pancakes

MicrostockGroup Sponsors


Author Topic: Raises: What Should We Ask For?  (Read 7905 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

« on: July 12, 2014, 15:43 »
+2
We talk a lot on this site about money, royalty rates, raises and more money. That said, we don't always have a clear vision of what those raises or royalty rates should be. If we are going to ask for a raise, shouldn't we have a clear vision of what we want and what we can realistically get? So, I thought I'd take a look at it and try to start a conversation. Warning: There will be MATH!

Let's say you make $1500 a month from agencies that pay you on average 30% (you probably wouldn't include agencies that already pay you 50%). I know these aren't necessarily your numbers, but they are fairly round numbers to work with. So with those numbers, that means the agencies get $3500 and you get $1500 for a total of $5000 in sales a month.

It also means that for every extra percentage point you get, it's an extra $50 a month. So at 31%, you make $1550. At 35%, you make $250 more a month (or $1750 total). Not bad. What about subs? If you get 30% of the sub price paid as well, then that is about 1 cent for every percentage point increase. (It was about $.008 for 25 cent subs and $.0125 for 38 cent subs. 1 cent seemed like a good average). I know subs aren't a firm percentage, but SS seems to average out to something similar.

OK, so there are the basic numbers. The bare minimum raise would be 1 percentage point and a 1 cent raise on subs that results in $50 extra a month (from the example). The maximum would probably be getting 50% royalty which would be a $1000 more a month with subs that cost 20 cents more (again, from the example). That last one sounds awesome, but I might have better luck getting them to throw a free unicorn in.

With all that said, what do you think is fair and realistic to ask for?
« Last Edit: July 12, 2014, 15:47 by cthoman »


Goofy

« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2014, 16:09 »
-1
We talk a lot on this site about money, royalty rates, raises and more money. That said, we don't always have a clear vision of what those raises or royalty rates should be. If we are going to ask for a raise, shouldn't we have a clear vision of what we want and what we can realistically get? So, I thought I'd take a look at it and try to start a conversation. Warning: There will be MATH!

Let's say you make $1500 a month from agencies that pay you on average 30% (you probably wouldn't include agencies that already pay you 50%). I know these aren't necessarily your numbers, but they are fairly round numbers to work with. So with those numbers, that means the agencies get $3500 and you get $1500 for a total of $5000 in sales a month.

It also means that for every extra percentage point you get, it's an extra $50 a month. So at 31%, you make $1550. At 35%, you make $250 more a month (or $1750 total). Not bad. What about subs? If you get 30% of the sub price paid as well, then that is about 1 cent for every percentage point increase. (It was about $.008 for 25 cent subs and $.0125 for 38 cent subs. 1 cent seemed like a good average). I know subs aren't a firm percentage, but SS seems to average out to something similar.

OK, so there are the basic numbers. The bare minimum raise would be 1 percentage point and a 1 cent raise on subs that results in $50 extra a month (from the example). The maximum would probably be getting 50% royalty which would be a $1000 more a month with subs that cost 20 cents more (again, from the example). That last one sounds awesome, but I might have better luck getting them to throw a free unicorn in.

With all that said, what do you think is fair and realistic to ask for?

Good luck with that! Realistically the microstock company would be looking to give us a decrease so they can get even more profits.  :-\

 

Shelma1

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2014, 16:44 »
+3
I'd love for iStock to give me a raise from 20% to 25%, which would still be lower than what Shutterstock pays out, and for Shutterstock to at the very least offer a higher subs tier for people who make a certain amount. I'd prefer that over the expensive Christmas card I got from them last year.

But really, in the real world reps take 20% and the artists get 80%, so even 50% is pretty sad.

Goofy

« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2014, 16:45 »
+3
I'd love for iStock to give me a raise from 20% to 25%, which would still be lower than what Shutterstock pays out, and for Shutterstock to at the very least offer a higher subs tier for people who make a certain amount. I'd prefer that over the expensive Christmas card I got from them last year.

But really, in the real world reps take 20% and the artists get 80%, so even 50% is pretty sad.

at least you got a Christmas card  :-[


« Reply #4 on: July 12, 2014, 17:08 »
+8
I would like Shutterstock to pay an increase for images over 20 megapixels. As it stands now, it's more beneficial to downsize images below 16 megapixels to increase approval chances and show a super size version of your image.

They say they don't want us to downsize images, but their policies don't back it up. It takes more investment and skill to produce extra large images, and I think the earnings should reflect that.

Tror

« Reply #5 on: July 12, 2014, 19:26 »
0
I would like Shutterstock to pay an increase for images over 20 megapixels. As it stands now, it's more beneficial to downsize images below 16 megapixels to increase approval chances and show a super size version of your image.

They say they don't want us to downsize images, but their policies don't back it up. It takes more investment and skill to produce extra large images, and I think the earnings should reflect that.

Right. Shutterstock needs to act. They are losing ground anyway...for me it is almost more profitable to produce for sites like alamy. Their model is outdated. Sadly, they are currently one of the most ignorant places when it comes to contributors interests (not communication).

« Reply #6 on: July 13, 2014, 08:36 »
+1
Almost more profitable to submit to alamy???

Tror

« Reply #7 on: July 13, 2014, 11:01 »
+3
Almost more profitable to submit to alamy???

Yes. Beyond the usual commercial stock stuff I have various niche subjects.

Those sell on SS in three years about 20 times as a sub and with lots of luck one or two higher SODs or ELs averaging in a total revenue of about 8 - 13 $ in three years per niche image (statistically checked on about 20 samples).

I am not only on Alamy but on various higher priced sites like this. Sales are fewer but there are good chances that one or another of those niche images sells in these three years and brings on one sale an average revenue of 122 $ (not per image, thats the average per sale). As you see, if just one in 10 is selling it is about on par with shutterstock and chances are good that more will sell and thus outperform shutterstock.

In the beginning I was very hopeful that the micro market will evolve, bring collections, raise prices for quality or niches etc. None of this happened. As a consequence I stopped uploading niche material to micro. Not worth the effort. I stick with the usual selling concepts.

« Reply #8 on: July 13, 2014, 11:12 »
+4
I'd love for iStock to give me a raise from 20% to 25%, which would still be lower than what Shutterstock pays out, and for Shutterstock to at the very least offer a higher subs tier for people who make a certain amount. I'd prefer that over the expensive Christmas card I got from them last year.

But really, in the real world reps take 20% and the artists get 80%, so even 50% is pretty sad.

Yeah, it is definitely sad that asking for at least 50% seems like an unreasonable and unrealistic request. I suppose any move in a positive direction is an amazing accomplishment these days.

stock-will-eat-itself

« Reply #9 on: July 13, 2014, 12:49 »
+4
The MSG community really has lost its way if it thinks a royalty raise is coming from any of the agencies.

Goofy

« Reply #10 on: July 13, 2014, 12:58 »
+1
The MSG community really has lost its way if it thinks a royalty raise is coming from any of the agencies.

we can have a dream right  8)


« Reply #11 on: July 13, 2014, 13:43 »
+1
The MSG community really has lost its way if it thinks a royalty raise is coming from any of the agencies.

we can have a dream right  8)

Yeah, nothing will probably come of it, but there is something to be said for taking that first step of "What do we want?".

That was sort of the point of this thread, although less about a far off dream and more about something that is achievable. To have a more firm goal that you think you might actually be able to accomplish if you get enough people behind it. Even if that goal is only a couple cents extra on subs.

Shelma1

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #12 on: July 13, 2014, 14:04 »
+2
I think if enough contributors grumbled we could put a little pressure on the big two, at least.

« Reply #13 on: July 13, 2014, 15:41 »
+1
The MSG community really has lost its way if it thinks a royalty raise is coming from any of the agencies.

we can have a dream right  8)

I am sure there are slaves all over the world that think the same thing.

50% is not unrealistic, we just have to realize that the without our content the sites will have nothing at all to sell.

Shelma1

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #14 on: July 13, 2014, 16:12 »
+2
It seems to me if you got enough people to agree to a reasonable request, a contingent of contributors who live in the NY and Calgary areas could ask for meetings to discuss possible higher rates of compensation. Maybe start an online petition just to show how many people support it.

Just be careful not to kill the golden goose. ;)

w7lwi

  • Those that don't stand up to evil enable evil.
« Reply #15 on: July 13, 2014, 16:27 »
+1
Realistically ... we may as well ask for the moon.  We've got abut as much chance of that as anything else from these tightwad agencies.  Five years ago we might have had a chance of working something out.  But no more.  Our leverage has gone to zero, at least insofar as the bigger agencies are concerned.  Best to be looking for other sources of income to replace what we have lost and will be losing.

stock-will-eat-itself

« Reply #16 on: July 13, 2014, 18:01 »
-2
MSG is completely toothless as a tool of leverage. Its good at informing of royalty reductions dodgy deals and partnerships but it doesn't have any purpose other than howling at the wind.


« Reply #17 on: July 13, 2014, 20:06 »
+4
MSG is completely toothless as a tool of leverage. Its good at informing of royalty reductions dodgy deals and partnerships but it doesn't have any purpose other than howling at the wind.

I don't know about that. Yes, there are a lot of discussions that are just talk, but there is also a lot that happens here as well. You aren't going to win every battle, but it's still worth occasionally fighting them. I can't say that I started this thread as a rallying cry for change though. I just thought it would be an interesting discussion.

Tror

« Reply #18 on: July 13, 2014, 22:02 »
+2
I vote with my feet. The days of hoping to convince sites like IS or SS are long gone. I am in power of my own productivity. I do not wait for answers anymore. Thus I just upload generic BS to Microstock agencies and the rest to other sites. Everyone CAN DECIDE what is his own value of his work. We are not dependent. And if 5 bucks are worth more than your self esteem, please go for it. Good luck. I am worth more.

« Reply #19 on: July 14, 2014, 09:49 »
+6
I think the situation is a little more complex than asking for more money - or a higher percentage. If you don't consider other factors - primarily the buyer's price, but also investment in the site, marketing and growing buyer services - you end up with a situation like Dreamstime where the amount you earn per download goes up but the downloads go down and you end up with a similar amount of money each month just distributed differently.

I think that agencies looking for opportunities to charge more for certain services - versus just upping the price for everything - could bring us all additional income.

There's a big if - if they share the new revenue with us equitably. Part of the problem in our current setup is that agencies are close to opaque in disclosing terms and royalty rates. Shutterstock is exhibit A in this with the lack of details about their various higher priced licensing options - I like that I earn more, but I don't like that I haven't a clue what is being sold (I complained about this at the time, but SS just says that these vary or cite bogus privacy concerns). Another example is that extended licenses are sold at multiple prices but we get a flat rate regardless of price, thus reducing our percentage of the total on the higher priced options.

The only other comment is that withholding content - certain types or all new - or removing content is the only way to get agency attention. They won't offer anything or deal more favorably with contributors unless they aren't getting something they want.

And 50% of nothing (or next-to-nothing) is still an uninteresting result.

« Reply #20 on: July 14, 2014, 10:05 »
+4
I vote with my feet. The days of hoping to convince sites like IS or SS are long gone. I am in power of my own productivity. I do not wait for answers anymore. Thus I just upload generic BS to Microstock agencies and the rest to other sites. Everyone CAN DECIDE what is his own value of his work. We are not dependent. And if 5 bucks are worth more than your self esteem, please go for it. Good luck. I am worth more.

In the end I think this is the result that the sites will have earned. Those who produce higher end content will find sustainable outlets for their work and micro stock will be left with the content they deserve. It will just take a few years to sink in to the powers that be at micro, that the best of the slave labor force has moved on.
« Last Edit: July 14, 2014, 10:07 by gbalex »

« Reply #21 on: July 15, 2014, 12:14 »
0
I'm not sure that there is much we can realistically ask for from the big companies at this point. We have to remember that these companies were built and have grown on the long-standing financial culture of microstock paying out far less than fair royalties. A lot of these companies, Shutterstock among them for sure, couldn't survive if they paid us more. And that doesn't make it right or ok that they pay as little as they do, it's just a reality of the business today.

