Instant Download: Questions, Suggestions and Feedback!

[James]

Hi Creators, 

We're so excited to introduce Instant Downloads to Zazzle. If you haven't checked out the announcement and dedicated Landing page including FAQ's and How it works, please do so.

We're sure you might have some questions about this and some thoughts, so please feel free to share them here. 

Thank you,

The Creator Team. 

[James]

Hi @alissag 

Sorry for the confusion caused here. There was a bug where the box was un-ticked, but should have been ticked.  As the original post suggests, all Creators have to opt-out. This was just bad timing. Apologies for the confusion again, this definitely wasn't intentional but I would advise Creators to check their settings are as desired right now. 

[Lea]

Because of that bug and because many of us saw that we were opted out, I think Zazzle as a courtesy absolutely should notify designers to double check that their choice is correct. I never would've assumed that I'd go back and find myself opted in after seeing it opted out. This is a very big deal and a concern for a lot of people - and it's not just about preference. There are several with legally binding terms and contracts here and we shouldn't have to be glued the forum to learn of this bug. Another heads up to creators is warranted here.

[Lais]

And many who use licensed work that cannot be sold digitally. 

[Claire]

Repeating this question from Harmony earlier since I didn't see an answer, and I also need to know:

"Does the Storytree Studios photographer that allowed designers license to use their photos agree to extend the license for digital downloads?"

Years ago, Zazzle presented a collection of photographs by Storytree Studios that were available for use as placeholders.

Would all eligible products using those photographs require Force Replace to be enabled now?

[Scott]

There's more than 100 posts in this conversation, and in order for us to keep organized it would be best to avoid intentionally repeating questions. If you're interested in hearing more about a particular question or topic then add Kudos to that question. That will help show interest.

At this time, we're collecting questions and reaching out to various members of the team for answers. James H was able to answer a few questions already, but this may not always be the case. I believe the plan is to release a Q&A doc in the very near future which will help clarify topics relating to the questions and comments that have been made thus far.

[Cat]

OK guys, despite the concerns I've raised, I'm actually really excited about this. And since I just lost a sale because someone needed a seating chart ASAP, and downloads won't be available for another week, I'm now firmly in the "it can't happen soon enough" camp!

[CreativeLeahG]

Same here, and also Zazzle need to offer competing services so as not to lose sales and Designers to other sites.

[Cat]

Exactly! The customer I lost went to another site because even though she didn't like the design as much, she could get an instant download there.

[Cat]

Just lost ANOTHER sale because the option isn't available yet. I'm now thoroughly convinced that the profits will FAR outweigh any losses from abuse. BRING IT ON!!!!

[Connie]

Will Zazzle be policing the items that are offered as digital downloads? The vast majority of wedding sellers use commercially licensed graphics, which forbid digital sales. I'm sure most of the sellers who use those graphics are ethical enough not to opt-in to digital downloads, but you know there will be some people who either don't realize or don't care that they are violating their licenses. This digital download offering puts those of us who use purchased graphics at a HUGE disadvantage.

[CreativeLeahG]

I'd check your license terms and that you have bought a commercial use/extended use licence. In many cases licensed graphics when used for commercial purposes (one purchases the commercial or extended use license) have to be altered so they are not what was offered for sale originally, so NO the original art item is not being downloaded or sold as a digital item, nor is it being sold as the art only, nor sold for resale or commercial purposes. The licenses meanwhile can vary enormously across sites. Also terms are frequently updated to reflect change of consumer buying habits so check any you may have considered previously to see if they are now compatible with what you are offering. Also note that those using licensed graphics without altering them on commercial items, may already be violating their terms of use. But as stated, the licences do vary across sites.

[CrazyMermaid]

Those terms are vague at best. I am not jeopardizing my existing products by floating to close to the sun with digital downloads. I will just create new license-free products. Many, many ways to make money on Zazzle. 

[CreativeLeahG]

I'd have to know what terms and which provider you're referring to, to be able to agree or disagree, there are many. And they are by no means all the same.

[Connie]

Here are some that come to mind right off- Creative Market flat out forbids ALL POD use, whether altered or not, physical or digital. Design Cuts and The Hungry JPEG require significant modification, and even then, do not allow digital sales. Design Bundles and Creative Fabrica also require significant changes unless you buy the POD add-on, and even then, they forbid digital use.

