Renesent's mission is to reimagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world. By inviting designers and manufacturers (also referred to as “production partners”) to connect through our platform, we hope to empower designers who wish to grow their businesses and manufacturers who share our values. This Manufacturing Policy explains how designers and manufacturers may engage with Renesent and with each other while using our services.
This policy is a part of our Terms of Use. By using Renesent Manufacturing or by using production assistance in connection with handmade items you sell through Renesent, you’re agreeing to this policy and our Terms of Use.
- Using Production Assistance
- Definitions
- Transparency
- Renesent Manufacturing
- Joining Renesent Manufacturing
- Fees
- Important Legal Terms
- Manufacturer Commitments
- Creating and Uploading Content
- Respecting Intellectual Property
- Recommendations
1. Using Production Assistance
You may work with a production partner (also referred to as a “manufacturer”) to help produce handmade items you sell through Renesent or Renesent Brands (we’ll refer to Renesent and Renesent Brands collectively as “Renesent”). However, you must be a designer (as defined below and in our Handmade policy), and you must be transparent about your business, your production partner, and your design process, as further explained below. Keep in mind that people come to Renesent to discover items that they might not find anywhere else. Your design and production process should lead to the creation of a unique item that would not exist without you, the designer.
A. Definitions
A designer is a seller who has come up with an original design, pattern, sketch, template, prototype, or plan to be produced by in-house shop members or a production partner. Simple customization, such as selecting colors, shapes, or choosing from ready-made options, is not considered design on Renesent.
A production partner (or manufacturer) is anyone (who’s not a part of your Renesent shop) who helps you physically produce your items. We expect your production partner to produce your items themselves, in their own facilities. A contractor or agent who outsources production is not considered a production partner. Examples of production services include, but are not limited to, printing, 3D-printing, casting, plating, engraving, cutting and sewing, and finishing.
B. Transparency
At Renesent, we value transparency. Transparency means that you honestly and accurately represent yourself, your items, and your business. For this reason, please share the following information in your listings:
- The name and/or descriptive title of your production partner(s);
- The location of your production partner(s);
- Details about the nature of your partnership and design process; and
- A general description of the work your production partner does for you.
You may choose to keep the name of your production partner and details about your partnership and design process private (visible only to select Renesent admin), but the
location and description of your production partner, as well as a general description of their work will appear on your About section and listings.
We may reach out to you at any time with a more detailed inquiry about your business. Please be prepared to provide additional details about the origins of your business, your role in the design process, your production process, and your connection to your production partner, as well as what efforts your production partner has made to follow our ethical expectations.
We understand that you may wish to keep the details of your design and business practices private. Please be assured that Renesent will not use the private information you provide us for any purpose other than reviewing your business to determine that you are in compliance with our policies.
We reserve the right to reject any production partnerships that aren't in the letter or spirit of this policy, Renesent’s Handmade Policy, or our ethical expectations. We would hate to do it, but if we find that you’re not being open and honest or that your shop violates our policies or ethical expectations, we may suspend or terminate your account.
2. Renesent Manufacturing
Renesent Manufacturing helps designers find and connect directly with manufacturers who commit to certain practices and shared values. We hope to foster responsible and
creative partnerships between designers and manufacturers, to prioritize transparency, and to help our community learn about the unique stories and people behind each item.
A. Joining Renesent Manufacturing
An Renesent manufacturer is anyone (a registered business or otherwise) who offers production services to designers through the Renesent Manufacturing platform.
To join Renesent Manufacturing as a manufacturer, you must submit an application. By submitting an application, you’re representing that you have the authority to enter into agreements on behalf of your business and that the information you submitted is accurate. The application asks you to provide basic information such as name, location, size, and degree of subcontracting; and to affirm that you (and any subcontractor you use) commit to operating a safe and just workplace, with transparency and reliable customer service. Approved manufacturers can fill out a profile to showcase their unique expertise, experience, and values.
Currently, only manufacturers located in the US or Canada may participate in Renesent Manufacturing. Manufacturers applying from elsewhere will be added to our waiting list. And for now, manufacturers may only provide production services in the following areas on Renesent Manufacturing: apparel and textiles, machining and fabrication, jewelry and metalsmithing, and printing.
