Genny Shopkeeper Helpdesk

Welcome to Genny — we’re so excited to have you here! Whether you’re just starting your small business journey or adding Genny to your lineup of selling platforms, this Quick Start Cheat Sheet will walk you through the essential steps to open your shop and start selling. From setting up your profile to adding your first product and getting paid, we’ve laid it all out in one easy-to-follow cheat sheet.

Photo and Image Recommendations

What to Upload	Best Practices
Profile Photo	Use a high-quality square image no less than 600x600px. We recommend a photo of you, but it also can be your workspace, or something that represents your brand.
Shop Logo	Upload a PNG file with a transparent background no less than 600x600px recommended. Make sure it’s clear and not pixelated.
Store Banner Image	This image is located at the top of your storefront. We recommend your Banner image is 2000px x 500px so it is full page width.
Product Images	Use at least 3 clear, well-lit images per product no less than 1000x1000px in a square orientation. Show different angles and use natural lighting when possible.
Product Videos (Optional)	Short, vertical or square clips under 15MB. Show how the product moves, functions, or looks in use to help buyers visualize.
Variant Images	If your product has multiple variants (like colors or patterns), upload a specific image for each one to avoid confusion.

This guide is full of ideas for how to make the most of your Genny storefront. Some of them will take five minutes. Some might spark a whole new way of thinking about how you market your business. I hope all of them remind you that you don't have to figure this out alone.

The Guide Includes:

• Example Copy for Social Posts
• Examples of sales tactics to drive traffic to Genny
• Link to Download your Shopkeeper Badge and logos

READ THE GUIDE →

Welcome to Genny — your new favorite place to share your creations with the world! Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting your small business journey, getting set up on Genny is simple. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to open your shop, list your first products, and start connecting with shoppers who love to buy local and support women-founded businesses.

Step One: Apply To Be A Seller

1. To get started, you first must apply to become a Seller on Genny. It's an easy, quick application. Be sure to read all our Seller Guidelines and House Rules before applying to ensure your business meets requirements.
2. After Applying, you will receive and email confirming your application has been received. Please allow up to 3 business days for your application to be reviewed. If we are at waitlist capacity for accepting new Genny Sellers, we will provide you more follow-up details about that process.

Step Two: Verify Your Email Address

1. After applying, you will also receive an email to verify your email address. If you don't see this email in your Inbox, be sure to check your Spam folder as some servers block it's delivery.

Step Three: Complete Your Shop Profile

Your Shop Profile is where you can really show customers who you are, educate about your product and share what inspires you and makes your business shine. The information you provide in your Shop Profile will appear in various locations across the Genny website, so spend some time making it uniquely you!

1. You will receive an email once your Application has been approved and your Shop account active! The first thing you'll need to do is complete your Shop Profile
   
   Login to your Genny Shopkeep Dashboard > My Shop Profile
   
   
2. Some of the most important information in your Shop Profile are:

• Your Profile Photo: Upload a photo of yourself, of a photo that you'd like to use that represents you and your business. Be sure they are good quality. We recommend a Square image that is 600px x 600px
• Your Logo: Upload a high-quality logo. We recommend a PNG file with a transparent background that is that is 600px x 600px.
• Your Short Shop Description: Take time to write a thoughtful description that showcases you and your business in your unique voice. We recommend at least 3-5 sentences.
• Your Shipping & Return Policies: This is such an important section, which is often overlooked by small business owners. Protect yourself and your business with thoughtful policies. Your Policies will be displayed on all your Genny-listed products for customers to easily refer to. Need help? Check our our article "Crafting Clear & Kind Return Policies (With Examples!)"

Step Four: Add Your First Product

Now the fun part! It's time to add your Products to your Genny Shop. Note: you will not be able to add Products until your Shop Profile is completed.

