Are we scaring buyers away?

I was reading a discussion thread somewhere that buyers don't want vectors 'cos they don't have any vector software. So I was wondering about the little warning that appears under all our vector files:


"This is a vector illustration and requires vector editing software, such as Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, or CorelDRAW to edit this file."


Are we putting potential buyers off?


An EPS opens up perfectly happily in Photoshop (including the ancient versions I use like PS 6 / Elements 3) and rasterises to whatever size you want. An XXL jpg from a 1 credit vector? No problem. On a Mac, you can do that in the Preview app which comes as part of OS X. If you don't have a Mac or don't have Photoshop there are freeware apps that do the same in Windows. It's really simple. And free!


In fact, a vector is more editable than a photo jpg even if you don't have vector software as you can make it BIGGER! XXXL?? Cool! Do buyers know this? I don't think they do, and that warning doesn't help. I think we might be losing sales as people don't think they can use a vector in their project.


Maybe we need a how-to 'rasterize yer vector victor' artical. Just a thought.

The key word there is "edit." You need vector software to edit the file (change colors, remove/move elements. But yes, perhaps an article on using vectors with Photoshop, et al, would be a good idea

That's a good point. A lot of people probably assume "edit" and "open" mean the same thing. That would be a good tip of the week email to go out probably.

Also, if a designer is using Adobe INDesign to layout a project, a vector file can be placed in and scaled in that software too. I wonder if vector buyers know this.

"This is a vector illustration and can be used as you would use a photo. To edit a vector, it requires software such as Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, or CorelDRAW to edit this file."


any better?

This is a good suggestion. Would it get more milage in the suggestion forum? It is a good suggestion!

I think dhandord nailed it!


Much better than the language that is currently used. In hind site I can't believe this has gone overlooked for so long.

DRabPics - I did it and gave vid64 credit to for bringing it up and you credit for suggesting the Suggestion Forum.


dsafanda - thanks! - btw, I took the "to edit this file" off of my revise. It was redundant.

Really good points here - Obviously we need to make buyers aware of the editing limitations of the vector files- but I do agree that the current 'warning' puts potential buyers off.Well, actually- it puts 'non-designers' off.


From personal experience, I know there are many non-designers who would like to buy images, but are put off with what they see as techy stuff which they dont understand-


Suggestion- leave the warning as it is but add something like...' The jpeg included when you purchase this file can be opened and used in Microsoft Word, Paint, Photoshop elements, etc etc etc... just something to appeal to the non-designer punters.I think we are missing out on an untapped market-


I personally, have had three friends, in the last month , who wished to purchase images (on my recommendation) from istock, for their businesses, but looked at the site, and hadn't a clue what to do.


I know its ok for designers who are purchasing images day in day out- but there are millions out there who want images for their projects, but havent yet discovered how 'to use' istock.


Sorry for going off a bit from vid 64'soriginal points , but they've provoked lots of interesting responses, and I think a change to the 'warning' in vectors is such an easy thing to do, and could make a huge difference to future sales

I think we have to careful things don't get too wordy on the page (there is a lot of other info there too!)


Maybe a separate link on "How to use this file" would be good, At the moment the info is negative only mentioning vector editing, it would be good to expand the info (again in a separate link) explaining all the good things you can do with a vector like placing and sizing in other apps as well and other work arounds





RT

I do like the "seperate link" option. That way you can really show what can be done with vectors. Maybe a nice button that tracks attention and brings up all the juicy options what can be done with a vector file.

not that I have a lot of vectors, but for each, I include a .wmf file (microsoft clipart-type) and a link in the description to instructions on my blog. I haven't got a clue if anyone has used it though.


I do think it would be a good idea to have that separate link.

Looks like IS has recognized the problem and taken a stab at corrrecting it in the iStockphoto Tip of the Week 10.28.08. You don't suppose they read this forum do you?


They should have given a Tip of the Hat to Vid64 and the other posters in this thread, which as pinkpig said, has some really good points.

Yes, but we send a raster version of any vector uploaded... Well, maybe the tip is useful for user who buy vector files with more than one vector included, like set of icons, etc..

Yes! I just got this a little while ago. Way to go!

Wow!, Just saw the "tip of the week!" Great call, vid64 for bringing this subject to the forefront! Now if we could get a little "usage and handling vector files" link on all our illos, that would be great

I think they should add the program "Inkscape" to the list of example vector programs, for the simple reason that it's free! If people want to edit it and google for Illustrator they might be scared about the price.

What a result - that's just what we needed. Clear simple and informative. Once that's archived in the articles section I'll be linking all my vectors to it.


Nancy - Inkscape is great, especially for the price. But it has one glaring problem in this context... I can't find a way to make it open EPS files.

It doesn't?! I don't use Inkscape btw, so I wouldn't know, but I know some people here use it to make illustrations for Istock. So I guess it can create EPS files. Weird it can't open them...

I had planned on putting something about this on my buyer's blog today - can't believe the tip of the week beat me by a day . Oh well. Here it is, if you're interested.