Rates: higher, fixed or not?

Hi there,

Right now video-rates are variabel on Pond5, starting at only a couple of bucks, even for high-def footage.

Is this fair? Aren't we outpricing ourselves with these rock-bottom rates?

Doesn't it make more sense to have a bottom rate that is higher than the couple of dollars we offer right now?

I have seen some outstanding footage, selling for way less than other professional broadcast companies sell them for.

I am not saying that we have to have that same standard/rate, we need to be competitive. I am only wondering if a higher bottom-rate wouldn't be wiser...

What do you think?
Pond5 administrator?

Thanks for your input and thoughts.

hans

Hi Hans,

Pricing is a tricky question. We decided against a locked-down pricing scheme so that prices would take into account the unique aspects of each clip. We also wanted to give artists as much control as possible over their material, so we give them the option of setting their own prices, with a minimum of $10 but no maximum.

Of course it’s in our interest to maximize revenue for artists, because that will benefit Pond5 too. The trick is to find the right balance. If prices are too high, clips won’t sell. Too low and we’re undercutting our earnings. As we grow and sales increase, we’re getting a better sense of where that middle ground is, and that should be reflected in prices.

So, building on that idea, we’re considering adding an option for people who prefer to let Pond5 curators set the price. That way, our curators can price the clip based on what we know about the market, with the goal of maximizing revenue. This would be totally optional, and if you did select it you would be able to change it back (set the price yourself) at any time.

What do you think?

Hi there,

Sounds like a very good plan and option. Like it a lot. Curious about the thoughts of other contributors to Pond5 since I don't want to overpopulate the forum.
:)

Keep up the great work!

Hans

I also founded it quite difficult to set the prize for my clip.
And now I saw that you could let the curators set the prize for the clips. That's just great!
Thanks a lot :)