MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => DepositPhotos => Topic started by: EmberMike on June 27, 2014, 16:14

Title: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on June 27, 2014, 16:14

It came up in this thread (http://www.microstockgroup.com/depositphotos/because-95-of-sales-are-$-0-30-fake-subscriptions/) that Depositphotos has a "subscription" option for 5 images per month for $49.

(http://www.emberstudio.com/random/dp-subs.jpg)

This is a disturbing offering because it is comparable to products from other companies like Shutterstock's 5-image On-Demand pack for the same price but with a far lower royalty paid. Shutterstock pays out a percentage of the sale price received, while Depositphotos pays out a subscription royalty.

So each image in that 5-image "subscription" costs $9.80. Paying out a subscription royalty to the contributor ($0.30 up to $0.35), that works out to a 3.0-3.5% royalty paid. Whereas Shutterstock pays $1.88-$2.85 per image on a 5-image pack.

It looks like DP is trying to get away with paying out subscription royalties on small-quantity image packs by just calling them "subscriptions" instead.

Anyone know when this purchasing option became available? I hate to admit it but I have no idea how long this option has been there.

I'm suspending uploads to DP unless this is changed. Could be worth considering dropping them altogether between this and the other nonsense they've been up to lately (partner/API deals).
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Nikovsk on June 27, 2014, 16:34
I had already deactivated all images prior to this... I don't know why people are still there.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stock-will-eat-itself on June 27, 2014, 17:43
Amazingly there is no contributor backlash against DP, people are sleep walking into a dangerous precedent with this.

If artists are willing to accept 3% royalties with DP what message does this send to the other agencies?

If this kind of blatant profit grabbing spreads there will be no stock business for artists, full or part time in the near future.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: ShadySue on June 27, 2014, 17:48
Amazingly there is no contributor backlash against DP, people are sleep walking into a dangerous precedent with this.

If artists are willing to accept 3% royalties with DP what message does this send to the other agencies?

If this kind of blatant profit grabbing spreads there will be no stock business for artists, full or part time in the near future.

I'm bamboozled there's so little response.
Maybe not many people are with DP?  OTOH, it's middle tier in the stats.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Shelma1 on June 27, 2014, 18:37
I'm not with them, but now I certainly plan to avoid them.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on June 27, 2014, 18:44
This company was crooked from the start. I resisted signing up with them for a long time, despite everyone raving about them. Really wish I had stuck with my initial stance on them.

I don't blame anyone, I made my own decision. But it's not one that I'm happy about today.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 27, 2014, 19:34
How do you know these pay out like that?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stock-will-eat-itself on June 27, 2014, 19:42
They're selling a 5 image per month subscription for $49 - $9.80 per image.
All royalties paid under subscription rates 30c - 35c, your effective royalty 3%.

If SS renamed their image packs subscriptions and paid subs rates there would be a s&^t storm, but everyone seems cool with DP, god knows why.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Desintegrator on June 27, 2014, 19:52
How do you know these pay out like that?

In the other thread about this someone quoted an email from them in which they tell it's true
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on June 27, 2014, 20:09
How do you know these pay out like that?


I asked them.

(http://www.emberstudio.com/random/dp-chat.jpg)
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 27, 2014, 20:35
That reads like the answer of a person who doesn't really understand the question.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on June 27, 2014, 20:51
That reads like the answer of a person who doesn't really understand the question.

True. I've got an email out to them as well, we'll see how they respond to the question there.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Valo on June 28, 2014, 00:35
...

Oopsie, wrong spot  :)
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stock-will-eat-itself on June 28, 2014, 02:33
([url]http://www.emberstudio.com/random/dp-chat.jpg[/url])


You've asked them about the 1 month 5 per day plan, the 1 month 5 per month plan is the worst scenario.

I'll shoot them an email as well.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Cosinus Prod. on June 28, 2014, 03:19
Hi all,

after about one year of reading this forum I decided to register me. I’ve >12000 images on DP and will disable them if there is some action against DP. What do you think about a message to TRUSTe that the contributors can’t delete their images and / or that their “subscription” is scam (from contributors view)? I think it would be a first sign if they will contact DP in this matter. Here is the TRUSTe feedback form: https://feedback-form.truste.com/watchdog/request?url=www.depositphotos.com (https://feedback-form.truste.com/watchdog/request?url=www.depositphotos.com)

It’s not very much but if they lose their TRUSTe certificate it would be a first step… and if they will not change their point of view maybe we need a D-Day, too!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: roede-orm on June 28, 2014, 03:23
What is the dollar Photo Club of Fotolia compared with the 3% of deposit? It's a shame and here we should set a clear sign! Deposit has in my eyes great chances to win the "Most Unethical Agency" award :o
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Fairplay on June 28, 2014, 03:44
How do you know these pay out like that?

I posted this in the other thread about this issue:

My question:
"Please tell me do I get $0.31 per sale if a customer buys Monthly Subscription Plan and pays $49 for 5 images = $9.80 per Image?"

DP answer:
"Yes, you receive $0.31 per subscription sale, regardless subscription type. You receive your fixed commissions even though one image by subscription plan is $0.16. You can see that we offer various subscription plans, starting at $0.15 per image."
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 28, 2014, 07:35
Again, it reads like they don't understand the question.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stock-will-eat-itself on June 28, 2014, 08:08
Or they are dodging the answer.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on June 28, 2014, 08:15
I am in for a 2800 image deactivation on whatever day we choose.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Shelma1 on June 28, 2014, 08:29
Again, it reads like they don't understand the question.

