pancakes

MicrostockGroup Sponsors


Author Topic: Alamy changed payment threshold  (Read 50214 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

« Reply #175 on: November 22, 2013, 11:36 »
+3
Something happened in July that killed sales. Period.

That seems to be the bottom line.  And apparently the epitaph.

For you maybe. For me Alamy is performing how I would expect it to perform and I am pleased with the results.

I like Alamy. I am an iStock exclusive but currently seldom uploading there because new content seems to be buried. I assume this will be fixed one day but meanwhile I am enjoying uploading RM to Alamy, improving the quality of my work, doing better stuff etc. I have recently started uploading stuff there which I would previously have hoped to send to E+. And as much as I like iStock I am actually considering pulling some content which never even got a view and trying it RM at Alamy instead.

I agree with what Ron says about people uploading multiple images of very little. But not everyone is like that. There are some great portfolios on Alamy too.



« Reply #176 on: November 22, 2013, 13:01 »
+1
Something happened in July that killed sales. Period.

That seems to be the bottom line.  And apparently the epitaph.

For you maybe. For me Alamy is performing how I would expect it to perform and I am pleased with the results.

I like Alamy. I am an iStock exclusive but currently seldom uploading there because new content seems to be buried. I assume this will be fixed one day but meanwhile I am enjoying uploading RM to Alamy, improving the quality of my work, doing better stuff etc. I have recently started uploading stuff there which I would previously have hoped to send to E+. And as much as I like iStock I am actually considering pulling some content which never even got a view and trying it RM at Alamy instead.

I agree with what Ron says about people uploading multiple images of very little. But not everyone is like that. There are some great portfolios on Alamy too.

Are you allowed to do that (bolded text)? I vaguely thought at one point that once it went to IS you couldn't send it elsewhere even if you removed it. Nice that you can have an outlet to work on even if IS is not performing for new uploads.

Alamy did very well for me last year (number 2 site), this year not so much, and last month was my first zero month there in a while. I have a few sales there this month for EL $ amounts, so not too shabby. Keywording is a bit of a pain and it would have been nice had they actually implemented the [ ] to group keywords. Still, it is another outlet and they haven't totally screwed us (yet?) like some others. They have been slowly eroding though.

« Reply #177 on: November 22, 2013, 13:43 »
0
Are you allowed to do that (bolded text)? I vaguely thought at one point that once it went to IS you couldn't send it elsewhere even if you removed it.

Yes I think it is okay. But I would obviously check the contract again before doing so. AFAIK it is only rejected content which is problematic. And I would not do this with any content which has RF sales or, even, reasonable views.

I like iStock as an outlet but whilst new content is buried and since they withdrew the E+ option it is frustrating sending them stuff which should be, at least, getting a view.
« Last Edit: November 22, 2013, 13:52 by bhr »

« Reply #178 on: November 22, 2013, 14:27 »
0
Are you allowed to do that (bolded text)? I vaguely thought at one point that once it went to IS you couldn't send it elsewhere even if you removed it.

Yes I think it is okay. But I would obviously check the contract again before doing so. AFAIK it is only rejected content which is problematic. And I would not do this with any content which has RF sales or, even, reasonable views.

I like iStock as an outlet but whilst new content is buried and since they withdrew the E+ option it is frustrating sending them stuff which should be, at least, getting a view.

From what I remembered, you had to seek permission for each individual image. However, there is a new team, things may be different. Please let us know how it turns out.

« Reply #179 on: November 22, 2013, 14:46 »
0
From what I remembered, you had to seek permission for each individual image. However, there is a new team, things may be different. Please let us know how it turns out.

My recollection is that this was for rejected content. Not for content which one chooses to deactivate oneself.

But (for goodness sake) please don't take my word for it. I am obviously going to have a thorough read of the agreement - or possibly even pay someone to read it for me. I think the agreement is likely to give the best objective answer.

« Reply #180 on: November 22, 2013, 15:13 »
0
Something happened in July that killed sales. Period.

That seems to be the bottom line.  And apparently the epitaph.

July itself was dead for me, but from August on I seem to be back to four or five decent sales a month on 4,000 images. It's not great but it's still firmly "middle tier" as far as my sales go.

