Opportunities Ahead: New Ambassador Program & Important Terms of Use Changes

[Heather]

Hi Creators,

First and foremost, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your valuable feedback and insights. We truly appreciate the time you’ve taken to submit your questions and feedback through our form regarding the updates to our Terms of Use, which are effective today, April 1st. We’ve carefully reviewed each of your questions and, based on your feedback, have put together a comprehensive Creator FAQ and Ambassador FAQ to help clarify the changes and provide more detail. 

As we all know, the world around us is constantly evolving. Marketing costs are rising, and competition for Customer attention is higher than ever. In order to keep up with these changes and continue thriving together, we too must adapt and grow. We understand that change can be challenging, but it's essential for us to stay dynamic and align with the ever-evolving landscape.

For almost 20 years, we’ve been proud to be a marketplace where Creators from all walks of life can sell their Content, and many have even built a sustainable income doing what they love. Creators are the heart and soul of our platform, and we truly appreciate the partnership we’ve built with all of you. 

With the launch of our new Ambassador Program, we want to ensure that Creators who actively promote their Products and drive traffic are properly rewarded. The new program simplifies the Earnings model, ensures a fairer fee distribution, and aligns financial incentives with Creators’ success. Whether you’re actively promoting your Content or allowing us to handle it, we’re here to support your growth. 

We’re hopeful about the new opportunities this opens up for you as a Creator. This update means you’ll have the chance to earn what we would pay those “other guys”—and we hope you see it as a way to grow your Earnings in meaningful ways. 

To keep the discussion and questions for us organized, please reply below and we ask you to continue to submit your questions to the form. We also opened an “Ambassador Program” board for Creators to discuss specific topics together. 

Once again, thank you for your continued contributions to our community. We can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to evolve together in our marketplace.

Warmly,

The Zazzle Team

UPDATE - 4/2/25

Hi Creators,

We’ve heard some common questions that we’d like to address and clarify. We've added these questions to our FAQ and will be addressing more questions soon. 

1. Why does it seem like the Excess Royalty is taken out twice for the Self-Promotion?
2. Why am I being charged a Marketing Royalty Fee for Self-Promotion Sales?
3. Why in some cases did I make more money in the Promoter 2.0 Program? 

Q: Why does it seem like the Excess Royalty is taken out twice for the Self-Promotion example below? 

Example 1: Self-Promotion Link (own Product) in Clothing & Shoes with Your Royalty Rate set at 12% 

• Product Price (= Net Referral Sales for this example): $100
• Your Royalty Rate: 12% → $12 Gross Royalty
• Excess Royalty Fee: → 5% of $12 = $0.60
  (applies because Your Royalty Rate is above 10%. The fee is 5% of your Gross Royalty) 
• Marketing Royalty Fee: → 35% of $12 = $4.20
  (applies to all Referred Sales. For Clothing & Shoes, it's 35% of your Gross Royalty) 
• Royalty: → $7.20
  (after deduction of Royalty Fees)
• Referral Commission for a Referred Sale via a Self-Promotion Link
• Department Rate: → 35% of Net Referral Sales
  (Clothing & Shoes)
• Self-Promotion Earnings Goal: → 35% of $100 is a $35 Goal.
  (from this $35 goal, you’ve already earned $7.20 in Net Royalties and the $0.60 Excess Royalty Fee applies)
• Referral Commission from Self-Promotion Link: → $35 - $7.20 - $0.60 = $27.20
• Your Earnings = $34.40
  ($7.20 paid via Royalty, $27.20 paid via Referral Commission).
• Note: Because Your Royalty Rate was above 10%, the Excess Royalty Fee slightly reduced the total Earnings you could have received from the Referred Sale via a Self-Promotion Link.

A: If you look at Example 1, the Self-Promotion Earnings Goal is $35, and the Excess Royalty Fee is $0.60. Your Earnings are $34.40 ($35 - $0.60). So while we need to deduct the Excess Royalty Fee from the Gross Royalties to help calculate the Royalty - which we then use to calculate the Referral Commission by deducting it from the Self-Promotion Earnings Goal - it is more to do the math to figure out the amounts you’ve earned rather than actually being taken out twice.