I don't know. It sounds like they understand the question perfectly, answer it ("yes, regardless of subscription type") and then try to spin it in the best light by pointing out that you earn that amount even if a file sells for sixteen cents. Which might happen once in a while, but clearly the average sub sale must bring in much more or they'd drop regular sub sales because they'd be losing money.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: r2d2 on June 28, 2014, 08:29
Hi all,

after about one year of reading this forum I decided to register me. I’ve >12000 images on DP and will disable them if there is some action against DP. What do you think about a message to TRUSTe that the contributors can’t delete their images and / or that their “subscription” is scam (from contributors view)? I think it would be a first sign if they will contact DP in this matter. Here is the TRUSTe feedback form: https://feedback-form.truste.com/watchdog/request?url=www.depositphotos.com (https://feedback-form.truste.com/watchdog/request?url=www.depositphotos.com)

It’s not very much but if they lose their TRUSTe certificate it would be a first step… and if they will not change their point of view maybe we need a D-Day, too!

good idea i think. We should have a task list for D-Day candidates. Somthing like that:

1. call of contributors to write the agency with timely response
2. Embed third parties like TRUSTe / national supervisory authorities, etc.
3. draw attention in social media web blogs etc.
4. d-day exclaim.
5. make the agency in the google search results invisible with targeted adsense clicks.
6. inform the buyer and make the situation carefully and give them fair alternative agencies.
7. thinking about a jointly funded suit

organization is all... ;D

Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: r2d2 on June 28, 2014, 08:33
delete
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: asmai on June 28, 2014, 10:39
Again, it reads like they don't understand the question.

Hmm, the questions are extremely clear. And so are the answers. I cant see any ambiguity here.

Deposit photo has a notorious history of being shady. Fotolia actually looks like an "angel" next to it.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 28, 2014, 10:48
No, the answers read like they saw the word 'subscription' and a number, so said yes and put a link to an FAQ.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: John W. on June 28, 2014, 11:11
No, the answers read like they saw the word 'subscription' and a number, so said yes and put a link to an FAQ.

Don't think you're right. Even so, 90% of my sales at DP are subs netting me 31 cents. The other 10% are credit sales. Which means we make the same money on both subscription packs.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on June 28, 2014, 11:16
You've asked them about the 1 month 5 per day plan, the 1 month 5 per month plan is the worst scenario.

I'll shoot them an email as well.

You're right, I worded it incorrectly. Darn.

Well I've still got the email out to them, with the correctly worded question.

Still, I see no reason to suspect that the answer is any different. I would think that any product they call a "subscription" gets subscription royalties. Not sure why they'd pay a fair percentage instead without telling us that.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Fairplay on June 28, 2014, 11:20
No, the answers read like they saw the word 'subscription' and a number, so said yes and put a link to an FAQ.

There was just one sentence in my e-mail. I don't think they didn't read it. I'm sure they understood what's the question and their answer is pretty clear. Yes they pay me $0.31 and keep the remaining 9,80 - 0,31 = 9,49. This is ridiculous!!! >:(
Their point about the cheap subscription plans, when if somebody downloads his full quota they may lose money, is absolutely pointless. The average downloads on these subscription plans is miles away from this scenario and in the end of the day that's their decision to lower the prices so much not mine.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: borg on June 28, 2014, 12:00
We will wait for some time, if there is no answer from DP, we will act!  8)
Prepare yourself for abandoning ship!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: roede-orm on June 28, 2014, 12:10
I have already left the ship because of the Shotshop deal. Sorry 8)
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Greg Epperson on June 28, 2014, 12:41
good idea i think. We should have a task list for D-Day candidates. Somthing like that:

1. call of contributors to write the agency with timely response
2. Embed third parties like TRUSTe / national supervisory authorities, etc.
3. draw attention in social media web blogs etc.
4. d-day exclaim.
5. make the agency in the google search results invisible with targeted adsense clicks.
6. inform the buyer and make the situation carefully and give them fair alternative agencies.
7. thinking about a jointly funded suit

organization is all... ;D



I've written to the agency.  The royalty is unfairly low. 
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: danivince on June 29, 2014, 02:38
This is theft DP!!!Fight for their rights!!!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Justanotherphotographer on June 29, 2014, 02:47
I'm not sure what can be achieved with a  D-Day in this case. People just need to delete or stop uploading ASAP. This agency is too shady for any action to change their ways. If they change this thing they'll have 10 more ways by breakfast to avoid paying out.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: roede-orm on June 29, 2014, 05:47
Agree. Some contributors have already left after the ShotShop deal, some earlier because of the SMS-sales some years ago. 
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: John W. on June 29, 2014, 06:25
Well I've made up my mind and will disable all files as soon as I reach payout. Won't wait for a D-Day or something. I didn't even know about that ShotShop deal. Always thought DepositPhotos had great potential for the future but now I see the only way they might make it to the Top Tier is by scamming the artists and thereby damaging the whole industry.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on June 29, 2014, 08:55
This is theft DP!!!Fight for their rights!!!

Right.  I am out. I began deactivating today.  I just deactivated over 800 images.  2000 more to go.

One thing I've been thinking of though. Because we can only deactivate, I wonder if this deactivation is merely a reporting deactivation. No proof yet, but a large part of this debate about DP is why they insist on keeping our images. There is little comfort on my part about deactivation.

EDIT: I just finished deactivating all but one image and requested my final payout.  Took only about an hour to deactivate 2056 more images. I am done with these crooks.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Nikovsk on June 29, 2014, 09:11
Well at least they won't be able to sell it in the DP site.

Also I didn't find my deactivated images for sale anywhere else.
I have a separate nickname in DP, so it would be easy to spot if they were doing so.

I think sales in DP are delayed 1+ month thus explaining sales after deactivation.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: sdeva on June 29, 2014, 09:12
I deactivated a chunk of my port and stopped uploading to DP after the Shotshop revelations came out.  Now I think I should stop Subscription sales on DP - as this seems to be a route to making them wealthy at contributor expense.

Wondering .. is it possible to opt out of subs at DP?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: robhainer on June 29, 2014, 10:12
This is theft DP!!!Fight for their rights!!!

Right.  I am out. I began deactivating today.  I just deactivated over 800 images.  2000 more to go.

