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Author Topic: Decided to leave 123rf  (Read 34947 times)

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« on: March 02, 2017, 11:36 »
+36
Not sure when they'll actually pull the portfolio, but yesterday I asked 123rf to close my account.

I've been with them since 2005 (with a gap 2008-11 when I was exclusive at iStock) and in spite of my distaste for their new royalty scheme  (rolling 12 months credits total versus flat 50%), I figured I'd stay - to see if the promised huge growth in volume would occur. It didn't, and I've uploaded in batches up until last fall. Comparing sales of new files with how those fared at SS gave me a clue that uploading new work to 123rf wasn't going to make a difference - SS was selling them well. As an example, one remodeling image that sold 77 times so far on SS has sold twice at 123rf.

123rf sales have continued to drop (with a surprising upward blip in December to something like "normal") and on March 1st, the decline was such that I dipped to level 3 in the royalty tiers.

 I thought a bit about what to do and decided that I saw no reason that their failure to sell my portfolio should net them more money out of every sale. Seemed like a perverse incentive scheme I wanted no part of.

As I just (mid-December) re-joined Fotolia, I know what an agency with the ability to sell can do with the same files 123rf can't sell - about 10x what 123rf can manage.

I realize that no one who shops at 123rf will care about one contributor leaving, but I care about supporting bad business models - as in, I don't want to do that.

I'm still with Dreamstime, even though they're in a terrible free-fall as well, because they're not cutting my royalty rates as a result of their failures (my money totals are down as a result of volume decline, of course).

The old Ann Landers question "Are you better off with him or without him?" - I'm done.


« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2017, 13:09 »
+5
I washed my hands of them last month as well.  It's always a tough decision to hang on or not, I applaud you making your break from them and hope Fotolia works well for you.

Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2017, 13:16 »
+1
The new pay structure at 123 was a pay rise for me and their rates are actually still a higher percentage than almost any other site. I have seen a slip in number of downloads the last month or two so I can understand if they aren't worth it for you anymore. I hope they recover and wish you well with the other sites you are on.

« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2017, 13:51 »
+1
Base on my numbers, 123RF is 1/8 of SS. It's not a top tier agency, but they're consistent and they're growing. 123RF like every other agency is constantly growing their portfolio. The pie is getting bigger, but smaller pieces for everyone.

I don't understand the point of deleting your whole portfolio unless you're going exclusive. You lose your search position and you start from the bottom all over again if you decide to go back in the future. It doesn't matter where you go, you're competing with over 50 million images.

« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2017, 15:48 »
0
I finally got around to doing my January stats.  Had to wait for Istock numbers to come in.

Last October or November my 123 monthly royalties crashed to 1/4 of usual and have stayed there.  I didn't bother investigating, but assumed sales had nosedived.  Imagine my surprise when I did stats for Jan and Feb and discovered both months sales were equal or better than same months last year?!  Looks like their new pricing scheme is to blame.  >:(

« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2017, 16:23 »
+5
Not sure when they'll actually pull the portfolio, but yesterday I asked 123rf to close my account.

I've been with them since 2005 (with a gap 2008-11 when I was exclusive at iStock) and in spite of my distaste for their new royalty scheme  (rolling 12 months credits total versus flat 50%), I figured I'd stay - to see if the promised huge growth in volume would occur. It didn't, and I've uploaded in batches up until last fall. Comparing sales of new files with how those fared at SS gave me a clue that uploading new work to 123rf wasn't going to make a difference - SS was selling them well. As an example, one remodeling image that sold 77 times so far on SS has sold twice at 123rf.

123rf sales have continued to drop (with a surprising upward blip in December to something like "normal") and on March 1st, the decline was such that I dipped to level 3 in the royalty tiers.

 I thought a bit about what to do and decided that I saw no reason that their failure to sell my portfolio should net them more money out of every sale. Seemed like a perverse incentive scheme I wanted no part of.

As I just (mid-December) re-joined Fotolia, I know what an agency with the ability to sell can do with the same files 123rf can't sell - about 10x what 123rf can manage.

I realize that no one who shops at 123rf will care about one contributor leaving, but I care about supporting bad business models - as in, I don't want to do that.

I'm still with Dreamstime, even though they're in a terrible free-fall as well, because they're not cutting my royalty rates as a result of their failures (my money totals are down as a result of volume decline, of course).

The old Ann Landers question "Are you better off with him or without him?" - I'm done.

I am surprised by your decision.

For me, 123RF deserves encouragements, since they have a very contributor friendly RPD when compared with most other agencies i.e.when the same file is sold by 123RF, I get significantly more than from SS or FT.

Besides, even if it only accounts for only about 5%-6% of my revenue, I see constant growth, therefore absolutely no reason to quit. I get from them more than twice my DT revenue.

I would rather focus the negativity on iStock and their appalling royalty rates and insulting RPD.
« Last Edit: March 02, 2017, 16:30 by Zero Talent »

« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2017, 02:54 »
+3
Dunno, I like them.

Super easy upload, good royalty rates, and they're my third best agency, bringing in around 10% of my monthly income.

« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2017, 03:07 »
0
Dunno, I like them.

Super easy upload, good royalty rates, and they're my third best agency, bringing in around 10% of my monthly income.
Similar for me not sure about "good" Royalty rates but there's plenty worse out there. I have seen a drop over the last year but nothing cataclysmic like DT...

Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2017, 03:08 »
0
I finally got around to doing my January stats.  Had to wait for Istock numbers to come in.

Last October or November my 123 monthly royalties crashed to 1/4 of usual and have stayed there.  I didn't bother investigating, but assumed sales had nosedived.  Imagine my surprise when I did stats for Jan and Feb and discovered both months sales were equal or better than same months last year?!  Looks like their new pricing scheme is to blame.  >:(
Very interesting. I wonder if my dip is for the same reason. I will take a closer look at my stats when I'm at my computer.

ETA. No my RPD has remained pretty steady, it was also good to see that it has increased steadily over the last 10 years to get the level it has been over the last year or so. It is higher than SS and of course much better than IS, slightly less than DT or FL. My decrease in income has been due to less DLs, which could be for a number of reasons.
« Last Edit: March 03, 2017, 04:05 by Justanotherphotographer »

« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2017, 07:29 »
+2
I get lots of 22c sales. You all must be on a higher rate? I can't say I dislike them, but I don't sell much there. In 12 months I haven't reached payout yet ☹️

Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2017, 07:53 »
0
I get lots of 22c sales. You all must be on a higher rate? I can't say I dislike them, but I don't sell much there. In 12 months I haven't reached payout yet ☹️
Yes I am in an over 50% band so it's a no brainier for me. It is the best percentage of any of the top sites and subs rate similar to SS's top tier.

Harvepino

« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2017, 16:03 »
+1
Sorry to hear that. Interestingly, in my case, 123rf and Fotolia are the only agencies showing continuous growth as I grow my portfolio. Easy upload, reasonable commission %, 123rf works ok for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

« Reply #12 on: March 03, 2017, 20:35 »
+1
I get lots of 22c sales. You all must be on a higher rate? I can't say I dislike them, but I don't sell much there. In 12 months I haven't reached payout yet ☹️
Yes I am in an over 50% band so it's a no brainier for me. It is the best percentage of any of the top sites and subs rate similar to SS's top tier.
Nice! If they still have tiers I can't see me ever moving from the bottom...

« Reply #13 on: March 04, 2017, 02:27 »
+1
 123rf has been a nice surprise last year and 2017 starts as well.

Personnally, i'm thinking to leave DT, BS.
I ve already stopped uploads at iS since last summer.
Off topic : I continue to have sales on photodune although they fired me.

« Reply #14 on: March 04, 2017, 07:12 »
+1
My sales keep growing at 123, more credit sales recently with nice royalties once in a while, in fact February was the 1st month when my 123 sales surpassed FT (because FT is doing terribly for me now :()

« Reply #15 on: March 04, 2017, 07:46 »
+5
I think 123 is worth it only when you can consistently stay at level 4 or above. Otherwise the royalties are too low, not percentage-wise but money-wise due to their low prices.

As I had a small portfolio of less than 100 images when they introduced the new royalty system in 2013, I figured the best I can do is to reach level 2, so I deleted all my images there. A year later with twice as many images I gave them a new year-long try, which lead me to a conclusion that I might reach and be able to keep level 3, but will never get to level 4 (i'm doing stock only part-time). Thus I deleted my images by end of 2014 once more. Since then I didn't bother with 123 and it looks like it has been the right desicion  :)

angelawaye

  • Eat, Sleep, Keyword. Repeat

« Reply #16 on: March 04, 2017, 13:23 »
+1
I'm at a level 5 there but they are nothing like the good old days. DT does better than 123 or FT for me. I guess we all have to do what works for us (most profitable).

« Reply #17 on: March 04, 2017, 13:45 »
+5
I am surprised by your decision.

For me, 123RF deserves encouragements, since they have a very contributor friendly RPD when compared with most other agencies i.e.when the same file is sold by 123RF, I get significantly more than from SS or FT.