« Reply #181 on: November 22, 2013, 15:17 »
0
Here is their response to my complaint about uncleared payments from early July -

Hello Daniel

The time it takes for a sale to clear depends on the type of customer and if theyve got a particular deal with us. We report sales in as they happen to contributors, unlike many other stock agencies who would only inform you when theyve received funds.  This transparent system has great benefits for contributors, the down side is contributors are able to see uncleared sales. 

If you havent seen the payment clear we havent given up or forgotten about it, our Credit control team are still chasing and well update your account once weve collected payment

If there's anything else we can do for you, just give us a shout.

Thanks,
 
Rehana
Member Services



Sorry but that isn't good enough. I expected a weak response, and that is exactly what I received.

4 1/2 months is a ridiculously long period for a payment to clear, and I don't buy it. The idea that other agencies wait several months for checks to clear, or credit cards to process, etc., or for buyers to decide that they really want the image they ordered, is a little unbelievable. These days I expect nothing less from a stock agency than smoke, mirrors, and a whole lot of deflection.

I really don't think there is "anything else they can do for me", so I guess it is time to clear out my portfolio, wait a few years for the payments to clear, and then close the account permanently.

« Reply #182 on: November 22, 2013, 15:37 »
+1
There is a fundamental difference between a prepaid (microstock) site and a post-paid agency. The clients of a post-paid agency will always delay payment for as long as they possibly can. Boosting cash-flow by delaying settlements must be in Economics 101. It ain't pretty but it's the way the world works.

« Reply #183 on: November 22, 2013, 15:42 »
0
I really don't think there is "anything else they can do for me", so I guess it is time to clear out my portfolio, wait a few years for the payments to clear, and then close the account permanently.

Why not take a deep breath before you do that ?

If you close the account you will never again see any new money from them. Granted some payments are slow. On the other hand they do some great sales too. My best single sale this year earned me (i.e. after deductions) $130 and was paid quickly.
« Last Edit: November 22, 2013, 15:46 by bhr »

« Reply #184 on: November 24, 2013, 08:24 »
+2
There is a fundamental difference between a prepaid (microstock) site and a post-paid agency. The clients of a post-paid agency will always delay payment for as long as they possibly can. Boosting cash-flow by delaying settlements must be in Economics 101. It ain't pretty but it's the way the world works.

There are people in this forum going on 1 to 2 years without payments clearing. Pushing cash flow numbers out beyond the fiscal year is nothing but financial chicanery. I wouldn't trust an investment in a company which did so. I just don't see where Alamy's pricing justifies this type of post-pay delay. Most of my sales are in the $20 to $50 range. It's really not worth waiting 6 to 24 months for.

Ron

« Reply #185 on: November 24, 2013, 08:38 »
-3
Alamy is in no rush to collect money, since they give it all away to charity anyways. And when they need extra funding to open a new office, they lower the royalties.

« Reply #186 on: November 24, 2013, 11:41 »
0
Alamy is in no rush to collect money, since they give it all away to charity anyways. And when they need extra funding to open a new office, they lower the royalties.

I believe we can and should complain about royalties but certainly not the main issue at Alamy, they "pay" what? 2 (30%) to 3 (50%) times iStock right?

Ron

« Reply #187 on: November 24, 2013, 11:47 »
+1
Two votes down for stating facts. Alamy themselves said they lowered royalties to fund the new office. When you vote down, at least sure its not obvious you vote down the person rather then the comment.

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #188 on: November 24, 2013, 11:47 »
0
Are the people who wait so long 'nudging' Support? I contact them after six months and put a note in my diary for four weeks later, and I've only had to use the four-weeks-later reminder once. But I guess some buyers will be 'stickier' to catch up.
It also seems that certain distributors need nudging sometimes.

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #189 on: November 24, 2013, 11:48 »
+1
Two votes down for stating facts. Alamy themselves said they lowered royalties to fund the new office. When you vote down, at least sure its not obvious you vote down the person rather then the comment.
They did indeed say that, and it's also true that while they have said that their US office is doing very well, they haven't thought to restore the 5%.

Ron

« Reply #190 on: November 24, 2013, 11:49 »
0
Alamy is in no rush to collect money, since they give it all away to charity anyways. And when they need extra funding to open a new office, they lower the royalties.

