in your storefront. Once your listing is live, you can update it at any time.
As your team gains experience, consider refreshing photos, refining descriptions, adjusting inventory, or adding new products to keep your storefront active and engaging. To edit a listing, select the product ID and use the drop-down menu, or click the pencil icon next to the product you’d like to update.
Trove tip: Products with clear photos, detailed descriptions, and accurate pricing are more likely to attract buyers and lead to sales. But don’t worry about making every listing perfect. Start with what you have and refine over time.
How to write product titles and descriptions
When buyers can’t pick up a product in person, they rely on your title, photos, and description to understand what they’re purchasing.
A strong product listing can help customers quickly understand what the item is, what makes it special, and why they should buy it.
Here are a few tips:
- Use clear, specific titles. Think about what someone would type into a search bar when looking for your product. Include the item type, color, material, and style (if relevant). Example: Instead of “handmade bowl,” try “handmade blue ceramic serving bowl.”
- Describe the product in detail. Imagine you’re showing it to someone for the first time. Explain what it is, what it’s made from, how it can be used, and any important details a buyer should know.
- Explain what makes it special. Is it handcrafted? Made from recycled materials? Personalized? Created as part of a school, vocational, or nonprofit program? These details help buyers connect with the product.
- Include important measurements and info. Whenever possible, include size, dimensions, colors, materials, care instructions, or anything else that can help buyers make an informed decision.
- Use tags. Add 3-5 words that describe the product. This could be style (rustic, modern), item type (vase, candle, tote bag), materials (wood, ceramic, fabric), or intended use (home décor, gift, office organization).
- Add alt text to your photos. Alt text helps make your storefront more accessible for people using screen readers and can help everyone better understand the product.
Trove tip: Great product descriptions help buyers picture the item in their home, understand its value, and feel connected to the story behind it. Focus on being clear, honest, and helpful. You can always update your listings as you learn what resonates with customers.
How to take product pictures
Clear, well-lit images help customers see your product, appreciate the work that went into it, and feel confident making a purchase. But you don’t need any special equipment or training to list a product on Trove.
Here are a few tips to help your products look their best:
- Use natural light. Take photos near a window or outdoors in the shade. Avoid dark rooms, harsh direct sunlight, and overhead lights that make colors appear yellow.
- Keep the background simple. Choose a clean, uncluttered background that keeps the focus on the product. A plain table, poster board, countertop, or solid-colored backdrop will work well.
- Take photos from multiple angles. Take photos from the front, back, side, and top, if appropriate. Include close-ups of unique features, textures, materials, or craftsmanship.
- Keep your photos sharp and in focus. Hold your phone steady and tap the screen to focus on the product. Take several photos and choose the best one.
- Show the product in use. Help buyers imagine the item in everyday life. For example, photograph a mug on a table, a tote bag being carried, or a piece of art displayed on a wall. This can help customers understand size, purpose, and value.
- Include a sense of scale. If the size isn’t obvious, photograph the item next to a common object. This can help buyers better understand dimensions.
Trove tip: You don’t need perfect photos to get started. Focus on good lighting, clear images, and helping buyers understand what they’re purchasing. You can always replace photos and improve listings as your storefront grows.
How to pack an order
Good packaging helps products arrive safely, creates a positive experience for buyers, and reflects the care that went into making each item. But you don’t need fancy materials or custom-branded boxes. The goal is simple: protect the product and make sure it arrives in the same condition it left your storefront.
Here are a few tips:
- Choose the right packaging. Use a sturdy box or padded mailer that’s appropriate for the size, weight, and fragility of your product. Avoid oversized packaging whenever possible, as items may shift during transit.
- Add protective padding. Use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or packing paper to keep the product from moving inside the package. Before sealing it, gently move it side to side. If you hear or feel movement, add more padding.
- Wrap fragile items carefully. Glass, ceramics, framed artwork, and other delicate products may require additional protection. Wrap breakable items individually and add extra cushioning around the sides, top, and bottom of the package.
- Protect against moisture. Consider placing products inside a plastic sleeve, resealable bag, or protective wrapping before packing, especially if the item could be damaged by moisture during shipping.
- Seal the package. Use packing tape to reinforce all openings and edges. Make sure the package is completely closed and secure before shipping.
