Sell puzzles online to people who count every piece

1. 01

   List piece count, size and cut

   Piece count, finished size in inches and centimeters, box size, board thickness and the cut (random, ribbon or with whimsy pieces). Experienced puzzlers choose on these details alone.

2. 02

   Show the image and the pieces

   Show the full image in high resolution, a close-up of loose pieces to show fit and finish, and the box. Say whether a reference poster comes inside, since many puzzlers want one.

3. 03

   Credit the artist

   Puzzlers follow illustrators. Name the artist on every page, and if you license the art, make sure the license covers puzzles sold online in the countries you ship to.

4. 04

   Offer piece counts as options

   When one design comes in 500 and 1000 pieces, make them options of one product with their own price and stock, so buyers see every size of the picture they like.

5. 05

   Handle missing pieces kindly

   Add a short request form for missing pieces: the puzzle name and where the gap is. A replacement piece costs you little and turns a complaint into a loyal customer.

6. 06

   Plan for winter and gifts

   Puzzles sell most from autumn through the winter holidays. Release new designs in early autumn, and put the last order date for holiday delivery on the home page.

• Children’s puzzles are toys

  Puzzles made for children count as toys in the EU, UK and US, with safety testing and marking rules. Adult puzzles with small pieces are commonly labeled as not suitable for children under 3.

• Photo rights for custom puzzles

  Print only photos the customer has the right to use, say so in your terms, and decline images of famous characters or other people’s artwork.

General information to help you get started, not legal advice. Rules differ by country, state and product, so check the ones that apply to you.