Q: Why am I being charged a Marketing Royalty Fee for Self-Promotion Sales?

A: The Marketing Royalty Fee applies whenever a sale is referred, whether by you, another Ambassador, or Zazzle. This structure helps our systems run smoothly across all types of Referrals.  So in order to make sure your Earnings hit the Self-Promotion Earnings Goal (which is based on the Department Rate), we calculate your Referral Commission to make up the difference between the Self-Promotion Earnings Goal and your Royalty.  The math can be a little bit complicated, but the end result is the same - your Earnings for that sale do not change.

Q: Why in some cases did I make more money in the Promoter 2.0 Program? 

A: Promoter 2.0 was originally a "beta" program, and we're now expanding it to all Creators. The Ambassador Program is designed to serve a wider population of Creators, while reflecting current marketing costs, so while there were situations where former Promoters benefitted more, this new program is designed to benefit the whole Ambassador community more overall.

[Heather]

Hi Lea - We posted today that we’re processing all the feedback and as many questions as possible will be answered early next week if not sooner. In parallel, we are also working on certain requests that have been made for improvements. I also want to address your comment on Collections in case you missed the follow up actions that were taken. We tend not to have tactical actions posted in announcement post (But maybe that’s feedback going forward). We did have follow up videos and updated help articles and collections pages. 

In any case, I want to point out we are reading and processing and taking action where we can, including another round of FAQs coming regarding the Ambassador Program

[Lea]

Thanks for following up, Heather. I just saw the other post. Like I said, I have no doubt you all have a lot of questions and concerns to wade through, but the more time passed, the more we (me) were going to spiral. This is a pretty big blow to a lot of us.

[InkgoeswildAK]

I realize this isn’t your fault, Heather.  I’ve worked hard to build and promote my Zazzle shop in the ten years that I’ve had it.  It crossed my mind a few times that I was being unwise by putting all my eggs in one basket so to speak, and that I should diversify by opening a Redbubble shop.  However, I absolutely loved all my Zazzle merchandise, I loved Zazzle’s awesome customer service personnel, and I loved the amount of items I could add my artwork to, so I never opened another shop.  Instead I put 100% effort into building my Zazzle shop.  I was hoping it would eventually pay off.  This new policy has made me realize I should have listened to my gut instinct and opened another shop years ago.

After the Ambassador Program went into effect I sold 18 postcards to someone who used my associate link.  Prior to April 1, 2025 that sale would have earned me close to $10 in profit.  Instead I earned a measly $1.26.  I’m a Postcrosser.  I have purchased thousands of my postcards and have tirelessly promoted them, worldwide, for 4 years now.  I’m not going to close my shop but I’m not going to waste my time promoting or building it like I have the last decade.

I appreciated the opportunity Zazzle offered, and in turn I thought Zazzle appreciated me and my fellow Zazzle artists and creators.  I thought of our collaboration as a partnership.  I now feel like Zazzle has stabbed us all in the back.

Corinne Danzl

Ink Goes Wild Alaska

[artCWRW]

I feel the same way- been selling here for almost 15 years and like you only sell here, outside of my licensing business. Also like you I've spent a lot of time self-promoting my Zazzle products, especially my best-selling horse calendars and tote bags.  Definitely feeling very frustrated and unclear how to move forward with the new program. From looking at what few sales I've had since the changeover, it looks like like I harm myself more by doing any self-promotion.

[InkgoeswildAK]

I’ve recently begun printing my own postcards, greeting cards, and stationery (things I use a lot, and items I used to purchase exclusively from my Zazzle shop), artCWRW.  I searched high and low for postcard stock as thick as what Zazzle uses but haven’t been able to find any.  However, a Postcrosser recently suggested I purchase a laminating machine and laminate the front of my postcards.  I had no idea it was possible to laminate just one side of something.  My machine arrived two days ago and I absolutely LOVE it!!  It gives my postcards added strength, while retaining a nice matte finish on the back for writing on.  This inexpensive machine has pushed the quality of my postcards very close to what I formally purchased from my shop.  I’m planning on seeing if any of my local, wholesale customers want to purchase my postcards with my Alaska designs on them.  I can wholesale my postcards locally for 50 cents each and make more than double the profit I made on my Zazzle postcards.

