Ready to run your shop with confidence?
Your shop is live, and that’s something to celebrate. As you grow, you may need to update your products, manage orders, ship items, and keep track of your earnings. The resources below will guide you through each step and help you keep your shop running smoothly.
Ongoing shop management
Need to update your product photos, descriptions, or inventory? In your Seller Dashboard, click the box next to the product ID and use the drop-down menu. Or click the pencil icon next to the product you want to edit.
Writing product titles and descriptions
Before you list a product on Trove, think about the questions a buyer might have. What is it? What is it made from? What makes it special? Your title and description can help answer those questions.
Here are a few tips:
- Name your products clearly. What would someone type when searching for your product? Use that as your starting point.
- Describe them in detail. Pretend someone is seeing your product for the first time. Help them understand what it is and how it can be used.
- Explain what makes them special. This is your chance to show a little personality. Include details like size and style.
- Use tags. Add 3-5 words that describe your product. This could be style (rustic, modern), item type (vase, lamp), and use (entryway décor, office storage).
- Add alt text to your photos. This helps make your listings more accessible to everyone.
Taking product pictures
Photos and videos can help customers see your work and understand what makes it special. They can also inspire people to support you and your business.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Use natural light. Take photos near a window or outdoors in the shade. Avoid dark rooms and strong shadows. Turn off overhead lights if they make colors look yellow.
- Keep the background simple. Use a clean table, white poster board, or uncluttered space. Remove distracting items from the background.
- Take multiple angles. Buyers can’t hold your product before they buy it. Photos from different angles can help. Take pictures from the front and back, and include close-ups of details. The more customers can see, the better.
- Keep photos sharp. Hold your phone steady. Tap the screen to focus on the product. Take several photos and choose the best one.
- Show your product in use. Help buyers imagine using your product in their daily life. Showing it in action can make it easier for customers to understand its size, purpose, and value.
And if holding the camera or setting up your product is tricky, you can absolutely ask for help.
Keeping track of your products
It’s okay to start small. Many sellers begin with just a few products and add more over time. You can make updates and adjust quantities whenever you need to.
To make changes, go to your Seller Dashboard. Click the box next to the product ID and use the drop-down menu. Or click the pencil icon next to the product you want to edit.
Shipping management
Explore what happens when you get an order, how to package products safely, and how to create shipping labels.
Getting orders
When you sell something on Trove, you’ll get an email and a notification in your Seller Dashboard.
The order will show as pending while you get it ready to ship. Once you create a shipping label and send the package, the status will change to complete.
Packaging products safely
Good packaging helps your products arrive safely and in good condition.
Here are some tips:
- Use a sturdy box or padded mailer. Choose one that’s strong enough to protect your item.
- Add padding inside the package. Use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or packing paper to keep your item from moving around inside the package. Before sealing it, gently move it side to side. If you hear or feel the item moving, add more padding.
- Wrap fragile items carefully. Add extra padding around glass, ceramics, or anything breakable. If you’re not sure whether the item is protected enough, add a little more padding.
- Seal the package. Use packing tape to close all edges, so nothing opens during shipping.
- Label clearly. Place the shipping label on a flat side of the package. Make sure the barcode is easy to see and not folded over an edge.
- Optional: Use the message feature to thank your customer and let them know their order is on the way.
Creating shipping labels
To create a shipping label, you can watch the video below, follow the written steps, or do both.
- Open the order.
- Log into your Trove account.
- Open your Seller Dashboard.
- Click Orders.
- Find the order you’re ready to ship.
- Click View.
- Start shipping.
- Review the order details. Make sure the item and shipping address look correct.
- Click Ship.
- Click Yes when you’re ready to get started.
- Enter package details.
- Make sure the mail carrier looks right.
- Make sure the shipping information looks correct.
- Enter the package weight after the item is packed. This helps make sure the shipping cost is correct.
- Measure the outside of the package after it is packed. Then, enter the package size.
- Ask for help if you need help measuring or weighing the package.
- Buy the label.
- Click Create Shipping Label when the carrier, address, weight, and size look correct.
- Click Purchase and Download Label when you’re ready to buy it.
- Click Yes to confirm the label purchase. Your ShipStation payment method will be charged.
- Print the label.
- A new tab will open with your label. If you don’t see it, check your browser tabs.
- Print the label and attach it to your package. Make sure the barcode is easy to see and not folded over an edge.
Money management
Learn more about fees, keeping track of your money, and how earnings may affect your benefits.
Understanding fees and earnings
Each sale has a small fee. Trove takes 3%. Stripe, the payment processor, charges 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.
After fees, the rest of the money is yours. Most sellers keep about 94% of each sale.
Please note: When you make your first sale, Stripe will hold your payment for seven days before sending it to your bank. After that, Stripe will send your money to your bank based on the payment schedule you choose in your Stripe account.
Keeping track of your money
Keeping track of your money now can make benefits and taxes easier later. But, this doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple notebook, spreadsheet, or notes app can help.
Here are a few tips:
- Keep a list of what you sell and how much you earn. You can check your earnings anytime in Stripe or on your Seller Dashboard.
- Write down your costs, like materials and shipping supplies. Save receipts or invoices when you can. You may need this information later.
- Check your earnings once a week or once a month. This will help you see how your shop is doing.
Note: Most benefit programs require you to report changes, such as earnings, work changes, household changes, or resource changes. Reporting on time can help you avoid overpayments, repayment requests, penalties, or benefit interruptions.
Learn about benefits and income
Many sellers wonder how earning money could affect their benefits. That’s normal.
While Trove doesn’t decide who can get benefits, we can offer some info to help you feel more prepared.
- Most benefits do NOT stop right away.
- Many programs reduce benefits slowly, over time.
- Running your own business may have different rules than working a traditional job.
- Business expenses may lower your counted income.
- Many programs include work incentives that help people earn income while keeping some benefits.
Before making big work or money decisions, talk with a benefits counselor if you can. They can help you understand what the rules mean for your situation.