Ask CafePress to be fair to its shopkeepers
Target:
Fred Durham, CafePress.com CEO
Sponsored by:
CafePress recently instituted a change in their pricing policy, and as a result its shopkeepers--the people who do all the work as far as coming up with designs, putting the designs on products, etc.--are going broke.
Prior to this change each shopkeeper set his/her own prices for the products they chose to offer for sale in their shops. CafePress already had very high base prices, but shopkeepers could mark the prices up anywhere from a penny to hundreds of dollars. Most of us--the successful shopkeepers, anyway--marked things up enough to make a decent amount of money. Many shopkeepers relied on their CafePress shops as the sole source of their incomes.
But after the change things are very, very different. CafePress now decides how much to charge for every item offered in its marketplace--and the marketplace is where most shopkeepers make the majority of our sales. Okay, that change wouldn't be so bad if not for the other part--shopkeepers now receive a paltry 10% of the selling price.
Read more about it here: Boycott the CafePress MarketplaceCafePress recently instituted a change in their pricing policy, and as a result its shopkeepers--the people who do all the work as far as coming up with designs, putting the designs on products, etc.--are going broke.
Prior to this change each shopkeeper set his/her own prices for the products they chose to offer for sale in their shops. CafePress already had very high base prices, but shopkeepers could mark the prices up anywhere from a penny to hundreds of dollars. Most of us--the successful shopkeepers, anyway--marked things up enough to make a decent amount of money. Many shopkeepers relied on their CafePress shops as the sole source of their incomes.
But after the change things are very, very different. CafePress now decides how much to charge for every item offered in its marketplace--and the marketplace is where most shopkeepers make the majority of our sales. Okay, that change wouldn't be so bad if not for the other part--shopkeepers now receive a paltry 10% of the selling price.
Read more about it here: Boycott the CafePress MarketplaceWe the undersigned respectfully request that CafePress reconsider its recent Marketplace pricing change.
We believe that the new "10% commission" model is unfair to CafePress.com's shopkeepers--the very people who made CafePress the phenomenal success it is today. We believe that returning to the original pricing model, in which shopkeepers set their own markup--effective both in their shops and in the Marketplace--is the only fair thing to do.
We recognize that the Marketplace exists because CafePress put time, advertising dollars, and effort into creating/promoting it. We appreciate the sales the Marketplace has generated for its shopkeepers since its inception. But we cannot accept that the shopkeepers are worth only 10% of the selling price for THEIR hard work.
The artists and other creative people whose designs are sold on otherwise blank CafePress products spend hours, days, or even weeks working on each design, placing them on their choice of products, and making their shops attractive. We believe that receiving 10% of the selling price for so much work is not only unjust and unfair, but extremely insulting.
Please reconsider your decision and revert back to the old commission model.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our request.
We believe that the new "10% commission" model is unfair to CafePress.com's shopkeepers--the very people who made CafePress the phenomenal success it is today. We believe that returning to the original pricing model, in which shopkeepers set their own markup--effective both in their shops and in the Marketplace--is the only fair thing to do.
We recognize that the Marketplace exists because CafePress put time, advertising dollars, and effort into creating/promoting it. We appreciate the sales the Marketplace has generated for its shopkeepers since its inception. But we cannot accept that the shopkeepers are worth only 10% of the selling price for THEIR hard work.
The artists and other creative people whose designs are sold on otherwise blank CafePress products spend hours, days, or even weeks working on each design, placing them on their choice of products, and making their shops attractive. We believe that receiving 10% of the selling price for so much work is not only unjust and unfair, but extremely insulting.
Please reconsider your decision and revert back to the old commission model.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our request.
We signed the "Ask CafePress to be fair to its shopkeepers" petition!
# 46:
9:41 am PDT, Oct 16,
KaptainMyke Brand, Texas
We respectfully withdrew out products from the Cafepress Marketplace and haven't looked back since. http://bit.ly/ofoQ0
We respectfully withdrew out products from the Cafepress Marketplace and haven't looked back since. http://bit.ly/ofoQ0
# 45:
9:58 am PDT, Sep 22,
Christie Chaidez, Illinois
# 44:
12:29 am PDT, Aug 2,
Name not displayed, California
I am really disappointed in these recent changes to CP. View my blog on why. CP makes more, customers pay more and shopkeepers make less. http://thurstongraphics.blogspot.com/
I am really disappointed in these recent changes to CP. View my blog on why. CP makes more, customers pay more and shopkeepers make less. http://thurstongraphics.blogspot.com/
# 43:
9:05 pm PDT, Jul 31,
Name not displayed, California
What Cafepress did still has me in shock, but future success (at other PODs) will be the best revenge. This is a design I did at Zazzle that they never took down - gotta love that company. http://www.zazzle.com/insideout_tees/gifts?cg=196709704580968683
What Cafepress did still has me in shock, but future success (at other PODs) will be the best revenge. This is a design I did at Zazzle that they never took down - gotta love that company. http://www.zazzle.com/insideout_tees/gifts?cg=196709704580968683
# 42:
8:45 pm PDT, Jul 26,
Judi Quelland, Maryland
These unfair changes CafePress made have come at the worst possible time. The economy has strongly affected my bricks and mortar business ( photography .. not high on anyone's list when food and mortgage payments are more important ) I counted on my CafePress checks to help with the bills which, along with the usual household bills, now include several thousand dollars in medical invoices. Having no Med. insurance, this whole situation scares the crap out of me. Am I going to be able to keep my home?
