Seeker FAQs

1. Do I have to pay to join FocalPop? No. FocalPop membership is free. We are paid when a Photo Request is completed, because we keep a percentage of the amount the Seeker pays.
2. How do I request an image? On any page within the FocalPop site, click on the pink “Create a Request” button in the top navigation. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to sign in or register. The Create a Request process will guide you through all of the information needed in order to post your Request.
3. How do I know how much to pay for the image I request? The Suggested Pricing Model will suggest a price for your Request, based on the details you provided (rights requested, due date, etc.) This will help you to understand how much a photographer would typically expect to receive for that Photo. This helps you to avoid overpaying for the Photo or under pricing and potentially getting low response.
4. Why do I have to provide so much information for my Photo Request? We highly recommend that you provide as much detail as possible with your Photo Request to ensure that photographers are best prepared to provide the exact photo you need. Think of it as the direction you would provide a photographer on a commission shoot.
5. Why do I have to provide a deposit before I can submit a Photo Request? We take a deposit of 25% at the time a Request is created in order to protect the photographers. We want to ensure no one requests photos that they don't actually intend to purchase.
   
   However, if your Request receives less than 15 submissions and you are not happy with the results, we will gladly refund the 25% deposit – no questions asked.
6. How will Photographers see my Request? Photographers can see your Request when they browse FocalPop.com, but might also sign up for Request Notification emails.
7. Can I ensure that my company name (or other Request details) is kept private? For now, the company name and Request details are available for anyone to see. In the future, we will provide more options for making company information, Request details, Submissions, etc. private.
8. Can I communicate with Photographers during the request process? Photographers will be able to post public comments to your Request and may choose to ask you questions or request clarification in the forum. We will notify you when you Request has received a comment so that you can choose to reply.
9. How soon can I select a winner? You can select a winner immediately after the Request deadline has expired. The deadline is set by you at the time of the Request, but we recommend allowing the Photographers at least one week, if possible. After the deadline expiration, you have two weeks to select a photo. If no photo is selected after the two week selection period has passed, FocalPop will select a winner and complete the transaction at that time.
10. How do I collect the file once I have selected a winner? After the deadline has passed, you have selected the winner, and you have paid for the photo, we will provide a link to the file you selected.