FAQs
ZIIBRA is a subscription service for creative artists. Individuals sign up to receive subscription packages, and in so help finance the careers of the artist they love. You'll get to see your favorite artists careers unfold with updates and progress as the year goes on, and have a chance to interact directly with them. As your subscription goes on, you will receive exclusive content and even access to experiences not available for sale before.
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the ZIIBRA music platform.
ZIIBRA
What is ZIIBRA all about?
ZIIBRA helps up-and-coming artists make music their full time job, by connecting them with true fans who want to back their careers.
Where did the idea come from? When/how did you begin to turn it into reality?
Last year, we had the pleasure of working with local Seattle artists on promoting and releasing their EPs, and while we busted our ass to push their sounds out to the public we just couldn't get some momentum (we tried all avenues, believe us).
Discouraged by our results, and familiar with how broken the system of album releases and music discovery is, we decided to try and fix it, and formed a kick-ass team to build ZIIBRA. We've been working on it since November of 2011.
Who is ZIIBRA?
Jimi Hendrix once said, "Music doesn't lie. If there's something to be changed in this world, it can only happen through music." We are here to change music for the better.
We are idealists, artists, and music enthusiasts. In that we believe in the power of art, and music particularly. We believe there ought to be more artists making a living from their art. And that there should be more of us engaged in listening to, sharing and supporting emerging artists and their music.
Fans
How do I back an artist's career?
To back an artist's career, click the "Become a Fan" button on the artist's profile page. You will be given four options, each with a different price, and you will be prompted to choose one. You will go through the checkout process if you choose an option that requires payment (all except the "Follow" option).
When is my credit card charged?
Your credit card will be charged upon completing the checkout process for backing an artist.
Will my backing amount be publicly displayed?
No - your full name will be displayed under the "Fans" tab, but only you and the artist will see your backing amount.
If I back an artist, what information can the artist see?
Artists will see your name, backing amount, email address, the reward you've selected, and the mailing address you provide for your reward to be sent to. The artist may also request any other details they need to complete the reward fulfillment via email.
Who is responsible for fulfilling subscription rewards?
The artist is responsible for fulfilling all subscription rewards, and ZIIBRA cannot be held responsible for any promises the artist makes to his or her backers.
How do I know the artist I support will fulfill the promises of my subscription?
Artists are legally obligated by ZIIBRA's Artist/Band Agreement to fulfill all subscription rewards.
When do I receive my backing rewards?
Artists will list an estimated delivery date for each backing reward, and are expected to fulfill their rewards by the date listed.
What if I don't receive my backing rewards by the estimated delivery date?
Be sure to check the artist's page (and your email) for any updates that may explain the delay in your reward being fulfilled - artists are busy and sometimes run into obstacles that may delay the fulfillment process. You can ask for a status update by posting on the artist's page.
Can I get a refund or return any music or merchandise I purchase?
No. ZIIBRA has a no returns policy for any music, backing packages, or merchandise purchased on the ZIIBRA platform.
Artists
I want to launch my community on ZIIBRA. How do I start?
For our beta period, you will have to sign up (http://ziibra.com/release/) to get featured. Since we're still in our early stages, we will keep it exclusive for this time to make sure we have prime music for our users, and that we can perfect the artist experience. Shortly following the beta, we will release a feature allowing artists to set up their own pages.
Does ZIIBRA add my music into iTunes, Amazon, and additional platforms?
Nope, we deal in music retailing, not distribution. You can use ZIIBRA's service to sell music to your most dedicated fans, but there are plenty of distribution channels we recommend (TuneCore, CD Baby, The Orchard, etc.).
Do you offer label accounts?
Not at the moment, but we do plan to do so as we grow. For now, if you are a label, we recommend that you sign up for individual artist accounts, or you can always contact us directly via info@ziibra.com
How can I get my backers' information (mailing address, T-shirt size, etc.) to fulfill rewards?
You can send out an email to your backers requesting any information you need to fulfill their reward packages. You will be notified when someone has backed you, and will be expected to send out an email within 7 days of receiving notification that you have been backed.
Who is responsible for fulfilling subscription rewards?
You are responsible for fulfilling all subscription rewards, and ZIIBRA cannot be held responsible for any promises you makes to your backers.
When do I need to fulfill my backing rewards?
You will set a timeframe to fulfill your backing rewards by when you set up your profile. This timeframe can be anywhere from 7 days to 1 year, but be sure to take into account shipping time. We understand that you may face unexpected obstacles in fulfilling your rewards by the date set, but you are expected to communicate any delays to your backers.
How do I know the artist I support will fulfill the promises of my subscription?
You are legally obligated by ZIIBRA's Artist/Band Agreement to fulfill all subscription rewards.
My Account
What types of emails will I receive from you? Can I unsubscribe to them?
Since we want to improve your experience on ZIIBRA, expect to receive an email notification every time we launch a feature on the platform (you'll want to be the first one to know). We may also email you occasionally to introduce a new album or artist you may like. We do not share your email with any other company or service without your prior permission (View our Privacy Policy for more information)
If you wish to, you can unsubscribe from our emails by clicking the link at the bottom of any of our email newsletters, or under "Notifications" in Settings..
What types of Facebook notifications does ZIIBRA have?
Whenever you listen to a song on ZIIBRA, or support an artist (for example, buy an album), we'll let your friends know on Facebook. If you wish to, you can turn off such notifications in your Account Settings.
Can I change my email address?
You cannot change the email address associated with your account since it is also your Facebook account log-in.
How do I close my account?
Send an email to support@ziibra.com and we will close your account for you.
Pricing
How much does ZIIBRA cost?
Our basic service is free. No signup costs, and no subscription fees.
Since we need to keep the lights on, we make money via a 15% revenue share on sales (by an artist). We take our percentage out of net, not gross, sales, so we only use the payment processor that will benefit you, the artist, the most. Payment processing costs are not included in the revenue share rate. For reference, WePay's standard transaction fee is 5% + $0.05 USD.
As we grow, we plan to offer customizable solutions, and tiered pricing for larger players (independent and major record labels).
How do I get paid, and how often?
At the end of each 30 day period, you will receive the money from all the fans that have backed you in the past 30 days. We will send your money directly into the bank account you specify.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card payment by all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.
Do you store my credit card details?
When you make your first purchase from ZIIBRA, you have the option to save your credit card info. We integrate with WePay and your data is secure in their system.
How do I replace or remove my credit card?
Please visit My Account and select "Credit Card" to replace or remove your credit card. All changes are applied to future orders, not events or orders already in process.