I believe we can and should complain about royalties but certainly not the main issue at Alamy, they "pay" what? 2 (30%) to 3 (50%) times iStock right?
You are mixing up things there. Complaining about lowering royalties is different than complaining about the height of the royalties.

Ron

« Reply #191 on: November 24, 2013, 11:51 »
0
Two votes down for stating facts. Alamy themselves said they lowered royalties to fund the new office. When you vote down, at least sure its not obvious you vote down the person rather then the comment.
They did indeed say that, and it's also true that while they have said that their US office is doing very well, they haven't thought to restore the 5%.
I know, thats why I also know the votes down are done out of spite.

« Reply #192 on: November 24, 2013, 14:48 »
+1
Alamy is in no rush to collect money, since they give it all away to charity anyways. And when they need extra funding to open a new office, they lower the royalties.

I believe we can and should complain about royalties but certainly not the main issue at Alamy, they "pay" what? 2 (30%) to 3 (50%) times iStock right?
You are mixing up things there. Complaining about lowering royalties is different than complaining about the height of the royalties.

no, I am not, I believe we should worry about agencies paying less than Alamy royalties, I wish all agencies were paying royalties as high as Alamy, I don't enjoy their metadata process and perhaps the lack of sales (consistency) but I am certainly fine with their royalties %, lowering to 50% isn't a good sign but still a few miles ahead comparing to all other agencies we are "happy" to work with

Ron

« Reply #193 on: November 24, 2013, 15:06 »
-1
I think I know best what I should worry and complain about.

« Reply #194 on: November 24, 2013, 17:50 »
+1
I think I know best what I should worry and complain about.

don't take it so personal man, will think twice before quoting you, I wasn't attacking you, just telling my opinion on what "we" should be concerned, will use I from now on

Ron

« Reply #195 on: November 24, 2013, 17:55 »
0
Its ok Louis, I wasnt offended, just explaining what I meant. You have a short fuse, I thought you knew by now I am on your side. It seems whenever someone doesnt agree with all you say they can expect a mouth full. Understand who your friends and enemies are and pick the right battles. Casualties through friendly fire must be avoided at all times.  ;D ;D ;D

« Reply #196 on: November 24, 2013, 21:44 »
+1

But that first sentence really isn't a FACT, is it?


Ron: "[size=78%]Alamy is in no rush to collect money, since they give it all away to charity anyways. And when they need extra funding to open a new office, they lower the royalties...."[/size]

Two votes down for stating facts. Alamy themselves said they lowered royalties to fund the new office. When you vote down, at least sure its not obvious you vote down the person rather then the comment.

« Reply #197 on: November 25, 2013, 15:21 »
0
Are the people who wait so long 'nudging' Support? I contact them after six months and put a note in my diary for four weeks later, and I've only had to use the four-weeks-later reminder once. But I guess some buyers will be 'stickier' to catch up.
It also seems that certain distributors need nudging sometimes.

I nudged them, and posted their reply. They gave a standard cut-and-paste response, pretty much out of the Agency playbook. My account will be closed within 2 months, but I will probably have this uncleared balance to deal with for the next year or so.
 

« Reply #198 on: November 29, 2013, 13:45 »
0
Quick question - I believe it is this month that the payment threshold is lowered (end Nov). I'm at $150 cleared - but it's not coming up in the balance of account section as due? That's not the norm when you were over the old threshold. Anyone else the same? Does it mean I will get payed or not? Thanks...

« Reply #199 on: November 29, 2013, 14:01 »
+2
Answered my own question by searching the Alamy forum - 'Yes, youll be paid in the December payrun. The changes in the contract officially comes into force in 45 days time but we're working with these new rules with effect from the next pay run (beginning of December).'


 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
27 Replies
21562 Views
Last post December 30, 2011, 01:58
by RacePhoto
17 Replies
7796 Views
Last post June 01, 2016, 07:59
by alno
Payment Threshold

Started by dpimborough Alamy.com

10 Replies
4191 Views
Last post November 24, 2016, 05:59
by sarah2
11 Replies
5610 Views
Last post January 04, 2017, 10:26
by Dumc
3 Replies
3015 Views
Last post February 14, 2020, 06:10
by Anita Potter

Sponsors

Mega Bundle of 5,900+ Professional Lightroom Presets

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors