Introduction: Gumroad Review 2024

As someone who has navigated the choppy waters of online marketplaces and digital sales platforms, I understand the appeal of Gumroad’s seemingly straightforward and creator-friendly interface. Gumroad was founded in 2011 by Sahil Lavingia and is based in San Francisco, California. 

Before you take the plunge and sign up with the Gumroad platform, please pause and read my comprehensive Gumroad review. In this article, I’ll share my experiences, dissect the features, and reveal some of the less-talked-about aspects of Gumroad that could significantly impact your decision. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or an entrepreneur looking to sell your work online, this Gumroad review is the essential pre-sign-up reading that could save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. So, let’s dive in and explore the real Gumroad beyond the glossy testimonials and promotional hype. 

What is Gumroad?

Gumroad is an online platform allowing individuals to sell various digital products, memberships, and more. Gumroad makes it easy for creators to start selling their knowledge and ideas. You can create your storefront, customize your content, and get paid by anyone who appreciates your work. 

The platform supports selling various items such as video lessons, monthly subscriptions, physical products, and more. It’s a place to experiment with different ideas and formats, from selling Procreate brushes to crypto tips or even your cookbook. 

Gumroad also offers features to help you build a loyal following, with tools for posts, email newsletters, and automated workflows. Plus, it allows customers to pay what they want or choose between one-time, recurring, or fixed-length payments. 

For those looking to sell their creations, Gumroad provides a way to connect with a global audience and earn income from their digital products and services. Whether you’re an artist, educator, musician, or entrepreneur, Gumroad can be a valuable resource to monetize your skills and passions.

Gumroad Features:

The following are the key benefits of Gumroad:

Checkout pages: Gumroad Review

Gumroad’s checkout page feature offers creators and customers a streamlined and customizable experience. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

Customization Options:

• Discounts: Creators can offer discounts to customers by providing discount codes, which can be a great way to run sales or promotions.

• Custom Fields: Collect additional information from customers. These fields, including textboxes, checkboxes, and terms acceptance, can be mandatory or optional.

Integration with Websites:

• Overlay Widget: Allows the product page to open directly on the creator’s website, with customers being redirected to Gumroad’s checkout page to complete the purchase.

• Custom Buttons: Creators can use custom-designed buttons, images, or text to replace the native “Buy on Gumroad” button.

• Direct Checkout: Customers are sent directly to the checkout page upon clicking the buy button.

Checkout Experience:

• The checkout page is created to add new features like upsells, cross-sells, and retargeting using JavaScript embedded in the product page.

• Currently, it’s not possible to complete the checkout on the creator’s website; customers will be redirected to Gumroad’s checkout page.

Limitations:

• Customization of the checkout page’s appearance with CSS has yet to be available.

• The checkout page is where Gumroad will continue to add new features in the future.

These features aim to provide flexibility to creators while ensuring a secure and efficient checkout process for customers. 

Advanced sales features of Gumroad:

Gumroad offers advanced sales features designed to help creators maximize their revenue and provide a seamless experience for their customers. Here are some of the key advanced sales features available on Gumroad:

Pricing Flexibility:

• Pay What You Want: Creators can allow customers to choose their price for a product, which can increase sales opportunities.

• Discounts: Offer custom codes for product discounts, either as a percentage or a fixed amount.

• Subscriptions: Set up recurring payments for memberships or services, with options for monthly, quarterly, biannual, or annual billing.

Product Options:

• License Keys: Gumroad can generate license keys automatically for software or subscription-based products.

• Versions & Variants: Creators can offer different formats or licenses of a product,

Global Sales:

• Multi-Currency Support: Sell products in various currencies to cater to a global audience.

• VAT Handling: Gumroad collects and remits VAT as required by the EU, so creators don’t have to worry about it.

Promotional Tools:

• Affiliates: Add affiliates to help promote products and reward them with a commission for sales they generate.

• Email Marketing: Interact with the audience through emails, drip content, and grow email list.

These features are part of Gumroad’s comprehensive platform that aims to provide creators with the tools they need to start selling quickly and efficiently. 

Payment Options:

Gumroad provides various payment options to accommodate creators and customers worldwide. Here’s an overview of the payment options available on Gumroad:

Payout Modes for Creators:

• Direct Bank Payouts: Creators in certain countries can receive payouts directly to their bank accounts. This includes countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.

• Stripe: Creators can connect their Stripe account to receive payments for credit card sales directly to their Stripe account.

