Sta.sh
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Username: ~TJK-PWN1
Took a peek at DA's new commission widget. Right idea, wrong execution IMO.
I'd much rather be able to accept actual money than DA's faulty and cumbersome point system, and the fact DA takes a "cut" of the commission money just for using the app is a really shitty move.
For example a $30 commission = 3000 points, but I would only get 2400 points or $24 according to the widget. That means DA is taking about a 20% cut of your earnings, which is bullshit. Also, the app only goes up to a maximum of 4000 points. So people who charge more than $40 can't use the app.
I'm probably not even doing the math correctly, it just seems overly laborious and frustratingly convoluted. I'm all for an app that makes taking commissions easier, and honestly 10 years was a LONG way to wait for such an app to finally be implemented.. It just needs refining.
It just makes more work for the consumers to force them to put down money to buy points (which DA takes a percentage of), only to allow them to pay for a commission from an artist where the artist loses a percentage (thanks again DA). People shouldn't have to pay for points and should be able to just pay the artist directly through paypal or however they want to be paid by a simple drop-down menu option. And if DA wants a cut for us using their app, it should be far less than 20%.
Apps like this are supposed to make the work load easier, and while it does make it somewhat lighter for the artist, it makes it more cumbersome for the potential clients. Like I said already, I like the idea but hate the implementation thus far. I'm sure it'll improve as time goes on, but for the moment it just seems kinda broken. 2 steps forward 1 step back.
IMO the only justifiable way to charge the artist 20% for their commission is if they aren't already paying a subscription fee. That way more people will want to buy the subscription service, the app is now free, DA still makes tons of money, while the artist and commissioner don't get screwed out of money. Everyone wins.
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You know what would be a fun little app that would be extraordinarily beneficial? An app that displays art from the galleries of users who recently visited the page. Kinda like the "favorites" app but one which shows other artist's work you probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. While not beneficial for everyone, for someone like me it would be very helpful because my page sees a lot of traffic and being able to display people's art just because they visited me right on my page would really help them get more views and attention. I dunno, just a thought...
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I probably wouldn't have better ideas to offer, though. But allowing to pay in REAL money would already be better. (And I like the idea of taking a commission only if the artist isn't already paying for a subscription.)
I mean, if I want 100 points for commish, will I get 100 or 80?
While 4000 points converts to $40, in order to buy 4000 points you have to give DA $50.
So a 4000 point commission costs $50 in realworld currency, but only earns you a max of $32.
That's an $18 dollar difference on $50, or basically DA is taking 36% of all money that goes into the commission system
(or charging a 56% fee if you are looking at the final dollar amount instead of the starting amount)
And that's a ripoff.
That's over 10x what Paypal charges. (Paypal's current highest US rate is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
So, needless to say, I won't be using the DA commission widget.
I see your point with the app and have to agree, your points sound valid, a direct link to Paypal would be adviseable.
Cheers