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Author Topic: Agencies with Fair Commissions  (Read 23855 times)

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« Reply #50 on: January 24, 2011, 13:38 »
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DT pays 30% of the sale price and .35 per sub sale for the base. If the image is a higher level you can get more.


rubyroo

« Reply #51 on: January 24, 2011, 13:45 »
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Well that's straightforward enough!   ;D

I get lost in the maze of 'deals' sometimes.  I'll write it up much as you've stated it.  Many thanks Pancaketom.
« Last Edit: January 24, 2011, 13:52 by rubyroo »

« Reply #52 on: January 24, 2011, 14:00 »
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In my humble opinion Dreamstime belongs in this list too. The only downside is their 'similars issue'. (I've never been hurt by it much because i usually pick only 1 or 2 shots from a shoot (and the times i felt it wasnt fair i shot a message to support and it got reversed) so i am slightly biassed here).
Apart from that issue they have always been very transparent and open for our suggestions. They constantly are trying to improve their site for customers and contributors and i feel like i've always been treated very well and fair there. Their image level system (as far as i know) seems unique in the industry and works very well (level 4-5 images pay a good sum). imho they fit the 'fair category' well :)

yes I frequently receive sales in the $5 range for my level 4 or 5 images. Very smart to start raising prices on the images you know are selling well.  I am surprised others haven't copied this model, an image with over 50 downloads will most certainly still be purchased for a few dollars more. This is a great way to increase profit for the agency as well as contributor.  Simple idea but also one of the smartest ideas I have seen in microstock. Pay per popularity... this model has worked in many other industries throughout the history of free-market economies...it is called Supply and Demand....we all know it, but for some reason the internet does not put it to use very often....the more demand for an image the higher the price people are willing to pay.

That is a smart idea. Even smarter is the agency that introduces a plan with image exclusive rights that allow more of the commission to go to the contributor as the images get more downloads. Raise prices of the image, give more back to the contributor.  They will in the end attract very talented artists and have images exclusive to their site. This agency will be at the top in no time i think.

lisafx

« Reply #53 on: January 24, 2011, 14:19 »
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In my humble opinion Dreamstime belongs in this list too. The only downside is their 'similars issue'. (I've never been hurt by it much because i usually pick only 1 or 2 shots from a shoot (and the times i felt it wasnt fair i shot a message to support and it got reversed) so i am slightly biassed here).
Apart from that issue they have always been very transparent and open for our suggestions. They constantly are trying to improve their site for customers and contributors and i feel like i've always been treated very well and fair there. Their image level system (as far as i know) seems unique in the industry and works very well (level 4-5 images pay a good sum). imho they fit the 'fair category' well :)

Well stated!   I agree completely about Dreamstime.  They have always been quiet fair and above-board IMHO :)

They manage to be fair to contributors, while also selling a lot of images :)

« Reply #54 on: January 24, 2011, 14:35 »
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I've had issues with DT in the past but over the long term I absolutely agree that their commission structure, which raises the prices of images as they sell, totally sets them apart, and seems so obviously fair and effective.  I have a few winners there which are steadily climbing.

With 150 images I'm not expecting much, but most of them do sell steadily at the big 3.  So all I'd need to see at GL or CC is something above zero, on a continuing basis- that would motivate me to get in gear and start producing again.  

But maybe GL has a boost for new images, and strict popularity ranking after that -  in which case I may be road kill by now.  

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #55 on: January 24, 2011, 14:44 »
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I've suggested at least twice on iStock forums that files could get an increased percentage commensurate with their flame level, on the grounds that it's proved its worth, and more than earned its expenses to iStock of inspection and server space, but the suggestion didn't garner any support (or opposition).
Trouble is, with that sort of post, there's not much you can say if you agree except +1 (or its equivalents), though I guess people could give their reasons against.

« Reply #56 on: January 24, 2011, 17:16 »
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The problem with Dreamstime is that they just don't have as the number of "buyers" as iStock or even ShutterStock.  I have almost the exact same portfolio on SS and DT and at a whopping 33 cents a pop for subs, SS outsells DT by a margin of 15 to 1 on average.  Granted I have less than 100 images, so my results may be totally atypical... but I make payout on SS almost every single month and it takes several months to make payout on DT.

I also find that as my more popular images sell and raise in rank, they sell less often.  To be honest, I tend to start with the lower level images first in my searches for stuff I buy before buying the higher level stuff when I can't find what I need for less there.

DT is my favorite still site and as a contributor I like how they do things there, but they just don't seem to be as popular with buyers.

