SmallBizGenius Analysis
Shutterstock receives overwhelmingly negative reviews regarding its subscription practices and customer service. Customers frequently report unexpected charges, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and misleading contract terms.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 280 recent reviews
Subscription Billing Issues
1.5/10Numerous reviewers complain about unexpected auto-renewals, hidden annual contracts, and unauthorized charges. Many report being billed for subscriptions they didn't knowingly agree to, leading to significant financial frustration and disputes.
78 reviews mention thisCancellation Difficulties & Fees
2.0/10A significant number of reviewers express extreme difficulty in canceling their Shutterstock subscriptions. Many are hit with substantial cancellation fees, even shortly after signing up or during alleged 'free trials,' making it costly to terminate the service.
65 reviews mention thisCustomer Service Problems
3.0/10Several reviewers describe poor customer service experiences, citing unhelpful or rude representatives and difficulty resolving billing disputes. Some report an inability to contact customer service at all, further exacerbating their frustration.
25 reviews mention thisMisleading Advertising
2.5/10Some reviewers claim that Shutterstock's advertising is misleading, particularly regarding 'unlimited' download plans. They report limitations on the number of downloads or restrictions on the types of content available under these plans.
10 reviews mention thisContributor Issues
3.5/10A few reviewers who are contributors to Shutterstock express dissatisfaction with low payouts and arbitrary rejection of their submissions. They feel the platform undervalues their work and makes it difficult to earn a fair income.
5 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Whilst images are good, Shutterstock traps you into 12 month plans that you cannot get out of."
"I used Shutterstock to find an image, then paid for it but couldn’t find my way back to the image. I called the company and spoke to one of their team who was very helpful and helped solve the issue."
Common Complaints
"Watch out for Shutterstock's Auto-Renew and Account Cancelation services. They are abusive, to say the least. I was charged for anual renewal plan I didn't ask for..."
"Stay away! DO NOT make a subscription. It is almost impossible to get out. Cancellation fees or cancellation processes that does not work."
"DO NOT USE SHUTTERSTOCK! They have fine print that does not allow you to cancel your plan without a hefty fee. I cancelled one day after subscribing acciddentally and they charged me $180 with no avail."
"Absolutely shocking. Got charged twice when I only followed the process for one transaction. This company are impossible to contact with zero customer services."
"They advertise an unlimited download plan on Google searches. When you visit the site it says that it's an unlimited plan with unlimited downloads. Then after X amount of downloads it says "you hav..."
Common Questions About Shutterstock
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Shutterstock legit and trustworthy?
Based on 100 reviews, Shutterstock's legitimacy is highly questionable due to widespread reports of deceptive billing practices. Many customers claim they were unknowingly enrolled in annual subscriptions with high cancellation fees. The difficulty in canceling subscriptions and the prevalence of unexpected charges raise serious concerns about the company's trustworthiness. While the service provides access to a vast library of stock images, the potential for financial traps makes it a risky choice for small businesses.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Shutterstock have good customer service?
The majority of reviews suggest that Shutterstock's customer service is poor and unhelpful. Many customers report difficulty contacting customer service representatives and resolving billing disputes. Some reviewers describe customer service interactions as rude and unhelpful, further exacerbating their frustration with the company's subscription practices. The lack of responsive and effective customer service contributes to the overall negative sentiment surrounding Shutterstock.
Based on 25 reviewsIs Shutterstock worth it for small business?
For most small businesses, Shutterstock is likely not worth the risk due to the potential for unexpected charges and difficult cancellation processes. While the platform offers a wide selection of stock images, the negative experiences reported by numerous customers outweigh the benefits. Small business owners should carefully consider the terms and conditions before subscribing and be prepared for potential billing issues and challenges when attempting to cancel their subscriptions. Exploring alternative stock photo services with more transparent pricing and customer-friendly policies may be a wiser choice.
Based on 50 reviewsWhat is Shutterstock's cancellation policy like?
Shutterstock's cancellation policy is widely criticized as being difficult and costly. Many reviewers report being charged substantial cancellation fees, even when attempting to cancel shortly after subscribing or during a 'free trial' period. The cancellation process is often described as confusing and frustrating, with customers struggling to navigate the steps required to terminate their subscriptions. The combination of high cancellation fees and a complicated process makes it challenging for customers to exit their contracts with Shutterstock.
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