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Selling apps on the platform

Monetize your creations and earn money by selling apps to users on the platform.

Introduction

The platform enables creators to monetize their apps through one-time purchases. When you sell an app, buyers pay once upfront and receive permanent access to your app and all future updates you publish.

How it works:

  • One-time purchase — Buyers pay a single upfront fee set by you
  • Permanent access — Buyers own the app forever and receive all updates at no additional cost
  • 0% platform commission — We do not take a cut of your app sale. Only Stripe's payment processing fee is deducted, and you receive the rest directly to your bank account
  • AI credits separate — Many apps use AI features that consume credits. Users manage their own credit allocation through daily free credits, credit packs, or subscriptions

Getting started

Before you can sell apps on the platform, you need to set up payouts with our payment partner, Stripe. This is a one-time setup process that enables you to receive payments directly to your bank account.

Step 1: Set up payouts

  1. 1Go to your account settings and find the "Sell paid apps" section
  2. 2Click "Set up payouts" to be redirected to Stripe
  3. 3Complete the Stripe onboarding process, which includes identity verification and bank account details
  4. 4Once approved, you'll be able to publish paid apps and receive payments

Step 2: Publish your app as paid

  1. 1Open your app in the editor and click "Review & publish"
  2. 2In the publish form, set Visibility to Public or Unlisted (paid apps cannot be private)
  3. 3Toggle on "Sell this app" and enter your price
  4. 4Click "Publish app" to make it live
  5. 5After publishing, you'll see a share section where you can copy the app link to share with potential buyers

How payouts work

Stripe handles all payment processing and payouts automatically. When someone purchases your app, the payment is processed through Stripe, only Stripe's processing fee is deducted, and the remaining amount is transferred directly to your connected bank account.

Automatic transfers

Stripe automatically transfers your earnings to your bank account on a regular schedule. You can view and manage your payout settings in the Stripe Express dashboard.

Track your sales

View all your app sales and earnings in your sales dashboard. You can also access detailed financial reports through your Stripe dashboard.

Instant processing

When a user purchases your app, the transaction is processed immediately. The buyer gets instant access to your app, and the payment is recorded in your Stripe account.

Secure & compliant

All payments are processed securely through Stripe, which is PCI-DSS compliant and handles billions of dollars in transactions annually.

Pricing model

The platform supports one-time purchases only. When a user buys your app, they make a single payment and receive permanent access to the app and all future updates.

Pricing constraints:

  • Minimum price: $3.00
  • Maximum price: $100.00
  • All prices are in USD
  • No recurring subscriptions or usage-based billing (at this time)

Why one-time purchases?

One-time purchases provide a simple, transparent pricing model that's easy for buyers to understand. Users pay once and own the app forever, receiving all updates at no additional cost. This model works well for utility apps, tools, and templates.

Note on AI usage: Many apps on the platform are AI-powered tools and workflows. While the app purchase is one-time, users consume their own AI credits when using AI features. Users manage credits through their daily free allocation, credit pack purchases, or subscription plans.

Platform fee structure

We charge 0% platform commission on app sales. Creators keep their sale proceeds minus only Stripe's payment processing fee, passed through at cost.

0% platform commission

Stripe processing only: 2.9% + $0.30

We do not add a platform markup on app purchases. The deduction shown at checkout is Stripe's processing fee passthrough.

Example payouts:

App price
$5.00
Stripe fee:-$0.45
You receive:$4.55
App price
$10.00
Stripe fee:-$0.59
You receive:$9.41
App price
$20.00
Stripe fee:-$0.88
You receive:$19.12

What buyers get

When someone purchases your app, they receive permanent, unrestricted access to the app and all its features. This includes all future updates you make to the app.

Buyers receive:

  • Permanent access - The app appears in their apps library forever
  • All updates - When you update the app, buyers automatically get the new version
  • Full functionality - Complete access to all features, components, and capabilities
  • Private data - Their own isolated database where only they can see their data
  • No hidden costs - One payment for app access, no recurring fees or subscription charges

Important platform constraints

Understanding how the platform handles data, credits, and app access is essential for selling apps successfully.

Private databases

Each user has their own private, isolated database for every app they use. You as the creator cannot see or access user data. When a user opens your app, they only see their own data, never yours or other users' data.

Credits consumed by users

When someone uses AI features in your app, the AI credits are consumed from their account, not yours. You don't need to worry about AI usage costs or managing API keys.

Revenue sharing (coming soon)

You receive a one-time payment when someone buys your app. Revenue sharing on credit consumption is not live yet, but it is planned.

Authentication built-in

User authentication and session management are handled automatically by the platform. Every user is already signed in when they open any app.

App visibility

Paid apps can be public (discoverable by everyone), unlisted (accessible via direct link), or archived (hidden from discovery but accessible to existing buyers).

Creator access

As the creator, you always have full access to your own apps. You don't need to purchase your own apps and can edit them at any time.

Frequently asked questions

How do taxes work?

Not tax advice: Tax rules vary by location and situation. If you're unsure, ask a tax professional.

Sales tax / VAT: App purchases are processed through the platform. If transaction taxes apply, we may collect them at checkout in the future.

Creator income taxes: Your payouts are typically taxable income. If you're a US creator and meet reporting thresholds, you may receive a tax form (such as a 1099) for your earnings.

What should I enter for "website" and "product description" in Stripe?

Many creators on the platform are individuals and don't have a dedicated business website. That's okay - here's what to enter:

  • Website: Simply enter anythingapp.ai (the platform domain).
  • Product description: Describe what you sell in plain language, e.g. "Digital apps sold on the platform" or "Software tools and templates (digital goods)".
  • Industry: Choose the closest match to software / digital products.

Can I update an app after selling it?

Yes! You can update your app at any time, even after it's been purchased by users. When you publish a new version, all existing buyers automatically get access to the updated version at no additional cost. This allows you to fix bugs, add features, and improve your app over time.

Can I stop selling an app?

Yes, you can archive an app to stop selling it. When you archive an app:

  • The app is hidden from discovery and search results
  • New users cannot purchase the app
  • Existing buyers continue to have full access to the app
  • You can still update the app for existing buyers

Important: Once an app has been sold, you cannot change it to private. The archive status is the only way to hide a paid app from new purchases while honoring existing buyers' access.

Can I change the price of my app?

Yes, you can change the price of your app at any time. Price changes only affect new purchases - existing buyers keep their access regardless of price changes.

How do refunds work?

Refunds are handled by the platform support team. If a buyer requests a refund or if you need to issue one, please contact our support staff who will process the refund manually. Both the purchase amount and Stripe processing fee are refunded in these cases where Stripe returns the fee.

Can buyers see my app code?

Buyers can use your app but cannot view, modify, or duplicate the code. They receive access to the running app only, not the source code or the ability to fork it.

Ready to start selling?

Set up your payout account and start monetizing your apps today.