Besides, even if it only accounts for only about 5%-6% of my revenue, I see constant growth, therefore absolutely no reason to quit. I get from them more than twice my DT revenue.

I would rather focus the negativity on iStock and their appalling royalty rates and insulting RPD.


Don't forget that 123RF slashed our royalties too a couple of years ago, introducing an iStock-like RC system, promising twice as much sales to make up for it. Of course the sales stayed behind. So why should they deserve encouragement?

Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #18 on: March 04, 2017, 14:54 »
+2
They never slashed my royalties. They increased them from 50% to over 50%. I agree their lower tier sub rates are too low but their on demand rates are higher than most even at the lower tiers (istock pays 15% ss says around 20-30%). I don't think we can expect agencies to keep paying 50% if we take 15% off istock. They have to drop it to compete unless they need to pay more to keep people uploading. If we want better it means not supporting DP, IS or BS for starters.

« Reply #19 on: March 04, 2017, 15:34 »
+2
I am surprised by your decision.

For me, 123RF deserves encouragements, since they have a very contributor friendly RPD when compared with most other agencies i.e.when the same file is sold by 123RF, I get significantly more than from SS or FT.

Besides, even if it only accounts for only about 5%-6% of my revenue, I see constant growth, therefore absolutely no reason to quit. I get from them more than twice my DT revenue.

I would rather focus the negativity on iStock and their appalling royalty rates and insulting RPD.


Don't forget that 123RF slashed our royalties too a couple of years ago, introducing an iStock-like RC system, promising twice as much sales to make up for it. Of course the sales stayed behind. So why should they deserve encouragement?

Not for me, my sales went constantly up.

And as I said, they offer one of the best RPDs out-there. I can only wish for SS, FT or IS to offer me RPD like 123RF!

If only they could to sell more of these high RPD files! That's why they deserve encouragements!

« Reply #20 on: March 04, 2017, 16:20 »
0
They never slashed my royalties. They increased them from 50% to over 50%. I agree their lower tier sub rates are too low but their on demand rates are higher than most even at the lower tiers (istock pays 15% ss says around 20-30%). I don't think we can expect agencies to keep paying 50% if we take 15% off istock. They have to drop it to compete unless they need to pay more to keep people uploading. If we want better it means not supporting DP, IS or BS for starters.
I dumped istock, I'm in the bridge with BigStock, so get a better deal.  Only uploaded a small amount of my portfolio to DP.  I'm sure that sites can afford to pay us 50% and make a good profit.  Anything below 30% seems wrong.  Sites that cut too low will lose a lot of images and I think that does hurt them.

Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #21 on: March 05, 2017, 01:54 »
0
They never slashed my royalties. They increased them from 50% to over 50%. I agree their lower tier sub rates are too low but their on demand rates are higher than most even at the lower tiers (istock pays 15% ss says around 20-30%). I don't think we can expect agencies to keep paying 50% if we take 15% off istock. They have to drop it to compete unless they need to pay more to keep people uploading. If we want better it means not supporting DP, IS or BS for starters.
I dumped istock, I'm in the bridge with BigStock, so get a better deal.  Only uploaded a small amount of my portfolio to DP.  I'm sure that sites can afford to pay us 50% and make a good profit.  Anything below 30% seems wrong.  Sites that cut too low will lose a lot of images and I think that does hurt them.
I agree they could easily afford to but they won't unless we make them. Companies always maximise profit so if they can get the content for less they will pay less. That and if their competitors pay less they will undercut and out compete the better paying site.

« Reply #22 on: February 15, 2018, 12:16 »
+3
Not sure when they'll actually pull the portfolio, but yesterday I asked 123rf to close my account.

I wonder if you could share your experience with closing your account at 123RF. Namely, how quickly they do this once you request it, and whether there's any grace/waiting period when you portfolio remains active/visible, etc. Thinking of closing mine too, in light of close to nothing revenues since last year and their recent scandalous decision to cut the rates/tiers without prior notice, etc. Thanks!

« Reply #23 on: February 15, 2018, 21:21 »
+5
It was only a few days and the portfolio was gone. I made sure I had over the payout limit before making the request as I don't recall their rules on payouts below the minimum when closing the account, but didn't want to argue.

This isn't like Alamy where they hold the content for 6 months after you request deletion of files.

I should also note that I had earlier opted out of partner sales with 123rf (too many shady deals and that included treating their own parent company as a "partner"). That means I have no data on how long it took to get the content off partner sites after it was gone from 123rf.com.