1. Login to your Genny Shopkeep Dashboard > My Products > Manage Products > Add Products.
   
   
   
   
2. Here is the Essential Product Information you will need to complete:

• Product Type: Choose if your product is physical (needs to be shipped) or Digital (needs to be downloaded)
  
  
• Product Name: Make it clear and concise
  
  
• Product Collection: Choose One Collection. This is the main collection where your product lives ; Ex: Jewelry
  
  
• Description: We recommend a Product description of between 4-10 sentences long. Don't make it a huge paragraph, you will overwhelm the reader! Want more tips on writing a great Product Description? Check out our article, "What Makes a Great Product Description?"
  
  
• Product Tags: Assign Multiple Tags to your product, Ex: Earrings, Gifts For Her, Birthday. Applying multiple Tags to your Product will ensure your product gets more visibility throughout the Shop!
  
  
• Shipping Details: Be sure to enter accurate weights for your products. This will influence the cost of shipping for your customer.
  
  
• Pricing Details: If you're selling your product at full-price, simply input the cost in the "Price" field. If you'd like to put an item on sale, put the lower Sale Price in the "Price" field and the greater original product price in the "Compare at Price" field.
  
  
• Track Product Inventory: We recommend Tracking Inventory for Physical Products. That way a customer cannot purchase it if it sells out.
  
  
• Add & Manage Product Variants: You will be able to edit the Price, Inventory, Weight and Image associated with each Variant you create AFTER saving your product. Click the “...” that will appear next to each Variant.
  
  
• Cost Price: Optional, but insightful. What is Cost Price? It’s the base cost you spent to make or acquire the product. This is before any markup for profit or additional expenses.
  
  Example: A Pair of Earrings cost you $5 in Materials to make. This is your Cost Price. You are selling the earrings for $20. This is your Gross Profit. You Profit Margin is then 75%. If your Profit Margin is too low, then it’s an indicator that the product may be too expense to make, or that you need to increase the sale price.
  
• Personalize Your Product: This is your opportunity to tell the customer why your business and product are special! These Details will automatically display on your Product page and can be unique for every product. Be sure to spell-check your information.
  
  
• Upload Product Photos and Video: Your product photos and videos are one of the most (if not the most) influential element of your product page. Here are some tips to make them shine:
  • We recommend uploading at least 3 images and/or videos of your product at different angles.
  • Consider featuring images and videos that illustrate how your product is made or why it’s special.
  • We will be using a Square orientation to display Product Images and Videos across the site.
  • To have your products and Shop Profile look their best, we recommend image and video dimensions of 1000px x 1000px. Must be less than 15MB.
    
    
• Product Meta Data Details: A meta description is a short summary of your product that shows up in Google search results. It helps people quickly understand what your product is and why they might want to click on it. Think of it like a mini ad—just one or two sentences to catch someone’s attention and make them curious enough to learn more. 
  
  Example: Meta Title Vs. Product Name
  Product Name: Bumblebee T-Shirt
  Meta Title: Organic Cotton Silkscreen Bumblebee T-Shirt
  Example: Meta Description
  “Buzz into comfort! This adorable Bumblebee Kids T-Shirt is made from 100% organic cotton—soft, breathable, and perfect for little nature lovers.”

Step Five: Enable Shipping & Set Default Package Size

1. Login to your Genny Shopkeep Dashboard > My Settings > Shipping Methods
2. Under Action click "Enable".
   Learn more about how Genny manages shipping for Sellers.
3. Now that USPS Shipping is Enabled, you'll need to set-up a default box/package size for your orders. A new button has appeared above Enabled, "Set Default Shipping Dimensions". Click it!
4. Enter a value in each field. This can be a box or mailer size you commonly use.
   
   Important: If you don’t know what to enter, don’t worry, just fill each field with “1”. When shipping an order, you’ll be able to tell USPS the real size and weight of the order your shipping.
   
   

Step Six: Choose A Payout Method

You made a sale, awesome! Now it's time to get paid. Genny offers two secure Payout Methods; Choose One:

• Stripe: Create a Stripe Account, or Login to your existing Stripe Account to get paid directly to your Bank Account of choice.
• Paypal Business: Get paid to your Paypal Business account. Note, you cannot use a personal Paypal account for this payout option.
  
