Author Topic: The Perfect Microstock Agency (Read 5595 times)

cameraB · « **on:** October 11, 2007, 22:57 »

I'm really not planning on creating one... but if YOU were going to offer the really perfect MS agency, what would you offer? Aside from the challenges of startup (funding, development, staffing, attracting contributors and buyers, building at least a half million images... yes, all the reasons to not start a new microstock agency)

I'll start with a few thoughts...

pass along at least 60% royalties to contributors (make it work on 40% overhead or less)
bare-minimum stuff like ftp (AHEM, istockphoto!), iptc, streamlined keywording, powerful search, customization tools for contributors and buyers
get RID of categories already - good keywording and search engine can handle this much better than oversimplified or overly complex groupings of images
customizable pricing levels - not microtweaking, but some ability to set low/mid/hi levels on any image
transparency - show your books to contributors, account for spending your cut, offer some visibility and accountability on growth planning, scaling, etc.

What would you add? And if the major current MS agencies aren't doing these things, why not?? Cost? Risk? Laziness? Inertia? Greed?

And, which of these are unrealistic?

And, what do buyers want that is not currently delivered?

epixx · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2007, 23:15 »

A solid customer base from the start. Look at LO, an agency that everybody liked, but alas.. no customers.

I think Packvillage has a few things going for it:

- easy to upload
- they do keywording if you don't (they also change the keywords if they don't like yours, not always to your liking, but at least they show they care)
- 5 price levels, your choice
- you can opt in or out of subscription for each image
- define your own sets (very convenient for somebody browsing your portfolio, not having to look through hundreds of photo looking for that particular food-shot)
- well established in the business, with a large customer base
- well known among any image purchaser around the globe, and among lots of others

Peter · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2007, 01:50 »

what is the URL of Packvillage? i couldnt find it?

leaf · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2007, 02:11 »

I am guessing he was referring to Snap Village

epixx · « **Reply #4 on:** October 12, 2007, 06:14 »

Quote from: leaf on October 12, 2007, 02:11

I am guessing he was referring to Snap Village

Something like that. What did you call it? Snapvillage? Must try to remember that

rinderart · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2007, 16:11 »

I almost started one about a year ago. "The best of Royalty Free" 60/40 split. no forums,no reviewers,invitation only,no categories , Dark grey background so our images look better. $2 small,$4 med $6 Large