Designers deserve the royalty we set

[SORS]

One of the foundations of Zazzle has always been that we, the creators, get to set our own royalty rates. That freedom reflects the time, talent, and energy we invest in our work—and it builds trust in the platform.

But lately, with marketing fees deducted after the royalty is calculated, the number we actually receive no longer reflects the rate we chose. In effect, the royalty we set is being eroded behind the scenes.

If Zazzle needs to recoup marketing expenses, we understand—but that should come from Zazzle’s share of the sale, not the portion we were told was ours.

All we ask is simple:

👉 Give us the royalty we set.

👉 If marketing fees must be deducted, make them transparent—and taken after our royalty is honored in full.

This would not only restore trust—it would give designers the confidence to keep building on Zazzle, knowing their margins are secure and respected.

Zazzle, we love this platform. We just want to see it return to the principles that helped it grow in the first place.

[ibelieveimages]

Yes, and how much has this so called "Marketing" paid off anyway?

[Jadendreamer13]

I’ve said this many times, and I haven’t seen any evidence that Zazzle is listening. But, Zazzle, this issue isn’t going away; it needs to be addressed.

[NigelSutherland]

Im sure they're listening, but the instructions and decisions come from above - the powers that be. The poor monitors of these forums can merely report back on the furore and general discontent. That doesn't mean the decision-makers will do anything. They will be riding it out and hoping the disquiet dies down and eventually goes away.

[Jadendreamer13]

I don’t think the disquiet is going away. I think designers will be the ones leaving.

[Saints_Aplenty]

SORS makes excellent points, and with great magnanimity. And I commend her, given her platinum status, for speaking out.

Nevertheless, I think Zazzle has not only done designers a huge disservice with its new royalty structure but has unfortunately (and permanently) damaged itself in designers' eyes. Like NigelSutherland and Jadendreamer13 below, I don't think the disquiet is going to go away, certainly not any time soon.  For those of us who stick things out for whatever reason(s), the furor and general discontent will only go underground.  Designers will always be waiting for the axe to fall now.  

Don't get me wrong.  I have loved the platform, and though seriously demoralized, I intend to stay.  But, Zazzle has been demanding more work for less and less reward.  The platform has been so wonky that it's been unusually frustrating to work.  And trust once broken is not easy to restore. 

C'mon, Zazzle, you can do better!

[SORS]

Thank you Saints_Aplenty.  I really appreciate your words, and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve also loved working on this platform and have put in years of effort with genuine passion. But lately, it feels like that trust we had has been shaken pretty deeply.

You said it perfectly — we’re being asked to do more for less, and it’s hard not to feel like the ground keeps shifting beneath us. Even those of us who want to stick it out now find ourselves holding back a little, waiting for the next change or disappointment. That’s not a good place for creativity to thrive.

Zazzle really does still have a chance to turn this around, but it starts with listening and being transparent with the people who helped build this marketplace. The loyalty is still here — just bruised.

Let’s keep supporting each other and speaking up. I really believe it matters.