  Important: If you connect both Paypal and Stripe, Genny will prioritize Stripe as your payout method over Paypal.

To Connect A Stripe Account:

1. Login to your Genny Shopkeep Dashboard > My Settings > Connect Stripe
2. Click the "Connect Stripe Account" button. A pop-up window will open and you will either login to your existing Stripe Account or create a new one.

To Connect A Paypal Business Account:
Note: your Paypal account must be a Business account to work.

1. Login to your Genny Shopkeep Dashboard > My Settings > Connect Paypal.
2. Under Payment Method dropdown, choose Paypal.
3. Enter the email address associated with your account. Click save.

Your Shop Profile is where you can really show customers who you are, educate about your product and share what inspires you and makes your business shine. The information you provide in your Shop Profile will appear in various locations across the Genny website, so spend some time making it uniquely you!

1. You will receive an email once your Application has been approved and your Shop account active! The first thing you'll need to do is complete your Shop Profile. You will not be able to upload any products until your Shop Profile is complete!
   
   Login to your Genny Shopkeep Dashboard > My Shop Profile
   
   
2. Some of the most important information in your Shop Profile are:

• Your Profile Photo: Upload a photo of yourself, of a photo that you'd like to use that represents you and your business. Be sure they are good quality. We recommend a Square image that is 600px x 600px.
• Your Logo: Upload a high-quality logo. We recommend a PNG file with a transparent background that is that is 600px x 600px.
• Your Short Shop Description: Take time to write a thoughtful description that showcases you and your business in your unique voice. We recommend at least 3-5 sentences.
• Your Shipping & Return Policies: This is such an important section, which is often overlooked by small business owners. Protect yourself and your business with thoughtful policies. Your Policies will be displayed on all your Genny-listed products for customers to easily refer to. Need help? Check our our article "Crafting Clear & Kind Return Policies (With Examples!)"
  
  

Now the fun part! It's time to add your Products to your Genny Shop. Here are the essential steps to creating a beautiful and compelling Product page! Note: you will not be able to add Products until your Shop Profile is completed.

1. Login to your Genny Shopkeep Dashboard > My Products > Manage Products > Add Products.
   
   
   
   
2. Here is the Essential Product Information you will need to complete:

• Product Type: Choose if your product is physical (needs to be shipped) or Digital (needs to be downloaded)
  
  
• Product Name: Make it clear and concise
  
  
• Product Collection: Choose One Collection. This is the main collection where your product lives ; Ex: Jewelry
  
  
• Description: We recommend a Product description of between 4-10 sentences long. Don't make it a huge paragraph, you will overwhelm the reader! Want more tips on writing a great Product Description? Check out our article, "What Makes a Great Product Description?"
  
  
• Product Tags: Assign Multiple Tags to your product, Ex: Earrings, Gifts For Her, Birthday. Applying multiple Tags to your Product will ensure your product gets more visibility throughout the Shop!
  
  
• Shipping Details: Be sure to enter accurate weights for your products. This will influence the cost of shipping for your customer.
  
  
• Pricing Details: If you're selling your product at full-price, simply input the cost in the "Price" field. If you'd like to put an item on sale, put the lower Sale Price in the "Price" field and the greater original product price in the "Compare at Price" field.
  
  
• Track Product Inventory: We recommend Tracking Inventory for Physical Products. That way a customer cannot purchase it if it sells out.
  
  
• Add & Manage Product Variants: You will be able to edit the Price, Inventory, Weight and Image associated with each Variant you create AFTER saving your product. Click the “...” that will appear next to each Variant.
  
  
• Cost Price: Optional, but insightful. What is Cost Price? It’s the base cost you spent to make or acquire the product. This is before any markup for profit or additional expenses.
  
  Example: A Pair of Earrings cost you $5 in Materials to make. This is your Cost Price. You are selling the earrings for $20. This is your Gross Profit. You Profit Margin is then 75%. If your Profit Margin is too low, then it’s an indicator that the product may be too expense to make, or that you need to increase the sale price.
  
