Phasing out Free Subscription option

[iCraft Admin]

Hello iCrafters,

We are starting to roll out changes to our Pricing system.
As of today, there is no more Free Subscription option for new members.
However, for the existing members who are currently on the Free Subscription, we gave almost 6 months for them to decide on the paid subscription package - until December 1st.
We’ll keep you posted on the additional changes to our pricing soon. Thanks!

[iCraft Admin]

This is just a reminder for members who are currently on "5 Free" Subscription Plan. We are not going to have this plan in December. So please make a decision on what you'd like to do with your store at the end of November, in order for your store to function properly after December 1st.

[Beajoux]

Hello!

Can you please clarify what our options will be once the free subscription ends? I've been following the thread about neglected shops, but I'm a bit confused by the last post:

Recently, we've been leaning more towards this idea of introducing an alternative "Commission-based" system, while still keeping our existing subscription-based payment model. ...

We are certainly not going to go the Etsy way and charge people for re-listing items to increase our profits. But we were thinking maybe by offering options - either fixed monthly payment or commission on sale - sellers would get a chance to pick the best option for their business, and everyone would be happy?    Any thoughts on this?

I'm just not clear on if the subscription plan is continuing or not...or will there be an option for commission only?

Thanks,
Ainsley

[iCraft Admin]

We are thinking of offering both options - subscription plans and commission-based system, so you could choose to pay either fixed amount per month, as we have it now, or a % on sale.

[Fairy Cardmaker]

Choice is good!

[Beajoux]

Great, thanks! So when should we be seeing these options in our account page?

[iCraft Admin]

We are aiming for Dec 1st, when Free Subscriptions expire. But it's a big update, affecting many pages on the site and will require quite a bit of testing too. So I can't guarantee that we'll finish all this work by Dec 1st.

[Beajoux]

Okay. So what will happen to shops on the free subscription plan on Dec. 1 if the options aren't ready yet?

[iCraft Admin]

Hi Beajoux,

You can choose one of our subscription plans that start at $5.00 per month. Or you can keep your items on hold until we roll out alternative payment system.

We've been supporting free shops for over 4 years now and we just can't do it any longer, if we want to stay in business. We want to offer a  fair pricing system.That's why we are adding more options to make this work for everyone.

[BostonBeanies]

Honestly, as one who is dusting off their shop, I would rather pay a listing fee, or pay a fee per sale than a monthly.  I already paid to join.  I would really like to see how my patterns sell here first before I commit to a monthly fee.

[MaelinDesigns]

I don't mind paying a 5% commission on each sale, truth be told.  I'm just not able to do a monthly fee or fee per listing at this time.

A 5% commission isn't too much to ask, especially if we're able to keep more than 5 items in our shops.  I think a 25 item max would be more than acceptable.

Perhaps if vendors are encouraged to change out the items in their shops every 3-5 months, it would bring more buyers to iCraft to see what's new.  Just a thought.

I'm hoping that the new subscription plans will give us a choice.  I'd really like to stay on here, and I'd be able to with the commission plan.

Thanks for listening.

Debbie Gill
MaelinDesigns

[iCraft Admin]

FYI. It doesn't look like we'll be able to roll out our new pricing model by Dec 1st, so those that have 5 free subscription plan will still be able to keep it until we do. 

[Cristopher Campbell]

I sent you in pm

[iCraft Admin]

Sorry, but I didn't get your message.
You can also email us using our contact form.

[SilverDawnJewelry]

I agree with the fee when there is a sale also. 5% is not too much, it actually falls in nicely.

I like the choice of either a monthly fee, Or a fee for each listing? I am new here of course, and have not gotten involved enough yet to know if that would work, or make things more difficult, having a choice like that available.
From a new shop perspective, it seems like this would allow people who only list a few things, to choose the listing fee...where others who have many items to list, could choose the monthly fee, which in turn guarantees a stable income for the site?

I am just thinking outloud though, and no disrespect is meant...I am sure you have been going over all of the aspects. Whatever conclusions you come to to keep the site viable, are good for me

[Dreamspirit Creations]

I am new here also. I will say that I agree with Silver Dawn. What she says makes sense and would be fair to all.

[Wired Nan Studio]

I agree. For those of us just starting out a monthly fee would be best until we see how business goes. As things ramp up then a commission  for each sale makes sense.

[iCraft Admin]

Ok, thanks for your feedback and welcome to iCraft community! 

[Unique Bundle]

I believe I have until March, for my "free" sub. to expire.  Do I need to do anything before that date?  I read the post about Dec. 1.st, and possible issues with my site being non-functional after that.  What does that mean and how will it relate to my personal shope on iCraft?

[iCraft Admin]

Hi Unique Bundle,

This doesn't affect you, as you've registered during a promotional time, so you'll just have to choose one of the paid subscriptions once your Free months expire. Here is our Pricing Policy.

[Unique Bundle]

I too am new to on-line shop/iCraft, and joined because it seemed affordable.  I had given myself 6-9 months to see how it worked for me, so if fees and/or monthly get too high, I would have to close down my shop.  I'm just getting going, took me longer than most to get up and running, and have approx. 3 more months on my plan.  I'm a bit concerned, as the structure when I joined, is what made it seem worth giving it a try.  I have had one sale only to this point, so I can't speak of numbers yet.  I just know if it changes dramatically, I will not be able to continue. 

[iCraft Admin]

Hi Unique Bundle,

We are not changing our fees. What you see on the current Pricing Policy is what will be there later. Like I said, this post doesn't apply to you, so just disregard it. Thanks!