• PayPal: For creators where bank payouts are not supported, PayPal is used for payouts.

Payment Methods for Customers:

• Credit Cards: Customers can pay with various credit cards on Gumroad, either by entering their card info or using Apple Pay or Google Pay.

• PayPal: Customers have the option to pay with PayPal as well.

Creators must set up their payment settings on Gumroad to start receiving payouts. The process includes identity verification and providing relevant bank or PayPal account details. 

Integration:

Gumroad offers several integration features, allowing creators to incorporate their products into their websites seamlessly. Here’s an overview of Gumroad’s integration capabilities:

Website Integration:

• Overlay Widget: Creators can use the Overlay widget to open the product page directly on their website. By copying the embed code from the Widgets page and pasting it into the website’s HTML editor, the buy button will open the product page as a modal overlay.

• Embed Widget: To embed the entire product page on a website, creators can use the Embed widget. Unlike a pop-up window, this allows for a more integrated look and feel.

Integration with External Services:

• Circle: Creators can integrate their Gumroad products with Circle communities. New customers will automatically receive an invite from Circle to join the community.

• Discord: Gumroad products can also be connected to Discord servers. New customers will see a “Join Discord” button on their purchase receipts and the product download page. 

These integration features are designed to provide flexibility and convenience for creators, making it easier to sell products and build communities around their offerings. 

Getting Started as a Gumroad Creator:

What I like about Gumroad is that getting started as a creator is a simple process that can be broken down into key steps. Here’s a guide to help you begin your journey as a Gumroad creator:

1. Create Your Gumroad Account:

• Visit the Gumroad website and sign up as a creator.
• Enter your email address, set a password, and confirm your email to activate your account.

2. Set Up Your Profile:

• Customize your Gumroad profile with a profile picture, bio, and links to your social media or website.
• This builds your brand identity and helps customers identify you more easily.

3. Upload Your Products:

• Click on the “Products” tab in your Gumroad dashboard.
• Select “Add a product” and choose the type of product you want to sell (digital, physical, membership, etc.).
• Upload your product files and write compelling product descriptions.

4. Set Your Pricing:

• Decide on the pricing for your products. You can set a fixed price, allow customers to pay what they want, or create subscription-based pricing.

5. Fill-In Your Payout Information:

• Provide your payout details to receive payments. Gumroad supports direct bank payouts, Stripe, and PayPal.

6. Promote Your Products:

• Share your Gumroad product links on social media, your website, or through email marketing.
• Utilize Gumroad’s promotional tools like discounts, affiliates, and email marketing to boost sales.

7. Engage with Your Audience:

• Use Gumroad’s posts and email broadcasts to communicate with your followers and customers.
• Provide updates, offer exclusive content, and build a community around your brand.

The key to Gumroad’s success is creating quality products, engaging with your audience, and optimizing your marketing strategies continuously. 

Gumroad Affiliate Program:

Gumroad’s Affiliate Program allows people to make money by marketing the products that are available on Gumroad.

 Here’s how the program works and what you need to know to get started:

1. Getting Started as an Affiliate:

• Create an Account: First, sign up for a Gumroad account and set up your payout settings.
• Reach Out to Creators: Contact creators whose products you want to promote. You’ll need to provide them with the email address associated with your Gumroad account.

2. Affiliate Links:

• Standard Affiliate Links: Once added as an affiliate, you’ll receive an email with affiliate links and the commission rate for each sale.
• Sticky Affiliate Links: These unique URLs include your affiliate ID as a parameter, ensuring you get credited for sales even if browser cookies are blocked.

3. Gumroad Discover:

• Any product on Gumroad Discover is eligible for affiliate promotion. You can generate affiliate links for specific products or creator profile pages without contacting the creators.

4. Commission and Payments:

• Commission Rates: Set by the product creator and can vary from product to product.
• Payouts: Earned commissions are paid out according to your payout settings.

For more detailed information on becoming an affiliate, integrating affiliate links into your website, and understanding the reasons you might not be credited for a sale, you can refer to the Gumroad Help Center. 

Buying digital products on Gumroad:

Buying digital products on Gumroad is a simple and secure process that allows customers to access a wide range of creative content from independent creators. Here’s how you can buy digital products on Gumroad:

1. Find a Product:

• Browse Gumroad’s extensive library of digital products on the Gumroad Discover page or search for specific items using keywords.
• You can also visit a creator’s Gumroad profile directly if you know who you want to buy from.