• Personalize Your Product: This is your opportunity to tell the customer why your business and product are special! These Details will automatically display on your Product page and can be unique for every product. Be sure to spell-check your information.
  
  
• Upload Product Photos and Video: Your product photos and videos are one of the most (if not the most) influential element of your product page. Here are some tips to make them shine:
  • We recommend uploading at least 3 images and/or videos of your product at different angles.
  • Consider featuring images and videos that illustrate how your product is made or why it’s special.
  • We will be using a Square orientation to display Product Images and Videos across the site.
  • To have your products and Shop Profile look their best, we recommend image and video dimensions of 1000 x 1000 px. Must be less than 15MB.
    
    
• Product Meta Data Details: A meta description is a short summary of your product that shows up in Google search results. It helps people quickly understand what your product is and why they might want to click on it. Think of it like a mini ad—just one or two sentences to catch someone’s attention and make them curious enough to learn more. 
  
  Example: Meta Title Vs. Product Name
  Product Name: Bumblebee T-Shirt
  Meta Title: Organic Cotton Silkscreen Bumblebee T-Shirt
  Example: Meta Description
  “Buzz into comfort! This adorable Bumblebee Kids T-Shirt is made from 100% organic cotton—soft, breathable, and perfect for little nature lovers.”

Watch the How-To Tutorial: Add A New Product

Do you want customers to be able to personalize one of your items with a special message, name, date or the like? We have a feature for that! Here's how to do it.

1. Login to your Genny Shopkeep Dashboard > My Products > Manage Products > Edit the Product you'd like to add Personalization functionality to.
   
   
2. Under the Product Tags section, add the Tag of "Personalized" to your product.
   
   
3. Hit Save and preview your live product page. A new "Personalization" feature will now be active for your customers! All information the customer provides will be available when viewing the Order from your Genny Dashboard > My Orders.
   
   

Photo and Image Recommendations

What to Upload	Best Practices
Profile Photo	Use a high-quality square image no less than 600x600px. We recommend a photo of you, but it also can be your workspace, or something that represents your brand.
Shop Logo	Upload a PNG file with a transparent background no less than 600x600px recommended. Make sure it’s clear and not pixelated.
Store Banner Image	This image is located at the top of your storefront. We recommend your Banner image is 2000px x 500px so it is full page width.
Product Images	Use at least 3 clear, well-lit images per product no less than 1000x1000px in a square orientation. Show different angles and use natural lighting when possible.
Product Videos (Optional)	Short, vertical or square clips under 15MB. Show how the product moves, functions, or looks in use to help buyers visualize.
Variant Images	If your product has multiple variants (like colors or patterns), upload a specific image for each one to avoid confusion.

Learn the essential places to access information in your Shopkeeper Dashboard.

Make the most of your Genny Product listings and create the best customer experience possible with Product Variants!

Yes! You made a Genny sale! So, now what? Here is your step-by-step guide to fulfilling and shipping your order to your customer.

Learn how to navigate to and reply to customer inquires via your Shopkeeper Dashboard.

Who belongs on Genny?
Genny celebrates creativity in all its forms. We welcome women and gender-expansive founders who are building small businesses with purpose — whether you're crafting by hand, curating vintage treasures, or bringing a big idea to life through thoughtful collaboration. You belong here if:

• You make, design, or curate your products with intention
• You've conceptualized your own brand or product line, even if others help you produce it
• You breathe new life into existing goods — think vintage finds, upcycled pieces, and reimagined fashion
• You're a passionate small business owner with a story to tell
• You call New England your home base (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, or New Hampshire)

Does my business need to be based in New England?
Yes. Genny is rooted in the New England community and all Shopkeepers must be based in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, or New Hampshire.

What does "handmade" mean at Genny?

Handmade means made by you or your small team — family members, employees, or creative partners — right here in the United States. You must play an active role in designing, creating, or assembling your products. Whether you work in a home studio or a community maker space, your personal touch should be at the heart of every piece.

