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Author Topic: Very Disappointed  (Read 15243 times)

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« on: August 11, 2012, 13:39 »
+1
I'm very disappointed with DepositPhotos, most of my sales are subs for paltry $.30 a download, with very few sales and no sign of improvement. I had hopes my pay rate would increase, but it appears that no progress is possible. I should have progressed to the bronze level at 500 downloads, yet I'm now at over 600 downloads and still at the bottom level. I've tried contacting them at their site twice to ask what the holdup is, but I've received no response. I'm seriously considering taking my portfolio down, I wouldn't miss the money, because my earnings are so low there that the loss of income would be insignificant. If this problem isn't corrected soon, goodbye DP. Really, what incentive do I have to stay?


Lagereek

« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2012, 14:35 »
0
I'm very disappointed with DepositPhotos, most of my sales are subs for paltry $.30 a download, with very few sales and no sign of improvement. I had hopes my pay rate would increase, but it appears that no progress is possible. I should have progressed to the bronze level at 500 downloads, yet I'm now at over 600 downloads and still at the bottom level. I've tried contacting them at their site twice to ask what the holdup is, but I've received no response. I'm seriously considering taking my portfolio down, I wouldn't miss the money, because my earnings are so low there that the loss of income would be insignificant. If this problem isn't corrected soon, goodbye DP. Really, what incentive do I have to stay?

hang in there! Rome wasnt built in a day or two. DP, have gone quickly to the top, and my experience with DP so far is good.

« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2012, 14:46 »
0
I'm very disappointed with DepositPhotos, most of my sales are subs for paltry $.30 a download, with very few sales and no sign of improvement. I had hopes my pay rate would increase, but it appears that no progress is possible. I should have progressed to the bronze level at 500 downloads, yet I'm now at over 600 downloads and still at the bottom level. I've tried contacting them at their site twice to ask what the holdup is, but I've received no response. I'm seriously considering taking my portfolio down, I wouldn't miss the money, because my earnings are so low there that the loss of income would be insignificant. If this problem isn't corrected soon, goodbye DP. Really, what incentive do I have to stay?

hang in there! Rome wasnt built in a day or two. DP, have gone quickly to the top, and my experience with DP so far is good.

^ Agree with Lagereek.  I have about 2700 images there and got two EL's last month and made almost as much as BS and 123.  They are indeed very cyclic but I think they are becoming more of a force.  But like Lagereek said, be patient.  Give it time.  Wait for some of these buyouts/acquisitions/consolidations to happen.  That can be a game changer for some of the agencies.  Also you might consider that if an agency that you are not on purchases DP, for example, you may get your port mirrored on their site before they shut down DP....who knows. It's worth waiting in my opinion.  How big is your port and what kind of content do you shoot?

« Reply #3 on: August 11, 2012, 14:51 »
0
I think only credit sales count as a sale and subs are only a portion of a sale. So your sales may be at 600 but by DP counting you're only at 375 or the like. I might be confused with another agency but I think I'm in a similar position.

« Reply #4 on: August 11, 2012, 15:15 »
0
I think only credit sales count as a sale and subs are only a portion of a sale. So your sales may be at 600 but by DP counting you're only at 375 or the like. I might be confused with another agency but I think I'm in a similar position.

I know that it takes 4 subs downloads to add up to one 'real' download at Fotolia, but I'm not sure if DP does the same. If DP does the same that could explain why I'm stuck at the bottom after 600 downloads, since most of those downloads were subs. I just would like DP to get back to me and let me know what's going on. 

« Reply #5 on: August 11, 2012, 15:22 »
0
I'm very disappointed with DepositPhotos, most of my sales are subs for paltry $.30 a download, with very few sales and no sign of improvement. I had hopes my pay rate would increase, but it appears that no progress is possible. I should have progressed to the bronze level at 500 downloads, yet I'm now at over 600 downloads and still at the bottom level. I've tried contacting them at their site twice to ask what the holdup is, but I've received no response. I'm seriously considering taking my portfolio down, I wouldn't miss the money, because my earnings are so low there that the loss of income would be insignificant. If this problem isn't corrected soon, goodbye DP. Really, what incentive do I have to stay?

hang in there! Rome wasnt built in a day or two. DP, have gone quickly to the top, and my experience with DP so far is good.

^ Agree with Lagereek.  I have about 2700 images there and got two EL's last month and made almost as much as BS and 123.  They are indeed very cyclic but I think they are becoming more of a force.  But like Lagereek said, be patient.  Give it time.  Wait for some of these buyouts/acquisitions/consolidations to happen.  That can be a game changer for some of the agencies.  Also you might consider that if an agency that you are not on purchases DP, for example, you may get your port mirrored on their site before they shut down DP....who knows. It's worth waiting in my opinion.  How big is your port and what kind of content do you shoot?