One thing I've been thinking of though. Because we can only deactivate, I wonder if this deactivation is merely a reporting deactivation. No proof yet, but a large part of this debate about DP is why they insist on keeping our images. There is little comfort on my part about deactivation.

You have to write them to close your account, and it takes 30 days before they stop selling your images. At least that is what it says on their contributor agreement. I don't mind the cooling period, but not getting to totally delete is disturbing.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Nikovsk on June 29, 2014, 10:29
Oh I'm not closing my account. Always have to keep an eye on the bandit.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Cesar on June 29, 2014, 10:44
I will close my  account, 1200 images! No deactivating!

i just want the date that we do  together!

we need to close unfair agencies!

we must act now!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on June 29, 2014, 15:55
This is theft DP!!!Fight for their rights!!!

Right.  I am out. I began deactivating today.  I just deactivated over 800 images.  2000 more to go.

One thing I've been thinking of though. Because we can only deactivate, I wonder if this deactivation is merely a reporting deactivation. No proof yet, but a large part of this debate about DP is why they insist on keeping our images. There is little comfort on my part about deactivation.

You have to write them to close your account, and it takes 30 days before they stop selling your images. At least that is what it says on their contributor agreement. I don't mind the cooling period, but not getting to totally delete is disturbing.

I am not closing my account. I want to track if my images keep on selling after deactivation. Once I verify they are not, then I will close my account.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: leaf on June 29, 2014, 16:00
Again, it reads like they don't understand the question.


I wish you were right, but their FAQ seems pretty clear... :(

With subscription plans, Buyers can download photos and vector images. If an image was purchased with any of our subscription plans, your royalty rate is fixed and depends upon your Contributor's Level:
http://depositphotos.com/seller-price.html (http://depositphotos.com/seller-price.html)
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stock-will-eat-itself on June 29, 2014, 16:05
Question is, what does the crowd, of this crowd sourced business want to do about it?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 29, 2014, 17:46
Again, it reads like they don't understand the question.


I wish you were right, but their FAQ seems pretty clear... :(

With subscription plans, Buyers can download photos and vector images. If an image was purchased with any of our subscription plans, your royalty rate is fixed and depends upon your Contributor's Level:
[url]http://depositphotos.com/seller-price.html[/url] ([url]http://depositphotos.com/seller-price.html[/url])


True, but I'm not sure how you can call paying for one month a subscription.  It just isn't.  You might as well just say a credit pack is a subscription and be done.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: pancaketom on June 30, 2014, 00:37
I never joined there - it always seemed like a race to the bottom sort of place. I am quite glad of that now. We really need to send the message that treating contributors this way is not acceptable.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: gostwyck on June 30, 2014, 03:43
I never joined there - it always seemed like a race to the bottom sort of place. I am quite glad of that now. We really need to send the message that treating contributors this way is not acceptable.

I thought exactly the same. Very glad I was never tempted to upload to DP.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stocked on June 30, 2014, 05:12
After the Shotshop-deal it was already clear that they are cheaters I really wonder about the people that are still staying with them.
And Sean if you have any doubts it's easy to proof just buy this subscription package and dowload one of your own images or from a fellow photographer that can tell you how much commission he got..
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Cesar on June 30, 2014, 07:57
we need to close our accounts on dp. Please choose D day for depositphotos. we can survive 2-4%  lost of income on short term, long term we will be on profit.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on June 30, 2014, 08:07
After the Shotshop-deal it was already clear that they are cheaters...

They were shady from the start, long before the Shotshop deal. I think a lot of people (myself included) just hoped that they were sincere in distancing themselves from their old ways. I resisted joining them for a long time, even when others had jumped in and were happy with how things were going. I guess we're all just so hopeful for something good to emerge in this business that we overlook the negatives about a company too easily.

My lesson learned with DP is to trust my gut feeling more when it comes to stock agencies.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: MxR on June 30, 2014, 08:27
15 July? 1 August?

they are 1% or 2% of my income
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on June 30, 2014, 11:09
How do you know these pay out like that?

I sent an email asking for confirmation. I asked:

Quote
I would like clarification on contributor royalties paid out in your monthly subscription plans. It is my understanding that the lowest-priced monthly subscription offer of 5 images per month for $49 pays out subscription royalties to contributors. So in a typical scenario, out of that $9.80 paid per image by the customer, the contributor would get their subscription royalty of $0.30-$0.35. Is that correct?

And the reply I got was:

Quote
Yes, you are correct that you receive your fixed royalties of each subscription sale. We have daily subscription plans with $0,15 per image, but your royalty rate remains the same $0.31. Please take a look at our daily plans and you will notice that the most expensive image is $0.46 if customers purchase daily plans.
In addition, we offer a 7-day subscription plan for free to all new customers. You get the same subscription commissions even though it is a free trial.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Valo on June 30, 2014, 11:20
To me that reads as you get 200% royalty on a 15c image sale, and you get 3% on a $9.80 image sale. For it to be fair, I believe they should make that a fixed percentage rate of the sale, not a fixed dollar rate.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Desintegrator on June 30, 2014, 11:23
To me that reads as you get 200% royalty on a 15c image sale, and you get 3% on a $9.80 image sale. For it to be fair, I believe they should make that a fixed percentage rate of the sale, not a fixed dollar rate.

Or they just shouldn't call a 5 or 10 images plan a "subscription". (Fotolia at least started to pay us better for these things after the D-day...  but still something needs to be done about DPC...)
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Valo on June 30, 2014, 11:27
To me that reads as you get 200% royalty on a 15c image sale, and you get 3% on a $9.80 image sale. For it to be fair, I believe they should make that a fixed percentage rate of the sale, not a fixed dollar rate.

Or they just shouldn't call a 5 or 10 images plan a "subscription".
On Shutterstock they are called Images on Demand and we are paid a fixed amount of the sale, depending on your level. I would call that a fair royalty as well. That would indeed be another option for Deposit Photos to consider. But given their reputation, and the state of the industry, it is very  unlikely to happen. Fairness is no longer considered when paying out image producers.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Cesar on June 30, 2014, 11:34
why they give free trial for free, does shutter gives?  No.  Wrong business model.  This agencies must go bankruptcy


15 July for D day
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: loop on June 30, 2014, 12:17
How do you know these pay out like that?

I sent an email asking for confirmation. I asked:

Quote
I would like clarification on contributor royalties paid out in your monthly subscription plans. It is my understanding that the lowest-priced monthly subscription offer of 5 images per month for $49 pays out subscription royalties to contributors. So in a typical scenario, out of that $9.80 paid per image by the customer, the contributor would get their subscription royalty of $0.30-$0.35. Is that correct?

And the reply I got was:

Quote
Yes, you are correct that you receive your fixed royalties of each subscription sale. We have daily subscription plans with $0,15 per image, but your royalty rate remains the same $0.31. Please take a look at our daily plans and you will notice that the most expensive image is $0.46 if customers purchase daily plans.

That doesn't take in account the non-used quotas. After all, this is the main source of benefit por subs sites. You can be sure they are not losing money, these "%&*
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 30, 2014, 12:21

Quote
Yes, you are correct that you receive your fixed royalties of each subscription sale. We have daily subscription plans with $0,15 per image, but your royalty rate remains the same $0.31. Please take a look at our daily plans and you will notice that the most expensive image is $0.46 if customers purchase daily plans.
In addition, we offer a 7-day subscription plan for free to all new customers. You get the same subscription commissions even though it is a free trial.

That does seem pretty clear now.  I also sent an inquiry over the weekend.  I'll dispute their idea of tagging anything they like as a "subscription" as a way out of paying the correct royalties.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on June 30, 2014, 12:27

Quote
Yes, you are correct that you receive your fixed royalties of each subscription sale. We have daily subscription plans with $0,15 per image, but your royalty rate remains the same $0.31. Please take a look at our daily plans and you will notice that the most expensive image is $0.46 if customers purchase daily plans.
In addition, we offer a 7-day subscription plan for free to all new customers. You get the same subscription commissions even though it is a free trial.

That does seem pretty clear now.  I also sent an inquiry over the weekend.  I'll dispute their idea of tagging anything they like as a "subscription" as a way out of paying the correct royalties.

Thanks, Sean. Good to know you and your brand are at least helping clarify a very unpopular business practice.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stocked on June 30, 2014, 12:34

Quote
Yes, you are correct that you receive your fixed royalties of each subscription sale. We have daily subscription plans with $0,15 per image, but your royalty rate remains the same $0.31. Please take a look at our daily plans and you will notice that the most expensive image is $0.46 if customers purchase daily plans.
In addition, we offer a 7-day subscription plan for free to all new customers. You get the same subscription commissions even though it is a free trial.

That does seem pretty clear now.  I also sent an inquiry over the weekend.  I'll dispute their idea of tagging anything they like as a "subscription" as a way out of paying the correct royalties.
Great move respect!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on June 30, 2014, 13:08
...tagging anything they like as a "subscription" as a way out of paying the correct royalties.

Seems like a trend now, doesn't it? Any optionally repeatable purchase seems open to being called a "subscription".

What a scam.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on June 30, 2014, 14:26
For those who are considering staying with DepositPhotos, I'd suggest that you need to get more detailed sales reporting so you can keep tabs on them in the future.

Even if they agree to start paying the appropriate percentages on the Monthly "subscriptions", there'll be some new product in the future and you'll need to know how much the buyer paid and what your payout was for each sale.

Given how they handled the ShotShop deal - taking away the opt out they finally implemented (after a delay), an opt out they at first refused, then provided, then tried to do an end run around by saying ShotShop was an API reseller not a partner - you can't assume they'll continue to honor any concession offered when faced with portfolio removal.

Obviously any agency can flat out lie in anything they report to us, but the risks of that are so huge, I think it's reasonably safe to assume that if they implement a detailed sales reporting system - gross amount paid per image (or the plan type if it's something like a 25 a day monthly subscription where they don't know the exact amount), sale date, sale site (for partner sites) and royalty paid - it'll be as accurate as they can make it. And all should be downloadable as a CSV file.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Gel-O Shooter on June 30, 2014, 17:40
I disabled everything except SS rejects a few weeks ago. (really close to pay-out and hate to give it them as a present.)  As soon as I get my $50 I will then re-keyword the remaining files before I quit them for good.
Here is my list of keywords to leave on them so far:
DP, DECEITFUL, GREEDY, INEQUITABLE, MANIPULATIVE, MONEY-GRUBBING, ROTTEN, SCUM, STINGY, UNFAIR, UNDERHANDED.

Any more suggestions?  I think they have to be in alphabetical order. 8)
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Cesar on June 30, 2014, 18:12
Jo Ann, Sean, could you contact them and say to them we will leave this page if they dont change in one week this plan?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on June 30, 2014, 20:06
Jo Ann, Sean, could you contact them and say to them we will leave this page if they dont change in one week this plan?

I'm just an adviser here - I have never been a DepositPhotos contributor.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: EmberMike on July 02, 2014, 14:25
I got another response to an email from DP:

Quote
We are currently working on our API functionality, so our API re-sellers will be able to purchase our images by credits only. Once it is done, our contributors will be receiving higher commissions once their files are purchased by our re-sellers.

Afterwards, we will be reviewing our monthly plans based on our contributors' feedback.  We are trying to make a win-win situation here.

So it sounds like they are at least open to the idea of adjusting things, both with the reseller issue and the monthly subscription offer.

Can't say I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy about DP just yet, but it's progress.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stock-will-eat-itself on July 02, 2014, 17:32
I'm getting very weary of these deals where agencies are trying to trick artists into paying the bare minimum and only relinquish once a huge fuss is kicked up.