What types of products are welcome on Genny?

We welcome:

• Items made using hand tools or small-scale equipment
• Original digital art and photography
• Altered blanks (like printing your own designs on mugs or tees)
• Upcycled or vintage-based creations with added handmade work
• Shelf-stable handmade consumables including tea & spice blends and soaps and personal care products
• Printed versions of your own original artwork or photography
• Gift baskets and kits where the main component is handmade by you
• Mystery boxes (with transparent disclosure of what's inside)
• Custom memorial items made with cremains (must follow USPS Priority Express shipping rules)
• Plants paired with a handmade item, handmade arrangements, and dried or pressed botanical art

What is NOT allowed on Genny?

We do not allow:

• Mass-produced products or resale of goods from wholesale platforms (Alibaba, AliExpress, DHgate, and similar)
• Resale from direct-sale companies (Mary Kay, Avon, Stella & Dot, LuLaRoe, Beautycounter, and similar)
• Outsourced manufacturing or dropshipping
• Print-on-Demand (POD), except for artist-made prints
• Single live plants, clippings, bulbs, or seeds (unless part of a handmade item)
• Raw meat, CBD, tobacco, or products making medical claims
• Live animals, cat or dog parts or pelts, ivory, or human remains
• Creative services of any kind (marketing, graphic design, writing, divination, prayer, rentals, or crowdfunding)
• Sex toys, tobacco products, cannabis or derived substances (CBD, THC, CBG), guns, fireworks, explosives, or 3D printed weapons

Can I sell AI-generated artwork on Genny?

No. We do not allow AI-generated artwork or templates of any kind — digital or physical. Every visual item sold on Genny must be rooted in human creativity. If you are found to be selling AI-generated artwork, your shop will be immediately disabled and your products taken offline. This is core to what Genny stands for. Our shoppers come here specifically because a real human made what they're buying.

Can I sell made-to-order or custom items?

Yes. Made-to-order and custom items are welcome on Genny. Just make sure your product listings clearly communicate lead times so customers know what to expect — and note that personalized goods are non-refundable.

Can I sell digital products?

Yes. Digital art, templates, and patterns are welcome as long as they are your original work. Clearly state in your listing that no physical product will be shipped.

Can I sell gift baskets or kits?

Yes, if the main component is handmade by you. Ask yourself: if you removed the handmade element, would the kit still feel sellable on its own? If yes, it's not eligible. Every kit must include something you personally made.

What are Genny's content standards?

Genny keeps things PG-13 while celebrating artistic freedom:

• Mild profanity (like "damn" or "hell") is okay; explicit or hateful language is not
• Artistic nudity in original works is fine but must be tasteful; product models must be appropriately clothed
• Adult-themed items are allowed with discretion — your first product image and listing name must be family-friendly

By opening a storefront on Genny, you agree that all product listings, photography, text, and designs are either originally created by you or used with proper authorization or license. You may not list or display any content that infringes a third party's copyright, trademark, or patent rights. Genny operates as a neutral, third-party marketplace and does not pre-approve individual listings — you are solely responsible for ensuring you have the rights to everything you post.

What happens if someone reports my listing for infringement?

Upon receiving a valid infringement notice, Genny will promptly remove or disable access to the reported listing and notify you. If you believe your listing was removed in error, you may submit a counter-notice. Shopkeepers who receive multiple substantiated infringement complaints may have their listings removed and their store suspended or permanently closed.

How do I report an infringement on Genny?

Contact us at hello@shopgenny.com with the following:

• Identification of the copyrighted work or trademark you believe has been infringed
• The specific listing or URL where the material appears
• Your contact information
• A statement of good-faith belief that the use is unauthorized
• A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information is accurate and that you are the rights holder or authorized to act on their behalf

Yes. By listing your work on Genny, you give us permission to feature your images and descriptions in our marketing efforts — across social media, email, paid advertising, and press. We will always credit you properly.