I'm an illustrator, mostly 3D renders, just a few vectors. My port on DP is at around 1000 because I stopped uploading to DP (in frustration) at the beginning of May this year. I'll probably leave the portfolio in place since you and others are reporting good returns, but I'm reluctant to resume uploading at this point.

« Reply #6 on: August 11, 2012, 16:20 »
0
I think only credit sales count as a sale and subs are only a portion of a sale. So your sales may be at 600 but by DP counting you're only at 375 or the like. I might be confused with another agency but I think I'm in a similar position.

I know that it takes 4 subs downloads to add up to one 'real' download at Fotolia, but I'm not sure if DP does the same. If DP does the same that could explain why I'm stuck at the bottom after 600 downloads, since most of those downloads were subs. I just would like DP to get back to me and let me know what's going on. 

It is a similar system at DP.  Credit sales count as one DL and SMS and Subs count as 1/3 of a sale.  If you go to the Profile tab it will show your current level and how  many DL's you need to get to the next level.

« Reply #7 on: August 11, 2012, 20:06 »
0
I think only credit sales count as a sale and subs are only a portion of a sale. So your sales may be at 600 but by DP counting you're only at 375 or the like. I might be confused with another agency but I think I'm in a similar position.

I know that it takes 4 subs downloads to add up to one 'real' download at Fotolia, but I'm not sure if DP does the same. If DP does the same that could explain why I'm stuck at the bottom after 600 downloads, since most of those downloads were subs. I just would like DP to get back to me and let me know what's going on. 

It is a similar system at DP.  Credit sales count as one DL and SMS and Subs count as 1/3 of a sale.  If you go to the Profile tab it will show your current level and how  many DL's you need to get to the next level.

I hate to be negative but their tiered commission incentive is laughable. But, hey, that's what I signed up for! :o

Microbius

« Reply #8 on: August 12, 2012, 02:48 »
0
Almost all 31c with some 23c and 20c downloads thrown in. I am also very disappointed.

ETA I have been reviewing my figures again and am seriously considering suspending uploads or deleting my portfolio.
DP is so clearly only competing on price, of course they are getting lots of business, they are so much cheaper than anywhere else, but I have the horrible feeling that I am shooting myself in the foot (and maybe the face) by continuing to give them my work.

With an RPD well below 50c I would only need about a quarter of the buyers to buy elsewhere to make up for the loss in income.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2012, 03:25 by Microbius »

« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2012, 03:05 »
0
I'm disappointed that they seem so similar to FT.  I wouldn't be surprised if the same commission cuts were in their plans at some point.  If they were more distinctive and didn't rely heavily on selling subs, I might feel like uploading more.

Wim

« Reply #10 on: August 12, 2012, 03:06 »
0
Yup same here guys, getting well fed up with it.

Could be worse, zero sales last three months at GL, they are a goner next month, more to follow afterwards, especially the little sites with big attitudes.

Good of the OP to take action! that's the only way to go in microstock, complaining gets you nowhere.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2012, 03:10 by Wim »

« Reply #11 on: August 12, 2012, 09:38 »
0
Around 30c for a photo really is low and it saddens me to hear you are receiving that for your hard work and talent. I know this is microstock but not freestock, no photographer deserves such a low amount of commission. It's agencies such as this one and FT which are killing the industry and we as a contributor only have one strong response which we can make.

« Reply #12 on: August 12, 2012, 11:24 »
0
http://submit.depositphotos.com/seller-price.html

Note: Each file downloaded using credits counts as 1 download toward your Level. A file purchased via subscription plan or SMS counts as one-third download toward your Level; i.e., 3 files downloaded via subscription plan or SMS count as 1 download toward your Level.

Microbius

« Reply #13 on: August 12, 2012, 11:30 »
+1
Even if you are a Platinum contributor with 150 000+ downloads you would still get less than you get at SS with 10000 downloads for a sub sale

Roadrunner

  • Roadrunner
« Reply #14 on: August 12, 2012, 13:25 »
0
I dropped  DP about a year ago;  nothing moved and they were rejecting images that were already accepted by DT and SS. 

If a tree bears no fruit, I curse it (give it up).

Wim

« Reply #15 on: August 12, 2012, 13:55 »
0
Rejections? at DP? seems impossible, they take just about everything I throw at them.
I have my largest port there +1400 (SS +1000)
« Last Edit: August 12, 2012, 14:00 by Wim »

« Reply #16 on: August 22, 2012, 15:47 »
0
I must say this thread bears no relation at all to my experience with Deposit, which has been very favourable.

