Why do shared files count against my space use???

I can no longer upload files.... it says I need more storage space. However this is a shared company folder that is already being paid for the max storage. I am the only one in the office that has it saying that I need more space. It is causing problems with my workflow. Anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

Hi there,

I am trying to receive a lot of files (pictures) from somebody.  So I tried to share a dropbox folder where that person can add in the pictures. I have a Dropbox Plus (2000GB) account, whereas she has a Basic account with no referrals (2GB).

Since the amount of pictures greatly exceeds the 2GB, she is not able to upload, due to the fact that it is limited by her Basic account.

Now I understand the example Dropbox is giving in the help article: One reason this policy exists is to prevent people from giving themselves unlimited space by stacking Basic accounts with shared folders.

Also, I understand that Dropbox wants to force more users to bigger accounts. I mean, forcing her to a Dropbox Plus account would be the easiest option. But basically you're then paying twice for the same amount of storage, since you're using up both accounts storage space (if that makes sense).

But I do not quite understand why I, a paying user, is not able to receive files from a non paying user on behalf of my storage limit. So I would like to suggest the following limitations, rules or possible solutions:

Option 1

Disable the creation of editable shared folders for basic, let them pay $1/month to enable the edit right for others. I think that this small micropayment is fair for what you get for it (considering $10/2000GB=$0.005 per GB).  So basically they are paying way too much for the 2GB's you're getting by stacking accounts. And even with all the referrals (max 16GB), it'll make a profit. You could even lower it to $0.16 to break even on a maxed out account (if you are just talking about dollars per GB).

Pros: easiest to program (I think), more profit from micropayments

Cons: will piss of a lot of basic users who use this feature for... basic stuff.

Option 2

1. If all the users have a basic account, it'll be as per the current rules.
2. If the owner has a basic account (or a premium account, but just not enough storage), one of the members who has a premium account, can 'share' or 'allocate' storage to this folder. Therefore, allowing the group to use up his account's storage.
3. If the owner has a premium account, the folder will default to the storage space of that account.

Pros: won't piss of the basic users, gives an extra boost for users to switch to a premium account.

Option 3:

Base the storage limit of the shared folder on the account of the owner. And just use up the storage space of the owner. As long as this owner has a premium account. 

Therefore, if the owner were to request a few files from a lot of users (some of which are basic accounts) and the shared folder exceeds 2GB (or the storage space of one of the users you requested a file from), the basic accounts are still able to use the service for their own personal use and will still be able to upload files to that shared folder.

Pros: won't piss of the basic users, gives an extra boost for usersto switch to a premium account.

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I think it's fair to have something like this, that I'm actually able to request files from others, without using up their storage space. If I were to request a few files, from a lot of people, it would use up all their storage, because I am requestin files. Doesn't make sense, right? You'll always be using up everybodies storage space. Paying users will always pay double, triple, quadruple, ... (depending on the amount of users in a shared folder) for the same bits and bytes.

Basically I am requesting/suggesting something to change on this matter.

Let me know what you think and let's get the discussion started. Maybe you have another idea that kinda resolves this?

Hi John

Simply put whatever is in a persons folder uses their quota. So your upgrade has no benefit at all on any other person. The only plan this is not the case on is if all users are paid business customers. 

Hi Folks -

I pay for 2TB storage but now my team members are getting errors that their storage is full.  One of my team members just deleted a whole folder of files to clear up space on his Dropbox but then my whole team lost those access to those files (I was able to restore).

Maybe I'm confused but it seems like DropBox is double-counting this storage space against both my quota and my users/team members quotas?  Also doesn't seem easy to check storage utilization or clean it up, maybe I'm missing it.

Can someone please enlighten me as to the DropBox policies for storage quotas and multiple users?  Is there a link where I can read about this?

Thanks,

John

Hi hudsontw3141, that's correct, you'd need to upgrade to a paid plan to be able to add the shared folder to your account.

You can instead ask them to create a shared link to the folder in order for you to view the files on the site, without adding to any account.

Thanks - I appreciate you taking the time to respond!

The folder was created by my friend for me to add content, so it seems we both need enough capacity to handle the work flow.  

Hi hudsontw3141 

No, sorry, thats not how Dropbox works. If you need edit access you also need enough quota to accept the share. 

I received an invitation from a friend to view and edit the content of a folder set up specifically for me (primarily to add photos).  The invitation appeared as an "Add to Dropbox" button - when engaged, the folder was added to my personal basic Dropbox account and the photos added counted against my 2 Gb limit.  My friend upgraded to a 2 Tb account specifically for adding about 25 folders for people to upload and share their photos.  Is there a setting I need to change so I am only working on the external account?  Thank you.

Hi Blavious_B, thanks for posting here! 

I've merged your post under a similar thread, where others have also expressed this question. Feel free to have a look at what was mentioned here. 

Essentially, since the folder exists in both accounts, you'd both need space to edit, and make changes. 

If you have any questions, let me know!

I'm sharing a folder with my boss, who has a paid version of Dropbox (mine is the free one). Now she can't access the information that I save on the folder because my Dropbox reached the limit. But if she is paying for it, then why is it not working?

Does Dropbox wants two paid versions to be able to provide the full space for both?

And why do I have to write on a community chat to be able to get any answer? 
If I'm going to pay for storage, definitely I won't be using Dropbox, if that's how they do business. I can share my OneDrive with my boss there are plenty of space there.

By the way, Microsoft loves that kind of business you do Dropbox 👏👏👏