Mir

« Reply #24 on: February 16, 2018, 05:51 »
+1
How could I opt out of partner sales, I can't find such an option.

niktol

« Reply #25 on: February 16, 2018, 10:09 »
0
IIRC, in the past you had to email them with a request. I don't know if this option still exists.

« Reply #26 on: February 16, 2018, 10:52 »
+3
How could I opt out of partner sales, I can't find such an option.

You need to go to your dashboard's Account Settings --> Payment Details, where you will find a tick-box with "Yes, include my portfolio for sale at 123RF API Partner Sites."

niktol

« Reply #27 on: February 16, 2018, 11:16 »
0
Indeed... Scratching my head, it doesn't seem like a logical place for the tick box.

« Reply #28 on: February 26, 2018, 08:51 »
+1
I stopped uploading in 123rf, it is just slow earning. I would still stay, but would no longer upload anymore.

« Reply #29 on: February 27, 2018, 05:43 »
+2
My first step is No new uploads there.

Snow

« Reply #30 on: November 13, 2019, 02:46 »
+4
Just a heads-up for those wanting to leave 123RF.

After my request for deletion I received the following reply:

Quote
As part of our Termination procedure, kindly send us an email clearly stating the following information:

Your Full Name.
Your 123RF Username.
Reason for account termination.
And that you request and authorize us to remove your profile from 123rf.com and delete all your content with us.
​That you wish to terminate the 123RF Contributor Agreement and agree to the Terms and Conditions as set in the Contributor Agreement for the termination process.

As for earnings below payout:

Quote
Please also note that your balance earnings will be forfeited based on our agreement policy which you have accepted during the account registration.

I have around 40 dollars sitting there earned over a couple of months (I used to make around 180 dollars a month)

I was already opted-out of partner sales and have manually removed what was left of my portfolio, around 500 images, one by one since there is no batch selection.

There is only SS, FT and AL left now (started out with more then a dozen) but Im not happy about SS either so will move forward with the other two.

I dont get people that continue complaining while they also continue uploading. SS forum is full of those people, really sad to see.
Either you stop uploading, remove your work or quit them. Also keep in mind that someone mentioned that your whole portfolio performance has input on search placement, not only individual images. That is why I am removing a few hundred low sellers from SS.

Anyway, I hope this info can be of help to some.

Uncle Pete

  • Great Place by a Great Lake - My Home Port
« Reply #31 on: November 13, 2019, 08:39 »
+3
So that means, anyone who wants to leave 123RF needs to wait until after a payment and then lose less. Good advice.

I voted with my feet and removed my account from 123RF, years ago.

« Reply #32 on: November 13, 2019, 11:42 »
+4
My current balance at 123rf is $ 49,89. One more sale and I can finally cash out and then set fire to my portfolio.

It took so long to get there, I didn't think it would ever happen...

Snow

« Reply #33 on: November 13, 2019, 12:03 »
0
My current balance at 123rf is $ 49,89. One more sale and I can finally cash out and then set fire to my portfolio.

It took so long to get there, I didn't think it would ever happen...

A 50 dollar payout? I thought 100 was the minimum, lol, oh well, too late now ;)

« Reply #34 on: November 13, 2019, 12:35 »
0
Quote
A 50 dollar payout? I thought 100 was the minimum, lol, oh well, too late now

I went and double-checked when I thought I was within spitting distance of the 50. (Which was half a year and at least five more miniscule sales ago, so with my luck, they've probably changed it to $ 250 by now... :o)

Snow

« Reply #35 on: November 13, 2019, 12:43 »
0
Quote
A 50 dollar payout? I thought 100 was the minimum, lol, oh well, too late now

I went and double-checked when I thought I was within spitting distance of the 50. (Which was half a year and at least five more miniscule sales ago, so with my luck, they've probably changed it to $ 250 by now... :o)

 ;D Maybe its 100 for skrill and 50 for paypal. My account has already been deleted so I cannot confirm.

rinderart

« Reply #36 on: January 09, 2020, 16:25 »
+1
I think it's Over for me. instead of 123 It's 3......2.......1 Bang...very, very Poor performance.

« Reply #37 on: January 09, 2020, 16:50 »
0
For me I have made a steady 500 to 600 bucks a year on 123 . Clearly not my top money site but good walking around money. I do have a strange portfolio and maybe that has something to do with my sales. https://www.123rf.com/profile_mj007/new

« Reply #38 on: January 10, 2020, 01:36 »
0
I like RF123 because it is very easy to upload my photos.


 

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