While Patreon offers a straightforward way for creators to receive support from their audience, it comes with several disadvantages that creators should consider, primarily concerning fees, control, and customization limitations.
Key Disadvantages of Using Patreon
Creators weighing the benefits of a platform like Patreon should be aware of its potential drawbacks, which can impact their earnings, brand identity, and long-term strategy.
High Platform Fees
One of the most frequently cited drawbacks of Patreon is its fee structure. Patreon charges a percentage of creators' earnings, which can range from 5% to 12%, depending on the plan selected. These fees are often higher than those charged by competing platforms or direct payment processors, meaning creators take home a smaller portion of their hard-earned support. For creators with tight margins or significant expenses, these fees can considerably reduce their net income.
Limited Customization and Flexibility
Patreon offers a standardized page layout and limited options for customization. Creators are generally restricted to Patreon's pre-defined templates for their page design and functionality. This lack of flexibility means creators have limited ability to fully brand their presence, integrate unique features, or create a truly bespoke experience for their patrons that aligns perfectly with their personal brand. This can be a significant hurdle for creators who prioritize a distinct online identity.
Dependence on a Third-Party Platform
By building their funding model primarily on Patreon, creators become dependent on a third-party service. This reliance carries inherent risks, including:
- Policy Changes: Patreon can update its terms of service, payment policies, or content guidelines at any time, potentially impacting creators' ability to operate or earn.
- Account Suspension: Like any platform, there's a risk of account suspension or termination, which could abruptly cut off a creator's income stream.
- Technical Issues: Downtime or technical glitches on Patreon's end can directly affect creators' ability to connect with patrons and receive payments.
This dependency means creators lack full control over their business infrastructure.
Discoverability Challenges
Patreon is not primarily a discovery platform; it functions more as a payment processing and community management tool. Creators are largely responsible for driving their own traffic and promoting their Patreon page. Unlike platforms such as YouTube or TikTok, Patreon does not offer robust internal discovery mechanisms to help new patrons find creators, meaning creators must rely on their existing audience or external marketing efforts to attract support.
Lack of Direct Patron Data Ownership
Creators on Patreon do not fully own their patron data or direct contact information. While they can communicate with patrons through Patreon's messaging system, they often don't have direct access to email addresses or other vital contact details outside the platform. This limits a creator's ability to market directly to their audience, build an independent email list, or transition their patrons to another platform if needed, hindering the development of a fully owned customer relationship.
Payment Processing Issues and Delays
While Patreon handles payment processing, creators can still encounter issues such as failed payments, chargebacks, or delays in receiving funds. Patrons' payment methods might expire, be declined, or they might dispute charges, leading to administrative work for creators and potential disruptions in income.
Summary of Patreon Cons
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| High Fees | Patreon takes a significant percentage of earnings, often higher than competitors. |
| Limited Customization | Restrictive branding and page design options, lacking flexibility. |
| Third-Party Dependence | Risk of policy changes, account issues, and lack of full control over operations. |
| Poor Discoverability | Creators must bring their own audience; minimal internal promotion from Patreon. |
| Limited Data Ownership | Creators do not fully own patron contact data, hindering direct communication. |
| Payment Complications | Potential for failed payments, chargebacks, and administrative burden. |
To mitigate some of these cons, creators often diversify their income streams, maintain external communication channels (like email lists), and use Patreon as one component of a broader content strategy rather than their sole revenue source.
