Multiple Agencies - Same Photos

RacePhoto · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2007, 07:13 PM

Something just struck me. (not a falling object either)

Say I have a "very special" image, distinctive looking, that I want to put up on half a dozen sites. Do potential buyers have multiple accounts, so they might find it at a few places, or do the buyers generally subscribe to only one Micro site, so my target would be larger if I had the same photo on six sites.

Or might the same people see the same photo at six different sites and just pick the cheapest one, or think it was common and not something they would want because of that?

Is making the photo available on multiple sites, over saturation or the only way to go?

Someone who knows the buyers and end users, can you help me?

Editorial · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacePhoto

Something just struck me. (not a falling object either)

Say I have a "very special" image, distinctive looking, that I want to put up on half a dozen sites. Do potential buyers have multiple accounts, so they might find it at a few places, or do the buyers generally subscribe to only one Micro site, so my target would be larger if I had the same photo on six sites.

Or might the same people see the same photo at six different sites and just pick the cheapest one, or think it was common and not something they would want because of that?

Is making the photo available on multiple sites, over saturation or the only way to go?

Someone who knows the buyers and end users, can you help me?

Strange as it sounds, we typically buy from one agency only and no other. We simply don't have the requirement to download multiple images so couldn't be bothered with the sub fees on the likes of SS, or IS.

morch · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2007, 09:42 PM

The buyers i know generally have one or two sites they purchase from.

I guess it's because most sites are subscription based and most people would be throwing money away looking at more than one.

Doug

kitsen · #4 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 02:07 AM

I agree. My cousin buys from iStock and iStock only. She was even surprised the were other successful microstocks. Of course she normally buys from the big biys of stock.

RacePhoto · #5 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 03:45 AM

Sounds good. I was wondering if I'd be degrading the somewhat unique aspects of the photo, or creating a conflict.

Same issues with my real business, where I'm afraid that if I start a website with discounted prices, one of my long time industrial customers will find it and ask why I'm discounting online and selling for list when they phone or fax me. I need a broader market, but I can't afford to cheapen the perceived value.

Last race weekend was Oct. 28th. Now all I have are my two jobs and, some time for improving my photos. Live action and sports are entertaining, studio and staged shots are a whole new world, and an entirely different challenge.

thesupe87 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 04:35 AM

I agree completely. This is why exclusivity to one site is foolish, IMHO.