Stockfresh Microstock Review

Today, let’s talk about the new stock agency Stockfresh if you haven’t heard of it yet. Many long-time microstock contributors remember Stockexpert with regret. It was sold to Getty Images and shut down, with only the best files moved for subscription sales on Thinkstock.

Earnings from such subscription sales are not particularly high, and if they come from a less-promoted agency, they drop even more. As a result, income previously earned on Stockexpert decreased dramatically.

This sparked backlash among contributors and prompted the creators of Stockexpert to consider launching a new agency. That’s how the new project Stockfresh was born, and here are the details.

Like many new agencies, it did not generate significant income at first. But it’s been more than two years since launch — enough time to see whether it can earn contributors money. My verdict: it can, and here’s why.

Royalties on Stockfresh

Earnings can be quite decent, as Stockfresh pays contributors from 50% to 62.5% (depending on contributor level) on credit sales and $0.35 per subscription download.

Prices depend on resolution (for photos, from 1 to 20 credits), format (all vectors sell for 10 credits), and license type (besides the standard license, there are 4 additional licenses that add to the base price, up to +50 credits).

Payouts (from $50) are processed via PayPal or Skrill.

What sells on Stockfresh?

Stockfresh sells photos, vectors, and 3D renders. Submission requirements are fairly standard.

Photo requirements:

• Minimum size 1600×1200 (about 2 MP);
• No blur or noise;
• Properly adjusted brightness, contrast, levels, and curves;
• No trademarks, logos, recognizable brands, etc.;
• Keywords may be embedded;
• Model/property releases must be attached when required.

3D graphics requirements:

• Export your work to high-quality JPG format.

Vector requirements:

• All paths must be closed, with no stray points or hidden layers/objects;
• All assets used (including brushes, patterns, sketches) must be your own;
• Attach releases when required;
• Accepted formats: EPS 8.0/EPS 10.0. Optionally include additional formats (AI, AI EPS, CDR, PSD) packed into a ZIP. Also include a high-resolution JPG. Name all files consistently, e.g., file_1.eps, file_1.zip, file_1.jpg, and submit together.
• Keywords can be embedded in the JPG.

For all files, the size must not exceed 25 MB.

How to upload to Stockfresh?

Contributors can upload via FTP for convenience, or through the browser. After uploading, import files from the My images section using the Import tab.

Then review, correct, or add title, description, and keywords. This must be done within 72 hours of import; otherwise, the files will be deleted.

Once metadata is added, files are sent to reviewers; files with embedded metadata go to review automatically after import. Approved files go on sale the next day. Rejected files can be resubmitted after fixing issues.

Overall, review standards are reasonable, and support is available if needed.

Contributor registration on Stockfresh

For those interested, here is the registration process. Note that the team behind this agency is experienced, and they typically accept contributors with experience.

However, the time spent on registration and passing the contributor exam pays off thanks to fair reviews and solid sales.

Go to the registration page and fill in the required starred fields:

*Username	Enter your nickname
*Password	Password
* Password again	Repeat password
* E-mail	Enter your email
* I agree to the terms	Check the box

After this, you’ll receive an activation link by email; follow it to become a Stockfresh user.

If you’re on Facebook, registration can be even easier — log in using your Facebook credentials on the stock site’s login page (click the link and scroll to the bottom).

Next, go to your account dashboard: MY ACCOUNT => Dashboard, and in the right column click Apply now! (see below).

Now you’re on the exam page.

Fill out the fields as follows:

First name	Given name (as in passport)
Last name	Surname
Street address	Street and house number (residence/registration)
City	City of residence/registration
State	State/region/district
Country	Select your country from the list
ZIP	Postal code
Introduction	State how many files you have ready for sale (e.g., 1,000 vectors, 3,000 photos) in English.
Website address #1/#2/#3	Provide links to your portfolios on other stocks (preferably Shutterstock, Dreamstime, or iStock). Include at least one portfolio on a well-known stock agency, otherwise your application may not be reviewed.
Sample files Full res JPG sample #1/#2/#3/#4/#5	Upload 5 exam samples: – High-resolution JPGs (even if you work with vectors, submit high-quality previews) – These files are for the exam only and won’t appear in your portfolio – Files must meet the requirements listed above.
I agree to the terms	By checking the box you agree to the contributor terms.

Click Apply now! If something is incorrect, you’ll see “Oops!” and be asked to fill out the form again.

If everything is fine, you’ll see “Success,” be prompted to return to your account dashboard, and just wait for the email confirming your contributor status.

Good luck and strong sales!

This article is available in the following categories: About Microstocks