As crappy as this new Zazzle policy is it has killed the obsession I have had with my shop for the last ten years.  

I don’t know about tote bags but there are other calendar manufacturers out there.  The downside of course would be you having to invest in inventory.  That was always a huge plus, in my book, for having a Zazzle shop.  

All the best,

Corinne

Ink Goes Wild Alaska

[artCWRW]

Yeah for me I really don't have time or room for inventory- it's all I can do to store my licensing samples  For example I have a horse figurine collection with the Bradford Exchange- the figurine samples alone take up several shelves of my limited storage space. I am happy to say I did just license two horse calendars with the Poster Foundry so again maybe I just will stick more with my licensing deals and slowly phase out my Zazzle store, because yes print-on-demand was a huge part of the appeal for me.

Your new postcards sound really nice!  I hope those do well for you!!

[InkgoeswildAK]

I called Zazzle and emailed them, Lea, asking if by unenrolling in the Ambassador Program I’d be able to go back to the Promoter 2.0 program.  The person I spoke to on the phone didn’t know.  The person who answered my email also didn’t know but said he’d pass my question along and someone would get back to me.  That was probably two weeks ago, and so far - crickets.

[Malissa]

The new ambassador program currently replaces the old promoter and associates programs.  There is no going back unless they change something in the future.

[Heather]

Hi @InkgoeswildAK - Thank you for reaching out here, and I’m sorry you haven’t received a reply yet. I know that’s frustrating.
I can confirm the answer to your question: the Promoter 2.0 program was a limited beta that has now closed. The Ambassador Program is the current, fully supported referral program moving forward. If you choose to participate in referrals, the Ambassador Program is the option available. Thanks for your patience and for being part of the community!

[InkgoeswildAK]

Hi Heather,

Thanks for getting back to me.  Before I unenrolled in the Ambassador Program I placed an order, using my associate link, and did not receive my referral fees.  So the Ambassador Program did not earn me any referral fees.  That also means that all of my current business cards, which I purchased through Zazzle, are null and void since they all have my associate link QR code on them.  Can I get refunded for my last order of business cards which are no longer any good? 

There's no point in me taking time away from my home based business, and the time it takes to maintain my own artist website, to continue to promote my Zazzle shop if I'm barely going to earn any money from it.  That being said, I don't want to close it.  I've put too much time and effort into it in the decade I've had it, and I really love the quality of the merchandise.   I want to still be able purchase my own Zazzle merchandise once in awhile.

All the best,

Corinne Danzl

Ink Goes Wild Alaska.

[JS87]

Then, Why there is a option for Unenroll

[InkgoeswildAK]

Hi Heather,

While I was still in the Ambassador Program I placed an order, using my associate link, and did not earn a referral fee.  If the Ambassador Program is the “referral program” why didn’t I earn a referral fee?

Corinne Danzl

Ink Goes Wild Alaska

[VivianD117]

I have just submitted this question the form and should have asked before -- by what sales route does someone get paid based on "none"?  It seems to make considerable positive difference in the actual royalty payments.

[tiffjamaica]

If your product is not referred (none), then the marketing fee is not applied to your earnings. 

[VivianD117]

I still can’t envision what that means — if it is not referred — then how do they find it without it becoming “third party”?  Unless, they come in on a link directly to me but that link has been abbreviated — that is the only condition I can think of.   Do they just open zazzle — put in a search — find my product and buy it — having never been on the site before?  What are the odds of that happening? 

[Cat]

I have the same thought. I'm thinking maybe it means that they came in from someone else's self-promoter link and chose your product instead. That almost makes me feel guilty about getting them!

[tiffjamaica]

That's something I hadn't considered. I always figured it was the people who use browsers that block all cookies/trackers. 

[CrazyMermaid]

I go to target or amazon and do that all the time. Why wouldn't they do it on Zazzle. They go to a party or wedding and see some great napkins and find out it was from Zazzle. Then they go home and check out the napkins for their party. Any number of things could happen. They are at a party find out it's Zazzle, take their phone out and start ordering at the party.