« Reply #57 on: January 24, 2011, 17:48 »
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As the tiniest of fish in this pond, my opinions may not be worth much, but after doing this for a while and getting a few payouts, I'm starting to see SS as something like opium.   Yes I make steady sales there but they're virtually all 33 cents and I feel that by selling on SS we're all just creating our own dystopian future where there's nothing left but subscriptions and bottom-feeder prices.   

« Reply #58 on: January 24, 2011, 20:21 »
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As the tiniest of fish in this pond, my opinions may not be worth much, but after doing this for a while and getting a few payouts, I'm starting to see SS as something like opium.   Yes I make steady sales there but they're virtually all 33 cents and I feel that by selling on SS we're all just creating our own dystopian future where there's nothing left but subscriptions and bottom-feeder prices.   

If you compare it to a retail/manufacturer relationship, it's like selling to Wal-Mart.  You reduce your selling price but make it up on volume and efficiencies.  We may make less per image at SS, but if the volume is high enough you have a higher contribution to cover overhead and ultimately profit.  The danger is when the sites that don't offer the same volume think they can command the same low prices.  Additionally, it can be necessary to cut "ingredients" or quality materials (ie: props, models, etc) to support the lower costs, ultimately leading to a lower cost and lower quality product. 

« Reply #59 on: January 24, 2011, 20:38 »
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As the tiniest of fish in this pond, my opinions may not be worth much, but after doing this for a while and getting a few payouts, I'm starting to see SS as something like opium.   Yes I make steady sales there but they're virtually all 33 cents and I feel that by selling on SS we're all just creating our own dystopian future where there's nothing left but subscriptions and bottom-feeder prices.   

If you compare it to a retail/manufacturer relationship, it's like selling to Wal-Mart.  You reduce your selling price but make it up on volume and efficiencies. 

Somewhat true and as with WalMart, it only makes sense if your product is something that can make a huge number of sales. 

« Reply #60 on: January 24, 2011, 20:46 »
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I've suggested at least twice on iStock forums that files could get an increased percentage commensurate with their flame level, on the grounds that it's proved its worth, and more than earned its expenses to iStock of inspection and server space, but the suggestion didn't garner any support (or opposition).

Otoh, large download numbers could indicate less perceived value from over saturation...

« Reply #61 on: January 24, 2011, 20:55 »
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For DT it would be more accurate to say that individual image prices and % commission may increase as the specific images are sold more.

For more detail see here:

http://www.dreamstime.com/sellimages

Note that they state the $ listed are maximum values, so they aren't as helpful as if they stated the average or the range.

so for a non-exclusive, level 1 =30%, level 2 (over 5 sales) =35% up to level 5 (over 50 sales) = 50% of a significantly higher price.

For subs, level 1 and 2 = .35, level 3 and 4 = .70 and level 5 =1.05

The prices of credits varies too, so in actuality the lowest I seem to get for an XS level one sale is .26


rubyroo

« Reply #63 on: January 25, 2011, 09:19 »
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Pancaketom - I've altered it now.  I hope your happier with the phraseology I've used.

I feel strange not having Shutterstock on this list, especially as they're most people's no. 1 seller, and it seems the majority (including me) are very happy with their performance, attitude, efficiency etc.

I'm beginning to wonder if I should just list all the agencies and comment them, rather than having a percentage cut-off point?   It wouldn't be a 'fair trade' list then, but it would have the 'fairest trade' commissions at the top, with some reference to sales performance in the descriptive notes.

What do you all think, and if you want SS in there, what do you want me to say in the descriptive notes?

« Reply #64 on: February 21, 2011, 21:02 »
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This is not exactly a timely response I know, but I just wanted to add a little clarification to the info you have on us. We are actually The3dStudio not 3dStudio.

As was pointed out, 60% is our base royalty rate--we do pay 70% for those who join our Member Loyalty Program and agree to leave their products with us for 5 years and many of our sellers are in the MLP. We do not require the MLP sellers be exclusive with T3DS. Our affiliate program can also increase earnings.

And Matt has publicly pledged to never lower the royalty rate below 60% for anyone who is currently a seller with us. And our minimum photo price is $2.
[email protected]
« Last Edit: February 21, 2011, 21:11 by LisaAnderson »

« Reply #65 on: February 22, 2011, 06:02 »
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And Matt has publicly pledged to never lower the royalty rate below 60% for anyone who is currently a seller with us. And our minimum photo price is $2.
[email protected]

I was not aware  you accepted photos, will take a look

« Reply #66 on: February 22, 2011, 07:56 »
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how about list down the agencies that only paid fixed amount with subscriptions and no extra amount for extended license?

Most subscriptions downloads sites are required a higher fee for extended license. But i notice it seems some websites are offered the images with subs download without option for extended licenses.

scanstockphoto - everything 1 euro
colourbox - everything 0.20-0.35 euro
photospin - can be as low as few cents

please correct me if i am wrong, but i can't find a option in those site if i want to use as 'extended license'.


« Reply #67 on: February 22, 2011, 11:37 »
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This is not exactly a timely response I know, but I just wanted to add a little clarification to the info you have on us. We are actually The3dStudio not 3dStudio.

As was pointed out, 60% is our base royalty rate--we do pay 70% for those who join our Member Loyalty Program and agree to leave their products with us for 5 years and many of our sellers are in the MLP. We do not require the MLP sellers be exclusive with T3DS. Our affiliate program can also increase earnings.

And Matt has publicly pledged to never lower the royalty rate below 60% for anyone who is currently a seller with us. And our minimum photo price is $2.
[email protected]
AND, they payout at the end of each month with no minimum...not getting "rich" but i AM getting paid ;)

« Reply #68 on: February 22, 2011, 12:44 »
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visceralimages: We began in 1996 as free 3d model site and expanded and evolved over the years. Stock photos/images were added in summer 2009 and we recently added vector images. We are the oldest and largest 2D and 3D resource site on the internet and we would be happy to welcome you as a seller. Some of the folks here at MS Group are sellers with us and they probably have referral links.

anonymous: thanks for pointing out that we pay monthly with no minimum payout--it seems so basic that I often forget not every agency does so. :)

[email protected]

« Reply #69 on: February 22, 2011, 13:23 »
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I just looked at the3DStudio and did not see anything about approval - would we just create an account and start uploading?

« Reply #70 on: February 22, 2011, 14:08 »
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I guess you must tell here too that you request ITIN (like no other agency) or you will take 30% of US sales or it is from all?! (I am talking to non US contributors)

I have nothing against 3dstudio I have there a few pictures too, no sales very often, not sure to continue because of ITIN

« Reply #71 on: February 22, 2011, 14:38 »
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Yes, stockastic, you just create an account and start uploading--I think you will like our new improved and faster upload system. Products are "live" after you create them. Our stock photo team reviews them after you create them. If you have any questions or need help there is a help button on each page and your support ticket will be handled by the same person until it's resolved. Here is some info: http://www.the3dstudio.com/help.aspx?id_help=20

luissantos84: The ITIN only applies to US sales so it is not a big issue for most sellers--our customers are all over the world. Unfortunately we can't just do what we'd like regarding taxes. Our attorneys and tax accountants have advised us to comply with the IRS regulations and US laws, regardless of what other companies do. Here is some info: http://www.the3dstudio.com/help_tax.aspx

To those who compare us to other companies, we dont worry about what others do--whether its in business or in personal life. We are a family owned and operated business and we all share the same values. Our top priority is to run our business in an ethical manner at all times. We work hard to treat everyone the way we would want to be treated and to do the right thingthe Golden Rulethough we dont use that term in a preachy way. Im sure those who sell with us are glad we dont copy the business model of agencies that use credits and subscriptions and sell photos so cheaply that photographers get only pennies for a photo.

Our philosophy has been working well for us for almost 15 years on the 3D side, and we are confident it will work on the stock side as well.

[email protected]

« Reply #72 on: February 24, 2011, 07:39 »
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Thanks Lisa

I did register the other day but have not uploaded anything yet.  Do we need to convert ("create products") all images or do we just leave them as regular jpg.

« Reply #73 on: February 24, 2011, 10:50 »
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Hi visceralimage,

Yes, leave them as jpg unless you are talking about vector images. For any other specific questions, please use the help button on our site so someone who knows more about these things can help you--I had to ask since I have no discernable photo skills and am the least tech savvy person in our group. :)

Or you can email Tracy on the stock photo team directly: [email protected]

Welcome to The3dStudio.com--I will look forward to seeing your stuff!

:)
[email protected]

« Reply #74 on: February 24, 2011, 20:58 »
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Hi visceralimage,

Yes, leave them as jpg unless you are talking about vector images.

:)
[email protected]

Thanks Lisa, I tried one yesterday, site seems easy enough but need to wait till I finish loading lightburner for my other sites.  If you have ftp option, that would certainly speed things along.  I am located in Far East Russia and my upload speeds are less than 3 g, many times less than 10 kb/s (pretty slow).


 

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