- Attach the shipping label. Place the label on a flat surface of the package. Make sure the barcode is fully visible and not folded over an edge or covered with tape that could make it difficult to scan.
- Add a personal touch (optional). A short thank-you note, creator message, or branded insert can help buyers feel more connected to your storefront and the people behind the products.
Trove tip: Ask yourself one question before sealing the box: “Would I be happy to receive this package?” If the answer is yes, it’s probably ready to ship.
How to ship an order
Once your order is packed and ready to ship, you’ll need to create a shipping label. This label includes the buyer’s shipping information, tracking details, and carrier information.
To learn how to create a shipping label, watch the video below, follow the written steps, or do both.
- Open the order. Log into your Trove account and open your dashboard. Click Orders, find the order you’re ready to ship, and click View.
- Review the order details. Before creating a label, confirm that the shipping address, product information, and order details look correct. When you’re ready, click Ship and then click Yes to continue.
- Enter package details. Pack the order before creating the label, then measure and weigh the finished package. This helps ensure the correct shipping rate is selected and can prevent additional charges.
- Choose and purchase the label. Review the carrier, shipping address, package size, and weight. When everything looks correct, click Create Shipping Label. Then, click Purchase and Download Label. Confirm your purchase by clicking Yes. Your ShipStation payment method will be charged.
- Print and attach the label. A new tab will open with your shipping label. Print the label and securely attach it to your package. Make sure the barcode is flat, fully visible, and not folded around a corner or edge of the package.
- Send the package. Drop the package off with the selected carrier or schedule a pickup, if available. Once shipped, tracking information will be available for both you and your customer.
Trove tip: Before purchasing a label, take a moment to double-check the shipping address, package weight, and dimensions. A quick review can help avoid shipping delays, unexpected fees, and delivery issues.
Tech and support
How to access entrepreneurship curriculum resources
Selling products through Trove can be a valuable way for creators with disabilities to build real-world skills.
If you’re looking for a structured way to teach entrepreneurship, marketing, customer service, and business operations, discover the Ignite Business Experience, a semester-long work-based learning curriculum designed to support student-run businesses and microenterprises. Available through our partnership with CelebrateEDU.
The curriculum is aligned to state and federal standards and helps students build practical business knowledge, develop workplace skills, and gain confidence through hands-on learning.
The curriculum includes:
- 50+ instructional videos and 150+ activities and worksheets
- Standards-aligned comprehensive lesson plans
- Formative assessments and unit quizzes
- Ready-made business plans
- In-person or hybrid professional development training
- Ongoing support and business coaching
Course units include:
- Unit 1: Introduction to Business
- Unit 2: Business Strategy
- Unit 3: Costs and Pricing
- Unit 4: Brand Your Business
- Unit 5: Production & Inventory
- Unit 6: Marketing
- Unit 7: Professional Etiquette
- Unit 8: Running the Microenterprise
Whether you’re launching a new entrepreneurship program or expanding an existing one, CelebrateEDU can help provide the structure, lessons, and resources you need.
Trove tip: Pair classroom instruction with real storefront activities on Trove. Students can apply concepts like pricing, branding, inventory management, and marketing in a real-world environment, while building confidence and practical skills.
How to troubleshoot or get help
Running into a problem? Don’t worry. Most issues can be resolved with a few quick checks, but our team is here to help if you need additional support.
If something isn’t working as expected, try the following:
- Review the step-by-step guide. You’re already in the right place. Revisit the section related to what you’re trying to do, such as setting up Stripe, connecting ShipStation, listing a product, or creating a shipping label.
- Refresh and try again. If something isn’t working, refresh your browser, sign out and back in, or try a different browser.
- Confirm your account information. Make sure you’re logged into the correct partner account and that your storefront information, payment setup, shipping setup, and product details have been completed.
- Check for missing required fields. Certain features won’t work until all required information has been entered. This may include product photos, pricing, inventory, package dimensions, shipping details, or banking information.
- Ask a team member. If your organization has an administrator or account owner, they may be able to confirm permissions, account settings, or next steps.
- Take note of the issue. If you see an error message, take a screenshot or write down what happened. This information can help us troubleshoot more quickly.
Still need help? We’re here for you.
