Payment Processor
Video Game Marketing isn't just about selling your game to others, it is also about the back end that supports your product. Included with the book is a handy chart that compares the prices of processing fees for games at various price points. Along with that is a list of each processor with a description and (if available) a list of payment types they accept.
There's more to this section than meets the eye though- If you think that price is the ONLY factor in payment processing you are only thinking of half the story. Service, chargebacks, and number of payment options are also major players in your decision making process.
While the book, from the objective standpoint that the reference guide is supposed to be, doesn't delve into who has the "best" service, it does discuss payment options and when available, chargeback fees.
Depending on the price of your product you will want different processors, but at the common 19.99 price there are usually three "leaders" that clearly are a cut above the rest. This information is not included in the book as I suspect the subjective nature of this is going to change rapidly and I do not want to misrepresent someone.
In no particular order they are:
Plimus - www.plimus.com Plimus recieves top marks in customer service and price (10%), with slight negatives on some questionable practices with download insurance. The price, customer service, and no chargebacks make Plimus a solid choice for anyone at a $20 price position.
BMT Micro- www.bmtmicro.com BMT Micro not only offers competitive rates (9.5% at the lowest tier) but also has a solid reputation after many years of business. BMTMicro also has a fairly decent affiliate system with lower costs than Regnow. However, they have a 7% chargeback fee at the lowest tier (that's 1.40 at $20) and also slightly less payment options than some other alternatives.
Digital Candle- www.digitalcandle.com Digital Candle is a low cost alternative with some distinct advantages- namely that they have a low price (10% with no minimum), no chargebacks, and accept Paypal payments. However, their reputation isn't quite as clean as others in customer service. Still, paypal payments are big and I am surprised others arent offering it. For whatever reason, good or bad, Digital Candle also runs some download sites.
Other altneratives are E-Sellerate and their built in sales DRM and Regnow, with their high prices, crappy service, but incredibly huge affiliate package (with extra fees).
If you want the complete breakdown the book will list all the information you need for high pricing, low pricing, and anything in between. There are 12 payment processors listed, but only the facts and none of the experiences and opinions I can list in the Blog. For the experiences you will have to ask around :)
There's more to this section than meets the eye though- If you think that price is the ONLY factor in payment processing you are only thinking of half the story. Service, chargebacks, and number of payment options are also major players in your decision making process.
While the book, from the objective standpoint that the reference guide is supposed to be, doesn't delve into who has the "best" service, it does discuss payment options and when available, chargeback fees.
Depending on the price of your product you will want different processors, but at the common 19.99 price there are usually three "leaders" that clearly are a cut above the rest. This information is not included in the book as I suspect the subjective nature of this is going to change rapidly and I do not want to misrepresent someone.
In no particular order they are:
Plimus - www.plimus.com Plimus recieves top marks in customer service and price (10%), with slight negatives on some questionable practices with download insurance. The price, customer service, and no chargebacks make Plimus a solid choice for anyone at a $20 price position.
BMT Micro- www.bmtmicro.com BMT Micro not only offers competitive rates (9.5% at the lowest tier) but also has a solid reputation after many years of business. BMTMicro also has a fairly decent affiliate system with lower costs than Regnow. However, they have a 7% chargeback fee at the lowest tier (that's 1.40 at $20) and also slightly less payment options than some other alternatives.
Digital Candle- www.digitalcandle.com Digital Candle is a low cost alternative with some distinct advantages- namely that they have a low price (10% with no minimum), no chargebacks, and accept Paypal payments. However, their reputation isn't quite as clean as others in customer service. Still, paypal payments are big and I am surprised others arent offering it. For whatever reason, good or bad, Digital Candle also runs some download sites.
Other altneratives are E-Sellerate and their built in sales DRM and Regnow, with their high prices, crappy service, but incredibly huge affiliate package (with extra fees).
If you want the complete breakdown the book will list all the information you need for high pricing, low pricing, and anything in between. There are 12 payment processors listed, but only the facts and none of the experiences and opinions I can list in the Blog. For the experiences you will have to ask around :)
posted by VGsmart | 11:41 AM
2 Comments:
As a young software developer starting up an indie game development company, this information is very, very useful.
Hurry up and finish that book! :)
Currently on page 110 of the first draft.
Almost there David! Of course, right now the book is as entertaining as a sock puppet. Next I will not only be improving the clairty of each section but also adding some humor into it: With the intent of it being less like a horrid lecture.
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