[VivianD117]

I guess I don’t see that happening in my most popular product line, but then, you just never know.  

[Badeesie]

It could be someone who had used Zazzle several months or years ago and, when they needed something similar, came from a bookmark or from typing the url directly into the address bar after any cookies they'd picked up previously had expired.

[GreenCarbonMail]

I'm confused by the amounts I'm seeing in my earnings feed. I set my royalty rate to 10% yet it looks like Zazzle is still taking out 10% "excess fee" on top of the "marketing fee". Is anyone else seeing this in their earnings? 

Like the majority of designers on this platform, I do loads of organic marketing through social etc. yet, most of my sales are through "3rd party". With no indication of who/where the 3rd party is, who's to say what the algorithm reads as a 3rd party isn't us pinning to pinterest or driving traffic from our own sites? It would be helpful to everyone to see where the 3rd party traffic is actually coming from for those sales. 

I've seen loads of new marketing from zazzle on different channels, but it's always the same designers. I'm not sure how that translates for the rest of us making sales and paying for this increased marketing cost. 

[AirTwin]

Maybe I'm just paranoid now, but it looks like all my previously "None" from the years are changing to "3rd party" because I have only ever had whole pages of "None" which normally cancel until they gets to the lowest or 5%. I come back every few months hoping maybe bugs will be fixed or a product will at least be fun to design, but posting here has always felt like gambling to lose not to win.

They always funnel to only a small handful of designers they promote based on bias, that will never change no matter the company.

[tiffjamaica]

If you want to post the sale price and what your royalty earnings were, I could help you figure out the math on it to see if the excessive royalty fee was taken out. I’ve gotten pretty good at these calculations, unfortunately. 

[Susang6]

Designers play a crucial role in Zazzle’s success. Our artwork is what turns blank products into unique, sellable items that attract customers.  Without designers’ artwork would Zazzle be successful?  With that said I don’t think the designers should pay the excessive costs (35 to 50%) fees for advertisement.   It would be better if Zazzle shared in the costs.   A partnership between designers and Zazzle would make more sense and would be more fair if Zazzle contributed to ad costs.. Or Zazzle could offer another way to recoup their costs for ads...In another discussion I submitted a ad proposal for designers.  I think this proposal is fair to designers and to Zazzle .  Right now I feel I had to increase my royalty and it may be too high and not competitive, but if I Keep my royalty low 10%  the majority of my royalty is paid out in fees.   Its not good to work harder to have earnings eaten up in fees.   I used to love creating at Zazzle,  but honestly I have not been happy since April 1st.  

[tsikona]

I understand company invests millions in promotion and have changed its royalty policies, which have impacted our income. Many of us still continue working, creating and promoting. Changes can sometimes be harmful, especially for those ones who dedicate all time and energy to Zazzle (for many creators it is full time job) 

I hope zazzle will reconsider z rank algorithm too. It would be great if all creatots have equal opportunities (like other platforms have) for years same creators and same products dominate the top search results. After years of seeing the same designs at the top, consumers might find It repetive and may they preffer other platforms - where algorithm give all designs a chance , and shoppers see fresh and various designs. 

[Susang6]

Honestly I think the only way to not be hit with the excessive fees is to up your royalty.   I agree with you that it's been the same creators in the marketplace for years. But you should know many of those top creators have their royalty set at (10 to 14.9) and under the one-size-fits-all model of (35 to 50% marketing fees) that their earnings have plummeted.  Zazzle charges a Marketing Royalty Fee  when customers find products through the Zazzle marketplace. (help Zazzle.com)   

I don't know about you, but I am seeing more 3rd party sales than none.  The Ambassador program is not a good fit for me.  I feel like I work harder and earn less.   

[tsikona]

Most of my sales are 3rd party, I have organic “none”sales also. I have optimized my royalty percentage month ago, but It did not affect my sales volume- however my income from digital goods dropped  by half. I see many creators raised prices on digital downloads from $17-$25. This month I had some self ref. sales also(mostly digital downloads) I think Zazzle should revise its self referral policy for digital products as well. 