2. Review the Product:

• Click on the product to view its description, pricing, and any previews or samples the creator provides.
• Check for discounts or “pay what you want” options.

3. Add to Cart:

• Once you’ve decided on a product, click the “Buy” or “Add to Cart” button.
• To get the discount on your purchase, enter your discount code at this point.

4. Checkout:

• Proceed to the checkout page, where you’ll be asked to provide your email address and payment information.

5. Complete the Purchase:

• After entering your payment details, check your order and click “Pay” to finish the transaction.
• A link to access or download your digital product will be included in the email confirmation that you will receive.

6. Access Your Product:

• Follow the email link to access or download your product online.
• Some products may have additional instructions or resources, so read any accompanying information.

7. Support and Refunds:

• If you encounter any issues with your purchase or need assistance, you can contact the creator directly or Gumroad’s customer support.
• Gumroad’s refund policy allows you to request a refund if unsatisfied with the product.

Gumroad enables you to interact with your purchases easily with email marketing features that let creators communicate with their customers through updates, newsletters, etc.

Gumroad pricing details:

Gumroad offers a simple pricing model designed to support creators without the burden of monthly fees. Here’s a summary of Gumroad’s pricing details:

1. Standard Fee: Gumroad charges a 10% flat fee on each sale, which includes all the features needed to sell products.

2. Credit Card Fees: Credit card processing fees of 3.5% + 30¢ per charge.

3. No Monthly Charges: Gumroad emphasizes that there are no monthly charges, allowing creators to focus on their work rather than fees.

Creators can start selling on Gumroad without any upfront costs, and the platform only makes money when the creator does. This pricing structure is particularly beneficial for creators just starting or prefer a pay-as-you-go model. 

Pros and Cons Of Using Gumroad To Sell Digital Products Online: Gumroad Review

Gumroad is a platform where creators and consumers can connect and sell products.

 Here are some pros and cons based on the information available:

Pros:

Cons:

Gumroad is a good starting point for creators looking to sell their products quickly. However, as the business grows, some may need a platform with more advanced features and support options. 

Gumroad User reviews:

Gumroad has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from its users. Here’s a summary of what users have said:

Positive Reviews:

• Some users appreciate Gumroad’s simplicity and user-friendly interface, allowing them to start selling products online quickly.

• Creators have found success using Gumroad to sell digital products and have praised the platform for helping them achieve their goals.

• The platform has been described as easy to navigate, with features that enable users to “set it and forget it” when selling their products.

Negative Reviews:

• Many users have reported negative experiences, citing issues such as withheld payouts, poor customer support, and difficulties with the platform’s payment security.

• Complaints about unauthorized subscriptions and charges have been raised, with some users expressing frustration over the lack of response from Gumroad’s support team.

• There are concerns about the platform’s handling of chargebacks and account suspensions, which have led to some users losing their earnings.

The prevalence of negative reviews seems to stem from a few key issues:

• Payment Issues: Users have reported delayed payouts and problems with the platform holding their funds for extended periods without proper justification.

• Customer Support: The support provided by Gumroad is often described as unresponsive or inadequate, especially when users encounter problems.

• Security Concerns: There are reports of Gumroad allowing payments with stolen cards, which can result in chargebacks and account suspensions for sellers.

• Transparency: Some users feel that the platform needs more transparency, particularly regarding the identity of its owners and the security measures in place.

It’s important to note that while there are many negative reviews, there are also users who have had positive experiences with Gumroad. The mixed feedback highlights the importance of carefully considering the platform’s features and potential drawbacks before using it to sell products. If you’re considering Gumroad, it may be beneficial to research further and weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and the experiences of others.

Gumroad Alternatives:

Sellfy:

Sellfy is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that makes selling online easy. It has various features for creators who want to sell online store products that are digital, physical, subscription-based, or print-on-demand.

The platform is easy to use and requires no maintenance from the user. Sellfy offers built-in print-on-demand products, limited integrations, and limited SEO capability. The platform is ideal for creatives like designers, filmmakers, writers, musicians, painters, and artists. Sellfy’s subscription fee covers the hosting expense, and the platform provides a perfect set of features to help you expand your online business. Read the complete Sellfy review here.

Shopify:

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that runs on the cloud and allows businesses to create an online store, reach customers, and process payments through various sales channels and locations—all from one platform.

 The platform is user-friendly and offers a range of features for businesses of every size and structure. Shopify’s core product includes customizable templates to brand your store, tools to sell across channels, integrated payment processing, a fast and secure checkout, and built-in marketing tools. 