Their inspections are fair and very quick and my sales have been building up nicely.  I now get a sale there most days and feel very encouraged to upload more there.  My sales have grown even when my portfolio size hasn't so I put this down to the agency expanding and attracting more customers.

They are middle tier, but definitely a keeper for me.

« Reply #17 on: August 22, 2012, 16:24 »
0
DepositPhotos is gaining quite quickly for me and I woudln't doubt if it overtakes Dreamstime next year (for me)

velocicarpo

« Reply #18 on: August 22, 2012, 16:43 »
0
DepositPhotos is gaining quite quickly for me and I woudln't doubt if it overtakes Dreamstime next year (for me)

I already make more with Deposit than with DT, 123rf or Bigstock. They are growing fastly and this month I reach new highs in daily sales.
If they keep improving their site and strategy and throw every now and then some extra incentives (like Photo+ at istock e.g.) for us into the game they quickly could grow to one of my favourite sites - both, income wise and by sympathy. The only thing left for me to criticise is the missing payoneer support or another payout method wich is more reliable than paypal (although lately I am fine with MB).

« Reply #19 on: August 23, 2012, 06:58 »
0
Deposit is getting better but still not even close to 123rf and bigstock let alone the big 4.  They have managed to catch up with canstock though.

« Reply #20 on: August 23, 2012, 07:10 »
0
just want to ask you guys who gain "quite a lot" from DP, what value we talking about here? so far this month (23/aug) i have made more than $750 from DT, and DP only $70, DP is no way near DT.

« Reply #21 on: August 23, 2012, 07:19 »
0
just want to ask you guys who gain "quite a lot" from DP, what value we talking about here? so far this month (23/aug) i have made more than $750 from DT, and DP only $70, DP is no way near DT.

If you're making $750 on DT, congrats.  To me, that is a huge accomplishment. I don't know what you shoot but the more power to you.

velocicarpo

« Reply #22 on: August 23, 2012, 08:19 »
0
just want to ask you guys who gain "quite a lot" from DP, what value we talking about here? so far this month (23/aug) i have made more than $750 from DT, and DP only $70, DP is no way near DT.

750$ on DT? Wow...I never made that much there. I make on DT about 12% of what I am making at Shutterstock on average.

« Reply #23 on: October 01, 2012, 00:44 »
0
I guess I have missed the "cycle of sales" at DP. 17 sales in the first three months, with more than 700 images online. Same period with SS more than 700 sales, even DT is working fine for me, with around 150 downloads  since July. Thanks to the simple upload system I am hanging in there and still hope for better times.

Regards

Rob
« Last Edit: October 01, 2012, 08:50 by roboz »

« Reply #24 on: October 01, 2012, 02:46 »
+3
I have taken my port down from dp for 3 reasons:
1.. RPI too low
2.. Affiliates are obscure
3.. I dont want to compete with myself on other sites.

« Reply #25 on: October 01, 2012, 05:49 »
+2
They are flat out cheap

Would you feel appreciated by ANY employer who would only pay you minimum wage?

« Reply #26 on: October 01, 2012, 07:04 »
+1
Hi Allsa, :)
I am sorry you're having such a negative experience with DepositPhotos.
In my case I have to agree with the contributors who do well there.
My port on Deposit is around 605 images (vectors and photos), and for the past 6 months or so I have managed to either reach payout (set at 50 dollars), or get very close to it.
In September, (last month), I made 80 dollars, a BME for the agency.
As a comparision, on a normal month at BigStock I barely reach 6-10 dollars, or less.

Noodle above me is right though. They are selling our images very cheap.
However, there are others, Fotolia comes to mind, where I am bronze level and still get paid less than DP.
Most of my subscription sales at DPhotos are for 0.30 cent. At Fotolia I get 0.27 cent and I still submit to them too.
Not to mention IStock's famous 0.5 - 0.7 cents. (took my port down when commission went to 15%)
There are other things about DepositPhotos that are attractive to me too. They're easy to deal with, upload, inspection, payouts, all smooth, fast and no drama. I like that and I will not give them up anytime soon.
By the way, I am at 996 downloads and still on Green level. It has something to do with subscription sales.
Allsa, can you give them one more chance? :)
They sell cheap, it's true and unfortunate, but they are not the cheapest and offer other advantages.
The decision is yours, good luck whichever way you decide to go :)
Best,

« Reply #27 on: October 01, 2012, 09:24 »
0
I am not sure?  but I think they have also changed their search and this time unfortunately for the worse. As I said, not sure but pics are not where they used to be and we all know what that means.

