Zazzle's Evolving Platform: A Creator's Call for Fairness
Dear Zazzle Community,
I'm compelled to voice my concerns regarding recent modifications within the Zazzle platform that profoundly affect creators. As an invested member of this community, I believe it's crucial to highlight these issues that potentially marginalize those instrumental in building this platform.
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Affiliate Landing Page Redirect
The implementation of an affiliate referral redirect has sparked distress among creators. Previously, when customers clicked an affiliate link, they were directed straight to a creator's store product page. However, the new setup redirects them to a generic "landing page" showcasing various sellers' products. This alteration significantly diminishes a Promoter 2 Program affiliates chances of converting affiliate referrals into sales.
(Details: https://community.zazzle.com/t5/general-zazzle-discussion/zazzle-formal-open-complaint-for-your-legal-department-re/m-p/118519#M15341)
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Misleading Filters
Issues have arisen concerning the functionality of Zazzle's filters. The "lowest prices" filter fails to accurately display the genuinely lowest-priced products, while the "most popular" feature seems influenced by editor's picks rather than reflecting authentic customer preferences. These misleading filters hinder customers from discovering specific products and disadvantage creators whose work doesn't receive editor's picks recognition.
(More Details: https://community.zazzle.com/t5/general-zazzle-discussion/will-zazzle-address-the-inaccuracy-of-customer-filters-which-are/m-p/66067)
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Currency Conversion Discrepancies
Creators have observed discrepancies between Zazzle's currency exchange rate and the prevailing market rate. Zazzle refuse to state what their currency conversion fees are demonstrating a lack of transparency.
(Further Insight: https://community.zazzle.com/t5/general-zazzle-discussion/zazzle-formal-open-complaint-for-your-legal-department-re/m-p/118519#M15341)
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Editors' Picks
An increasing emphasis on editors' picks is causing concern within the creator community. While promoting high-quality products is pivotal, it seems that these picks are now prioritized over essential factors like sales, marketing efforts, tags, and product descriptions. This shift potentially limits the visibility of creators' high-quality work. It has been noted some sellers have a disproportionate number of Editor's picks with one having 1000+ close to 10% of their entire inventory.
Questions have been raised on the forum as to whether the Editor's choices are 'personally affiliated' with the Zazzle/content team given they seem to dominate many niches and be the same 'featured' designers over and over.
A more transparent selection process and equitable distribution of Editor's picks is required and they need to be 'removed' from prominence in filters for 'most popular' given that is a misleading result for the general public.
(Discussion: https://community.zazzle.com/t5/general-zazzle-discussion/editors-picks-taking-priority-in-the-marketplace-in-some-case/m-p/64669/highlight/true#M8601)
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These changes suggest a disconcerting trend that not only appears unfair to creators but also jeopardizes the platform's integrity. It's imperative for Zazzle to reassess these modifications and collaborate more closely with creators to foster a fairer and more sustainable environment.
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Additionally, I propose:
Transparency: Zazzle should ensure transparent communication regarding platform alterations.
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I earnestly hope Zazzle considers these concerns earnestly and initiates measures to rectify them. Our collective dedication to nurturing an equitable and thriving community remains fundamental to the platform's success.
Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration.
Desired outcome: Zazzle respond the concerns raised