B. Fees
Renesent does not currently charge any fees to use Renesent Manufacturing. Whether you’re a manufacturer or designer, you are solely responsible for collecting or paying any fees or taxes related to transactions into which you enter.
C. Important Legal Terms
If you enter into an agreement or a transaction with a manufacturer or designer you found through Renesent Manufacturing, you are contracting directly with that person or independent business. Renesent isn’t part of that agreement or transaction, and we’re not responsible for any losses you may suffer in connection with it — or by using
Renesent Manufacturing at all.
Just so we’re clear: Renesent doesn't inspect or endorse any of the designers or manufacturers who use Renesent Manufacturing.
Manufacturers who participate in Renesent Manufacturing self-certify that they operate a safe and just workplace that complies with all relevant laws, but Renesent can’t
independently verify those certifications.
So, if you are a designer and use our platform, you’re agreeing to release Renesent from any liability for (a) the actions of any manufacturers, and (b) items produced by any manufacturers, including for product liability. And if you use our platform as a manufacturer, you’re agreeing to release Renesent from any liability for (a) the actions of any designers, (b) designs or materials provided to you by any designers, and (c)
items sold by any designers, including product liability.
We encourage designers and manufacturers to communicate with each other directly and frequently to make sure there aren’t any misunderstandings. If you plan to meet in person, please keep these safety tips in mind.
Orders placed with manufacturers are not currently eligible for Renesent’s case system. The orders don’t currently take place through the Renesent Manufacturing platform and we don’t oversee manufacturers or their performance, so we can’t get involved in disputes between designers and manufacturers. But if you are a designer and a manufacturer fails to deliver items they agreed to produce and send, they may be subject to legal action by you. Likewise, if you are a manufacturer, and a designer fails to pay for the items you sent, you may have a legal claim.
We hate to do it, but Renesent reserves the right to deny your access to Renesent Manufacturing for any reason, in our sole discretion, including if you violate this or any of our policies.
D. Manufacturer Commitments
As a manufacturer, you affirm that your business, and any subcontractor you use, complies with all applicable laws, including safety, labor, and employment laws and all applicable environmental regulations. Specifically, you affirm that your business and any subcontractor you use:
- Does not use any child labor in any aspect of your work;
- Does not use any involuntary labor in any aspect of your work;
- Is free of coercion and intimidation against workers;
- Is an equal opportunity workplace and does not tolerate discrimination; and
-
Takes care to minimize impact to workers and the environment, including by a) practicing the safe storage and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste; and
-
b) providing safety-related education and protective equipment to workers.
From time to time, Renesent may contact you to confirm that your business complies with our policies and values.
E. Creating and Uploading Content
As a member of Renesent, you have the opportunity to create and upload a variety of content, like usernames, listings, Convos, text, photos, and videos. In order to keep our community safe and respectful, you agree that you will not upload content that is:
- Abusive, threatening, defamatory, or harassing;
- Obscene or vulgar;
- In violation of someone else’s privacy or intellectual property rights; or
- False, deceptive, or misleading.
F. Respecting Intellectual Property
By using Renesent Manufacturing, you are also subject to Renesent’s Intellectual Property Policy, which is part of our Terms of Use.
For designers, that means you represent that you have all necessary rights to any designs or other intellectual property that you send to a manufacturer for production.
For manufacturers, that means you agree not to produce any items for designers on Renesent Manufacturing if you have notice, or reasonably should know, that the items infringe upon the intellectual property of another party. You also agree to take
appropriate steps and follow the law if you receive valid legal notice that the items
infringe upon the intellectual property of another party. You agree not to produce any copy or likeness of any of the designs of Renesent designers without their express, written permission.
G. Recommendations
A manufacturer may ask a designer to leave a Recommendation that will be displayed on the manufacturer's profile. Leaving a Recommendation is entirely optional, but a
Recommendation may only be solicited from and submitted by a designer who has actually used that manufacturer's services. As a designer, your Recommendation should reflect your honest and unbiased opinions about your experience in working with the manufacturer. You agree that you will not accept any kind of compensation in exchange for writing a Recommendation.
Last updated on May 2, 2017