If you want to sell software online, it helps to use an online registration service. They can take the payment, issue the registration code, take care of taxes, chargebacks, fraud, etc.
You can even go with your own merchant account if you are selling enough copies to warrant the up-front costs (but lower transaction fees)
Online store sites
- Kagi
- Create your own online store -- even embed the store in your software. Works on Mac as well as on Windows.
- Plimus
- Online store with options for C, C++ and VB integration with your software. Low commission.
- RegSoft
- Part of the Digital River group of online store sites.
- Digital River
- They bought up many of the independent online store sites -- many different solutions depending on your needs.
- PayPal
- For just payment, Paypal has the lowest commissions.
- ShareIt
- Well-regarded site with flexible payment options.
- MktMkt
- Get a merchant account and do your own payment processing with help from these guys.
- PayLoadz :: Sell Downloads with PayPal
- Manage your software downloads that you sell through PayPal.
- Authorize.Net - Payment Gateway for Accepting Online Payments
- One of the most popular payment gateways. Used if you are going to set up your own merchant account.
Things to consider
Some things to consider when evaluating your options
- Setup and transaction costs (if you are just starting out, low setup costs and higher transaction costs might be better -- if you have a mature product that is selling well, time to lower transaction costs).
- DIY vs. selling through a reseller. Resellers like Plimus and Kagi charge a lot, but they provide a lot of services (collecting proper sales tax, foreign currencies, chargebacks). Doing it yourself gives you more control and less transaction fees.
- If you need to integrate licensing software into your app, will it work on all of your targeted platforms?
- Features of the administrator tool. Can you get all of the reports you want? Can you get the exact payment options you want (with coupons, affiliates, discounts, etc.)
Reviews of Payment Options
- 6 Payment Gateways Reviewed
- Authorize.net and others reviewed. In depth coverage of your Payment Gateway options
- The Business of Software - What's wrong with PayPal?
- Online discussion about payment options (specifically about PayPal).
- The Business of Software - eCommerce - DIY or use a merchant service?
- Online discussion about payment options
- microISV :: View topic - recommendations for payment processor/software distribution
- Online discussion about payment processors
- Setting up a Great Software Shop with ShareIt
- This article explains how to setup a great software shop with the order processing service provided by ShareIt. Setting up an easy-to-use shop isn't as straightforward as one might think.
- The Business of Software - Payment processing
- Discussion on the JoelOnSoftware forum on payment processing options
Books about online stores
Micro-ISV: From Vision to Reality
Covers the entire business process, not just the store
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 07/09/2008)
Zen Cart: Building an Online Store the Zen Way
Amazon Price: $37.95 (as of 07/09/2008)
Building Online Stores with osCommerce: Professional Edition
Amazon Price: $39.50 (as of 07/09/2008)
PayPal Hacks
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/09/2008)
Three Clicks Away: Advice from the Trenches of eCommerce
Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 07/09/2008)
