MicrostockGroup

Hey all

This month so far I've had only 1 downloaded file on fotolia (on the 4th) which seems strange as according to the statistics section on the site I've had the roughly same no. of Views as all previous months (for an equivilent time-period)
Usually sales for the same period is between 8-10 (FT is now officially my worst performing agency, even 123rf earn more)

I'd guess it's the start of the summer slowdown and I've just caught one of those bad months, but I'm Just wondering if anyone else has seen a massive drop?

Cheers
Bob

Much the same for me to. Also my rejections there have gone through the roof all of a sudden. I hope my photography abilities haven't gone into decline.

June is slightly better for me than May or April. However, I wouldn't consider my statistics very reliable with only 800 files in a portfolio and about 50-60 sales per month.

No, things are fairly steady for me. I'm at 300 sales so far this month although subscriptions do seem to be growing stronger at the cost of PPD downloads.

I've already exceeded my total sales for June 2008 which itself was 300% up on June 2007. In my view FT is growing much faster than any other agency.

It's weird, since I deleted my entire portfolio at FT my sales there are nil.

Well, yes, I think as long as there is one sale, it is a reason to be optimistic.

My sales in FT are normal in dlds, but not only subs increased in percentage, but also XS size is selling more than anything else.  My RPD will surely be very small this month.

I can offer a theory from the perspective of a user.  First I'm not surprised, and I'm sorry you have seen a drop in sales.  As you may know, Fotolia requires users to purchase credits for $1 each, but a minimum of 10 credits must be purchased each time.  Then, they keep any unused money once their timeframe for usage has lapsed.  In New York, retailers tried to pull this stunt by voiding gift cards, and the legislators put a stop to it.  It is theft, plain and simple.  Unless a user knows s/he will use all 10 of those credits, they are victims of this fraud.  Any business that uses this type of policy to fill a hole in their revenue should suffer in sales, and reputation.  Perhaps others got wise to their nonsense and went elsewhere for their image needs.  I hope you find a competitor who can provide you with the sales you hope for.  Best of luck.  I'm off Fotolia, and telling my colleagues to do the same!

Well, if it is any comfort Flora, they are squeezing suppliers commissions too.  Hope to see you on Dreamstime or one of the other sites that values both its buyers and contributors...

Hi all.  Thank you for your thoughts on the issue of Fotolia.  I did indeed visit Dreamstime to read their terms, and they also offer the purchase of credits in blocks - and sadly, unused credits also expire after a year.  I did write to them for clarification, and asked if I could request a refund on unused credits.  They responded within 24 hours, to say the following: 

Thank you for contacting us.Our policy does state that the credits expire in one year.
However, we always allow a grace period and send you an email a month in advance of when the credits expire. If you are unable to use the credits before they expire, we can reinstate these for one time for another year.

A one-year extension is substantial, although still less than optimal.  I guess the rule of thumb is to purchase the minimum amount possible.  Even this seems counter-intuitive, but at least their reply was prompt, thorough, and professional.  I think I will sign up here after all, and continue to warn my colleagues off of Fotolia.  Thank you again for the recommendation.  I wish you all nothing but success with your businesses.  You have collectively changed the stock image industry by sharing your talents with small businesses like mine in a much easier to use, and more affordable way. 

 

 

Sorry to hear the credits expire in only a year's time, but I am happy that Dreamstime at least answered your question promptly and offered the year grace period. 

I hear such nice things about DT from their customers.  It's nice to know they are living up to their reputation

less uploads than ever, still same level on downloads....last days better than average.