Final answer:
When a collection image does not exist on a collection page, a backup store logo or placeholder, or the featured image of the first product, might load instead. An error message is usually not desirable as it can imply a fault on the webpage.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a collection image does not exist on a collection page, the best practice varies depending on the website's design standards. Some common solutions include:
- A backup store logo or placeholder image loading instead. This gives the page a consistent look and ensures that users are not met with an empty image space.
- The featured image of the first product in that collection loading instead. This can provide a visual cue as to what kind of products are in the collection.
- Alternatively, only product images could load, which would maintain focus solely on the available products themselves.
Displaying an error message is generally not a preferred user experience, as it can suggest something is broken on the site. A decision between these options would typically be guided by the user interface and user experience standards set by the web designer or developer. In many cases, e-commerce platforms have a default setting for this scenario.