What ever happened to just straight forward business practises built on trust and respect. I don't try and stiff my design clients at every opportunity, judging by the repeat work I get they seem to appreciate it.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on July 04, 2014, 19:52
I'm getting very weary of these deals where agencies are trying to trick artists into paying the bare minimum and only relinquish once a huge fuss is kicked up.

What ever happened to just straight forward business practises built on trust and respect. I don't try and stiff my design clients at every opportunity, judging by the repeat work I get they seem to appreciate it.

That's assuming they are relinquishing. Unless they are upping the commission to normalize to 30-50% of credits, define subscriptions properly, define credits properly and be transparent on their deals with partners, they have a mt. Everest to climb with many of us, not to mention how they behave going forward. Their checkered past has been a norm for them so I don't expect then to re-engineer their commission scheme in any way that is fair and transparent. 

Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Fairplay on July 05, 2014, 14:21
DP also forgot the fact that a lot of contributors are buyers too and they stop buying from the hated greedy agencies!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: MxR on July 05, 2014, 15:47
We must ake any colective action...!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Cesar on July 05, 2014, 16:24
I suggested, no one wants close accounts,  i think that is only option.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on July 05, 2014, 19:40
I suggested, no one wants close accounts,  i think that is only option.

I think we would all love to have a great relationship with all agencies, but some have to resort to sneaky, low down, dirty dog tactics and that usually requires unfavorable actions on the contributors' side.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Batman on July 07, 2014, 21:13
I got another response to an email from DP:

Quote
We are currently working on our API functionality, so our API re-sellers will be able to purchase our images by credits only. Once it is done, our contributors will be receiving higher commissions once their files are purchased by our re-sellers.

Afterwards, we will be reviewing our monthly plans based on our contributors' feedback.  We are trying to make a win-win situation here.

So it sounds like they are at least open to the idea of adjusting things, both with the reseller issue and the monthly subscription offer.

Can't say I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy about DP just yet, but it's progress.

Just like FT when caught for cheating us and DPC scam, they come up with a new plan, opt out. DP could have had a fair plan before they got caught cheating us with fake subs. We were warned when DP started to open pretending to be in FL. Then the pay for uploads bribe to entice people to make the bad decision to trust DP. They started dishonest and have not changed. Now to late they have more suckers who don't know the truth.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Nikovsk on July 08, 2014, 13:21
I'm impressed how little the reaction from contributors after this reveal, 3% must be a record low in the industry. I'm so new in MS but already had to deal with 2 scams in a row, and it's just a matter of time until they will come up with a another one. You don't get an agency much worse than that.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on July 08, 2014, 13:49
I'm impressed how little the reaction from contributors after this reveal, 3% must be a record low in the industry. I'm so new in MS but already had to deal with 2 scams in a row, and it's just a matter of time until they will come up with a another one. You don't get an agency much worse than that.

Well I can say that I am done with both Fotolia and deposit photos. When microstock becomes nano stock, and it is becoming nano stock, you will have two agencies at the forefront to blame the most and that is FT and DP the two most destructive agencies in microstock today.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Pixart on July 08, 2014, 14:09
I'm impressed how little the reaction from contributors after this reveal, 3% must be a record low in the industry. I'm so new in MS but already had to deal with 2 scams in a row, and it's just a matter of time until they will come up with a another one. You don't get an agency much worse than that.
There is no reaction because most of us have dropped them already.  Just reading this thread for amusement now :)
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stock-will-eat-itself on July 08, 2014, 16:25
There isn't much reaction as far as I can see, there are still big contributors who are aware of the 3% royalty but still support the agency.

I guess it's a sign of the times, people are willing or desperate to suck up any income at all. 123RF are now trying something similar by stealthily reducing their advertised royalties, my guess is all the agencies will eventually follow suit and rebadge credits as subs and sneak in ultra low royalties.

In all honesty the only way the industry could ever be corrected is if an agency was actually taken down and put out of business by a massive D-Day.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on July 09, 2014, 05:36
There isn't much reaction as far as I can see, there are still big contributors who are aware of the 3% royalty but still support the agency.

I guess it's a sign of the times, people are willing or desperate to suck up any income at all. 123RF are now trying something similar by stealthily reducing their advertised royalties, my guess is all the agencies will eventually follow suit and rebadge credits as subs and sneak in ultra low royalties.

In all honesty the only way the industry could ever be corrected is if an agency was actually taken down and put out of business by a massive D-Day.

This is precisely what will kill microstock.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Nikovsk on July 10, 2014, 06:41
Mantis, do you still have sales after deactivation in DP?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on July 10, 2014, 06:58
Mantis, do you still have sales after deactivation in DP?

Not so far. I have been spot checking partner sites and I see none of my images
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Cosinus Prod. on July 24, 2014, 06:20
There isn't much reaction as far as I can see, there are still big contributors who are aware of the 3% royalty but still support the agency.

I guess it's a sign of the times, people are willing or desperate to suck up any income at all. 123RF are now trying something similar by stealthily reducing their advertised royalties, my guess is all the agencies will eventually follow suit and rebadge credits as subs and sneak in ultra low royalties.

In all honesty the only way the industry could ever be corrected is if an agency was actually taken down and put out of business by a massive D-Day.

I think if there are no changes on DP we will need that massive D-Day there...
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stock-will-eat-itself on July 24, 2014, 10:17
I'm mystified why Leaf didn't mention it in the monthly roundup newsletter, I guess he's happy with it.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on July 24, 2014, 10:52
I'm mystified why Leaf didn't mention it in the monthly roundup newsletter, I guess he's happy with it.

I think he has been communicated to by Fotolia. I think he has a big port there and cannot afford to lose that revenue stream. Remember, Fotolia is a vindictive company. Speak poorly of them and they go crying to mama....aka closing contributor accounts.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: leaf on July 24, 2014, 13:22
I'm mystified why Leaf didn't mention it in the monthly roundup newsletter, I guess he's happy with it.

