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ecommerce- platforms to sell digital products

Unlock Your Digital Empire: Top 15 Best Platforms to Sell Digital Products [+ comparison chart]

If you’re a small business owner and you’re wondering . . . How I can sell my digital products online? Well, when it comes to selling digital products, physical products, and services you most definitely want to use a platform that’s aligned with operating as a business. With that said, you don’t want to use platforms that will create issues or prevent you from keeping detailed records (ie. CashApp, Venmo, etc.). Instead, you want to choose any of these platforms to sell digital products from this list I’ve put together for you.

Top 15 Best Platforms to Sell Digital Products

1 – SendOwl

SendOwl is an e-commerce platform that specializes in digital product sales and delivery. It provides a streamlined solution for businesses and creators to sell and distribute their digital products, such as e-books, software, music, videos, courses, and more.

With SendOwl, users can set up an online store and integrate it with their website or blog, making it easy for customers to browse and purchase digital products. It offers secure payment processing options, including integration with popular payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, ensuring a smooth and secure checkout experience.

One of the key features of SendOwl is its robust delivery system. After a customer completes a purchase, SendOwl handles the delivery of digital products through secure download links or license keys. This eliminates the need for manual distribution and ensures that customers can access their purchased products immediately.

SendOwl also provides options for product customization, such as setting up license restrictions, offering discounts and promotions, and managing customer subscriptions. It offers flexible pricing plans based on the number of products and the volume of sales, making it suitable for businesses of various sizes.

Things entrepreneurs like about SendOwl

  • Easy to setup and use
  • You can create your own affiliate program
  • Can sell digital products, physical products, memberships and subscriptions
  • Easy-to-sell pre-order offers 
  • Offer a drip feature 
  • Allows you to offer upsells
  • Offers a FREE trial 

Things entrepreneurs tend not to like when using SendOwl

  • You are charged based on how many sales you make . . . Even if you offered them for free to your audience 

Cost

  • 30-day free trial 
  • Starter = 3 months free then $9/month [plus 5% mgmt fee per order]
  • Growth = 14- day Free trial and then $15/month [plus .33  mgmt fee per order]
  • Pro = 14-day Free trial and then $39/month [plus .17  mgmt fee per order]

2 – DPD (Digital Product Delivery)

If you’re just starting out with selling products and/or services then DPD (Digital Product Delivery). This is actually the platform that I started out with and I loved it. 

DPD is like having a super-efficient sales assistant who takes care of everything for you. From showcasing your awesome digital creations to securely delivering them to your customers.. It’s so easy to set up your products and prices – just a few clicks and you’re good to go. DPD also plays nicely with popular payment gateways, making transactions a breeze for your customers. 

You get access to nifty marketing tools to boost your business. Create special offers, manage subscriptions, and engage your audience with email marketing campaigns that hit the sweet spot. 

Side Note: This platform was recommended to me from an online course that I took – which showed me everything I know about email marketing. It worked for me in the beginning but I outgrew it and switch to this one. 

Things small business owners like about Delivery Product Delivery

  • There is a flat rate fee – not based on how many sales you make
  • You can create your own affiliate program
  • Somewhat easy to set up and use
  • Offers a FREE trial 

Things small business owners tend not to like when using Delivery Product Delivery

  • Depending on your email marketing provider, you may not have the option to tag/segment buyers with different tags for different purchases
  • There’s not a lot of video explaining how to use the platform 

Cost

  • 30-day free trial 
  • Choose from the $10, $16 or $30 monthly plan

3 – Stripe

Stripe is a widely used payment processing platform that allows businesses to accept online payments securely and efficiently. You can accept different payment methods, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay), bank transfers, and more. 

I too love using Stripe. 

Things entrepreneurs like about Stripe

  • Can be used by itself or many other platforms 
  • Easy to set up and use 

Cost

  • 2.9% + .30 (the standard transaction fee for using a payment processor)
  • Transaction fees can vary based on your location and the location of the purchaser. Additional fees may occur.

>> Learn more: Organic Traffic vs Direct Traffic: Which is Best for Your Business in 2023?

4 – ThriveCart

Out of all the platforms that allow business owners to sell digital products and services, ThriveCart is by far my favorite. The only thing with this platform is that they don’t offer a monthly payment option. You only have the option to pay a lifetime price of $497. While this is a great deal, it might be a little pricey for new entrepreneurs that are on a tight budget. 

ThriveCart is a sales cart software that takes care of the nuts and bolts of selling online. It can help streamline the checkout process, which can translate to fewer abandoned carts and more completed purchases. That means potentially more profit for you. But that’s just the start.

One of the major selling points of ThriveCart is its ability to create high-converting checkout pages. You know, the kind that really get people to hit that “Buy Now” button. Plus, it’s super customizable so you can make your checkout page jive with your brand aesthetic.

Then there’s the one-click upsell feature. You’ve seen those “customers who bought this also bought…” recommendations on large online retail sites, right? Well, ThriveCart gives you the power to do that too, helping to increase the average order value.

A big issue for many small businesses is managing subscriptions and recurring payments. ThriveCart takes a lot of the hassle out of this process. It allows you to manage and track subscriptions, making it an excellent tool if you’re running a subscription service or selling products on a recurring basis.

Now, if you’re doing affiliate marketing, ThriveCart has you covered as well. The platform offers robust affiliate management features that can track and pay your affiliates, fostering an environment of growth and partnership.

Lastly, ThriveCart provides detailed analytics, which are like a treasure trove of insights for your business. You can track conversions, transactions, and even projections for your future sales.

Things small business owners like about ThriveCart 

  • You can create your own affiliate program [with the upgraded plan]
  • They offer many different features and add-ons
  • There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee 
  • Simplifies the checkout process
  • Boosts your sales through upselling and conversions

Things small business owners tend not to like when using ThriveCart 

  • That there is not a monthly payment option [only a one-time fee]

Cost

  • A one-time fee of $500

Not selling physical products?

5 – Stan Store

Stan Store is an e-commerce platform to sell digital products that takes all those big, intimidating tasks of setting up an online store and simplifies them. So, no . . .  you don’t need to be a tech whiz to get started.

You can pick and choose from a range of templates that are easy on the eyes and incredibly user-friendly. Even if you don’t know the first thing about web design, you’ll be able to put together a store that looks professional and inviting. Trust me, you want a well-designed online store.

It provides tools to manage your inventory, handle orders, and process payments. It’s like having your own personal assistant to take care of the mundane stuff so you can focus on growing your business.

Another big thing about Stan Store is its mobile responsiveness. We all know people are glued to their phones these days, right? Stan Store ensures your online store looks and works great on mobile devices, which means your customers can shop till they drop, no matter where they are.

Now, you might be thinking, “Great, but how do people find my store?” That’s where Stan Store’s built-in SEO features come in handy. They help your store rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to stumble upon your awesome products.

And the icing on the cake? Stan Store’s support team is always ready to lend a hand if you run into any hiccups. It’s like having a buddy who’s got your back, no matter what.

Things entrepreneurs like about Stan Store 

  • Offers a FREE trial 
  • You can create your own affiliate program
  • ‘Link-in-Bio’ menu feature
  • One-stop solution for setting up an online store
  • Easy-to-use
  • Boosts your visibility on search engines
  • Looks great on any device
  • Offers reliable support
  • Perfect for content creators and business owners
  • Analytics features
  • Email marketing 

Things entrepreneurs tend not to like about Stan Store 

  • You can’t sell physical products
  • Don’t offer good analytics 
  • Can’t manually add a customer (without them purchasing something)

Cost

  • Offers a free 14-day trial 
  • $29/month
  • 5% transaction fee 
  • All the features

6 – PayHip

Unlock your small business potential with PayHip.  It is a platform that allows you to sell digital products, membership, physical products, coaching services, and online courses. Seamlessly sell your amazing digital products and watch your empire flourish. Say goodbye to complicated setups and hello to a user-friendly platform that puts you in control. 

With PayHip, effortlessly upload, price, and deliver your creations to eager customers worldwide. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and power, offering integrated payment gateways for smooth transactions. Gain a competitive edge with advanced marketing tools, like discount codes and sales analytics, while building meaningful connections through email marketing.

Things small business owners like about PayHip

  • Can be used through their platform or through your website
  • You get paid instantly
  • Quick & Easy Setup
  • No monthly fees (w/ the free plan)
  • Offers a FREE trial 

Things small business owners tend not to like when using PayHip

  • They do not allow sale of PLR / MRR products.

Cost

Free Forever Plan

  • $0/month
  • 5% transaction fee 
  • All the features

Plus Plan

  • $29/month
  • 2%  transaction fee 
  • All the features

PRO Plan

  • $99/month
  • 0%  transaction fee 
  • All the features

So, which platform should I use to sell my products and/or services?

Comparison Chart of 15+ Platforms to Sell Digital Products


7- GumRoad

Gumroad is an e-commerce platform to sell digital products and is specifically designed for entrepreneurs like you. It’s built to help you sell digital products with ease, no tech degree required.

Firstly, Gumroad makes setting up your online store super easy. You can personalize your store, showcase your digital products, and even create different versions of each product (like an eBook in various formats, for instance). Basically, Gumroad is like your virtual display case, spotlighting your work in the best possible way.

And when it comes to payments, Gumroad is like a trusted cashier. It handles your payment processing, so you don’t need to worry about the technicalities. It supports multiple payment options, making it convenient for your customers no matter where they’re from.

Now, let’s talk about customer engagement. Gumroad is like your personal assistant, helping you build and maintain relationships with your customers. It lets you gather customer emails, send product updates, and even set up an affiliate program. It’s a fantastic way to create a community around your work and keep your customers coming back for more.

Plus, Gumroad understands that you might want to spread your wings beyond a one-time sale. It lets you set up subscriptions or memberships, providing you with a steady stream of income. It’s like a reliable partner, helping you build a sustainable business.

Finally, Gumroad’s analytics tool acts as your personal business advisor. It gives you valuable insights into your sales, letting you know what’s working and where there’s room for improvement.

So why would a small business owner like you consider using Gumroad? It’s simple, user-friendly, and tailored for selling digital products. It takes care of showcasing your work, handling payments, engaging customers, providing analytics, and even supports subscription-based models. Essentially, Gumroad is like your best buddy in the digital selling world, supporting you every step of the way.

Things entrepreneurs like about GumRoad 

  • There’s no monthly fee

Cost

  • 10% of every sale

platforms to sell digital products

8 – Shopify

Shopify is your friendly and powerful e-commerce ally. It’s designed to help business owners like you easily sell physical and digital products online with ease.

Setting up your online store on Shopify is a breeze. You get to choose from tons of stunning, customizable themes that make your digital products shine. 

It comes with a robust digital product management system. You can easily upload your digital products, set the price, and Shopify takes care of the rest. It’s like having a trusty team member who never sleeps, always ready to handle your sales.

Customers who buy a digital product from your Shopify store receive a secure, direct download link. This process is automated and hassle-free, ensuring a smooth experience for your customers. It’s a bit like having a dependable salesperson who’s always on the ball.

One cool thing about Shopify is the built-in SEO features. This means your store and products can rank higher in search engine results, attracting more potential customers. It’s like having a marketing wizard working behind the scenes to boost your store’s visibility.

Then there’s the analytics. Shopify’s built-in analytics tools are like your personal business analyst, providing valuable insights into your sales and customer behavior. It’s data that helps you make informed decisions to grow your business.

And, let’s not forget about Shopify’s 24/7 support. It’s like having a friend who’s always there for you, helping you navigate any roadblocks that may come up.

Things small business owners like about Shopify

  • Great customer support
  • Easy-to-use and user friendly
  • Offers a FREE trial 
  • all-in-one solution for setting up an online store

Cost

  • Offers a FREE trial 

Basic Plan

  • $39/month

Advanced Plan

  • $399/month

Plus Plan

  • $2,000/month

9 – Woo Commerce

WooCommerce is like your ever-friendly, always reliable e-commerce sidekick, designed to make selling digital products online a walk in the park.

Firstly, WooCommerce gives you the freedom to create a unique, customized online store right on your WordPress site. You can choose from a multitude of themes, making your digital products shine. It’s like having your own little digital storefront that you can decorate to reflect your brand’s personality.

But WooCommerce doesn’t just help with the looks, it’s a powerhouse when it comes to managing your digital products. You can easily upload your products, set prices, and even create different variations. It’s like having an efficient manager for your online shop.

When it comes to selling digital products, WooCommerce ensures a smooth ride. Once a customer purchases a product, they get a secure download link. The whole process is automated, ensuring your customers enjoy a seamless shopping experience. It’s like having a 24/7 sales assistant at your customers’ disposal.

Now, let’s not forget about visibility. WooCommerce is SEO-friendly, which means it helps your store and products rank higher in search engine results. It’s like having a behind-the-scenes marketing whiz helping you attract more potential customers.

WooCommerce also comes with built-in analytics tools. These tools are like your personal business consultant, providing you with valuable insights to better understand your sales and customers, so you can make data-driven decisions.

And should you run into any hiccups along the way, WooCommerce’s vast community and extensive documentation are there to lend a hand. It’s like having a friend who’s always ready to help when you need it.

So, why would a small business owner like you consider using WooCommerce to sell digital products? It provides a flexible, user-friendly platform for setting up an online store, managing and selling digital products, improving your visibility, providing valuable analytics, and offering extensive support resources. It’s basically like having a full team of e-commerce experts at your disposal, helping you focus on what you love – creating and selling your amazing digital products.

Things entrepreneurs like about Woo Commerce 

  • There are many different plug-ins that you use for different features that you need
  • Customizable

Things entrepreneurs tend not to like when using Woo Commerce 

  • They do not offer free online support
  • You have to use plug-ins to get some of the features that you may want

Cost

  • Free however, you may have to pay for each individual plug-in that you may need

10 – Paypal

Everyone knows and trusts Paypal. It’s one of the most popular payment gateways there are nowadays. 

Absolutely, happy to help! Picture this: you’re a small business owner with an amazing lineup of both physical and digital products. You’ve put in the hard work, now it’s time to get these goods into the hands of customers. That’s where PayPal steps in.

PayPal is like your friendly and trusted cashier, ready to help you sell your products to customers across the globe.

Firstly, PayPal makes the process of receiving payments for your products as smooth as butter. Whether you’re selling a digital download or a physical item, PayPal ensures your customers can easily pay for their purchases. It’s a familiar name that people trust, and that can make a world of difference when customers are deciding whether to click that ‘Buy Now’ button.

But PayPal is more than just a payment gateway. It also helps you create professional, customizable invoices, manage your transactions, and track your income. It’s like having an accountant who specializes in e-commerce right at your fingertips.

What about those international customers? PayPal has you covered there too. It accepts payments in over 100 currencies, meaning you can sell your products to customers around the world. It’s like having a multilingual sales assistant who’s ready to greet your international customers.

Now, when it comes to shipping physical products, PayPal simplifies the process. It allows you to print shipping labels directly from your account and even offers shipping discounts. It’s like having a shipping department tucked right into your payment platform.

Lastly, PayPal’s Purchase Protection for Sellers and Fraud Protection features give you and your customers peace of mind. It’s like having a security guard at the door of your online store, making sure every transaction is safe and secure.

So why consider using PayPal as a small business owner? It’s a user-friendly, trusted platform that makes receiving payments easy, whether you’re selling digital or physical products. It manages transactions, helps you keep track of your income, facilitates international sales, simplifies shipping, and provides security. In other words, PayPal is like a reliable team member who’s always got your back in the world of e-commerce.

Things small business owners like about Paypal

  • Simple and easy to use

Cost

  • 3.49% + fixed fee based on the currency received

11 – Sellfy

Sellfy is like your friendly online shop assistant, specifically designed to help you sell digital products with the greatest of ease.

First off, setting up your online store with Sellfy is as easy as pie. You can personalize your store and product pages to reflect your brand, making your digital products really stand out. It’s like having your own digital showroom that you can style exactly as you wish.

But Sellfy isn’t just about appearances; it’s a workhorse that takes care of all the technical bits for you. When customers purchase a product, Sellfy handles the delivery by providing them with a secure, expirable download link. It’s like having an efficient delivery system that operates round-the-clock.

Payment is a breeze with Sellfy, it integrates with PayPal, Stripe, and 2Checkout, making it super convenient for your customers and ensuring you get paid swiftly and securely. It’s like having a trusty cashier handling all your transactions.

What’s more, Sellfy allows you to engage with your customers. You can collect customer emails, send out email newsletters, and even set up discount codes. It’s like having a personal customer relationship manager.

And let’s not forget analytics. Sellfy provides you with detailed insights about your store’s performance, giving you an overview of your sales, product performance, and customer behavior. It’s like having your own business strategist offering key insights.

Plus, Sellfy doesn’t just restrict you to one-time sales. It allows you to set up subscription services or paid memberships, offering you a steady stream of income. It’s like having a reliable business partner helping you build a sustainable business.

Things entrepreneurs like about Sellfy 

  • Offers a FREE trial 
  • Provides insightful analytics
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Email marketing

Cost

  • Offers a free 14-day trial 

Starter Plan

  • $29/month

Business Plan

  • $79/month

Premium Plan

  • $159/month

Using Your Email Marketing Provider as a platform to sell digital products

12 – Convertkit

While Convertkit is an email marketing provider, it also serves as a platform to sell digital products. I personally use and love Convertkit however I’ve only used them for email marketing purposes. Some creators love selling digital products with this platform however I have not sold any products with Convertkit.  

Things entrepreneurs like about Convertkit

  • Offers a FREE trial 

Things entrepreneurs tend not to like when using Convertkit

  • Automation features are not available on the free plan

Cost


13 – Etsy

Think of Etsy as your friendly neighborhood craft fair, but online and accessible to customers from all over the world. It’s got that warm, welcoming vibe where small business owners like you can sell unique and creative products.

Setting up shop on Etsy is super easy. You can upload your digital products, write up engaging descriptions, and set your own prices. Etsy is like a lovely little boutique where you get to decorate each shelf.

The real beauty of Etsy is its community. It’s full of customers who appreciate creativity and are ready to support small businesses. They’re not just looking for generic products; they’re on the hunt for something special, something just like your digital products!

What’s more, when a customer buys one of your digital products on Etsy, they receive it instantly as a digital download. There’s no need for you to lift a finger after the sale is made. It’s like having a reliable shop assistant who’s working around the clock.

And don’t forget about Etsy’s tools and resources. It offers helpful analytics to understand your shop’s performance, and its Seller Handbook is packed with tips and advice to help you succeed. Etsy is like your own personal business coach.

Etsy also has an easy-to-use messaging system, allowing you to connect directly with your customers. It’s like being able to have a friendly chat with your customers over the counter.

Things entrepreneurs like about Etsy

  • easy to use
  • gives you access to a large customer base

Cost

  • $0.20 for each item you list plus a 6.5% transaction fee for every sale

platforms to sell digital products

14 – Creative Market

I personally love Creative Market. If checked my cart, you’ll see all kinda things I wanna buy. If you’ve got digital products you’re looking to sell, this is a great platform to do that. Let me break it down for ya . . .

  • Vast Audience – Creative Market has a massive community. We’re talking about millions of monthly visitors. This means the moment you set up shop there, you’re getting eyeballs on your stuff without doing the heavy lifting of marketing from scratch.
  • Specific Buyer Intent – The folks browsing Creative Market aren’t just window shoppers; they’re actively looking for digital goodies to buy. So if you’ve got quality products, you’re meeting a ready and willing market.
  • Simple Setup – It’s as easy as pie! No need to fiddle with complicated e-commerce setups or payment gateways. Just upload, set your price, and let the platform handle the rest.
  • Trust Factor – Creative Market has built a strong reputation over the years. Buyers trust the platform, and that trust extends to you as a seller. It’s like getting a credibility boost just for being there.
  • Fair Pricing – You set your own prices. Plus, while Creative Market does take a cut (they’ve got to keep the lights on!), many sellers find the trade-off worth it given the visibility and audience they tap into.
  • Promotional Opportunities – Creative Market frequently runs promos, features products in their newsletters, and highlights trending items. So, if your product rocks (and I bet it does!), there’s a chance for even more visibility.
  • Growth Potential – And, last but not least, by having your digital products on Creative Market, you’re essentially planting seeds. Over time, as your products get reviews and gain traction, you’ll find yourself benefiting from a snowball effect.

Things entrepreneurs like about Creative Market

  • Ease to Use: User-friendly interface makes setting up your shop and uploading products simple and straightforward.
  • Niche Focus: Tailored towards creative professionals, the platform attracts a specific audience that is more likely to be interested in your digital products.
  • Trust and Credibility: Being part of a reputable platform enhances your credibility as a seller.
  • Promotional Support: Opportunities for featured listings, promotions, and exposure through newsletters can boost your products’ visibility.
  • Pricing Control: You set the price for your products, allowing you to control your profit margins.
  • Community Engagement: Access to a community of like-minded creators offers networking and collaboration opportunities.

Cost

  • Commission rates vary per shop/per product

Using Your Course Platform to Sell Digital and Physical Products

15 – Podia

Picture Podia as your personal digital showcase and sales platform rolled into one. It’s a warm, welcoming space where creators, educators, and entrepreneurs can easily sell their digital products.

Setting up shop on Podia is a walk in the park. You can effortlessly upload your digital products, write compelling descriptions, set your prices, and customize your storefront to reflect your brand’s persona. It’s like having your own chic boutique in the bustling city of the internet.

Cost

  • Fee plan
  • $39/month
  • $75/month