Pro Levels

[inspiring_gifts]

From my understanding, sales from other countries do not apply to our earnings for Pro levels. If I'm right, why is this? All sales should count.

[WHS_Designs]

I wholeheartedly agree (I would be almost halfway to Gold if all earnings counted), but ultimately this is Zazzle's decision/policy.

Before I joined Zazzle in June 2015, I heard that to achieve Silver zPro status, a designer only (only!) had to do 3 consecutive months of $1K or more, and all earnings (royalties, referrals, and volume bonuses) counted, regardless of the domains the products were purchased from.

After I joined, to achieve Silver zPro status, you now need to hit $25K in USD sales. Not sure if the levels for Gold, Platinum, and Diamond were also revised.

About 3 years ago, Zazzle mentioned in the old Z forums that they were considering revisiting the eligible earnings minimums for the zPro levels, but we haven't heard anything further about this.

W.H.

[mylittleeden]

It is a sense of achievement to feel after 11 years (for me) I am slowly getting there. I am the same as a lot of my sales are not in the US it is a long slog... Anyway now they have moved the top tier forum up a level. It has kinda of made me feel why stress about it. If I ever get there that will be a bonus! As long as I am selling and having fun creating and receiving customers to my store who appreciate my art and design enough to purchase and like what I do, well I still feel like I am winning 😃

[PenguinPower]

Goodness knows why it's so difficult to even hit these levels... it's not like you actually get anything... a new more private forum and bragging rights? If I'm remembering correctly you need to reach the very upper echelons to actually get tangible perks, like samples and early access... 

[CrazyMermaid]

I have no idea why the "levels" mean so much to people. I have never seen any perk as I move up, except access to the forums. I am happy every time I make a sale, regardless of where it is from. My bank balance is the only perk that I am impressed by! I hide my level, because I don't consider it anyone's business.

[CarlaRolfe]

Hitting that next level in your zazzle creator experience use to mean nice perks.  That was the reason it meant so much to so many people, because they were awarded these nice things in recognition of their hard work here. It used to be a lot of fun looking forward to hitting that next tier. 

But this has changed/stalled/put on pause? over the last couple of years.  Now, many designers aren't even notified when they hit the next level, and the perks appear to be somewhat arbitrary.  

[DancingPelican]

Just saw your Gold level. Congrats!

[CrazyMermaid]

Thank you! I hope you are well and enjoying the summer!

[WHS_Designs]

@mylittleeden 

Thanks for sharing that bit about the top tier forums.

Agreed ... I think it is the whole psychology of having "leveled up" is intrinsically rewarding for some (myself included). I like to create and channel my creative vision onto a range of products, and I am flattered and inspired to think that there are people around the world who like my designs enough to purchase them, whatever the state of the local or international economies. Because of its unparalleled ability to offer customization, Zazzle is the best platform on which this can be realized.

As independent artists and creators, we often are our own (and at times, only! it seems) cheerleaders, and so setting your own milestones is important (as well as meeting milestones set by others).

If money was the sole incentive for me to continue at Zazzle, then the fun aspect would quickly be drained, and I would see my time at Zazzle as strictly a way to put food on the table, pay rent, etc.

A combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation keeps me going.

W.H.

[CrazyMermaid]

So "dumbing down" the levels and making them easier to achieve would give you a sense of satisfaction? Why not take satisfaction in Editor's Choice designations or being featured if you need external validation? Look at customer reviews (which are my personal favorites) to feel a sense of satisfaction.

[igiftcenter]

The only level I truly care about....
is the level my bank account increases each month / day / year. That is my validation 🙂

[inspiring_gifts]

I started this post - just curious why sales to other countries don't count.

[CrazyMermaid]

because that appears to be what Zazzle values and wants Zazzlers to target. I can't see any other reason for it.