I think he has been communicated to by Fotolia. I think he has a big port there and cannot afford to lose that revenue stream. Remember, Fotolia is a vindictive company. Speak poorly of them and they go crying to mama....aka closing contributor accounts.

To be honest it just slipped my mind.  I try to collect popular/ important posts throughout the month and pick the top ones when I send out the newsletter but I always end up missing a few.
I did mention the Fotolia DPC in the previous newsletter.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: PZF on July 25, 2014, 01:02
I'm mystified why Leaf didn't mention it in the monthly roundup newsletter, I guess he's happy with it.
DP was actually PROMOTED in it!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 25, 2017, 13:12
"We has unlimited subscriptions to the best stock photo of the world."

We haz cheezeburger.

Spam reported.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: loop on June 25, 2017, 17:04
Well, maybe there are already paying a price.
I've just made some searches there and the results are far poorer than results in other best known sites. Far fewer images, so-so quality for many of them. Not a place where I would buy.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: ppdd on June 25, 2017, 23:57
This thread is from 2014, FYI.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Chichikov on June 26, 2017, 04:55
This thread is from 2014, FYI.

And nothing has changed in good: Deposhitphotos is still Deposhitphotos…
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: langstrup on June 26, 2017, 06:37
We was in DP like "VIP" contributors with keywordingservices, images in they specialbank with much higher prices. We got super service with a dedicated employe from DP - That was until we said we would opt out if the went thru with their new pricing.

All communication stopped! So we deleted all our content over night and THEN they would answer!

Never looked back! One of those sites that should just be shut down by all contributors quitting!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sebastian Radu on June 26, 2017, 07:34
I also remove my port from there. It is very miserable what they do!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: lima on June 26, 2017, 07:44
i recived $0.31 for on demand sales!!!! how much $ they recived for those sales??? and they pay us the same us suscripcion sales!!!

really bad royalties!!!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: angelawaye on June 26, 2017, 07:49
Yes, I removed my port too. Shameful!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Hildegarde on June 26, 2017, 11:25
Never signed up thanks to be warned of their other shady deals.  Definitely not now.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: ibogdan on April 05, 2018, 11:25
I guess they reached a new minimum on our commissions. Just had a $0.09 sale. Anyone else?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Bauman on April 05, 2018, 16:49
Me too 0,09 and 0,08 $ ...  >:(
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: obj owl on April 05, 2018, 17:16
but it's 0,08 $ you wouldn't have got otherwise, keep feeding the beastards.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: trek on April 05, 2018, 17:23
I also received two .08¢ royalties.  I wrote support.  Hopefully it's some kind of mistake.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: ibogdan on April 05, 2018, 20:15
Yes, another one for eight cents. I also think it's a kind of mistake, going to write support too.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: NeonRobot on April 06, 2018, 04:50
Forget about this crap, stopped uploading there 4 months ago.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Zero Talent on April 06, 2018, 14:11
I got a $0.09 sale yesterday but today it was corrected and now it shows the regular amount for a sub.
I thought it was a mistake, but I just just got another $0.09. Another mistake?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Josephine on April 06, 2018, 17:09
I got 7 cents, I asked, if this was right and I got this answer:

Thank you for contacting us. We have checked your $0.07 sale with subscription and confirmed that it was a technical glitch, please accept our apologies for any inconveniences. We will double-check and add correct amount to your account within few business days. Thank you for your understanding.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Mantis on April 06, 2018, 20:42
I got 7 cents, I asked, if this was right and I got this answer:

Thank you for contacting us. We have checked your $0.07 sale with subscription and confirmed that it was a technical glitch, please accept our apologies for any inconveniences. We will double-check and add correct amount to your account within few business days. Thank you for your understanding.

So you have to bitch to get them to correct the error? It's what it sounds like to me. While they hang on to the error-driven cash over perhaps thousands of sales.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: angelawaye on April 06, 2018, 21:26
Wow! Shameful ...
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Josephine on April 07, 2018, 02:29
I wrote them a little note through Live-Chat. I got the answer and the correction within minutes.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Uncle Pete on April 07, 2018, 08:51
Wow! Shameful ...

Yeah, especially if enough people don't catch the error or watch DP close, a "technical glitch" which seems to be repeating and common.

I got a $0.09 sale yesterday but today it was corrected and now it shows the regular amount for a sub.
I thought it was a mistake, but I just just got another $0.09. Another mistake?

Maybe the mistake is submitting anything to DP?  :)
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: sgoodwin4813 on April 07, 2018, 09:45
I just had a nine-center too.  Too lazy to write them - will wait a few days to see if they auto-correct.  Will be interesting to see if they let it slide if you don't write them.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: lima on April 08, 2018, 16:57
2 files sold today, mi earning for each $0.05..... >:(
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: lostintimeline on April 08, 2018, 17:52
congrats.how you plannin spendin them? :o
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: lima on April 08, 2018, 17:55
please give me ideas, i cant decide!!!

congrats.how you plannin spendin them? :o
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Steveball on April 08, 2018, 18:22
Found an image of mine on a DP partner site selling for $200, wonder what my cut would have been if it had sold (a lot less than 3%!). Cancelled all partner sites and don't upload anymore.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: trek on April 08, 2018, 18:25
Found an image of mine on a DP partner site selling for $200, wonder what my cut would have been if it had sold (a lot less than 3%!). Cancelled all partner sites and don't upload anymore.

Which partner site?  I'd like to make sure I'm still opted out.

Thanks
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: niktol on April 08, 2018, 19:44
please give me ideas, i cant decide!!!

congrats.how you plannin spendin them? :o

I will sit on a roof and throw them at passersby
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: niktol on April 08, 2018, 19:51
I wonder how much they are paying their programmers and cyber security experts. Nine bucks per hours?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: LouisPhotos on April 09, 2018, 07:47
Very unhappy to sell photo 0.10 $ how can i opt out photo selling On Demand method?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Zero Talent on April 09, 2018, 09:11
Very unhappy to sell photo 0.10 $ how can i opt out photo selling On Demand method?

