MicrostockGroup

When I started gathering this earlier today, I had no idea it would take so long. But the sites do not make this information easy to get.

I make absolutely no guarantees as to the accuracy of the figures below. I've done my best, but there are almost certainly some errors.

Some agencies set a fixed amount per credit, others use a variable amount. For the latter, I give a price range, but there's no indication as to which side of the range most sales will fall. (I was too lazy to check my own results.)

DT's price structure is the most complicated. The figures I give are for Level 1 images, so they are the least you will earn.  However, I really couldn’t nail down what the heck the current commission structure and credit pricing is, and even if I could, it’s going to change very soon. So I just used the credit range from my own recent earnings ($0.32 - $0.60). It might be totally wrong, but it’s the best I could do.

The data is arranged by typical image size ranges:

~ 0.1M
123: $0.34-$0.50
BigStock: n/a
DT: $0.32-$0.60
FT: $0.32
IS: $0.19-$0.30
SS: n/a
StockXpert: $0.40-$0.50

~0.5MP
123: $0.68-$1.00
BigStock: $0.50
DT: $0.64-$1.20
FT: $0.64
IS: $0.57-$0.90
SS: $1.07 (more like 1.5MP, though)
StockXpert: $0.80-$1.00

4-5MP
123: $1.02-$1.50
BigStock: $2.00
DT: $0.96-$1.80
FT: $1.60
IS: $2.28-$3.60
SS: $2.48
StockXpert: $2.00-$2.50

8-9MP
123: $1.36-$2.00
BigStock: $2.00 (still 5MP; next higher bracket is 11MP)
DT: $1.60-$3.00
FT: $1.92
IS: $3.42-$5.40
SS: $2.48
StockXpert: $4.00-$5.00

15-16MP
123: $3.40-$5.00
BigStock: $3.00
DT: $1.92-$3.60
FT: $2.24
IS: $4.18-$6.60 (16.2MP)
SS: $2.48
StockXpert: $6.00-$7.50

Subscriptions (Commission; size)
123: $0.36; 9MP
BigStock: n/a
DT: $0.35; max (Level 3 images earn $0.70, level 5 earn $1.05)
FT: $0.31; 4MP and $0.36; max
IS: Best of Big 6, but few sub sales (IOW, I don’t know!)
SS: $0.25 - $0.38 (depending on level); max
StockXpert: $0.30; max

I'm not sure there are any conclusions that can be made from this, but since I went to all the trouble to gather this data, I figured I might as well post it and hope someone else can see something I couldn't. 

You forgot vectors

I believe you're right. I'd guesstimate 2x to 3x for larger sizes compared to most other agencies.

Vectors? What are those?  I suppose I did, but that's because I don't have any in my port; sorry!

Of course you're right (except for the part about getting to emerald, as that will never happen for me). 

Yep, vectors... the redheaded step child of microstock.

Hi Madelaide

A few months ago i tried to make a site with microstock costs comparison but it was really difficult to obtain good-trust data and keeping them updated so i closed the site. Now, just for your post i put the site online again: http://www.cheap-stock-photos.net Data are not updated but you can make comparison. Subscription comparison: http://www.cheap-stock-photos.net/Comparative-tables/Subscriptions.html are also interesting. I'll put the site offline in a few days again. Sorry for my bad english.

After I reached silver (1,000), I don't have expectations of a new level.