« Reply #28 on: October 01, 2012, 13:46 »
0
I don't care, Eireann, if you sold for 80$ last month, the problem is the 30$ earnings for a file.
I asked them to delete all my file and now uploading them again at 3.8 mp, too bad they don't accept 2mp.
Low prices??? So low resolution...

« Reply #29 on: October 01, 2012, 14:59 »
0
Absolutely guys. You're right, do what works better for you.
In my case though, I contribute to other agencies which sell my files for even cheaper prices and pay me even less than DepositPhotos.
For some reason I do well at DepositPhotos (September was my BME), I like doing business with them, I am close to the next level and I have no intention of giving them up.
But I understand your point of view and respect it.
Good luck, :)

« Reply #30 on: October 01, 2012, 16:11 »
+3
I just discovered that you are only paid $.30 for even XXL images. I sold 5 images today two of which were 6000 x 4000 pixels for .30 each. That's just plain crazy. I will be uploading the minimum size from now on if I even bother.

« Reply #31 on: October 04, 2012, 18:10 »
+2
I stopped uploading 1 month ago to DP. What is most interesting is that sales have slumped so clearly regular upload boosts search rank on DP. However, I will not upload to them anymore because if I support them at 0.3$ sales I am killing the credit sales on DT which are far more valuable. The low user sub package that DP offers its clients in my opinion is undermining the whole industry. The sites where we do earn more per file for individual sales we are going to lose because buyers who do low volume will use DP sub package and then we will get 0.3$ instead of like 1-3$ per file.

If I'm wrong tell me.

Poncke

« Reply #32 on: October 04, 2012, 18:24 »
0
I have been with DP for 6 months and have 63 sales. I know my portfolio doesnt have HCV but it does well on SS. I have totalled 23 dollar on DP and havent reached pay out yet. Even my SS/FT best sellers do not move on DP.

I already had a payout on all other sites I am with. DP is the slowest site for me in terms of $$. CanStockPhoto is the slowest site for me in DLs.

Problem is that I dont know what to do, stop uploading or drop them. I guess I will continue to upload in the hope things will change for me as well.

fritz

  • I love Tom and Jerry music

« Reply #33 on: October 04, 2012, 18:45 »
0
I have 4425 files there but last month had 149 dl for 34.66$. Very, very Disappointing :-[
CS 123 PD and BS are doing much much better with more less same port size

« Reply #34 on: October 05, 2012, 01:21 »
0
The only reason I may resume upload to DP is to get to my payout of 50$ as i am sitting on 44. After that I will totally disable my port. If they change their rules in the future then I may change my mind.

« Reply #35 on: October 05, 2012, 04:06 »
0
They have a clever policy of having constant contact with their contributors which is building the size their collection very quickly.

« Reply #36 on: October 05, 2012, 04:09 »
0
They told me they deleted my pictures, but they only deactivated them.
They don't want to delete them at all. I don't know why.

« Reply #37 on: October 05, 2012, 04:24 »
+2
They told me they deleted my pictures, but they only deactivated them.
They don't want to delete them at all. I don't know why.

maybe your files are still on sale on PP, they just simply don't have to report any earning anymore. with a site like this you never know. bottom line, I personally don't trust DP at all.

m@m

« Reply #38 on: October 05, 2012, 10:07 »
+1
Quote from May 23 2012: "... I had my account closed about a year and a half ago, then at the beginning of this year they seem to be doing better as far as sales, so I contacted them and ask to have my account re-instated again, to my surprise all of my photos where still there as well as some money from sales that had accumulated while my account was closed.
My advise is, stop uploading new photos to the site, but keep your account active so that you can keep track of any under the table type sales, otherwise you'll never know if your deactivated photos made some money".... :o
« Last Edit: October 05, 2012, 10:16 by m@m »

« Reply #39 on: October 05, 2012, 12:04 »
0
As a contributor and the author of the files, we should obtain the complete deleting of them !!  >:(
Actually i have always 500 files activated and the earnings are dead.
I guess i can not delete my account because i should leave 500 files at least a year, it's in the contract.
« Last Edit: October 05, 2012, 12:10 by Smithore »

m@m

« Reply #40 on: October 05, 2012, 13:02 »
0
It may be what the contract said, but in my case, a year and a half later my photos where still there, and the good part about it is that they where still being downloaded without my notion and would have never known there was money being accumulated  until I re-activated my account with them.
« Last Edit: October 05, 2012, 13:06 by m@m »


 

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