5 Top Gumroad alternatives that are less expensive and more efficient (2023) (source: Gumroad)
The last update was December 20 20, 2022
update:As of December 2022, Gumroad has announced a cost increase, and they will charge 10 percent on every sale they make on their platform (plus extra transaction charges that come from Paypal and Stripe). If you're hit by this horrible news, and are thinking of switching to another platform Take a look at this list of Gumroad alternatives that you'll want to look at!
Gumroad is a well-known platform to sell digital goods. It has a web-based storefront which allows you to offer digital items to sell in a matter of moments. Gumroad is also equipped with additional options like the ability for offering subscriptions for sale, the integration with Paypal as well as Stripe as well as other options.
But, there are drawbacks that turn people off to remaining on Gumroad. Review sites have highlighted, among other issues, Gumroad's high prices, insufficient service to customers, and the inability to handle large volume sellers are causing users to switch to other platforms.
In this post this article, we'll look at Gumroad's top choices for selling digital items so you can take the right decision for your business. There are a variety of options that are perfect for small-sized businesses who have just begun. However, we've also considered scaleability to ensure that you will never have switch platforms when your company expands.
Here is a quick review of the best Gumroad alternatives, which are more economical and effective
What is Gumroad and what does it provide?
Gumroad's is an eCommerce platform that's designed for digital items. Gumroad offers a variety of capabilities, like selling different product types including digital downloads and subscriptions. It also offers the tools for marketing and analytics as well as the capability to integrate the product page on your site.
Gumroad is an excellent choice. Gumroad it is possible to create an online store which is hosted fully and where it is possible to sell your goods through. Gumroad has also a small online marketplace called "Gumroad Discover" in which you are allowed to display your listings amongst other creators.
How Much Does Gumroad Price?
Gumroad has a flat cost of 10% for every purchase you make through the site.
Additionally, you'll have to pay transaction charges for transactions with Paypal and Stripe which usually range from 2.9 percentage plus $0.30 for each transaction.
It is important to note that Gumroad used to have an additional pricing model before 2023. They have now decided to adopt this pricing structure in the future.
Which are motives to look for Gumroad Alternatives?
1. Pricey Pricing and the Lack of Scalability
Gumroad's flat rate of a 10% fee for every sale is extremely costly in the beginning of your process, but it's more expensive as the business grows because the costs only increase based on a percentage of income.
Imagine earning $100,000 every month only to have to cover fees of $10,000 - this isn't exactly exciting. Furthermore, the charge of 10% does necessarilyinclude the extra PayPal and Stripe costs (which generally cost approximately 2.9% + $0.30 for every transaction) in addition to the fees you have to pay.
2. Inability to Customize
Even though Gumroad has a fully-hosted online shopfront to sell your goods on however, it isn't possible to personalize the design of your online store so as to match your brand. Gumroad is an exclusive style of store that is applicable to each storefront. There is only one thing you are able to alter on your storefront only a single highlight color, and some minor customizations such as the name of your business, bio and logo.
In contrast, alternatives to the platforms described in this blog post are more sophisticated tools for creating stores, which make them suitable for beginners (no necessity for programming or design expertise required) They are in a position to provide you with the freedom to create a highly successful online store in line with your branding.
3. Choose Alternatives to Sell Online Courses. Alternatives to market online online courses
If you're selling things including digital downloads for instance, Gumroad is generally quite proficient in providing your downloads to clients. If you're enrolling in online courses the platform does not offer the same features as the majority of online platforms have.
Gumroad's online courses allow users upload video or other files that students are able to download and play the video. This isn't the thrilling educational course you'd want to get from an online course platform. These courses do not have sophisticated tools like assessment such as drip schedules or certificates for the course's completion.
This is an example of a student's experiences in the course:
In comparison, here's what you can expect to get from a pleasant learning experience when using different lesson format options could look like (the below example comes taken from ):
characteristics to be looking for in a Gumroad Alternative
If you are looking for alternatives to Gumroad, there are several essential aspects to be considered.
1. Specific Specific Features to Sell Various Product Types
Do you think the platform has the ability to make sales of different digital goods? This can help increase your earnings in a variety of verticals. Consider features such as
- The features to market digital downloads are instant delivery of files pdf stamping, download restrictions as well as numerous more
- The online course features that could be offered include an online course player that is fun offering a wide range of various types of lessons (e.g. videos, assignment and more) along with a drip schedule of content and a variety of prices for courses such as certificates, courses, and so on.
- Marketing tools for coaching such as integration with online meeting platforms like Zoom and Calendly along with other
- Features to sell subscription or membership: ability to charge recurring payment
In addition, look at the possibility of being able to incorporate product pages on your website. This lets you embed an online shopping cart as well as an integrated checkout feature to any web page.
2. Price that is cost-effective (Little to No Costs up-Front)
What are the steps for completing an transaction? Are there monthly costs that are not disclosed or limitations?
Choose platforms that have a reputation for stability and stability pricing structure. Though many platforms will provide an affordable pricing structure in the beginning, you'd want to make sure that there aren't unexpected price rises in the future.
3. Tools for marketing which can be trusted
Apart from the standard marketing tools, such as discounts, it's important to look for a method that provides more sophisticated and effective marketing tools, including affiliate marketing. It allows you to conduct diverse marketing campaigns to help you grow your business.
This is the only alternative that offers affiliate marketing program for no cost Other platforms require monthly fee for the use of the tools.
4. An easy-to-use store builder for beginners which is fully customizable and Fully-Custom
Nowadays, having an online shop or site is critical for any firm or business to increase the loyalty of their customers and show their level of professionalism. If you do it right, having your own website isn't just a way to set your self on the path to becoming an expert in your field , but can assist in creating connections with your clients as they will be able to learn about the company's brand in a more detailed manner.
Look for platforms that permit the design of an individual online store, which will present your business in the most professional possible method. There's a myriad of options that do not require an understanding of programming or designing.
5. The Tax Department will take care of VAT and you won't have To
A fear of having to deal with the complexities of VAT can stop the expansion of your business as well as slowing the pace of your expansion. Consider a method which is completely compliant and can not just accept VAT payments at the time of checkout from your customers but to also pay the VAT on your behalf, so you don't have to lift a finger.
5 Top Gumroad Solutions to Market Digital Products
Take a look at some the top alternatives to Gumroad for selling digital products. Each one of them has distinct characteristics and pricing strategies, so it's crucial to review these carefully before making a selection.
1.
It is the most effective Gumroad alternative overall in both cost and quality as well as affordability.
It is the most popular of the platforms, and is often being compared with Gumroad since they're close to Gumroad competitor that offers exactly the same attributes Gumroad provides, with way more affordable pricing which is suitable for all companies size.
It is widely known due to its perpetually free subscription which lets sellers use every one of the services they can avail. In lieu of the huge 10% charge that Gumroad demands, only charges 5percent for each sale. If your company is expanding, it is possible to switch to a monthly subscription for the cost of a lesser amount. You don't have to be concerned about expanding your business .
If you're searching for a platform that is genuinely committed to the growth of your enterprise, then this platform is the best selection.
PRICING:
It has disrupted the market by offering an unconventional pricing plan which is designed to assist small businesses succeed, while also making sure companies can keep their costs low as they grow to become million-dollar enterprises.
Three pricing plans:
- Free for life with only 5% fee (perfect for those who are just beginning)
- $29.30/month 22% of that is fees.
- Monthly payment of $99 and no fee
What is "unconventional"? The reason is that the pricing plans offer the same accessibility to ALL of their capabilities. The business's founders created the company with a firm belief in establishing an infrastructure that helps small companies grow in the long term by making sure that they can access the latest capabilities that they need. The company's belief in this is well-received by sellers across's online reviews.
If you're just starting out, you can start on one of the top Free-Forever planwith zero monthly charges as well as the 5% charge per sale (excluding shipping fees). If your company grows and you're required to expand then you can upgrade to an Plus plan that costs $29 for month fees + two percent fee per sale. Or, you can choose the the Pro plan that costs $99 per month for fees (no charges for other sales).
This price has been held for a long time which means you'll be able to feel confident that the price isn't changing to any one place.
PROS :
- An alternative that is less expensive than Gumroad.
- Key features built-in to help market various items, including:
- Unlimited product listing, and unlimitable income
- Find out how to optimize your experience for high conversion
- An easy and powerful store building tool - no coding or design expertise needed
- It's possible to customize your store's online appearance to reflect your brand
- Storefront that is hosted fully and completely free (you are also able to connect an existing domain)
- If you have already got your own website You can embed it your site on any eCommerce website.
- Instant and secure payouts via Paypal and Stripe
- You may choose to transfer whatever you wish to your goods (a.k.a. Tip Jar)
- Pays for and collects UK & EU VAT on your behalf
- Store Analytics and the ability to connect to Google Analytics
- Bonus: It's highly rated by customers for the quality of its support. All users get priority support regardless of plan you're in
CONS:
- The shipping labels are not integrated into any automated system or app (e.g. Shippo or ShipStation). The platform of ShipStation is more targeted to digital items, but it is still possible to sell physical goods if you'd like to
2. Shopify
As one of the largest eCommerce platforms around the globe, Shopify is often a popular choice for an Gumroad alternative. Shopify is an online marketplace that lets you to create an online shop and control your products. Shopify also provides a broad array of features and tools, such as the ability to process payments, analyze data, as well as marketing tools. Furthermore, Shopify has a variety of pricing plans that could be adapted to various budgets.
Given the dimension of the online platform, there's a huge number of apps developed by third parties in every business category that can be connected to Shopify. Shopify store. It allows you to outfit your store's online shop with exclusive software , from altering the appearance of your website to marketing tools, and many more. One caveat to note is that they're usually not free, so that you'll have to control your costs with care.
Even though Shopify is an effective eCommerce platform, it does offer no feature built in to market digital items since Shopify's platform is specifically designed for selling physical goods. There is the requirement to download another app that is provided by third parties that can potentially add to the cost of selling digital goods.
PRICING:
For businesses with a small budget who wish to test different platforms prior to choosing one that best suits the needs of their business, Shopify offers a 14-day trial for free. There's no permanent free service.
With a monthly cost of just $29, the Shopify Basic Plan is the most well-liked plan. In addition, Shopify plans are offered with a monthly cost of $79, $299/month for Advanced Shopify, and $2000/month for Shopify Plus/Enterprise. The additional cost for transactions that you must pay per sale.
We've said that Shopify is a platform that's not built for digital goods. Shopify platform does not come with functions built-in to allow you to sell digital products. Most likely, you need third-party applications via the Shopify app store, which generally comes at additional cost.
PROS :
- There are millions of developers of third-party apps through Shopify, the Shopify app store
- Multi-channel sales are supported. This can be particularly useful when there's a brick-and-mortar store.
- Shopify is used by many small-scale companies, in addition to the content creators who have a specialization in Shopify content. They can provide a wealth of useful tips on business on the internet.
- The Shopify capabilities could not suffice for retailers whose catalogue is mostly digital, However, physical retailers could benefit the benefits of Shopify's eCommerce features.
CONS:
- No built-in features to sell digital items. It's necessary to download third-party applications that come with additional fees. Shopify isn't a good option for creators
- The software does not come with complex marketing tools like referral marketing, affiliate marketing, upsell, cross-sell, and so on.
3. Kajabi
Kajabi offers a distinct alternative to Gumroad since it offers all-in-one solutions for the sale of digital items. One of the main advantages of Kajabi over Gumroad is that creators can create an on-line community. However, Kajabi is well-known for its monthly costs which aren't appropriate for companies with smaller budgets that are just beginning their process.
PRICING:
Kajabi gives you the opportunity to try Kajabi for 14 days. It is necessary to enter your details for the payment before being allowed to start your trial. trial.
If your trial is over, you are able to select among three different paid plans:
- Basic: $149/month
- Growth: $199/month
- Pro: $399/month
There's some discounts if you decide to subscribe to the annual subscription.
PROS :
- Kajabi offers educational tools for their customers via Kajabi University (although it's important to note that you're probably going to get this information via videos that are available on YouTube for free online)
- Access to features that aren't accessible via Gumroad like community features, sales funnels, and other features.
CONS CONS :
- It is not affordable for business owners with small budgets.
- An intricate marketing function like affiliate programs, can only be found in those plans. Pro and Growth plans
- Many restrictions on various aspects including the quantity of itemsavailable, the number of contacts, members as well as the amount of administrators, and more. Not recommended for those of you who would like to "set-it-and-forget-it" because you'll need to keep track of your usage
4. Podia
Podia is one of the best choices for creators. One of the main benefits of Podia is that they have a perpetually free plan However, keep in mind that you'll be unable to create more than one product with the program for free.
PRICING:
- It is completely free 8.5% charges
- Mover: $39/month
- Shaker: $89/month
- Earthquaker: $199/month
PROS :
- The features are designed to aid in selling other kinds of products that aren't offered by Gumroad like community or webinars
- A chat-on-page widget that can aid in interaction with site clients.
CONS:
- The basic plan includes an 8% transaction cost and permits you to sell one digital download (you'll most likely have to upgrade to one of Podia's paid plans to get a functioning eCommerce store)
- The more sophisticated marketing tools including affiliate marketing, can be found on plans like the Shaker ($75/month) as well as the Earthquaker ($166/month) plans
- You must pay an additional $20/month for additional team seats
- It is impossible to turn off the Podia logo until you have signed up for the Shaker ($75/month) or Earthquaker ($166/month) plans
5. Mighty Networks
If you're in search of a Gumroad alternative to create communities, sell online coursesor the services of a coach, Mighty Networks is a well-known option. Although this site may not be suitable for selling digital downloads but you could think of it as the best Gumroad alternative for selling classes.
PRICING:
There is a selection of 2 paid plans:
- The Community Plan: $39/month
- The business plan 119/month
- Mighty Pro: Make sure to reach out to the team about price
PROS :
- Mighty Networks' community feature is better developed than the other platforms listed in this article . The user design is similar to the one of other social media platforms.
- Members are able to view each other's posts via a feed of content that could encourage genuine interaction
CONS CONS :
- Lack of robust features for marketing product categories such as digital downloads
- The online course options aren't as strong than other online courses as it does not offer a variety of lesson types like quizzes or assessments along with the certificates of achievement
- It's not integrated into PayPal
Last Thoughts on Choosing the best option for your Business
Here you go! There's a wide range of Gumroad alternatives to try. Be sure not to avail each of the platform's free trials to find out which offer the perfect combination of benefits and price plans to suit your company's requirements.
This post was posted on here