Store owners can stack additional products, customize specific components, and add app integrations to create a unique experience that meets each business’s needs. Shopify has various pricing plans that match different business requirements, and the platform is perfect for businesses that want to grow their online presence.

Podia:

Podia is an e-commerce platform where creators can sell different kinds of products, from digital to physical, subscription-based, and print-on-demand, from a beautiful online store.

 The platform is easy to use and requires no maintenance from the user. Podia offers built-in print-on-demand products, unlimited everything, and a range of features to help you scale up your online business. 

The platform is ideal for creatives like designers, filmmakers, writers, musicians, painters, and artists. The hosting cost is included in Podia’s subscription fee, and the platform has an ideal set of features to help you grow your online business. Review this great insight on Podia here.

Teachable:

Teachable is a no-code platform that enables creators to build more impactful businesses through courses, coaching, and digital downloads. The platform allows creators to own their content and their students’ experience. 

The company was founded in 2013 by Ankur Nagpal, who had been instructing a course in marketing created through another course platform when he decided he could build something better. It was called Fedora. As soon as its homepage was open for business, scores of experts in feng shui, handpanning, email marketing, coding, and sourdough baking started to craft their knowledge into beautiful courses. Study the comprehensive Teachable review here.

Thinkific:

Thinkific is a platform for online courses that allow entrepreneurs to design, promote, sell, and deliver their courses online. The platform aims to transform how people learn and earn online by giving them the tools they need to convert their expertise into a lasting business that benefits them and their audience.

Thinkific provides a user-friendly platform that is easy to set up and customize to match your brand. The platform offers course creation tools that allow you to build your curriculum how you want to, accept payments, and market your online courses. Thinkific also provides the ultimate support every step of the way to help you create a successful education business. Peruse the full Thinkific review here.

Kajabi:

Kajabi enables entrepreneurs to build, promote, and sell digital products like online courses, coaching, and memberships.

The platform offers a centralized location to unify brand, content, and audience. Kajabi provides creators with a range of monetization options, including courses, memberships, podcasts, community, and coaching. The platform also offers an AI course builder that lets creators start instantly. Kajabi has empowered over 50,000 knowledge entrepreneurs in 120 countries to serve 60 million students and make over $4 billion in sales. Explore the in-depth Kajabi review here.

Systeme.io:

Systeme.io is an all-in-one online marketing platform that makes launching, growing, and scaling your online business easy. It offers a range of features, including contact management, sales funnels, email marketing, business automation, membership sites, and online courses. The platform is created to work together to run your online business so you can focus on what’s important. You can easily create a website, sales funnel, and contact lists. Systeme.io is free to use and offers a range of powerful features that can help you grow your business.

It is presented as a free Gumroad alternative and is recognized for its user-friendly interface and intuitive page builder. It’s a funnel builder that allows you to create and sell online courses, among other features. Check out the comprehensive Systeme.io review here.

Each platform has its features and benefits, so the best choice would depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s worth exploring each option to see which aligns best with your goals for creating and selling digital products or courses.

Gumroad Review Conclusion And Recommendation:

After thoroughly researching and considering various customer experiences with Gumroad, I have come to a mixed understanding of the platform. On the one hand, some users have found success and satisfaction in using Gumroad to sell physical and digital products, appreciating its ease of use and functionality. On the other hand, numerous reports of negative experiences range from poor customer service to issues with payouts and unexpected charges.

Recommendations:

It is clear that while Gumroad has the potential to be a valuable tool for creators looking to monetize their work, it also carries certain risks that should be considered. Personally, I have no complaints against Gumroad in the short time that I have been using it. However, the complaints about customer service and financial transactions are concerning and suggest that the company may face systemic issues that must be addressed.

Therefore, I advise anyone considering signing up for Gumroad to proceed cautiously. Do your due diligence, read multiple reviews, and carefully weigh the pros and cons. It might be beneficial to start with a small test before fully committing to the platform. Ultimately, while Gumroad offers a promising service, it is essential to stay informed and vigilant to ensure a positive experience. Visit Gumroad site and explore it. It might be what you are searching for.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for an affordable all-in-one marketing platform, try to explore Systeme.io. Systeme.io has a high user review rating of 4.9 out of 5 from Trustpilot¹, and 4.8 out of from G2². The platform has a free forever plan which you can test.

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Reference:

1. Trustpilot Rating
2. G2 Rating