Reasons for closing my Redbubble store
Three days ago, I wrote about my unsuccessful journey in print on demand.
Well—now things are worse, and I’m stunned.
I believe this is a sign for me to close my Redbubble store.
In shock
Yesterday, I got an email from Redbubble notifying me they have removed one of my designs because of a complaint.
First, I didn’t realize that you could trademark common phrases.
Second, I didn’t even use the same phrase.
Screenshot by author
Not the same
See? Not the same phrase.
Plus, I used a semicolon in place of the “i” in Liar. (It’s hard to see in this picture.)
People who suffer from anxiety and depression use the semicolon as a symbol, and I thought that would be cool on a T-shirt.
This is a completely original design, so I am confused.
I don’t need this stress anymore. Nope. Not worth it. Not for a possible $3.23 commission on a T-shirt or $0.72 on a sticker.
This isn’t even one of my better designs, so pull it. I don’t care. But don’t question my integrity. I did nothing on purpose.
So, why am I closing my store?
Redbubble is FULL of trademark infringement.
Search for Disney, Marvel, or any popular franchise and see what you find. Go ahead. I’ll wait.
See what I mean?
Look, I get it. Someone with a similar trademark complained, and they removed my design because they don’t want any trouble. Fine. I get it.
But they let thousands of infringements ride and do NOTHING about them. That’s not okay. I worked my tail off for $45 this year. I do my best to play by the rules, and THIS is what I get for my trouble?
Sometimes wisdom is knowing when to quit.
They said what?
What’s worse is that other artists make excuses for these platforms.
I’m in a Facebook group for online creators. All I hear there is how we should be grateful to have a place to sell our work.
They also point out these platforms can do whatever they want because it is their platform and we have no say so.
Well, they aren’t wrong.
The gurus who run these groups say these sites can put our work on sale and not give artists any commission if they don’t want to.
Well, they can if we let them.
So what’s the answer? I know, I know! Sign up for this new design software so you can get more sales! (Shiny new thing syndrome.)
They wore Canva out, so now they are pushing Kittl. They just happen to have an affiliate link.
Of course they do. I see what’s happening here.
Time to leave
I finally met the $20 threshold to get a payout in December. And it only took me 4 months to get there!
Once I get my $20.89, I’m closing my store.
And to make certain I don’t get further in the hole, I’ve raised my margins to 100% so I won’t get anymore sales until I can close up.
Redbubble is a scam, y’all. Please don’t waste your time because they aren’t worth your time. I’ve been doing this for almost 2 years now, so I know.
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