Understanding Commission Prices for Artists on Redbubble and Society6

Artists on both Redbubble and Society6 can now set their own artist margin, a development that allows them to have more control over their earnings. This flexibility is particularly notable given the industry standard for markup across print-on-demand (PoD) platforms, which is around 10%, with even lower figures for wholesale licensing deals. This article delves into the intricacies of commission structures on these platforms, the importance of markup, and the strategies artists can employ to maximize their earnings.

The Basics of Commission Structures on Redbubble and Society6

The commission structure on these platforms is based on the sale price, taking into account the base price and the artist markup to determine the retail price. The equation is straightforward: Base price artist markup retail price. Understanding this equation is crucial for artists looking to optimize their earnings.

Industry Standards and Recent Changes

Historically, the industry standard for markup across PoD platforms is around 10%. However, this standard seems to be evolving, as both Redbubble and Society6 now allow artists to set their own margins. This shift reflects the growing demand for flexibility and control in the creative industry. Redbubble and Society6's decision to introduce this feature is indeed a significant move that empowers artists to tailor their pricing strategies to better suit their needs.

Setting Your Own Margin: The Key to Success

While the ability to set your own margin is a powerful tool, artists must be mindful of how this decision impacts their sales. Increasing your margin too high can make your designs less attractive to potential buyers, especially if they perceive your products as being more expensive than others in the same category. However, setting a competitive margin can still be beneficial, as it allows for higher earnings per sale. The key is finding the right balance.

Real-World Examples

Based on my personal experience with both Redbubble and Society6, a markup of 20% has proven to be a good starting point for most products. However, there are two exceptions where higher margins have been effective:

Stickers on Redbubble: The margin for stickers was increased to 50% on Redbubble due to a special deal where buying 10 stickers results in a 50% discount on the total price. This unique pricing structure allows artists to sell stickers at a lower base price, effectively making a higher percentage as a markup. Art Prints on Society6: On Society6, the margin for art prints was set at 30%. This was due to the fact that art prints were the only products where artists could set their prices when I started selling on the platform in 2017. The prices I set at that time translated into a 30% margin, and these prints remain one of Society6's biggest strengths. Therefore, leaving the margin unchanged aligns with the platform's strategy for these products.

Implications for Future Success

Regardless of the margin you set, it's important to focus on increasing your sales volume over time. Consistent sales are more valuable than a single, high-margin sale. It typically takes around 6 months on average to achieve that first sale. After that, regular product promotion and engagement with your audience can significantly enhance your sales performance.

Conclusion

The ability to set your own artist margin on Redbubble and Society6 offers a valuable opportunity for artists to optimize their earnings. By understanding the industry standards, the impact of markup on sales, and by consistently promoting and engaging with your audience, you can maximize your potential earnings on these platforms. Whether it's setting a 20% margin for most products or employing special deals to boost sales, the key is to find the right balance that works best for you.