Email support@trovemarket.com and include:
- Your organization name
- What you were trying to do
- What happened
- Any error messages or screenshots
Our team will help answer questions, resolve issues, and keep your storefront moving forward.
Trove tip: The more details you share when reporting a problem, the faster our team can help identify a solution.
Grow and measure
How to promote your storefront
If you’re ready to grow your storefront, social media is a simple place to start. Because the most effective promotion often starts with the people who already know and support you.
Here are a few tips:
- Share your storefront. Even one or two social media posts each week can help more people discover your products, creators, and mission. Consistency matters more than perfection.
- Use clear, high-quality photos. This can help people quickly understand what you’re selling and encourage them to learn more.
- Include a direct link to your shop. Make it easy for people to browse and buy. Include your storefront link in social media posts, emails, newsletters, and event materials whenever possible.
- Tell the story behind the product. People connect with people. When appropriate, share the story of a creator, the inspiration behind a product, or the impact a purchase can have. These stories often resonate more than product photos alone.
- Highlight new products and milestones. Celebrate new products, sales milestones, creator achievements, and community successes. These moments give people a reason to engage and share.
- Invite your community to help spread the word. Ask staff, families, board members, volunteers, alumni, and community partners to share your storefront with their networks.
- Use your existing communication channels. Don’t limit promotion to social media. Include your storefront in newsletters, email signatures, school or organizational websites, fundraising communications, and event materials.
- Tag Trove Market. We love seeing what our partners create. Tag us when you share products, creators, and storefront updates. (We may even share your content with our entire Trove community.)
Marketing resources for partners
To make promotion easier, we’ve created ready-to-use social media templates for our partners. These resources can help you highlight creators, promote products, share impact stories, and invite new customers to visit your storefront.
Simply add your photos, logo, and message to make them your own.
Post copy
What’s new on Trove Market? ✨ Our storefront is full of handmade treasures, from [type of products] to one-of-a-kind finds. Discover something special and support independent creators today. [ADD LINK]
Post copy
Say hello to our incredible community of creators on Trove Market. ???? To shop their handmade products and support local sellers with disabilities, please visit [ADD LINK].
Post copy
Have you heard? We’ve partnered with Trove Market, a powerful platform helping people with disabilities earn income through creativity.
Whether you or your loved one enjoys painting, jewelry making, sewing, woodworking, or any other creative pursuit, Trove provides a safe, supportive space to launch a storefront, list products for sale, and share with the world.
To learn more or get started, please visit trovemarket.com.
Trove tip: The most effective marketing isn’t always about selling products. It’s about helping people understand the creators, talent, and impact behind your storefront. When people feel connected to the story, they’re more likely to support your mission and share it with others.
How to understand your dashboard
Your dashboard helps you see how your storefront and affiliate creators are doing. Use it to track sales, orders, products, and seller activity. And easily share progress and impact with your team, leadership, and board.
Here’s what you’ll find:
Storefront performance
At a glance, you can view important storefront metrics, including:
- Fulfilled orders
- Pending orders
- Gross merchandise volume (GMV)
- Active product listings
- Number of affiliate creators
These metrics will help you understand overall activity and identify trends over time.
Creator activity
You can also see how individual creators are engaging with the platform, including:
- Sales by creator
- Orders by creator
- Products and listings by creator
- Storefront completion status
- Affiliate creators who may need additional support (coming soon)
This information can help your team celebrate successes, recognize engagement, and identify creators who may benefit from additional coaching or encouragement.
Using your data
Your dashboard can help answer questions such as:
- Which products are generating the most interest?
- Which creators are most active?
- Are products being added regularly?
- How many orders are being fulfilled?
- Which creators may need additional support?
- How is the storefront growing over time?
Many partners use dashboard data when sharing updates with leadership teams, school administrators, boards, families, and community stakeholders.
Trove tip: Check your dashboard regularly, not just when orders come in. Small trends can help you identify new opportunities, celebrate achievements, and support long-term growth.
Need help?
Have a question about your storefront? Contact the Trove team at support@trovemarket.com.
Keep learning and growing.
Explore more ways to help your creators thrive and your storefront grow.
Interested in becoming a Trove Market partner?
Join the growing community of schools, nonprofits, and organizations using Trove to support creators with disabilities.
Complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.