These unfair changes CafePress made have come at the worst possible time. The economy has strongly affected my bricks and mortar business ( photography .. not high on anyone's list when food and mortgage payments are more important ) I counted on my CafePress checks to help with the bills which, along with the usual household bills, now include several thousand dollars in medical invoices. Having no Med. insurance, this whole situation scares the crap out of me. Am I going to be able to keep my home?
# 41:
6:24 pm PDT, Jul 21,
Mary Wells, Texas
# 40:
5:55 am PDT, Jul 19,
Heather Downey, Pennsylvania
I'm changing all of my affiliate sites to go to Zazzle. Just because I'm bitter.
I'm changing all of my affiliate sites to go to Zazzle. Just because I'm bitter.
# 39:
2:52 am PDT, Jul 19,
Name not displayed, Hawaii
My sister in law uses this income as a major source of income after many years of hard work. Remember who keeps the flow going -- the shopkeepers.
My sister in law uses this income as a major source of income after many years of hard work. Remember who keeps the flow going -- the shopkeepers.
# 38:
2:02 pm PDT, Jul 18,
Name not displayed, Florida
Cafe Press is stealing money from the very people who made them a success....the artists. It's very sad that they've forgotten who made them who they are.
Cafe Press is stealing money from the very people who made them a success....the artists. It's very sad that they've forgotten who made them who they are.
# 37:
1:26 pm PDT, Jul 18,
Name not displayed, California
I worked hard for 3 years to become a successful shopkeeper. CP became my source of income because of my hard work. I am unable to work outside the home and my designs were my ticket to paying the bills and making a living . CP destroyed that dream. They took it upon themselves to destroy our living for simple greed. CP has forgotten who got them where they are today and the worse part, they don't give a damn.
I worked hard for 3 years to become a successful shopkeeper. CP became my source of income because of my hard work. I am unable to work outside the home and my designs were my ticket to paying the bills and making a living . CP destroyed that dream. They took it upon themselves to destroy our living for simple greed. CP has forgotten who got them where they are today and the worse part, they don't give a damn.
# 36:
10:21 am PDT, Jul 18,
Name not displayed, Texas
I've already closed two premium shops and the third will be closed soon. Years of work wasted. This was my full time income and you have ripped it right out from under me.
I've already closed two premium shops and the third will be closed soon. Years of work wasted. This was my full time income and you have ripped it right out from under me.
# 35:
9:25 am PDT, Jul 18,
Name not displayed, California
The number of people who's lives have been hurt by this is shocking. CafePress shopkeepers pay for premium shops which they fill with designs which they tag, with products that they prepare with those images, products they place into sections which they SEO, and marketing that they do themselves, all of which ben None of this is covered by the term "licencing artwork" that Cafe Press
The number of people who's lives have been hurt by this is shocking. CafePress shopkeepers pay for premium shops which they fill with designs which they tag, with products that they prepare with those images, products they place into sections which they SEO, and marketing that they do themselves, all of which ben None of this is covered by the term "licencing artwork" that Cafe Press
# 34:
5:59 am PDT, Jul 18,
Name not displayed, Delaware
Just over a year ago, I joined Cafepress. I had read almost 100% positive reviews. Over that year, every few months, a little bit was taken away that made Cafepress "heads and shoulders" above the rest. First the section limits, then the end of the referral fees, then the change in the bonus structure. And now this. Ever head the phrase "the last nail in the coffin," well Cafepress, I think you just hammered your own nail.
Just over a year ago, I joined Cafepress. I had read almost 100% positive reviews. Over that year, every few months, a little bit was taken away that made Cafepress "heads and shoulders" above the rest. First the section limits, then the end of the referral fees, then the change in the bonus structure. And now this. Ever head the phrase "the last nail in the coffin," well Cafepress, I think you just hammered your own nail.