[Susang6]

"I completely agree—digital earnings for downloads have drastically dropped, to half of what they once were. To stay competitive, I regularly research the competition and adjust pricing for stationery and other products. For instance, all 5x7 cards should be priced at $4.17. This matches the market while highlighting the quality of Zazzle’s cardstock and printing, which surpasses Hallmark's.

However, at $4.17, our cards are still being impacted by fees, and raising the royalty rate too high could potentially deter buyers. Online customers are price-conscious, often opting for the most affordable options.

Have you noticed that website-wide sales haven’t been the same since April 1st? Previously, Zazzle offered lead product discounts of up to 40%, with other products discounted at 15%. Now, it seems the focus is on specific products being on sale, while others remain at regular price. This shift may be affecting the spending habits of the typical Zazzle customer who shops sales—they’re possibly finding that the discounted items don’t match their needs.

[tsikona]

I still see sales on invites, boards etc. (on my products) I have not checked other products. I Hope starting from May there will be positive changes in our income. 

[Susang6]

Another issue I’ve encountered involves promoter links and past referral links. When a customer clicks these links, they’re redirected to a landing page with '65 other designers’ products.' This poses a risk of losing the original promoter higher earning, particularly if the customer scrolls through and explores products from other designers. If they click on another designer’s product and later return to view the original product, the promoter link is effectively replaced by a third-party link. Before, referral cookies would carry over to other designers’ products, ensuring that the original referral was credited. This change seems like a disadvantage for promoters."  (It is my understanding that anything Zazzle promotes on the website is a 3rd party and subject to (35 to 50%) ad-fees when sold.

[Cat]

Wait, what? So you're saying that if somebody views another product on the Zazzle website or landing page it overwrites the referral? Are you sure? I thought that A) the referral couldn't be overwritten for 14 days, and B) that it was only set by the link they clicked to come to Zazzle, not by activity ON Zazzle. Am I missing something?

[Susang6]

From what I understand about Zazzle's affiliate and promoter program policies, if a customer clicks on your promoter link and gets redirected to a page featuring products from multiple designers, you might not earn a commission if the customer buys from another designer without interacting with your product.

In the past, referral cookies would carry over, so you’d still earn even if the customer ended up purchasing another designer's product. It seems like recent changes have affected how these cookies work, which could now limit your earnings. 

[Cat]

Oh I see what you're saying. So you're not saying that the referral gets overwritten per se, just that if you place a clean link and they buy someone else's product you don't get anything.

[Susang6]

The way Zazzle works, designers often end up promoting elite designers' products, hoping to earn from referrals. This promotion drives significant customer traffic and boosts sales for the elite designers, keeping them at the top of the marketplace. Zazzle’s algorithm doesn’t intentionally show favoritism—it simply tracks data like sales and engagement. But because so many designers are promoting these elite creators, the algorithm interprets them as the best.

[MidnightZazzler]

I am a little confused about Self Promotion vs Cross-Promotion Links.

Z says: "If you share URLs with Your Ambassador ID in the Link, it will be counted as a Cross-Promotion Link and you'll only be eligible for a 15% Referral Commission on the sale."

So, I only get a (higher) Self-Promotion Referral Commission unless I am logged in to Zazzle AND my social media platforms, waiting for the perfect moment to share one of my products from my product page?

BUT if I SCHEDULE a post, do I need to use my Ambassador ID, and therefore will only get a 15% Referral commission?

So, this begs the question: When will Z roll out a scheduling option for shared posts?

What I view as most unfair is I (and many of my fellow shopkeepers) have hundreds of links to products across my websites and previous social posts, built up over YEARS. So, all this hard work self-promoting will never be counted as self-promotion?

[ColsCreations]

A "Cross-Promotion" link is just one that you include your RF# in it. Those links will earn you the same 15% referral commission on anything the person buys, same as they always worked.

A "Self-Promotion" link does NOT include your RF# and earns you the new higher commission rates, but only on your own products. You will earn nothing on other people's products.

It does not matter where or when you're logged into what or when or where you post.