How to sell downloaded software

March 18, 2006 6:12 AM

Selling downloaded software - recommendations of hosts/companies?

I'm helping someone figure out how to sell downloaded software. This is not shareware, but software with a specific customer base and a price point above $50/copy, I think. The basic requirements that I can think of include: 1.) full merchant capabilities (credit card, etc.), 2.) ability to customize the experience somewhat to fit in with the look and feel of their site. 3.) handle all of the various aspects in a professional manner (returns, tech problems with the process, etc.)

I'm not too concerned about the price of the service. I'd like first to identify the best options and then we'll decide if the price is right.

I know that there are lots of companies that offer this service, but I don't have experience with any of them. Google searches return a dizzying array of options.

posted by tippiedog to Technology (3 answers total)

What kind of volume are you expecting? And how large will the software package that will be downloaded? There's a large difference in considerations between a 2mb file and a 150 mb file.
posted by charmston at 8:32 AM on March 18, 2006

charmston, there doesn't need to be a big difference. Upon purchase you send the download link (the file could be hosted on any cheap hosting provider that provides a lot of bandwidth) and the registration key, which is a tiny file.
posted by Sharcho at 2:11 PM on March 18, 2006

If you're looking for a full solution, Digital River handles my employer's business and does a bangup job.
posted by beaucoupkevin at 8:38 PM on March 18, 2006