# 33:
2:10 am PDT, Jul 18,
Name not displayed, California
# 32:
12:30 am PDT, Jul 18,
Name not displayed, Canada
Fees, fees, fees. First Ebay, then Paypal, and now Cafepress. The internet used to be a place for great advances in commerce. Now its one step forward, two steps back.
Fees, fees, fees. First Ebay, then Paypal, and now Cafepress. The internet used to be a place for great advances in commerce. Now its one step forward, two steps back.
# 31:
5:56 pm PDT, Jul 17,
Clive Sweet, United Kingdom
my company has logos and promo material designed by a cafepress designer. she has now moved her store to zazzle, and cafepress you have one big problem because the goods I have recently ordered from her at zazzle are of a much higher print quality. you cannot even compare the two. all of the designers that you are driving away will realise that your print quality is sub par by comparison and word of mouth plus the internet will be your downfall. what a stupid company you are.
my company has logos and promo material designed by a cafepress designer. she has now moved her store to zazzle, and cafepress you have one big problem because the goods I have recently ordered from her at zazzle are of a much higher print quality. you cannot even compare the two. all of the designers that you are driving away will realise that your print quality is sub par by comparison and word of mouth plus the internet will be your downfall. what a stupid company you are.
# 30:
5:37 pm PDT, Jul 17,
Name not displayed, United Kingdom
I have closed two premium shops and am about to close the last one. You are a greedy company. There is no way I will accept $2.20 or less in some cases when you sell a t-shirt for $22 with my art on it. Your blank t-shirt is worth nothing....stick your t-shirts and your 10%!!!!
I have closed two premium shops and am about to close the last one. You are a greedy company. There is no way I will accept $2.20 or less in some cases when you sell a t-shirt for $22 with my art on it. Your blank t-shirt is worth nothing....stick your t-shirts and your 10%!!!!
# 29:
10:35 am PDT, Jul 17,
Madeline Telian, California
This is outrageous. You're causing many of your shopkeepers extreme financial hardship. I won't shop at CafePress again until you rescind this horrible change.
This is outrageous. You're causing many of your shopkeepers extreme financial hardship. I won't shop at CafePress again until you rescind this horrible change.
# 28:
11:38 pm PDT, Jul 16,
Name not displayed, Greece
Boycott the CafePress marketplace
Boycott the CafePress marketplace
# 27:
7:05 pm PDT, Jul 14,
Doug Jopling, Hawaii
Give them a break, you can't be that hard up for money. Seems like GREED to me!!
Give them a break, you can't be that hard up for money. Seems like GREED to me!!
# 26:
12:48 pm PDT, Jul 14,
K Clarke, New York
Cafepress' base pricing for products is ALREADY sky high. And now, you want to take even more money away from shopkeepers?!! We spend hours designing and we only get 10% of Marketplace profits?! There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, THERE IS NO TORRENT LIKE GREED. I will be closing my premium shop.
Cafepress' base pricing for products is ALREADY sky high. And now, you want to take even more money away from shopkeepers?!! We spend hours designing and we only get 10% of Marketplace profits?! There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, THERE IS NO TORRENT LIKE GREED. I will be closing my premium shop.
# 25:
7:19 am PDT, Jul 13,
Name not displayed, Arkansas
This is totaly unacceptable.
This is totaly unacceptable.
# 24:
12:12 pm PDT, Jul 11,
Doni Mason, Utah
I have the equipment for making the same things you make. You guys make a killing on your clothing items, which are your biggest sellers. That you are trying to make even more off of the backs of those that sell through you is unconscionable. Especially knowing that a lot of non-profit groups use you as a means to make a little extra money to help support their cause. So you are not just sucking the money from individuals, you are also taking it from the organizations that have been hit hard by the current financial situation. If anyone is tired of the crap Cafe Press does, drop me a line. I'll give you prices where you will make a good profit on it. doni@donisdogs.com
I have the equipment for making the same things you make. You guys make a killing on your clothing items, which are your biggest sellers. That you are trying to make even more off of the backs of those that sell through you is unconscionable. Especially knowing that a lot of non-profit groups use you as a means to make a little extra money to help support their cause. So you are not just sucking the money from individuals, you are also taking it from the organizations that have been hit hard by the current financial situation. If anyone is tired of the crap Cafe Press does, drop me a line. I'll give you prices where you will make a good profit on it. doni@donisdogs.com
# 23:
11:22 am PDT, Jul 11,
Margaret Hartley, Washington
# 22:
9:29 am PDT, Jul 11,
Cheryl Bibby, Canada
At a time when out-and-out greed has destroyed the economy and brought so many people to their knees by losing life savings, their homes and so much more, CafePress appear to be showing just what they're made of... more greed. Meanwhile, the competition extends their hand with respect and fairness to the designers that make them money. CP will be the losers because of their new gouging policies. Many designers have already moved and many more are waiting to see if CP will come to their senses before making a move. I am not a shopkeeper, but know several people who are. I will not be buying anything from CP anymore unless I hear of a turnabout. They have lost the respect of many.