[KeegansCreation]

There are two graphics companies, DesignBundles and CreativeFabrica which sell some clipart with POD-ready license. For a moderate upcharge, you can upgrade the regular commercial license (which requires modification) to a use-on-POD-as-is license. The caveat to this license is that the customer can't have digital access to this clipart. They can only buy it as a physical object. 

This as-is-on-POD upcharged license is a new service for both these companies, perhaps the last couple years, but I know I'm not the only one who bought some items with this specific license and then put it on cards where it is perfectly fine but only if the customer has to buy the physical card. Thus I had to opt out of this venture. Perhaps in November I'll opt in some cards made with my own or public domain vintage graphics.

[CreativeLeahG]

@CrazyMermaid @Connie 

ps. you can always message your image provider and ask them about this, in the past I have done so, and it ensures clarity and avoids misuse. Bear in mind what I said above re 'changing the image' so it is NOT what you bought. This will be a factor. Many designers mix elements from various sources to create one new 'flat' image where the original source art cannot be separated.

Also note this which may help you https://community.zazzle.com/t5/share-your-tips-tricks/how-to-avoid-your-design-being-edited-for-mul...

[CrazyMermaid]

I really do understand how to deal with licenses. What the platform says is one thing, how the artist creating the graphics understands it is another - and they are the ones who will request that Zazzle delete the product. So it isn't quite as simple as reading the License itself. 

[Connie]

Most of the sites that license graphics for POD use, specifically forbid digital sales, no matter how much you alter the graphics to make new artwork. I don't know any that do allow digital use, although I'm sure there are some out there. Even when you buy the extra POD license to use the graphics as-is, they don't allow digital downloads.

[CrazyMermaid]

This isn't their place and it's impossible. Artists sell clip art all over the place (each with its own license) and will also enter into private one on one agreements with POD designers. 

[Connie]

Yes, unfortunately it is impossible for Zazzle to keep track of it. I think this is going to be a very difficult situation for them legally- I don't know how much they can appeal to the "Safe Harbor" provisions when they opened such a wide door to copyright violations.

[James]

Hi @Connie ,

It is up to the Creator participating in Instant Downloads to ensure they have correct licenses and content ownership when publishing their Content on the marketplace. If you want to take full advantage of the Instant Downloads offering, we recommend either editing your design with content that is licensed for downloads (using the Product Edit tool), or publish a new product with the same design but with correctly licensed content.

[CreativeLeahG]

I for one am VERY appreciative of this new service, and indeed requested it a month ago as I am sure many others may have done as we are inundated with download requests and I had to open a store on a competing site to accommodate a couple. Which I had really not wanted to do. This is awesome, has lots of potential and for those wary  or non keen there is a rather wonderful opt out option. Maybe sit tight and see how it evolves, what the feedback is from those enrolled and reserve judgement and a decision until a later date. There is nothing to lose in doing so.

[albamarie]

I, like you Leah, am also very appreciative of this opportunity. We have to adjust to market demands (I get a lot of requests for downloads and have also had to open a digital download shop elsewhere). There is, certainly, the possibility of stealing amd abuse, but I think we need to give Zazzle a chance before shooting this idea down from the get-go. I love that Zazzle continually seeks to evolve. Best platform ever. Every day I thank God that Zazzle exists!

[CreativeLeahG]

The more people that opt out the more opportunity for the rest of us to cash in, I don't know why I am trying so hard to help others see the potential. I shall quit here. Let's make some money!

[albamarie]

Very true Leah! I think you are trying hard to convince people because you have a generous spirit. Unfortunately, some people view things negatively when it involves change, but that is a natural part of life. Wishing you much continued success!

[CreativeLeahG]

For those who haven't seen it already

https://community.zazzle.com/t5/share-your-tips-tricks/how-to-avoid-your-design-being-edited-for-mul...

How to avoid your designs being used for alternative products or across other sites.

[CrazyMermaid]

Does the Personal Use Licesense allow customers to hide, unlock or ungroup layers? I just tried to do this on another Zazzler's work and was not able to. However, I don't have a "personal use license" for that product so I don't know what would happen if I did.

