Minimum Prizes for Design Contests

[will7]

OK, I have a suggestion for Namepros Recently, I have noticed (and so have others) that there are an increasing amount with, quite frankly, ridiculously low prizes. I have seen ones with $5, $7 and 50NP$ prizes, honestly, it is just not worth the designer's hard work.

My suggestion, is for a system, like Sitepoint operates, whereby there is a minimum cash prize for design contests. I feel it would make it much more worth the time and effort it takes to make a good logo and also would give the contest holder a lot more quality results.

It could go like:

Banner Design: Min. $35
Logo Design: Min. $50
Non-Coded Template: $75
Fully-Coded Template: $110

There are probably other categories that you could split it into as well, but that's for the admins to decide

Well, I'm just wondering if anyone is thinking the way that I am, maybe it is me just being greedy, but I just don't feel that designer get the monetary credit they deserve

Thanks,

Will.

 

[Sabre]

Ive held a contest for $5, and $10 banners before, and everyone seemed happy with what they got IMO.

However 50NP$ IS too low, $5 was a bare minimum, and normally, i wouldve offered $10 or more, but i was tight for cash at the time.....

 

[jeter4982]

I disagree Will...I agree that those prices are too low, but if people are willing to submit work for that price, then let them. The simple decision for the designer to make, is just not to enter a competition for a low priced prize. I have run contests for a 400 NP $ logo, which is app. $6.40, and have had a ton of entries in the contest, and the winner was happy with his prize.

Tom

 

[Stephen]

I would say that there shouldn't be a set amount for prizes.

It's really up to what the person whom is running the contest, can afford.

It's not as if he/she is forcing the designers to make the banner/logo or whatnot.

If they believe that the prize isn't enough, they simply do not have to participate.

Stephen

 

[will7]

Well, seems I'm out-numbered here

 

[PolurNET]

I also don't think minimums are necessary.

An escrow system is a way better idea to implement however

 

[True_Snake]

I also don't think minimums are necessary.

An escrow system is a way better idea to implement however

:bingo:

I think minimum prizes aren't really necessary. As a designer I have a choice not to enter a small-prize contest. I see the point that low prizes bring down "demand" for designers because there are people willing to do it for less.

My opinion :gl: .


True_Snake

 

[Premium]

I think people should just be reasonable and a banner/logo should never be done under $15, maybe a banner for $10-12 but be reasonable. Designers work around the clock and deserved to be paid a good amount for their work :tu:

Take a look at Will7's website in his sig, that is professional logos there and to make those it takes hours of work so therefore he should get a decent amount of money for them.

 

[dgaussin]

I also don't think minimums are necessary.

An escrow system is a way better idea to implement however

Exactly what I think...

 

[RJ]

It's been suggested before, and we do have a current staffer thread discussing it.

Yes, of course designers have free will to decide what contests they will participate in, but I have noticed that offers with very low prices are still getting a fair number of entries. This could lower the overall standard of the design contest area and that would not be good for anyone.

• Contest posters who run lower value contests which will receive lower quality entries because professional designers choose not to participate.
• Potential contest posters will see the sub-standard entires in these threads and think twice about risking a larger prize lest they end up with similar quality entries.
• Other potential contest starters may see that the average rate is pretty low and price their own contests similarly.
• As a result, professional designers have no good offers to stick around for and move on to other venues.

There will always be designers that are willing to sell themselves short. Although my Libertarian views say the market will take care of itself, but I'm not 100% convinced that it would here. As I bulleted above, the market may determine that low-price/low-quality contests are what are most popular. A single contest thread can involve dozens of uncompensated manhours by designers, so IMHO its only right that at least the winning entry be rewarded fairly.

I am in favor of putting a minimum prize on contests, if even just a small one to eliminate the ridiculously low offers. Buyers with small budgets can always use the NP$ Sales forum to make offers for design work. Another idea is having recommended price range for contest posters would help put things in the right perspective. The recommended range can be used with or without having a minimum price.

As always, I am interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas on this. We'll continue to discuss this between staff as well.

RJ

 

[chelsea]

I understand your point of view, -RJ-, but still disagree as it is solely up to any designer if he/she wants to enter in any contests.

If I -as a buyer- can´t afford reasonably priced quality work I will have to look for an alternative. So a contest is a good idea, because the designers who are willing to work for little money can take part and me - the buyer - will get what I want.

Surely a designer who normally charges (example) $50 for a piece of work will not take part in any contest that rewards the winner with $5...but if he/she does, they must have had a reason to do so ( and it can´t be the money ).

 

[GJ]

I think that Will is right but everyone has a good point.
There are alot of contests for everyone to take part in if they think the price is good but some are asking for way to much.
The prices that Will quoted were far to high and would put off people from starting the contests, I think $10 for a banner and $15 for a logo would be fine.

 

[Sabre]

Buyers with small budgets can always use the NP$ Sales forum to make offers for design work.

I like that idea... :blink:

 

[will7]

When I think about it, maybe RJ was right, perhaps it would be better to have a recommendation of the best price brackets ...

 

[jeter4982]

While I definitely see RJ's point about setting a standard of low quality work, I still don't think there should be a minimum. I think a price suggestion bracket would be great as Will said. In any matter though, I don't think there should be a minimum for NP $ sales. Perhaps having two subforums in that Design Contest thread, one being for the higher end work, with a minimum price, and one being any price. This way the standard would stay high for work, yet people could also get lesser quality work for cheap.

Tom

 

[True_Snake]

Well, -RJ- does have some good points :tu: !

I wouldn't mind a "suggested prices" recommendation in the Designs Forum. That would, I agree, put things into prespective, and would maybe "level" the prices to an extent. It wouldn't stop people from making low-paying contests, but it would cut down on them, IMHO :] !


True_Snake