At a time when out-and-out greed has destroyed the economy and brought so many people to their knees by losing life savings, their homes and so much more, CafePress appear to be showing just what they're made of... more greed. Meanwhile, the competition extends their hand with respect and fairness to the designers that make them money. CP will be the losers because of their new gouging policies. Many designers have already moved and many more are waiting to see if CP will come to their senses before making a move. I am not a shopkeeper, but know several people who are. I will not be buying anything from CP anymore unless I hear of a turnabout. They have lost the respect of many.
# 21:
8:29 am PDT, Jul 11,
Katherine Hughes, Oregon
# 20:
8:34 pm PDT, Jul 8,
Dody Bush, Arkansas
# 19:
8:03 pm PDT, Jul 7,
Holly Longino, Georgia
I have been a SK since 2005 and you have made thousands and thousands from my designs. You can take your 10% as I am having to pack up shop and move.
I have been a SK since 2005 and you have made thousands and thousands from my designs. You can take your 10% as I am having to pack up shop and move.
# 18:
7:00 pm PDT, Jul 7,
Name not displayed, Texas
Help small business! you were one, too, once!
Help small business! you were one, too, once!
# 17:
1:06 am PDT, Jul 7,
Pam Boland, Georgia
# 16:
11:46 pm PDT, Jul 6,
Name not displayed, Singapore
10% is not fair. I believe that the fair amount should be 25% for all the hard work that the designers are doing.
10% is not fair. I believe that the fair amount should be 25% for all the hard work that the designers are doing.
# 15:
11:46 pm PDT, Jul 6,
Name not displayed, Singapore
10% is not fair. I believe that the fair amount should be 25% for all the hard work that the designers are doing.
10% is not fair. I believe that the fair amount should be 25% for all the hard work that the designers are doing.
# 14:
1:45 pm PDT, Jul 6,
E A, New Jersey
Mr. Durham, Your new policies are a disgrace! What kind of person are you - after you get the shopkeepers to work tirelessly to promote your site you turn around and screw them - SHAME ON YOU!
Mr. Durham, Your new policies are a disgrace! What kind of person are you - after you get the shopkeepers to work tirelessly to promote your site you turn around and screw them - SHAME ON YOU!
# 13:
1:38 pm PDT, Jul 6,
Valerie Kenyon, California
This is ridiculous! Times are hard enough without such an unfair new policy!
This is ridiculous! Times are hard enough without such an unfair new policy!
# 12:
7:46 am PDT, Jul 6,
Edward Willis, Florida
fix this
fix this
# 11:
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3:43 pm PDT, Jul 5,
Sarah Baker, Illinois
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# 10:
2:42 pm PDT, Jul 5,
Louis Reginato Jr, Virginia
# 9:
1:12 pm PDT, Jul 5,
Name not displayed, United Kingdom
# 8:
11:33 am PDT, Jul 5,
Name not displayed, California
I personally know several shopkeepers and feel this is very unfair to them.
I personally know several shopkeepers and feel this is very unfair to them.
# 7:
8:10 am PDT, Jul 5,
Chaz Gaily Berlusconi, South Africa
# 6:
3:09 am PDT, Jul 5,
Steve Klein, Virginia
# 5:
5:18 pm PDT, Jul 4,
Carol Braden-Williams, Missouri
# 4:
2:06 pm PDT, Jul 4,
Helen M Mendoza, New York
I guess this means I won't be buying anything online from Cafe Press again. Too bad.
I guess this means I won't be buying anything online from Cafe Press again. Too bad.
# 3:
1:19 pm PDT, Jul 4,
JANET ROCHON, Arizona
I have purchased gifts form cafepress in the past even though the price plus shipping was more than I could afford so I probably will not buy from them again. The product was nice though.
I have purchased gifts form cafepress in the past even though the price plus shipping was more than I could afford so I probably will not buy from them again. The product was nice though.
# 2:
12:16 pm PDT, Jul 4,
Name not displayed, California
The new commission scheme is horrible. Please stop insulting your shopkeepers with the pittance you're currently giving them.
The new commission scheme is horrible. Please stop insulting your shopkeepers with the pittance you're currently giving them.
# 1:
11:36 am PDT, Jul 4,
Name not displayed, California
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