That said, it doesn't mean that we need to accept low percentages from every new company. Some of them seem to believe that because some older established company pays out 30% then they can get away with it as well. Fortunately not many people are buying what these new companies are selling, as was seen when a video company came around here recently and was promptly snubbed by most folks because they only offered 30% to contributors.

Going forward, I think that setting a new kind of standard is our best bet. We likely will never change what companies like Shutterstock, iStock, Fotolia, etc., pay us. And they can't pay us more unless they drastically change their internal company culture to allow more room in the budget for us. Again, not likely to ever happen.

I'm a big proponent of change in this business brought on by pressure from startups. And there are a ton of areas in which I think startups can (and already do) compete with the big boys. I've seen small companies launch features that no other stock company has figured out yet. Better ways to communicate with buyers, promote new products, and as it relates to this conversation, do it all while paying fair royalties. Some as much as 70%. Small companies can prove that you can innovate, grow, profit, and still pay fairly.

So just imagine what happens when a small company emerges that pays well, truly innovates and develops exciting new technologies and features, search tools that work and are actually helpful, gives buyers what they want (highly useful stock assets at fair prices) while creating huge contributor interest from both existing microstock artists and also (and probably more importantly) from top artists who have stayed out of this because of the poor royalties. That's how new companies can compete with (and possibly beat) the existing big companies.

So in the context of this discussion and what we should ask for, I think that going forward it should be more about setting a new standard for new companies. That's an area where we can make a difference. Getting the old companies to change just because we ask them to isn't going to do much. But if they see new companies emerging and gaining the support of a wider range of contributors, including contributors that those old companies can't get because they pay too little, then they may be forced to change to keep up with these newer companies.

The number I've kicked around here as the bare minimum I'll accept from a new company is 50%. I'm sticking by that personal standard. It's 50% or don't bother asking for my work. I don't even care what the pricing looks like just yet. We can get to that later. If a company wants to even start a conversation with me about getting me on as a contributor, that conversation starts with 50% minimum. More if you really want to get my attention and support.

« Reply #22 on: July 15, 2014, 13:07 »
+1
I just read a short article in Popular Photography about microstock. Sean Locke has a quote in it. In a nutshell, good for students who want beer money, but a killer to the serious contributors royalties. Sad.

« Reply #23 on: July 15, 2014, 13:50 »
+3
I just read a short article in Popular Photography about microstock. Sean Locke has a quote in it. In a nutshell, good for students who want beer money, but a killer to the serious contributors royalties. Sad.

That's kind of where I disagree. The money is definitely still there and can still be made. It's just harder because it is being funneled away from contributors with poor pricing and poor royalty rates. These things are all fixable, but there isn't much incentive for them to be fixed.
« Last Edit: July 15, 2014, 13:52 by cthoman »

« Reply #24 on: July 15, 2014, 14:24 »
+1
I just read a short article in Popular Photography about microstock. Sean Locke has a quote in it. In a nutshell, good for students who want beer money, but a killer to the serious contributors royalties. Sad.

That's kind of where I disagree. The money is definitely still there and can still be made. It's just harder because it is being funneled away from contributors with poor pricing and poor royalty rates. These things are all fixable, but there isn't much incentive for them to be fixed.

Agree with you that it could be fixed but it won't. The only reason I am seeing increased revenue is mostly from video. Otherwise I would be in the downward slide. Agencies, especially public ally traded agencies, can't give raises without justifying those raises to their stockholders on how that provides margin leverage or revenue lift. Istock is you know will never give raises and neither will Fotolia. These agencies are good at creatively cutting our royalties. I am not telling you anything you don't already know.



 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
156 Replies
39679 Views
Last post December 26, 2008, 10:30
by Perrush
42 Replies
12634 Views
Last post August 26, 2009, 05:39
by Karimala
7 Replies
7447 Views
Last post December 21, 2009, 10:32
by cthoman
1 Replies
3438 Views
Last post August 04, 2014, 14:33
by cidepix
Canva raises $6 million

Started by Semmick Photo Canva

10 Replies
6258 Views
Last post June 10, 2015, 09:13
by sgoodwin4813

Sponsors

Mega Bundle of 5,900+ Professional Lightroom Presets

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors