[Announcement] Patreon Billing Style Change
Added 2024-08-12 18:59:40 +0000 UTCSo, I'm sure many of you have seen the news by now; over the course of the next year or so, Patreon is nuking the "per-creation" billing structure and switching to monthly subscription exclusively. Every creator is different about handling this, so I'll try my best to keep it short and easy to read for you guys on what's going on here for my page:
WHY THE CHANGE?
Basically, Apple demands that Patreon change to adhere to their subscription policy or they remove the app from the iOS app store. On top of that, transactions set up through Apple are subjected to a whopping 30% fee on top of their subscription (so please avoid them by subscribing through android or web only!).
WHAT'S GOING TO CHANGE?
To the best of my ability, nothing for you should change. I have consistently produced 3 main comic pages per month for several years now, and have every intent to continue doing so. However, I am completely at your mercy as far as adapting to the structural change and keeping your subscription.
This example Patreon provided is actually perfectly accurate to my situation and should illustrate what'll happen on your end:
I will be sure to announce once Patreon shifts me over. The tiers will adapt and your payment schedule will just move a little, but not the price.
WHEN IS THIS CHANGE HAPPENING?
"Apple is requiring that Patreon use their in-app purchasing system and remove all other billing systems from the Patreon iOS app by November 2024. This means that starting in November, new memberships purchased in the iOS app will be subject to Apple's 30% App Store fee."
"So, starting in November, your fans in the iOS app won't be able to purchase subscriptions to your membership until you switch to subscription billing. And, as a result of Apple's mandates and in order to make sure that you can continue getting new members in the iOS app, we've started a 16-month-long migration process to bring all creators onto subscription billing by November 2025. This means that your current billing model will be discontinued in November 2025."
Due to the inevitability of this change, I will begin to get the ball rolling ASAP. It's likely going to take a few weeks/months before it's done, due to Patreon being swamped with creators needing to migrate.
PERSONAL NOTE
From the beginning of my Patreon page in 2015, I've always been on "per creation" as a promise to all of you to earn every cent of your support fair and square. This change is pretty scary for me, as I am afraid that iOS users or those who do not like or trust monthly subs will pull their support and the comics are no longer sustainable for me to survive on.
With Patreon's 10% cut, and taxes depending on state/federal is around 25%, I am already only taking home about 65% of what I earn on here. Add another 30% from Apple fees if I chose to absorb it instead of Apple upcharging, and a portion of the support I earn would be only 35%. I... I can't do that, guys. That's devastating. Avoid using Apple in-app purchases like the plague and we can both avoid this. I genuinely hope this is only a tiny percentage of you and that most of you are unaffected by this.
I am incredibly anxious about how severely this is going to affect my ability to pay my basic living expenses. All I can do is hope that you guys are still willing to stay after the switch inevitably happens. As long as I am not forced to take on additional work outside of this platform, I promise to keep working as hard and consistently as I have for you all these years. I know this was a downer and boring read, so thank you so much for taking the time to look this over ❤️
RESOURCES/MORE INFO
Youtube Explanation via Patreon
Comments
Thank you so much! And this goes for everyone- your pledge is deeply appreciated, but please know I will ALWAYS support you taking care of yourself first and placing yourself in whatever financial position is most comfortable for you! No matter how little or how much, the fact that you made the decision to contribute at all speaks volumes of your character and I couldn't be more grateful.
Jackaloo
2024-08-13 17:10:41 +0000 UTCI'm staying no matter what!
hunkyhusky
2024-08-13 15:17:27 +0000 UTCThis is such a blow to creators and patrons as a whole, but I’ve been subscribed for years and don’t plan to change that! I may have to bump down my pledge because I’m in a bit of a tricky spot financially but I can assure you that your art is well worth it! If I do change that pledge I’ll absolutely be doing it through the website instead. Since I subscribed through the app (that I’m aware of, again it’s been years) I’ll keep an eye on things
Milo Smith
2024-08-13 01:38:01 +0000 UTCAlready uninstalled from my iPad and iPhone. I'll just use a Chrome bookmark on my iToys now. Stupid move on Apple's part. Way too full of themselves! If people stop using their apps, the apps will all move to Android. Without good apps they'll lose the hardware market in a few years. I was seriously considering $1000 in iToy upgrades, but nah.... I can wait. I'm not into rewarding rich assholes. (won't be buying another Tesla either) Don't worry about the fee structure. Your work is great and you are very much on the dependable end of the Furry Artist spectrum. I'm not going anywhere.
OR-69
2024-08-13 01:12:30 +0000 UTCI can tell you that all my subscriptions originated here. I do not own any Apple products, use none of their products, and will not use their services. Thanks for the heads-up. I hope that subscribers read this, read between the lines, and cancel what they have done through Apple and do it directly here by downloading the app from google.
sunkawakan
2024-08-12 23:52:06 +0000 UTCI’m In! I think your work is amazing and I’m more than happy to support you via the subscription model. Keep up the fight and don’t worry more than think got your back.
Rianwest
2024-08-12 22:49:42 +0000 UTCAs if Apple needs more money smh. I’m still with you no matter what! ❤️ Also good thing you mentioned this, might have to change some other subscriptions. I think I’ve mostly subbed through desktop, but imma check on that. Regardless, I believe things’ll work out in the end. Just know you have many people who love you and’ll be there for you no matter what. ☺️❤️
YrevaWolf
2024-08-12 22:35:54 +0000 UTCI really can't thank you enough, it's folks like you who literally save lives and allow small businesses and independent artists to still exist in our harsh capitalistic environment ❤️
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 22:20:56 +0000 UTCThank you so much for the reassurance! It's been getting harder and harder for independent artists to function due to corporate greed and monopolization. Thank you for standing with us ❤️
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 22:19:40 +0000 UTCThanks that makes more sense thank you
Ryan the bork
2024-08-12 22:18:51 +0000 UTCI just looked it up and wow, the Newtons are from the 90's! That's amazing 😂 and thank you so much for still being here, really appreciate you~
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 22:18:25 +0000 UTCYeah you're a real long-haul Lucian! I'll always deeply appreciate that and thank you for the reassurance that you're not put off by the forced changes~
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 22:17:10 +0000 UTCNo worries at all, I know it's ridiculously confusing! Since you've ONLY been using the web, you're totally fine and won't be affected by Apple's extra charge. The only change you'll see in the future is instead of a trickle of charges ($1 for every comic page 3 times per month), you'll just see it charge you ONCE per month of $3 and get the same amount of comic pages. I hope that helps! Let me know if you want me to explain further, I'm happy to.
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 22:16:31 +0000 UTCUsing your example, yes, $5 per comic page adds up to being $15 per month. Basically instead of charging $5 per 3 comic pages I do every month, it's just gonna charge the lump sum of the entire month in one payment of $15 (while I still post 3 pages per month like usual). Let me know if you'd like further clarification! I know it's a little weird and confusing so thanks for bearing with me.
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 22:13:00 +0000 UTCI will continue to support you via subscription. I hope everyone else does too! good luck
Grey Lathrop
2024-08-12 21:52:34 +0000 UTCI love your content and would happily pay for any increase if there is any! Your an incredibly talented artist and hate to see when artists like yourself get the shaft by big corporations 😤 just so they can make a few extra bucks. If it wasn't for artists like you they wouldn't have any income in the first place.
Mike Clark
2024-08-12 21:33:48 +0000 UTC1) I will continue supporting you regardless of the change, and 2) Apple can eat 💩. I don't own any of their products. Last Apple thing I bought was a "Newton" if that tells you anything.
Daddy Bearcat
2024-08-12 20:50:14 +0000 UTCMy support is staying with you regardless. You've been such an inspiration since my discovery of your work and subsequently the fandom. Even if it's support through a different platform altogether, I won't be leaving 👍
Lucian Greywolf
2024-08-12 20:11:56 +0000 UTCI hope I’m understanding this correctly, I’m not to good with technology, I’ve been a patron for you since 2019, I don’t use it, the patron app, just on the web idk if that matters, sorry I’m so lost
Dustin Money
2024-08-12 20:05:53 +0000 UTCI am a little confused dose this mean that we will just be going form a per to monthly type of things say if I was paying $5 a per piece would it swap to $5 per month or will it increase to $15 for an avarge or 3 per month? if so do you know how much it will be changing?
Ryan the bork
2024-08-12 19:46:58 +0000 UTCI believe so! Try using your web browser from your phone instead of directly through the app.
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 19:29:22 +0000 UTCOOF thank you for the additional comment! I didn't know that part either 😭
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 19:28:47 +0000 UTCIsn't it possible to pay on patreon without going through Apple even if you use the iOS App?
LauchInterceptor
2024-08-12 19:28:21 +0000 UTCim pretty sure android does the same for fees. no one should use app store stuff if they dont have to. twitch is the same. both google/apple take 30%, the bezos 50% before it goes anywhere, so the creator is left with scraps.
tegirvaru
2024-08-12 19:25:22 +0000 UTCIf I need to, I’ll just resubscribe on my laptop. Apple can kick rocks for this.
Grey Archer
2024-08-12 19:25:20 +0000 UTCOh yeah, every time one of my fellow creators gets the boot, I feel awful for them and fearful for myself. I mirror-post to SubscribeStar, but it has very little engagement, as most folks seem to prefer to remain on here, so I'm gonna do my best to sustain this platform as long as it'll have me!
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 19:25:04 +0000 UTCWow, thank you so much for taking the time to write something so kind and reassuring! You guys really fuel the fire and I never wanna stop because I truly love what I do and sharing with you all ❤️
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 19:23:41 +0000 UTCThanks for the PSA. Changes all over...I have some creators who had their accounts suspended and under review by Patreon :( I think it's time to weigh our options, it will only get more difficult for creators to express themselves.
Dissonance
2024-08-12 19:22:38 +0000 UTCAlso thank you so much for your continued support, it means the world to me and my hope is that I won't have to give any warning that I am falling into the red!
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 19:22:33 +0000 UTCBecause of this portion of the email, "starting in November, your fans in the iOS app won't be able to purchase subscriptions to your membership until you switch to subscription billing.", I'm guessing you may possibly go into a lock-out period if they can't make the switch for me on time (which would not be your fault!). However, perhaps this ONLY applies to new members and your payment plan will continue. I'm so sorry how confusing this sounds, I'm still trying to review everything myself 💀 (if somebody knows better than me, please chime in and correct me!)
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 19:19:33 +0000 UTCIf I ever need to, I’ll be more than happy to increase my subscription. Just to make sure I’m understanding, I don’t need to change anything on my end, correct? I subscribed through the app when I first started, but the rest has been an automatic renewal process. Will Apple take their cut if it remains this way?
Grey Archer
2024-08-12 19:15:00 +0000 UTCYou know... I'm in the fortunate position that I would continue to support you even if you didn't post any artwork! ^^ I want to support you and the stuff you love. This is the work you chose and do great stuff! Even if your schedule or health would not allow you to create a lot of art... I know that you will never stop. So... I won't stop supporting you either. Take care of yourself!!! :-)
Reptile Cynrik
2024-08-12 19:14:27 +0000 UTCAhh, how did I not know this? 😅 I'm surprised to hear that it's so dead over there.
Shad
2024-08-12 19:13:43 +0000 UTCThat's a good point! I really hope that the change is much more subtle and comfortable than my fears are telling me 😅
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 19:13:25 +0000 UTCOne thing you might be overlooking is that not all of your patrons have been paying the 3 pages per month price, because with per-post pricing you could limit how many times you pay when you sign up. An unknown quantity of people will possibly be upping their pledge by 100 or even 200% just to stay at the tier they're already at, so your overall payout might actually go up.
Damie♥
2024-08-12 19:11:41 +0000 UTCI mirror-post on SS! It's just a ghost town over there, is all. The highest bulk of readers still live on here. But anyone is welcome to make the switch if they want, I'll understand ❤️ https://subscribestar.adult/jackaloo
Jackaloo
2024-08-12 19:11:31 +0000 UTCYou have probably heard this from others, but have you considered transitioning to SubscribeStar? A few of the artists I follow here have done so over the past year and have all been happier with the reduced oversight and demands placed on them by SS. Either way, I will absolutely continue to support your endeavors and hope that your bottom line won't be hugely impacted.
Shad
2024-08-12 19:09:42 +0000 UTCThanks for bringing light to this, now I may have to unsubsidized to a couple patreons
Blueberry
2024-08-12 19:06:57 +0000 UTCDon’t worry. As stupid as these decisions from Apple are, it’s not going to change my support of you. I will happily pay the per month fee, and I don’t think anyone will be bothered by that. As for the 30% thing, definitely use the Patreon feature that charges more on Apple. People will get on desktop or on the website to sign up rather than just using the app. I don’t think there will be much of any change of support. We have your back, Jackaloo!
Ollie
2024-08-12 19:06:08 +0000 UTC♥️
AkiDave
2024-08-12 19:05:01 +0000 UTC
