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The only POD I ever sold on or stayed with for long was Redbubble. They’re not, IMO, what they used to be, seemingly lost in the glitches of constant, unwanted changes that they don’t fix before adding more changes. Also, if ‘community’ matters, they’ve been dismantling it piece by agonizing piece for years. No forums at all now, which is often where other tech-savvy members helped others navigate changes much more efficiently than RB support.
HA! Thanks for writing such a detailed, useful and practical guide, Cindy! I’ve quoted only your opening paragraph because you convey so much good information that I fear I’d end up quoting the whole thing otherwise.
In reading everything about these PODS that seems worthwhile, I saw an article (no longer sure where, maybe on RB’s own site) commending them for “expanding and investing in their business to such an extent.” The author made it sound like all the disruptive changes are a win-win, especially beneficial to the artists. I don’t know if it’ll shake out that way (most things don’t in business) and your own experiences prove otherwise, so… time will tell, I guess.
Point taken re. possible other causes of poorly printed images. Add to the list you provided the possibility that the purveyor of the image (not necessarily an artist or the original artist) may have submitted the image as an RGB color file, rather than CMYK whose color gamut is suited to print inks.
I’m glad to know that you’ve been relatively satisfied with product quality of late. I decided to set up an RB acct based on a couple of reviews that claimed RB’s product quality was/is superior to Zazzle’s. But later I found equally believable reviews that say RB quality is hit-or-miss at best. So I’ll take your remarks as a benchmark with the understanding that nothing’s assured.
As for ripoffs of intellectual property, I don’t know what to suggest. Copyright law only affords the artist OPPORTUNITY to sue the perpetrator, but the perpetrators are little rats who aren’t worth suing – and they know it. And if a marketplace website takes down one of their ill-gotten designs the rats just put up another. I saw an online interview with a psychologist on the subject of Narcissists. She mentioned a recent study that concluded that being an actual narcissist is a good indicator of success in what passes for “business” these days. Despite all the technological advances–and in some ways because of them–we’re living through some dark times.
As for community message boards sponsored by and maintained by the POD itself, I’m not surprised they’re letting those die off – based on the surprisingly low level of product integrity, delivery consistency and customer service dedication reported by so many customers and artists. The PODs probably would like to put an end to ALL user-to-user interaction. The facts are bad for business.
Even though that looks bleak, comparatively, I still feel RB is one of, if not the, best of the PODs. (Doesn’t say much for PODs in general!) As of my last glance at these things, artists still had more control over their prices than many other PODs. There seems to be fewer obstacles to being featured though they do tend to concentrate now on popular styles/subjects of graphic art.
Based on your final paragraph I’ll try Redbubble and think of it as my first POD. I’ve always been a fan of Down Unda. and like you, I can’t find anything consistently better in terms of both product quality and earning potential.
BTW, I’ve been learning a lot about how some/many/most(?) POD “artists” approach selling their designs/art online. Rather than follow their own creative instincts and courageously offer their honest work product for sale, these money-grubbing opertunists figure out what’s selling and then cater their “designs” to that specific trend. No creative spark. No inspiration or joy. Just pure opertunism, and THAT is what’s wrong with this picture (sez I).
Thanks for your excellent post.
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