It can only be done if you explicitly request them to do it for you.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: LouisPhotos on April 09, 2018, 10:34
I also sell a photo from Subscription Plan $0.10 :(
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: trek on April 09, 2018, 10:45
I wrote support.  They did not reply but the two .08¢ sales were changes to .31¢. 
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: LouisPhotos on April 09, 2018, 11:42
I wrote too and they want my contributor name to stop my photos to be sale there. I said that it was not acceptable to sell at this cost
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Steveball on April 09, 2018, 19:36
Found an image of mine on a DP partner site selling for $200, wonder what my cut would have been if it had sold (a lot less than 3%!). Cancelled all partner sites and don't upload anymore.

Which partner site?  I'd like to make sure I'm still opted out.

Thanks

Sorry I can't remember. I just searched on google images for a few of my photos and checked out the dodgy looking ones.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: niktol on April 10, 2018, 09:43
Seems like they fixed the glitch. And yet I feel it's time to pull the plug.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Uncle Pete on April 10, 2018, 09:44
Found an image of mine on a DP partner site selling for $200, wonder what my cut would have been if it had sold (a lot less than 3%!). Cancelled all partner sites and don't upload anymore.

Didn't they have their own "partner site" (which they ran and owned) that they were selling our work to, for a sub and then re-licensing for high fees. You'd get a sub they would charge much more for the re-license. Enough of that trickery, should have caused the Opt out for all partner sales for anyone who reads here.

Since my Opt Out was all of DP I can't say much more than be careful, Deposit has a habit of coming up with some unusual business practices.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: JaenStock on April 10, 2018, 10:07
This is a trial test...  next time it will not be an error
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: angelawaye on April 10, 2018, 10:27
I think they are testing the waters ... Get ready!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Steveball on April 10, 2018, 11:03
Found an image of mine on a DP partner site selling for $200, wonder what my cut would have been if it had sold (a lot less than 3%!). Cancelled all partner sites and don't upload anymore.

Didn't they have their own "partner site" (which they ran and owned) that they were selling our work to, for a sub and then re-licensing for high fees. You'd get a sub they would charge much more for the re-license. Enough of that trickery, should have caused the Opt out for all partner sales for anyone who reads here.

Since my Opt Out was all of DP I can't say much more than be careful, Deposit has a habit of coming up with some unusual business practices.

It may have been that, what a way to conduct business!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Dodie on April 10, 2018, 11:43
I got a $0.05 sale too yesterday. I wrote to support and today I got the same answer as Josephine (it's a mistake), They corrected it now but their math is still very different from mine:
$0.29 before tax, $0.01 (10% tax), net earning $0.29.
Who knows what they are cooking for us again.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Zero Talent on April 10, 2018, 12:12
Found an image of mine on a DP partner site selling for $200, wonder what my cut would have been if it had sold (a lot less than 3%!). Cancelled all partner sites and don't upload anymore.

Didn't they have their own "partner site" (which they ran and owned) that they were selling our work to, for a sub and then re-licensing for high fees. You'd get a sub they would charge much more for the re-license. Enough of that trickery, should have caused the Opt out for all partner sales for anyone who reads here.

Since my Opt Out was all of DP I can't say much more than be careful, Deposit has a habit of coming up with some unusual business practices.

Correct. I've been told that a $0.10 on-demand sale is legit, done a through partner site.
The only option to opt-out from this ridiculous game is by explicitly asking an admin to do it for you (through email or chat).
However, there is still no way to tell if the request is fulfilled. Maybe we could ask a different customer rep to check it for you, a few days later and trust their honesty.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: PokemonMaster on April 12, 2018, 12:10
Just a little reminder:
The last funny story, when they introduced a Flexible Plan (in fact, 1 image for $1, on demand) a lot of people left Depositphotos or deactivated the images. And you know what? They started to block deactivation! You could kick down 5 works, then get error message and delay before you could deactivate the next 5. And all the time they replied that everything is fine and they did not block anything. Then they started to whine to every contributor's e-mail, that Flexible Plan is a temporary solution and they will turn it off soon. Guess what? Plan is still there, for almost two years. And they advertise it every month.
I don't know, why some people are still there, really.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Dodie on April 12, 2018, 12:33
Just a little reminder:
The last funny story, when they introduced a Flexible Plan (in fact, 1 image for $1, on demand) a lot of people left Depositphotos or deactivated the images. And you know what? They started to block deactivation! You could kick down 5 works, then get error message and delay before you could deactivate the next 5. And all the time they replied that everything is fine and they did not block anything. Then they started to whine to every contributor's e-mail, that Flexible Plan is a temporary solution and they will turn it off soon. Guess what? Plan is still there, for almost two years. And they advertise it every month.
I don't know, why some people are still there, really.
You just said why, because nobody has the time to go there each day and deactivate them in batches of 5.
Even if you deactivate them, that is no guaranty they don't sell them anyway.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stryjek on April 12, 2018, 14:41
I just write to them this :

"Im really concerned as well as many photographers , about the contributor payment scheme of your 5 per month subscription package where contributor only gets paid 3% per download , this is not acceptable , as there is deeper discussion there on forums , please let me know about your plans as if that is true and you are not willing to change it then i will be forced to terminate my account asap , also another question is , how is possible, i only got paid 0.10$ for on demand sales ? thank you"

I guess , if 100x contributors they will be about to loose then they will have to change it .

Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: PokemonMaster on April 12, 2018, 21:08
By the way, guys, where do you see this Subscription Plan? I don't have it on Subscribe page.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: PokemonMaster on April 12, 2018, 21:25
You just said why, because nobody has the time to go there each day and deactivate them in batches of 5.
Even if you deactivate them, that is no guaranty they don't sell them anyway.
Well, there's some trick in response. For example, StockSubmitter have a button "Deactivate photos on DP". It's free and it will do it for you.
Also, even if you remove the port, there's still no guarantees. Especially, for so-called partners. I'd recommend deactivate first and close the account later.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: niktol on April 13, 2018, 09:50

I don't know, why some people are still there, really.

Being lazy on my part. I am finally getting off my butt and starting the winding down process.

First I'll transfer the money. Then deactivate everything worth being deactivated. Then I will see, probably close the account eventually.

I suspect the only thing that will truly work is stop uploading.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stryjek on April 25, 2018, 08:01
There is no such a plan like 5 image subscription actually,  subscription plans starts from 75 images monthly actually , other plans are download on demand, where did you find it ?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: stryjek on April 25, 2018, 08:02

It came up in this thread ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/depositphotos/because-95-of-sales-are-[/url]$-0-30-fake-subscriptions/) that Depositphotos has a "subscription" option for 5 images per month for $49.

([url]http://www.emberstudio.com/random/dp-subs.jpg[/url])

This is a disturbing offering because it is comparable to products from other companies like Shutterstock's 5-image On-Demand pack for the same price but with a far lower royalty paid. Shutterstock pays out a percentage of the sale price received, while Depositphotos pays out a subscription royalty.

So each image in that 5-image "subscription" costs $9.80. Paying out a subscription royalty to the contributor ($0.30 up to $0.35), that works out to a 3.0-3.5% royalty paid. Whereas Shutterstock pays $1.88-$2.85 per image on a 5-image pack.

It looks like DP is trying to get away with paying out subscription royalties on small-quantity image packs by just calling them "subscriptions" instead.

Anyone know when this purchasing option became available? I hate to admit it but I have no idea how long this option has been there.

I'm suspending uploads to DP unless this is changed. Could be worth considering dropping them altogether between this and the other nonsense they've been up to lately (partner/API deals).


There is no such a plan like 5 image subscription actually,  subscription plans starts from 75 images monthly actually , other plans are download on demand, where did you find it ?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Sebastian Radu on April 26, 2018, 01:30
Just a little reminder:
The last funny story, when they introduced a Flexible Plan (in fact, 1 image for $1, on demand) a lot of people left Depositphotos or deactivated the images. And you know what? They started to block deactivation! You could kick down 5 works, then get error message and delay before you could deactivate the next 5. And all the time they replied that everything is fine and they did not block anything. Then they started to whine to every contributor's e-mail, that Flexible Plan is a temporary solution and they will turn it off soon. Guess what? Plan is still there, for almost two years. And they advertise it every month.
I don't know, why some people are still there, really.

I remember that. I closed my account in a few days after they do those things.
No regrets !!!!
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: Uncle Pete on April 26, 2018, 08:36
Just a little reminder:
The last funny story, when they introduced a Flexible Plan (in fact, 1 image for $1, on demand) a lot of people left Depositphotos or deactivated the images. And you know what? They started to block deactivation! You could kick down 5 works, then get error message and delay before you could deactivate the next 5. And all the time they replied that everything is fine and they did not block anything. Then they started to whine to every contributor's e-mail, that Flexible Plan is a temporary solution and they will turn it off soon. Guess what? Plan is still there, for almost two years. And they advertise it every month.
I don't know, why some people are still there, really.

I remember that. I closed my account in a few days after they do those things.
No regrets !!!!

Just looked:

$29/month

    Download 30 hi-res photos & vectors every month
    Additional images are $1 each
    Unused downloads transfer to the next month


Nope no regrets here either, I don't need them and I figure they don't care what I think, as long as there are willing victims who will be desperate enough to upload and take 5 cents pay for a download.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: sarah2 on May 01, 2018, 05:30
And I know several designer and arty people who think this is great.....!
:(((((
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: namussi on May 01, 2018, 06:58

It came up in this thread ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/depositphotos/because-95-of-sales-are-[/url]$-0-30-fake-subscriptions/) that Depositphotos has a "subscription" option for 5 images per month for $49.

([url]http://www.emberstudio.com/random/dp-subs.jpg[/url])

This is a disturbing offering because it is comparable to products from other companies like Shutterstock's 5-image On-Demand pack for the same price but with a far lower royalty paid. Shutterstock pays out a percentage of the sale price received, while Depositphotos pays out a subscription royalty.

So each image in that 5-image "subscription" costs $9.80. Paying out a subscription royalty to the contributor ($0.30 up to $0.35), that works out to a 3.0-3.5% royalty paid. Whereas Shutterstock pays $1.88-$2.85 per image on a 5-image pack.

It looks like DP is trying to get away with paying out subscription royalties on small-quantity image packs by just calling them "subscriptions" instead.

Anyone know when this purchasing option became available? I hate to admit it but I have no idea how long this option has been there.

I'm suspending uploads to DP unless this is changed. Could be worth considering dropping them altogether between this and the other nonsense they've been up to lately (partner/API deals).


There is no such a plan like 5 image subscription actually,  subscription plans starts from 75 images monthly actually , other plans are download on demand, where did you find it ?


That was four years ago. Check the date.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: thx9000 on May 01, 2018, 08:01
Low volume, low price is a terrible combination. Closed my account there end of march. To be fair they sent me the rest of my earnings despite being below the withdraw threshold.
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: trek on May 01, 2018, 10:02
And I know several designer and arty people who think this is great.....!
:(((((

Do they shop around and bargain hunt at DP or do they only buy from DP?
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: PZF on May 09, 2018, 10:05
Trek - they shopped around but now have enough credits for a good while so won't be shopping again for a bit.....
Title: Re: Depositphotos pays 3% to contributors on 5-image "subscription"
Post by: tupungato on January 22, 2019, 04:35
What's with $0.15, $0.16, $0.18 Subscription Plan royalties? (before tax)