[Cat]

They've said that for the customer it works just like it does with physical products, so I'd sincerely doubt that they can do more in the design tool than they could for a physical product.

[CrazyMermaid]

Just making sure. I have completed my store for downloads and have started creating products for it. I am doing everything I can to limit the customer to the use for that specific design and to them - no sharing with cousin Velma in California. Ironically, my previous philosophy has been to give them the customer as much flexibility as possible.

[Cat]

My thinking wavers back and forth on this topic. Part of me has the "prevent all abuse" mindset, and the other part of me has the "the profits made by allowing the use will more than make up for any abuse" mindset. I'm leaning toward the latter at the moment.

While abuse may be frustrating, I'm not convinced that preventing it will actually earn me any more money - like those who would abuse it probably wouldn't pay for the legitimate use anyhow. But also partially because the work involved in redesigning things so they're protected seems a tad bit overwhelming to me!

[CrazyMermaid]

There is really no work in changing the phrase from Bridal Shower to Baby Shower. Then relocking the layer and making it always visible. 5-minute change and send them the new link. You have no idea how many people are abusing this to start with. I have no faith the download license will stop anyone from doing anything. By the time Zazzle identifies some thieves, some of us will already have lost the money from those designs.  Locking the template is the only protection we have. 

[James]

Hi @CrazyMermaid ,

Point of clarification -  When a customer purchases an Instant Download, they receive a Download License – not a Personal Use License – to your design for their own personal use. Secondly, we are not intentionally locking or hiding layers once the Instant Download has been purchased by the customer. Hiding, unlocking, and ungrouping layers is entirely based on the Creator’s preference and how you setup the design.

Thank you.

[Cat]

Will customer designs be migrated to the new download option as well? I've had several customers contact me in the past few days who want to purchase a digital download of their orders. So, will they need to transfer their existing design to a new invitation in order for it to be available, or will it migrate along with the template? I hope that makes sense!

[Scott]

Hi everyone, we appreciate your interest and participation in this discussion. As conversation continues it's important to remember why we're here: to share your questions, suggestions, and feedback with Zazzle. James has been doing his best to answer questions that he's able to answer, and if you haven't received an answer yet it's probably because he's needing to find information from another member of the team.

In the interest of ensuring that the Zazzle team is able to field all incoming questions I've moved some conversation (invitation orders in qty: 1) into its own discussion, and I've removed some posts that delve too deeply into content theft. We understand that these topics are important to our Creator community, but this discussion is probably not the best place for them.

If you haven't had the opportunity to reach out with your feedback please feel free to do so!

[Claire]

Is the personal use for digital downloads license that a customer will see the entire User Agreement? On the opt-in/opt-out section of my advanced store settings, there's a link to the Download License, but it goes to the massive User Agreement. I had to search "download" to find the pertinent section.

It reads: "...your new digital Content will be made available to Customers to purchase and download for personal use under the Download License."

[Cat]

Agreed. A simplified version of the license needs to be readily visible to the customer because NOBODY is gonna plow through that entire user agreement to try to figure it out.

[Melissa_Patton]

Is it possible that when a customer selects a digital download from the product page, that area actually says “This download is for Personal Use Only. Read the download agreement here (with a link)”? Then that download agreement page has a bullet point, plain language summary of the terms, followed by the formal legal language agreement?

[LMGildersleeve]

AS well as use this verbiage "When a customer purchases an Instant Download, they receive a Download License – not a Personal Use License"

[ThankYouAlways]

Zazzle stated - As a Zazzle Creator, you have the opportunity to sell: (a) physical products, and (b) physical and Instant Downloads. We may consider the possibility of allowing Creators sell stand-alone Instant Downloads available at some point in the future.

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Does this mean if the Beta Test goes well Zazzle will consider stand-alone Instant Downloads? If this is correct would there be a separate section on the site with various categories to cover subjects for example: business, home/lifestyle (floral, etc) ..... or a separate web site? I know it's still early in the project but it would be good to get a general idea of future plans, thanks.

[Cat]

Thank you for pointing this out! I somehow missed the fact that it was only available to customers who also purchased the physical product. That changes my thinking a bit. Hmmm.....