​

Product Images

Product images help customers recognize products faster when browsing a vendor catalog. Vendors can use them to make product lists clearer, easier to scan, and less dependent on product names alone.

​

What they are

A product image is the visual shown for a product in the vendor catalog. It can be used for:

• Customer product search
• Product lists
• Order screens
• Product details
• Visual recognition during ordering

​

Who can manage them?

Images are managed by vendor users. A vendor can only manage images for products that belong to their own vendor company.

​

Image sources

Mathership supports different ways to handle product visuals.

​

Custom images

A custom image is controlled by the vendor. Use one when:

• You want the exact product photo
• The automatic result is missing
• The automatic result is wrong
• The product packaging is specific to your company
• You want consistent product presentation

​

Uploading a file

Vendors can upload an image file for a product. When a new uploaded file is saved, the product can be marked as using a custom image. If the product already had an image, the old one may be replaced.

​

Using an image URL

Vendors can also save an image URL for a product. This is useful when the image is already hosted elsewhere.

​

Automatic image lookup

Mathership can try to fetch an image automatically. The lookup can use the product name and compare it with available product image data. This can help when vendors upload many products without images.

​

When automatic lookup is skipped

Automatic lookup may be skipped when the product already has:

• A custom image
• An existing image URL

This prevents an existing vendor-controlled image from being overwritten automatically.

​

If no match is found

If Mathership cannot find a suitable image, the product can remain without one. The product itself can still be used, shown, ordered, and exported.

​

Removing a custom image

A vendor can switch a product back to automatic image handling. When this happens, the custom image can be removed and the image field can be cleared. This allows Mathership to treat the product as no longer having a vendor-controlled image.

​

Image fields

Image handling can include fields such as: The exact fields shown can depend on the product form.

​

Typical workflow

A typical workflow looks like this:

1. Open your vendor company
2. Go to Products
3. Open a product
4. Add an image file or image URL
5. Save the product
6. Check the product in the customer catalog

​

Example: Upload a file

​

Example: Add a URL

​

Example: Use automatic handling

​

Bulk uploads

Bulk product uploads can create or update products without images. After upload, vendors can add images manually or use automatic lookup. This is useful when a large catalog is uploaded first and visuals are improved later.

​

Customer ordering

Product images can make ordering easier for customers. They help customers:

• Recognize familiar products
• Compare similar products
• Avoid selecting the wrong item
• Browse large catalogs faster

​

Product editing

Images can be updated when editing a product. Changing the image does not change the product itself, its stock, price, packaging, or availability.

​

Common problems

​

Image is missing

Check that:

• An image was uploaded
• An image URL was saved
• The image URL is still reachable
• Automatic lookup found a result
• The product was saved after editing

​

Wrong image is shown

Replace it with a custom uploaded image or image URL. A custom image is the safest option when the visual must be exact.

​

Automatic result is not correct

Use a custom image instead. Automatic images can help, but vendors should review them for accuracy.

​

Image URL does not load

Check that:

• The URL is complete
• The image is publicly accessible
• The external host allows loading the image
• The link has not expired

​

Image was replaced unexpectedly

Check whether the product was changed from custom handling to automatic handling.

​

Best practices

​

Use clear product photos

Use images that show the product clearly and avoid confusing backgrounds.

​

Keep visuals accurate

The image should match the exact product, package size, and brand whenever possible.

​

Prefer custom images for important products

Use custom images for high-volume or frequently ordered items.

​

Review automatic results

Automatic lookup should be checked before relying on it in the catalog.

​

Keep URLs stable

Avoid temporary links or private links that may stop working later.

​

Related pages