It is that time of year when I usually renew my yearly subscription with Shutterstock. However, today was the last time after 20 years of having an account with them. Shutterstock decided to raise their rate for the 350 images per month plan I typically purchase. I found a coupon online, entered it during check-out, and paid for my subscription with my card. The next minute, I received a "refund request" as if I had requested one, followed by an email from a "Client Partner" stating that I'm not allowed to use coupons on my profile, with no further explanation. Upon enquiring that I should not have been allowed to enter a discount coupon during checkout if it was not an option for my profile, the representative acknowledged it was an error on Shutterstock's part but still refused to honour the rate I paid. Instead, they insisted on refunding me and requiring a bank transfer if I wanted to reactivate my subscription. Shutterstock seems oblivious that AI will severely impact them, as their basic plan, excluding any innovation, is even more expensive than previous years. They employ incompetent individuals who lack foresight and dismiss loyal customers as if they mean nothing. I hope forward-thinking competitors who appreciate their clients and offer fair rates hit them hard.
